How to Clean a BISSELL Big Green 86T3 Carpet Cleaner
The BISSELL Big Green 86T3 extracts dirty water into an upper tank while a separate clean-water tank supplies solution to the carpet and hose tool. Fibers can collect around the brush roll, residue can remain in tanks and the flow indicator, and moisture left in the machine can create odor. Cleaning immediately after extraction is easier than trying to remove dried carpet solution later, but the powered base and internal pump must never be rinsed or submerged.
Published · Updated
Primary reference: BISSELL official Big Green assembly, use, and after-care guidance. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Before cleaning
- Release the spray trigger, turn off both controls, unplug, and remove the tanks before tipping.
- After every use
- Empty and rinse clean- and dirty-water tanks, clear the brush roll, and flush the hose tool.
- Powered base
- Wipe only; never rinse, immerse, or pour water into vents, switches, or pump openings.
- Storage
- Air-dry tanks, caps, hose, and tools, then store upright without mixed solution.
- Avoid
- Boiling water, bleach, vinegar, dishwashers, sharp jet probes, and running the pump dry.
What you will need
- The BISSELL Big Green 86T3 user guide
- A utility sink or drain approved for recovered carpet water
- Clean lukewarm water
- Clean dry microfiber cloths
- A soft cleaning brush
- Blunt scissors for accessible carpet fibers
- A ventilated area where tanks and tools can dry
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Release the trigger and unplug
Turn off both the brush and suction controls, release the spray trigger, unplug the Big Green by the plug, and let the brush roll stop. Wrap the cord loosely out of the work area. Do not tip the machine until the tanks are removed, because recovered water can spill into openings. Never work around the underside or hose connection while power is connected.
Step 2: Empty the dirty-water tank
Lift off the dirty-water tank using its handle, carry it level, and pour recovered water into an appropriate drain. Remove lint, hair, and carpet fibers from the tank opening and lid. Rinse the tank and lid with clean lukewarm water until residue is gone. Do not use boiling water, bleach, solvent, or a dishwasher, and do not reinstall the tank with debris on its seal.
Step 3: Empty and rinse the clean-water tank
Remove remaining water and BISSELL formula rather than storing the machine with mixed solution. Rinse the clean tank with plain water and drain it fully. Wipe the cap and inspect its gasket. Do not mix formula brands, add vinegar or essential oil, or leave a strong concentrate in the tank; use only the water temperature, formula, and fill lines specified by BISSELL for the next job.
Step 4: Flush the internal solution path
If the machine has just dispensed cleaning formula, add a small amount of clean water to the rinsed clean tank, reinstall both tanks, and make a brief water-only pass on a washable test area as the manual permits. This helps move residual formula through user-level lines. Then switch off and unplug again. Do not run the pump with an empty supply tank or pour water into a hose port.
Step 5: Rinse the hose and upholstery tool
After using the hose, suction clean water from a bowl through the tool for a short rinse, keeping the tool opening controlled and following the user guide. Stop before the dirty tank overfills. Disconnect as directed, wipe the hose exterior, and let the hose drain and air-dry in an open position. Remove lint from the clear tool nozzle without prying apart sealed pieces.
Step 6: Clean the flow indicator and visible nozzles
Inspect the flow indicator for lint or solution residue and clean only the removable pieces shown in the manual. Rinse approved components and reseat them without overtightening. Wipe the floor nozzle and suction opening with a damp cloth. Do not push metal wire into spray tips or dismantle the pump; use BISSELL support if water flow remains absent after tanks and user-serviceable parts are correctly seated.
Step 7: Remove debris from the brush roll
With both tanks removed and the machine unplugged, recline or position the Big Green exactly as BISSELL shows. The brush operates only in its designed reclined position, but it must be still during maintenance. Cut accessible hair and carpet fibers without nicking bristles, belts, or the housing. Do not remove covers or a belt unless the 86T3 instructions identify that repair as user-serviceable.
Step 8: Wipe the base and let parts dry
Wipe splashes from the housing, tank seats, handles, and cord using a clean damp cloth, then dry. Keep water out of vents, switches, the motor, and electrical connections. Leave rinsed tanks uncapped or separated in a ventilated place until dry and allow the hose to drain. Storing wet sealed parts encourages odor and residue.
Step 9: Reassemble for dry storage
When tanks, caps, hose, and tool are dry, reinstall them without leaving cleaning solution in the machine. Lock the tank handles, coil the hose without a kink, and wrap the power cord loosely. Store upright in a dry area where freezing cannot damage residual moisture. Before the next job, inspect the cord, tank seals, and brush opening and perform a small water-flow test.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.