Bissell Powergroom Pet Compact User manual

USER’S GUIDE
13H8 SERIES
2Product Registration
Safety Instructions
Product View
Assembly
Operations
Maintenance and Care
Troubleshooting
Consumer Services
3
4
5
6-7
8-12
13
14
Replacement Parts
Warranty
15
16

16 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
2
Thanks for buying a BISSELL PowerGroom® Pet Compact
2
We’re glad you purchased a BISSELL PowerGroom Pet Compact vacuum.
Everything we know about floor care went into the design and construction
of this complete, high-tech home cleaning system.
Your PowerGroom Pet Compact vacuum is well made, and we back it with
a limited two year warranty. We also stand behind it with a knowledge-
able, dedicated Consumer Services department, so, should you ever have a
problem, you’ll receive fast, considerate assistance.
My great-grandfather invented the floor sweeper in 1876. Today, BISSELL
is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of high quality
homecare products like your PowerGroom Pet Compact vacuum.
Thanks again, from all of us at BISSELL.
Mark J. Bissell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Don't forget to register your product!
Registering is quick, easy and allows us to serve you better over the lifetime of your product. You’ll receive:
BISSELL Reward Points
Automatically earn points for discounts and free shipping on future purchases.
Efficient Service
Supplying your information now saves you time should you need to contact us with questions regarding
your product.
Product Support Alerts
We’ll contact with any important product alerts.
Special Promotions
Optional: Register your email to receive notice of offers, contests, cleaning tips and more!
Visit bissell.com/registration now!

16
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic
precautions should be observed, including
the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USING YOUR
UPRIGHT VACUUM.
Always connect to a polarized outlet (left slot is wider
than right). Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before conducting maintenance.
WARNING: To reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock,
or injury:
■ Do not modify the polarized plug to fit a
non-polarized outlet or extension cord.
■ Do not leave vacuum cleaner unattended when it
is plugged in.
■ Unplug from outlet when not in use and before
servicing.
■ Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
■ Do not allow children to operate vacuum cleaner
or use as a toy.
■ Close attention is necessary when used near
children.
■ Do not use for any purpose other than described
in this User’s Guide.
■ Use only manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
■ Do not use with damaged cord or plug
■ If appliance is not working as it should, has been
dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, have it repaired at an authorized service center.
■ Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle,
close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp
edges or corners. Do not run appliance over cord.
Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
■ Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp
the plug, not the cord.
■ Do not handle vacuum cleaner or plug with wet hands.
■ Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with
any opening blocked; keep openings free of dust,
lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.
■ Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of
body away from opening and moving parts.
■ Turn off all controls before plugging or unplugging
vacuum cleaner.
■ Use extra care when cleaning stairs.
■ Do not pick up flammable materials (lighter fluid,
gasoline, kerosene, etc.) or use in the presence of
explosive liquids or vapors.
■ Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach,
ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.)
■ Do not use vacuum cleaner in an enclosed space
filled with vapors given off by oil base paint, paint
thinner, some moth proofing substances, flam-
mable dust, or other explosive or toxic vapors.
■ Do not pick up hard or sharp objects such as
glass, nails, screws, coins, etc.
■ Do not pick up anything that is burning or smok-
ing, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
■ Do not use without filters in place.
■ Use only on dry, indoor surfaces.
■ Keep appliance on a level surface.
■ Do not carry the vacuum cleaner while it is running
■ Brush may unexpectedly restart. Unplug from outlet
when cleaning or servicing
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
FUTURE USE
THIS APPLIANCE
HAS A POLARIZED
PLUG.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug
will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does
not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not
fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a proper outlet.
Do not change the plug in any way.
This model is for household use only.

16 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691 4
Product view Handle
Crevice Tool
Dusting/
Upholstery Tool
Hose Wand
Base
Foot Hose
Detent Lever
Contour Tool
Power Cord
Carry Handle
Upper Tank
Easy Empty Dirt
Container
Lock ‘n Seal®
Lever
HEPA Media
Filter & Foam
Motor Filter
Quick Release
Cord Wrap
Foot Window
Cyclone
Pet Hair Lifter
Power Switch
Hose Holder
Stretch Hose
Cord Hook
CAUTION:
Do not plug in your vacuum
cleaner until you are familiar
with all instructions and
operating procedures.

16
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691 5
The only tool you’ll need to assemble your
vacuum cleaner is a Phillips screwdriver.
Attach handle to vacuum
1. Locate the vacuum handle and remove the
screw packet taped to the handle.
2. Stand the vacuum upright and from the rear
of the unit, slide the base of the handle firmly
into the grooves at the top of the vacuum
body.
3. Ensure the handle fits firmly to the vacuum
body. If there are any gaps, continue to push
firmly until the handle is secure.
4. Insert the provided screw into the existing
hole, attaching the handle to the body of the
vacuum. Tighten securely with a screwdriver.
Attach vacuum hose and tools
1. Slide the end of the hose into the hose wand
base. Snap the hose into the hose clip.
Note: The vacuum will not operate effec-
tively unless the hose wand is firmly
attached.
2. Place the crevice tool on the storage clip on the
left side of the tank (when viewing vacuum from
rear.)
3. Place the contour tool on the storage clip located
near the back of the upper handle.
4. Place the dusting brush on the storage clip
located on the lower cord wrap.
5. Wrap power cord around cord wraps.
Assembly
2
1
4
3
4
5
2

16 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691 6
Operation
Power Switch
The power switch is located on the left side
of the vacuum. Push the rocker switch
“ON” (1) to vacuum, and “OFF” (0) when
cleaning is complete..
Handle Positions
Press the handle release pedal, located on
the lower left side of the vacuum, with your
foot to place your vacuum into one of three
cleaning positions.
1. Upright – for storage and above floor clean-
ing with tools.
2. Normal Cleaning – press handle release
pedal once. Position used for most house-
hold floor cleaning tasks.
3. Low Cleaning – with the vacuum in normal
cleaning position, press handle release pedal
again. Use for reaching under low furniture
such as tables, chairs, and/or beds.
Pet Hair Lifter
Use to pick up pet hair from carpeted
surfaces. Just vacuum like you normally
would. The vacuum will grab pet hair when
you pull back and it will release hair and
suction it up when you push forward.
Transporting cleaner
To move your cleaner from room to room, put
the handle in the upright position, tilt the cleaner
back on its rear wheels and push forward.
The cleaner can also be moved by using the
carry handle.
12
Pet Hair Lifter
CAUTION:
Before using your vacuum,
make sure that the dirt con-
tainer is in locked position and
that all filters (inner circular,
outer circular, pre-motor and
post-motor) are in place. Do
not operate your vacuum with-
out these filters.

16
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691 7
Special on board tools
Your vacuum is not only a powerful carpet and
rug cleaner, it’s also a versatile above floor vacu-
um cleaner when you select one of the
special tools.
Note: For above floor cleaning, the floor
brush will continue to rotate.
1. Raise the handle to the upright position.
2. Remove hose from hose wand base.
3. Attach one of the tools by firmly pushing
it onto the vacuum hose. Be sure the
hose and tool fit together by twisting tightly.
Dusting Brush
Use on furniture or upholstery.
Crevice Tool
Use in tight narrow spaces
Pet Contour Tool
Use to reach into corners and edges on stairs as
well as armrests and other curved surfaces. The
tool can be flipped in any direction
Power cord usage
1. To use your vacuum, remove the cord and
plug it into an electrical outlet. For your con-
venience, there is a quick release cord wrap
for easy cord removal. There is also a cord
clip that is part of the upper handle where you
can attach the cord when vacuuming.
2. When you are finished cleaning, turn the
vacuum cleaner off.
3. Unplug power cord by grasping the polarized
plug (NOT the cord) and disconnect from outlet.
4. Loop power cord around cord wraps on back
of vacuum cleaner. Be sure to first return the
quick release cord wrap back to its original
position before wrapping cord.
5. Clip molded plug to power cord to secure.
Operation
NOTICE:
While vacuuming, certain carpets
and low humidity conditions may
generate small static discharges. The
discharges are entirely harmless and
are not associated in any way with
the main power supply.
1
3

8 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Maximize your cleaning performance
To maximize your cleaning performance
and extend the life of your vacuum, it is very
important that you empty your dirt container
and check and clean your filters frequently.
Perform the following maintenance steps
1. Empty the dirt container when the dirt
reaches the “full” line on the dirt container,
or more frequently, to prevent overfills. For
best performance, empty after each use.
2. Check the foam motor filter and the HEPA
media filter at least once a month, clean or
replace as needed.
3. The HEPA media filter should be replaced if
machine performance is noticeable declin-
ing. More or less frequent replacing may
be required based on individual vacuuming
habits and types of debris picked up.
Emptying dirt container
The dirt container should be emptied before the
dirt reaches the “full” line on the container.
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. Slide the Lock ‘n Seal lever to the “unlock”
position.
3. Grasp handle and pull the dirt container
straight out to remove from the vacuum.
4. Empty dirt into garbage container.
NOTE: Emptying the dirt container after
every use will help prevent over filling and
ensure that the vacuum is ready to go the
next time you clean.
Maintenance and care
3
Tip:
For maximum cleaning
performance, check
and clean or replace all
filters as suggested.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
electric shock, turn
power switch OFF and
disconnect polarized
plug from electrical outlet
before performing
maintenance or
troubleshooting checks.

9
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Maintenance and care
Empty the dirt container as soon as the dirt reaches
the “full” line on the side of the container.
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. The foam motor filter protects the motor
from dirt particles. It is located in the slide
out tray underneath the dirt container. If the
filter becomes dirty, pull out the tray, lift out
the foam filter pad and clean it.
NOTE: The foam motor filter may be hand
washed in cold water with mild detergent.
Rinse well and air dry thoroughly before
replacing.
3. The HEPA media filter assists in the filtration
process to return clean air to the room. It is
located beneath the pre-motor filter in the
slide out tray housed underneath the dirt
container. If the filter becomes dirty, remove
the tray, remove and replace the HEPA media
filter.
NOTE: The HEPA media filter is white and
pleated. This filter is not washable and
must be replaced when it becomes dirty
Cleaning the foam motor and HEPA media filter
2
WARNING:
Do not operate cleaner
with damp or wet
filters or without all
filters in place.
Foam-motor
Filter
Filter (under
foam motor
filter)

10 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
3
3
4
Check rotating floor brush and drive belt
You should check your vacuum cleaner’s
rotating floor brush and drive belt regularly
for wear or damage. You should also clean
the brush and brush ends of strings, hair
and carpet fibers. This type of debris can
wrap around the brush and hamper its
ability to effectively clean your carpet. Also
remove any debris that has accumulated
under the brush cover.
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. Place handle in low position and turn vacuum
cleaner over so bottom side is facing up.
3. Remove the five screws in the brush cover
as shown. Lift off the brush cover.
4. Grasp rotating floor brush at both ends and lift.
5. Clean strings, hair and other debris from
rotating floor brush, paying particular
attention to brush ends.
6. Clean strings, hair and other debris from
motor pulley and drive belt areas.
7. Check drive belt carefully for wear, cuts, or
stressed areas.
8. Check air passageway for obstructions.
Remove debris from this area.
9. When finished cleaning, reposition floor
brush and drive belt. Replace the brush
cover and secure with all five screws.
Maintenance and care
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury
from moving parts, turn
off vacuum cleaner and
disconnect Power Plug
from electrical outlet.

11
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Replace drive belt
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. With rotating floor brush removed from vac-
uum cleaner (refer to 10 steps 1-4 of check
rotating floor brush and drive belt), grasp
old drive belt and remove from motor pulley.
Discard the old drive belt.
3. Place new drive belt over motor pulley and
loop other end over rotating floor brush in
the space between the bristles.
NOTE: It is important that you use
only genuine BISSELL replacement
belts. Generic belts may not meet the
exact specifications required to keep
your vacuum operating at its peak
performance. The use of unbranded
belts could lead to early failure of the
vacuum and could void your warranty.
4. Pull the rotating floor brush firmly into
position, stretching the drive belt, and place
ends of rotating floor brush down into the
slots on sides as shown. Alignment of brush
ends in slots may be necessary to fully
insert the brush.
5. Turn rotating floor brush by hand several
times in the direction of motor pulley. If
properly installed, drive belt will center itself
on rotating brush crown.
6. Replace brush cover and all five screws.
Maintenance and care
2
Motor
Pulley
3
4

12 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Maintenance and care
Clearing Clogs
Low suction or poor pickup may be due to
a clog in the vacuum cleaner. If you notice
a change in the sound of the motor, check
for clogs.
1. Turn power switch off. Unplug cleaner from
electrical outlet.
2. Empty dirt container.
3. Check upper tank for build up or clogs.
4. If you notice a clog in the upper tank,
remove the inner cyclone (see section
“cleaning the upper tank” on page xx.)
5. Grasp the hose and separate it from the
hose wand base. Check for a clog in the
base or in the hose itself.
6. Remove the Twist ‘n Snap hose from the
vacuum by turning to the left. Straighten the
hose and unclog with a long, narrow object
such as a broom handle.
7. If the clog persists, follow the instructions
for “checking the rotating floor brush and
drive belt” on page xx and inspect the
passageway for obstructions.
Cleaning the upper tank
1. Grasp the inner cyclone and twist to the left
until the locking tabs stop the rotation. Pull
down from the upper tank to remove it.
2. Wipe out the inside of the upper tank and the
inner cyclone with a damp cloth moistened
with water or a mild cleaning solution.
3. The inner cyclone may be washed using a
mild detergent. Be sure it is completely dry
before reassembling or damage to your unit
may result.
4. Once cleaning is complete, replace the inner
cyclone by sliding it into the upper housing.
Line up the inner cyclone by ensuring the
tabs on the cyclone are positioned toward
the front of the unit. Push the inner cyclone
in and rotate it to the right until the locking
tabs stop the rotation.
CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of injury
from moving parts, turn off
vacuum cleaner and dis-
connect power plug from
electrical outlet.
2 4

Vacuum cleaner won’t turn on
Possible causes Remedies
1. Power cord not plugged in 1. Check electrical plug
2. Blown fuse/tripped breaker in home 2. Check/replace fuse or reset breaker
3. Damaged power cord 3. Unplug, check for damage, have cord
replaced at an authorized service center
if necessary
Vacuum cleaner won’t pick up dirt
Possible causes Remedies
1. Hose not attached to suction opening 1. Grasp quick reach handle and firmly push
hose wand onto the suction opening
2. Crack or hole in hose 2. Check hose and replace if needed
3. Broken or worn drive belt 3. Replace drive belt, see page 11
4. Rotating floor brush bristles worn 4. Replace brush
5. Rotating floor brush jammed 5. Remove brush and clean debris from brush ends
6. Clog in vacuum 6. Follow instructions on page 12 for clearing clogs
7. Dirt container full 7. Empty dirt container
8. Dirt container or upper tank not installed properly 8. Position correctly and lock in place
9. Filters are dirty 9. Check and clean foam motor and HEPA
media filters, see page 9
Visible dirt escaping from cleaner
Possible causes Remedies
1. Dirt container full 1. Empty dirt container
2. Filters missing or installed incorrectly 2. Check foam motor and filters for correct
installation
3. Dirt container installed incorrectly 3. Pull out and re-insert dirt container correctly
Other maintenance or service not included in the manual should be performed by an
authorized service representative.
Thank you for selecting a BISSELL product.
Please do not return this product to the store.
For any questions or concerns, BISSELL is happy to be of service.
Contact us directly at 1-800-237-7691.
13
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Troubleshooting WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electric shock,
turn power OFF and disconnect
polarized plug from electrical outlet
before performing maintenance or
troubleshooting.

14 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
BISSELL Consumer Services
For information about repairs or replacement parts, or questions about your warranty, call:
BISSELL Consumer Services
1-800-237-7691
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. — 10 p.m. ET
Saturday 9 a.m. — 8 p.m. ET
Or write:
BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
PO Box 3606
Grand Rapids MI 49501
ATTN: Consumer Services
Or visit the BISSELL website - www.bissell.com
When contacting BISSELL, have model number of cleaner available.
Please record your Model Number: ___________________
Please record your Purchase Date: ___________________
NOTE: Please keep your original sales receipt. It provides proof of purchase date in the event of
a warranty claim. See Warranty on page 20 for details.
Please register your new BISSELL product at
www.bissell.com/productregistration

15
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
1
6
2
7
345
These items are available for purchase as accessories for your BISSELL PowerGroom Pet
Compact: To purchase call 1-800-237-7691 or visit www.bissell.com.
Item Part No. Part Name
1 203-2166 Dirt Container
2 203-2165 Hose
3 203-2171 Foam Motor Filter
4 203-2172 HEPA Media Filter
5 203-2164 Crevice Tool
6 203-1291 Contour Tool
7 203-1527 Dusting Brush/Upholstery Tool
Replacement parts - BISSELL vacuum

16 www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to
state. If you need additional instruction regarding this warranty or have questions regarding what it may cover,
please contact BISSELL Consumer Services by E-mail, telephone, or regular mail as described below.
Keep your original sales receipt — it is your proof of warranty.
Limited Two Year Warranty
Subject to the *EXCEPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS identified below, upon receipt of the product BISSELL
Homecare, Inc. will repair or replace (with new or remanufactured components or products), at BISSELL’s
option, free of charge from the date of purchase by the original purchaser, for two years any defective or
malfunctioning part.
See information below on "If your BISSELL product should require service".
This warranty applies to product used for personal, and not commercial or rental service. This warranty does not apply
to fans or routine maintenance components such as filters, belts, or brushes. Damage or malfunction caused by negli-
gence, abuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, or any other use not in accordance with the User's Guide is not covered.
If your BISSELL product should require service:
Contact BISSELL Consumer Services to locate a BISSELL Authorized Service Center in your area.
If you need information about repairs or replacement parts, or if you have questions about your warranty,
contact BISSELL Consumer Services.
Website or E-mail:
www.bissell.com
Use the “Customer Service” tab.
Or Call:
BISSELL Consumer Services
1-800-237-7691
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET
Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
Or Write:
BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
PO Box 3606
Grand Rapids MI 49501
ATTN: Consumer Services
BISSELL HOMECARE, INC. IS NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE
ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. BISSELL’S LIABILITY WILL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE
OF THE PRODUCT.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
*EXCEPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS FROM THE TERMS OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES
EITHER ORAL OR WRITTEN. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH MAY ARISE BY
OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE TWO YEAR
DURATION FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so
the above limitation may not apply to you.
Warranty - BISSELL PowerGroom® Pet Compact
©2010 BISSELL Homecare, Inc
Grand Rapids, Michigan
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Part Number 110-4179
Rev 02/10
Visit our website at:
www.bissell.com