Bissell 42Q8 Series OPTIclean User’s Guide

Bissell^® 42Q8 Series OPTIclean^® User’s Guide

Important Safety Instructions

When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should be observed, including the following:

Read all instructions before using your CANISTER 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 leave cleaner when it is plugged in.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
• Do not use with damaged cord or plug.
• To unplug grasp plug not cord.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close door on cord, pull cord around sharp corners, run cleaner over cord, or expose cord to heated surfaces.
• Hold plug when rewinding the cord onto the reel. Do not allow the plug to whip when rewinding.
• Do not use cleaner if it has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into water. Have it repaired at an Authorized Service Center.
• Do not allow children to use as a toy.
• Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
• Do not handle cleaner or plug with wet hands.
• Do not put any object into openings, use with blocked opening, or restrict air flow.
• Do not use without dust bag and/or filters in place.
• Do not allow hair, loose clothing, fingers or body parts to get near openings or floor brush in the appliance.
• Do not pick up hot coals, cigarette butts, matches or any hot, smoking, or burning objects.
• Do not pick up hard or sharp objects such as glass, nails, screws, coins, etc.
• Do not pick up flammable or combustible materials (lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, etc.) or use in the presence of explosive liquids or vapor.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord.
• Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach, ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.).
• Do not use in an enclosed space filled with vapors given off by oil base paint, paint thinner, some moth proofing substances, flammable dust, or other explosive or toxic vapors.
• Do not use for any purpose other than described in this User’s Guide.
• Always turn off this appliance before connecting or disconnecting vacuum hose.
• Use only manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
• Use only on dry, indoor surfaces.
• Keep openings free of dust, lint, hair, etc.
• Keep appliance on a level surface.
• Turn off all controls before plugging or unplugging cleaner.
• Be extra careful when cleaning stairs.
• Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.

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.

Product view

WARNING:

Do not plug in your vacuum until you are familiar with all instructions and operating procedures.

Assembly

WARNING:

Plastic film packaging can be dangerous. To avoid danger of suffocation, keep away from babies and children.

1. Connect swivel hose by squeezing both locking buttons and inserting it into the suction opening on the canister. Once the swivel hose is inserted in the suction opening, release the locking buttons.
2. Connect telescoping extension wand to the handle end of the flex hose.
3. Connect the floor nozzle foot onto the telescoping extension wand.
4. To extend the telescopic tube, push the black release button and then pull the tube to the desired length.NOTE: Shorten length of telescopic tube for storage.

Operations

Tip:Before cleaning under low furniture, check area first for objects that might harm the unit or block the hose.

Tip:Hair, string and small objects can block the hose and tools. Check them occasionally for obstructions.

Special tools

Your BISSELL OptiClean canister is not only a powerful carpet and rug vacuum cleaner, it’s also a versatile bare floor and above floor vacuum cleaner when you select one of the special tools.

BareFloor tool

Use to vacuum carpets, rugs and bare floors. Swivel head turns to get into tight spaces and fits under cabinets.

1. To vacuum carpets and rugs, push the brush switch to the carpet position . This will pull the brushes up into the floor nozzle.
2. To vacuum bare floors, push the brush switch to the bare floor position . This will extend the brushes down from the floor nozzle.

On-board Tools

The crevice tool and the combination dusting & upholstery brush are stored inside the canister unit. To access them, simply push down on the Tool Storage Cover Release. Tools may be attached on the handle or, where longer reach is needed, to the extension wand.

Crevice tool

Use the crevice tool in tight, narrow spaces.

Combination dusting brush/ upholstery tool

1. Use the dusting brush to clean curtains, draperies, cushions and fabrics
2. Slide the brush off to use the upholstery tool on cushions, draperies and fabrics

CAUTION:

Be careful to avoid injury as cord retracts very quickly.

Power cord

The power cord is located at the rear of the vacuum. Gently pull out the power cord, watching for the yellow line. Stop pulling the power cord once the yellow line is visible. There is also a red line, which indicates the end of the usable cord. Do not pull the power cord out beyond the red line.

Power button

Turn the power ON or OFF by pressing lightly downward on the power button ( ).

Automatic cord rewind

Your vacuum is equipped with an automatic cord rewind. When cleaning is finished, press the power button OFF ( ) and grasp the plug to disconnect from the electrical outlet. Hold the plug and press the automatic cord rewind button to rewind the cord automatically.

Variable suction power control

The variable suction power control panel is located on the top of the vacuum. Press the + button to increase suction. Press the – button to decrease suction, for lightly soiled areas or delicate fabrics.

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn power switch OFF and disconnect plug from electrical outlet before performing maintenance or troubleshooting checks.

CAUTION:

Before using your vacuum, make sure that the dust bag and all filters (premotor and post-motor) are in place. Do not operate your vacuum without the dust bag and filters.

Bag change indicator

The bag change indicator is located at the top of the variable suction power control panel. If the bag change indicator turns orange while you are vacuuming, the dust bag needs to be replaced. The dust bag may appear to be full or only partially full depending upon the type of debris picked up. Fine particles can block the airflow in the dust bag and reduce suction before the dust bag is full. If the bag change indicator remains orange, even after changing the dust bag, turn the vacuum off and check for a clog in the hose or tools.

Dust bag replacement

When disposing of the dust bag, be sure to follow all steps—the design of this dust bag allows it to be sealed prior to removal, thus eliminating expulsion of dust.

1. Turn the power OFF ( ). Unplug the vacuum from the electrical outlet.
2. Disconnect the hose.
3. Open the dust bag compartment by lifting up on the latch located at the top of the canister, near the carrying handle.
4. Before removing the vacuum bag, hold the vacuum bag retainer in place and pull up on the center tab of the bag to seal off the dust bag.
5. Once the vacuum bag has been sealed, remove the vacuum bag by pulling up on the side tabs and sliding it off the Vacuum Bag retainer. Dispose of used bag.NOTE: Be careful not to throw away the plastic retainer.
6. Slide the new Vacuum Bag onto the retainer, with the arrow pointing downward. Make sure the hose opening is fully exposed.
7. Ensure that the Vacuum Bag is tucked fully inside the unit before closing the canister housing. Press down gently on the door until it locks into place.NOTE: The dust bag compartment door will not close without the dust bag in place. Attempting to force the door closed could result in damage to the machine.
8. Reconnect the hose

Maintenance and care

NOTICE:

This product is intended for household use only and not for commercial or industrial use. Vacuuming of dust from products like plaster, concrete or ashes will damage the motor and void the warranty.

Cleaning the Pre-Motor Filter

The Pre-motor Filter prevents dust and debris from interfering with the operation of your vacuum. It should be regularly checked for wear or damage and replaced when torn.

1. Turn the power OFF ( ). Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. Disconnect hose.
3. Open the dust bag compartment by lifting up on the door latch at the front of the vacuum. Follow the instructions on page 9 to remove and dispose of the dust bag.
4. Remove the filter frame from the filter holder by gently pressing down on the top tab and pulling the filter frame up and away from the filter holder.
5. Remove the filter from the filter frame and clean by hand washing in warm water. A mild detergent can be used if desired. Allow the filter to air dry completely before replacing.
6. Place the filter back into the filter frame and replace back into the filter holder, snapping it back into place.NOTE: The filter frame should be placed so that the protective frame is visible.
7. Following the steps on page 9, replace the dust bag, making sure the entire back is tucked in below the seal gasket.
8. Close dust bag compartment door and press down gently until it locks into place.
9. Reconnect the hose.

Tip:For maximum cleaning performance, check the filters often and clean or replace if necessary.

WARNING:

Do not operate cleaner with damp or wet filters or without all filters in place.

Tip:For maximum cleaning performance, check the filters often and clean or replace if necessary.

Cleaning the Post-Motor Filters

The HEPA Media Filter* and the PostMotor Filter are located in the back of your canister, between the power button and automatic cord rewind. To access the post-motor filters, lift up on both of the filter storage tabs to open the post-motor filter compartment. Both filters should be regularly checked, and cleaned if they appear dirty or if you notice excessive amounts of dust inside the canister. They need to be replaced if severely damaged or torn.

Cleaning / Replacing the HEPA Media Filter*

NOTE: The HEPA Media Filter* is a white, pleated filter. This filter is NOT washable. If this filter is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced. 

1. Unplug the vacuum from the electrical outlet.
2. Lift up on both of the filter storage tabs to open the post-motor filter compartment.
3. Remove the HEPA Media Filter* by grasping the lip of the filter frame and lifting upwards.NOTE: The HEPA Media Filter* should not be touched; when handling be sure to touch only the white plastic frame.
4. To clean the HEPA Media Filter*, hold over a trash can and gently tap the frame of the filter to remove excess dust.NOTE: If the HEPA Media Filter* is still excessively dirty, or is damaged or torn, it will need to be replaced.
5. Replace the filter in the compartment, with the white plastic tab facing out.
6. Press down on the filter storage door and snap back into place to close the filter compartment.

*The filter media, not the vacuum as a whole, complies with the IEST-RP-CC001.5 or the EN-1822-1:2009 HEPA standard.

Cleaning the Foam Post-Motor Filter

1. Unplug the vacuum from the electrical outlet.
2. Lift up on both of the filter storage tabs to open the post-motor filter compartment.
3. The Foam Post-Motor Filter is the black filter located at the top of the compartment door. Gently remove this filter.
4. The Foam Post-Motor Filter can be gently cleaned by washing in warm water with a mild detergent. Allow filter to dry completely before reinstalling. If filter is torn, replace with a new filter.
5. Reinstall filter. Press down on the filter storage door and snap back into place to close the filter compartment.

Tip:For maximum cleaning performance, check the filters often and clean or replace if necessary.

WARNING:

Do not operate cleaner with damp or wet filters or without all filters in place.

Troubleshooting

Vacuum cleaner won’t run

Possible causes

1. Vacuum cleaner is not plugged in
2. Power button is not pressed down

Remedies

1. Check electrical plug
2. Press power button down

Vacuum cleaner won’t pick up or low suction

Possible causes

1. Tools, hose and/or telescoping extension wands are blocked
2. Filters are dirty
3. Dust bag is full
4. Swivel hose not securely attached to suction opening
5. Crack or hole in flex hose
6. Air flow regulator or variable suction power control is set to open or minimum setting

Remedies

1. Remove each part and check for blockages
2. Check and clean or replace pre-motor and post-motor filters
3. Replace with new dust bag
4. Make sure hose connector is locked into suction opening
5. Check hose and replace if needed
6. Change to closed or maximum setting

Visible dust escaping from vacuum

Possible causes

1. Dust bag is full
2. Filters missing or installed incorrectly
3. Filters are dirty
4. Flex hose is blocked
5. Swivel hose not securely attached to suction opening
6. Crack or hole in flex hose

Remedies

1. Replace with new dust bag
2. Check pre-motor and post-motor filter for correct installation
3. Check and clean or replace pre-motor and post-motor filters
4. Remove hose and check for blockages
5. Make sure swivel hose is locked into suction opening
6. Check hose and replace if needed

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.

Replacement parts – BISSELL vacuum

Item	Part No.	Part Name
1	59H6	Dust Bag Accessory Pack Includes: 5 High Filtration Dust Bags 1 Pre-Motor Filter 1 HEPA Media Filter*
2	203-7994	Pre-Motor Filter
3	203-7983	Pleated HEPA Media Filter*
4	203-7984	Foam Post-Motor Filter

Accessories

Item	Part No.	Part Name
1	203-7998	Floor Nozzle
2	203-7997	Extension Wand
3	203-7991	Crevice Tool
4	203-7992	Combination Dusting Brush/Upholstery Tool
5	203-7996	Hose Assembly
6	203-7993	Dust Bag Holder Assembly

*The filter media, not the vacuum as a whole, complies with the IEST-RP-CC001.5 or the EN-1822-1:2009 HEPA standard.

Bissell 42Q8 Series OPTIclean User’s Guide – Bissell 42Q8 Series OPTIclean User’s Guide –