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Traditional Upholstery Tool Rug Doctor by BISSELL

Support for Traditional Upholstery Tool

Find how-to videos, step by step operation instructions and troubleshooting below. Please refer to the Owner's Manual for important safety instructions.

How to Use the Traditional Upholstery Tool

Step 1: Check Fabrics and Prepare the Area
Check the manufacturers tag for cleaning instructions. If there is a W or W/S on the tag it means you can use water for cleaning and it is safe to use the upholstery tool. If it is coded S or X, do not use the tool and contact the manufacturer for cleaning instructions. Always test the cleaning solution and tool in an inconspicuous spot or hidden area and allow it to dry before proceeding. If upholstery color is affected, do not use the tool. Thoroughly vacuum the upholstery or stairs.

Step 2: Prepare the Machine
Mix 4 oz (1/2 cup) of Rug Doctor® or BISSELL® cleaning solution per gallon of hot tap water in a clean bucket. Lower retaining wire, lift dome and remove the white dirty water tank. Pour water and cleaning solution from bucket through the filter screen into the clean water tank until solution covers the filter screen halfway. Replace the dirty water tank and snap the dome down.

Disconnect the gray hose connector and copper coupler at the back of the machine. Connect the upholstery hose gray end to the gray connector and the solution hose to the copper coupler. Plug the carpet cleaner rental machine into an outlet. Press power button on back of machine to “ON”, toggle switch on top of machine to “TOOL”.

Step 3: Deep Clean your Upholstery or Stairs
Press the head of the upholstery tool firmly onto the fabric or carpet and squeeze the trigger to spray the cleaning solution. Pull the head slowly backward to clean. Release the trigger and go back over the same area without spraying cleaning solution. This will suction up more dirt and solution. Continue until you no longer see dirty water coming through the dome. Do not overwet upholstery. For stairs, place the machine at the bottom of the steps and clean from top to bottom.

Troubleshooting

Issue:Water not flowing through pump
How to Fix:Always hold down the spray trigger for one full minute to help get the water flowing through the pump and out the spray tips.

Issue:Always hold down the spray trigger for one full minute to help get the water flowing through the pump and out the spray tips.
How to Fix:Switch the machine to “TOOL.”

Issue:Upholstery tool is not correctly attached to machine
How to Fix:Disconnect the black and gray vacuum hose on the back of the machine and connect the gray cuff of the upholstery tool. Next, attach the solution line. Press down on the double brass rings and hold them down. Insert the end of the solution hose into the center of the brass connector. Snap up the brass rings, and they will lock the hose into place. Tug on the hose to make sure it is properly connected.

Issue:Trigger is not functioning properly
How to Fix:When you are operating the handle-like trigger on the hand tool, make sure you are able to squeeze it about a 1/2″ of an inch or so. If not, it means there may be a problem with the valve in the tool itself.​ Call customer support.