BISSELL 20686
BISSELL StainPro 4 Carpet Cleaner User Manual
Model: 20686
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the BISSELL StainPro 4 Carpet Cleaner. This manual provides essential information for the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new carpet cleaner. Please read all instructions carefully before using the appliance.

Figure 1: BISSELL StainPro 4 Carpet Cleaner, front view.
Important Safety Instructions
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should be observed, including the following:
- Always connect to a properly earthed outlet.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning or servicing.
- Do not immerse in water or liquid.
- Do not use with damaged cord or plug.
- Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
- Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's recommended attachments.
- 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 plug or appliance 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 openings and moving parts.
- Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
- Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids, such as petroleum, or use in areas where they may be present.
- Do not use without filters in place.
- Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach, ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.).
- Do not use in an enclosed space where vapours are given off by oil base paint, paint thinner, some mothproofing substances, flammable dust, or other explosive or toxic vapours.
- Do not pick up hard or sharp objects such as glass, nails, screws, coins, etc.
- Do not use for any purpose other than described in this User Guide.
- Always disconnect this appliance from the mains supply before connecting or disconnecting the hose.
- Use only BISSELL cleaning products intended for use with this appliance.
- Keep openings free of dust, lint, hair, etc.
- Do not point attachment nozzle at people or animals.
- Do not use on wet surfaces.
- Store appliance indoors.
- Use only on surfaces moistened by the cleaning process.
- If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.
Product Components
Familiarise yourself with the parts of your BISSELL StainPro 4 Carpet Cleaner before assembly and operation.
- A. Handle Assembly: The main handle for pushing and pulling the cleaner.
- B. Clean Water Tank: Holds clean water and cleaning solution.
- C. Dirty Water Tank: Collects dirty water extracted from carpets.
- D. DirtLifter PowerBrush: Rotating brushes for deep cleaning.
- E. EdgeSweep Brushes: For cleaning along baseboards and furniture.
- F. ReadyTools Dial: Switches between floor cleaning and hose tool cleaning.
- G. On-board Hose: For cleaning stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
- H. Spray Trigger: Activates the spray of cleaning solution.
- I. Removable Nozzle: Clear nozzle for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Figure 2: Front view of the BISSELL StainPro 4, showing key components.
Setup and Assembly
- Attach Handle: Insert the upper handle assembly into the main body of the cleaner until it clicks securely into place.
- Attach Tool Rack (if applicable): If your model includes a tool rack, attach it to the back of the handle as per the diagram.
- Fill Clean Water Tank:
- Remove the clean water tank from the base of the unit.
- Unscrew the cap and fill the tank with hot tap water (not boiling).
- Add the recommended amount of BISSELL cleaning formula as indicated on the formula bottle and the tank markings.
- Securely replace the cap and reinsert the tank into the unit until it sits firmly.

Figure 3: Removing the clean water tank for filling.
- Prepare Area: Vacuum the area to be cleaned thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris.
Operating Instructions
Carpet Cleaning (Floor Mode)
- Ensure the ReadyTools Dial is set to "Floor Cleaning".
- Plug the cleaner into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Press the power button to turn on the unit.
- To clean, press the spray trigger while making a slow, forward wet pass and then a backward wet pass.
- Release the spray trigger and make a slow forward and backward dry pass over the same area to extract dirty water.
- Repeat passes until the water being extracted appears clean. Do not over-wet the carpet.
- For best results, clean in small sections.

Figure 4: Using the BISSELL StainPro 4 for floor cleaning.
Using the On-board Hose and Tools
- Ensure the ReadyTools Dial is set to "Tools".
- Attach the desired cleaning tool (e.g., stair tool, upholstery tool) to the end of the hose.
- Plug the cleaner into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Press the power button to turn on the unit.
- Hold the tool approximately one inch above the soiled surface. Press the spray trigger to apply cleaning solution.
- Release the spray trigger and apply downward pressure, pulling the tool slowly over the soiled surface to extract the solution.
- Repeat passes until the area is clean and no more dirty water is being extracted.

Figure 5: Cleaning stairs using the on-board hose and tool.

Figure 6: Cleaning upholstery using the on-board hose and tool.
Maintenance and Care
Emptying and Cleaning Dirty Water Tank
- Turn off the cleaner and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the dirty water tank from the base of the unit.
- Carefully open the tank and pour out the dirty water into a sink or toilet.
- Rinse the dirty water tank thoroughly with clean water.
- Replace the tank securely onto the unit.
Cleaning the Removable Nozzle
The clear nozzle can be removed for easy cleaning of accumulated debris.
- Ensure the cleaner is off and unplugged.
- Locate the two release tabs on either side of the clear nozzle.
- Press the tabs and gently pull the nozzle away from the unit.
- Rinse the nozzle under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Realign the nozzle and push it back into place until it clicks securely.

Figure 7: Removing the clear nozzle for cleaning.
Cleaning the DirtLifter PowerBrush
Periodically check the rotating brushes for hair or debris entanglement.
- Turn off and unplug the cleaner.
- Lay the unit on its side.
- Carefully remove any hair or debris wrapped around the brush roll. You may use scissors if necessary.
- Ensure the brushes spin freely before resuming operation.

Figure 8: Close-up view of the DirtLifter PowerBrush.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner will not turn on | Not plugged in; Blown fuse/tripped breaker | Ensure unit is securely plugged into a working outlet; Check/replace fuse or reset breaker. |
| Reduced spray or no spray | Clean water tank empty; Tank not seated properly; Clogged spray nozzle | Refill clean water tank; Remove and reseat tank; Clean spray nozzle (refer to Maintenance section). |
| Cleaner not picking up solution | Dirty water tank full; Dirty water tank not seated properly; Nozzle clogged or not properly attached | Empty dirty water tank; Remove and reseat dirty water tank; Clean nozzle and ensure it is securely attached. |
| Brush does not rotate | Brush belt broken or dislodged; Debris wrapped around brush | Contact BISSELL customer service for belt replacement; Remove debris from brush (refer to Maintenance section). |
Specifications
- Brand: BISSELL
- Model: StainPro 4 (20686)
- Colour: Titanium/Red
- Product Dimensions: 50 x 120 x 30 cm
- Item Weight: 8 kg
- Power / Wattage: 800 watts
- Voltage: 230 Volts
- Material: Plastic
Warranty and Support
Your BISSELL StainPro 4 Carpet Cleaner comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging for specific terms and conditions.
For technical support, spare parts, or warranty claims, please contact BISSELL Customer Service:
- Website: www.bissell.com/support
- Phone: Refer to your regional BISSELL website for local contact numbers.
When contacting support, please have your model number (20686) and serial number (located on the product label) ready.
Ask a question about this manual
Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.







