Bissell 38b1l Manual

							38B1/1059 SERIES
3-IN-1 VAC
™ 
USER GUIDE  
						

							IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, 
ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY:
»  Always connect to a polarized 
outlet (one slot is wider than the 
other). Do not modify the polar
-ized plug to fit a non-polarized 
outlet or extension cord.
»   Do not leave vacuum cleaner 
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 to be used as a toy. 
Close attention is necessary when 
used by or 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. 
»   Hold plug when rewinding onto 
cord reel. Do not allow plug to 
whip when rewinding.
»   Do not handle plug or vacuum 
cleaner 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.
»   Turn off all controls before 
 plugging or unplugging  vacuum cleaner.
»   Use extra care when cleaning 
 on stairs. »  
Do not use to pick up flammable 
or combustible materials (lighter 
fluid, gasoline, kerosene, etc.) 
 or use in areas where they may  be present.
»   Do not use vacuum cleaner 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 to pick up toxic 
 material (chlorine bleach,  ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.).
»   Do not pick up anything that is 
burning or smoking, such as 
 cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
»   Do not use without filters in place.
»   Do not pick up hard or sharp 
objects such as glass, nails, screws, 
coins, etc.
»   Use only on dry, indoor surfaces.
»   Keep appliance on a level surface.
»   Do not carry the vacuum cleaner 
while it is running.
»   Unplug before connecting 
 or disconnecting the TurboBrush® 
Tool or TurboEraser® Pet Tool  (on select models).
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING YOUR UPRIGHT VACUUM.  
Always connect to a polarized outlet (one slot is wider than the other). Unplug from outlet when not in use and before conducting maintenance. 
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should be observed, including the following: 
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.
www. BISSELL.com
      2
This model is for household use only. 
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS   
FOR FUTURE USE  
						

							      www.
BISSELL.com3
Thanks for buying a BISSELL vacuum
We’re glad you purchased a BISSELL 
vacuum. Everything we know about 
floor care went into the design and 
construction of this complete,   
high-tech home cleaning system.
Your BISSELL vacuum is well made, 
and we back it with a limited   
one-year warranty. We also stand 
behind it with a knowledgeable,   
dedicated Consumer Care   
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 
BISSELL vacuum.
Thanks again, from all of us   
at BISSELL.
Mark J. Bissell  
Chairman & CEOSafety Instructions ...........2
Product View ................ 4
Assembly ................... 5
Operations ................ 6-7
Maintenance & Care ......... 8
Troubleshooting .............9
Replacement Parts ......... 10
Warranty .................... 11
Consumer Care ..............11
Product Registration ........12 
						

							1 Hand Grip
2  Cord Wrap 
3  Power Cord
4 Handle
5  Quick Release Handle
6  Hand Vacuum Grip
7  Power Switch
8  Dirt Container Latch
9 Filter
10  Dirt Container
11  Removable Floor Nozzle
12    Date code and serial number
Product View
WARNING
Do not plug in your vacuum cleaner until 
you are familiar with all instructions and 
operating procedures.
WARNING
Plastic film can be dangerous. To avoid 
danger of suffocation, keep away from 
babies and children.
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      4
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.
How to use your vacuum 
Your 3-in-1 vacuum may be used in one of three 
ways. See instructions below for converting your 
vacuum to best meet each need.
1. As a Floor Vacuum: 
   a. Open the latch at the base of the hand 
vacuum grip and insert handle. Once handle 
is all the way inserted into the body of the 
vacuum, press the latch closed to secure the 
handle in place.
   b.  Attach the floor nozzle by inserting it   
into the opening at the bottom of the dirt 
container. Press firmly to secure in place.
2. As a Hand Vacuum:   
Release the latch from the handle and pull handle 
away from the unit. Press the latch closed. 
3. As a Multi-Purpose Vacuum:  
The floor nozzle may be used with the hand   
vacuum to clean large surfaces. To attach the 
floor nozzle to the hand vac, insert it into the 
opening a the bottom of the dirt container.   
Press firmly to secure in place.
WARNING
Do not operate cleaner with damp or wet filters 
or without vacuum bags and all filters in place.
1a.
2. 3.
1b.
Operations
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
10
9
11
3
12 
						

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BISSELL.com5
Operations
Power cord storage 
1. Turn Vacuum off (O).
2.  Unplug power cord by grasping the polarized 
plug, NOT the cord, and disconnect from outlet.
3. Loop power cord around cord wraps on the handle.
4.  Clip molded plug to power cord to secure.
Emptying the dirt container
1. Turn Vacuum off (O).
2.  To remove dirt from the dirt container and   
filter, hold the vacuum vertically as shown. 
Depress and hold latch on top of the vacuum   
to release the dirt container.
3.  Gently pull dirt container away from the hand 
vacuum grip and remove the filter as shown. 
Empty into waste container.
4.  The dirt container may be rinsed with warm 
water and a mild detergent if needed. The dirt 
container must be thoroughly dried before 
replacing.
5.  Replace filter. Attach dirt container to   
vacuum by depressing latch and securely   
fitting onto hand grip. Make sure dirt container   
is correctly secured.
Cleaning the filter
The key to maximum performance is having 
clean filters. Cleaning the filters after each use 
will help your 3-in-1 vacuum operate at peak 
efficiency.
Use only BISSELL replacement filters in your 
BISSELL 3-in-1 vacuum.
1.  Turn Vacuum off (O).
2.  Follow the steps on page 5 to remove   
dirt container and main filter. To clean   
the main filter, shake over a waste   
container until debris is gone. Place   
the filter back into the dirt container.  
NOTE: After heavy usage, you may clean the   
filter by washing it gently by hand in warm 
water and mild dish detergent. Rinse   
thoroughly and make certain it is completely 
dry before replacing it. If filter is torn, replace   
it with a new filter.
3.  Attach dirt container to vacuum by depressing 
latch and securely fitting onto hand vacuum grip. 
Make sure dirt container is correctly secured.
5.
2.
3.
2.
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.
Maintenance 
& Care  
						

							www.BISSELL.com
      6
TroubleshootingWARNING
To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn power switch off 
and disconnect polarized plug from electrical outlet before 
performing maintenance or troubleshooting checks.
Problem Possible causes Remedies
Vacuum  
cleaner   
won’t run Power Cord not firmly plugged in.
Check electrical outlet.
Blown household fuse or breaker. Check/replace fuse; reset breaker.
Vacuum   
cleaner won’t   
vacuum   
effectively Filter clogged, wet or dirty.
Follow instructions for cleaning Filter.
Dirt Container clogged. Follow instructions for emptying  
Dirt Container.
Dust blows 
out of air vent Filter not properly secured to 
 
filter frame. Follow instructions for replacing 
 
Filter above.
Other maintenance or service not included in the manual should be 
performed by an authorized service representative.
Thank you for selecting a BISSELL product.
For any questions or concerns, BISSELL is happy to 
be of service. Contact us directly at 1-800-237-7691.
Please do 
not return 
this product 
to  the  store.             
Replacement Parts
These items are available for your BISSELL vacuum.   
Call 1-800-237-7691 or visit www.BISSELL.com
PART # PART NAME PART #PART NAME
203-7423  Filter
203-7421 Foot Assembly
203-7422Dirt Cup Assembly203-7426 Handle Assembly 
						

							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 Care 
by E-mail, telephone, or regular mail as described below.
Limited One-Year WarrantySubject to the *EXCEPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS identified below, upon 
receipt of the product BISSELL 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 
one year any defective or malfunctioning part.
See information 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 negligence, abuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, 
or any other use not in accordance with the User's Guide is not covered. 
BISSELL 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 limita-
tion 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 ONE YEAR DURATION FROM THE DATE OF 
PURCHASE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied   
warranty last so the above limitation may not apply to you.
NOTE: Please keep your original sales   
receipt. It provides proof of date of   
purchase in the event of a warranty claim.
If your BISSELL product should 
require service:
Visit BISSELL.com or contact BISSELL Consumer Care 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 Care.
Website or E-mail:www.BISSELL.com
Or Call:BISSELL Consumer Care
1-800-237-7691
Monday – Friday 8am - 10pm ET
Saturday 9am - 8pm ET 
Sunday 10am - 7pm ET
Warranty Service
      www.
BISSELL.com7
Problem Possible causes Remedies
Vacuum  
cleaner   
won’t run Power Cord not firmly plugged in.
Check electrical outlet.
Blown household fuse or breaker. Check/replace fuse; reset breaker.
Vacuum   
cleaner won’t   
vacuum   
effectively Filter clogged, wet or dirty.
Follow instructions for cleaning Filter.
Dirt Container clogged. Follow instructions for emptying  
Dirt Container.
Dust blows 
out of air vent Filter not properly secured to 
 
filter frame. Follow instructions for replacing 
 
Filter above.
PART # PART NAME PART #PART NAME
203-7423  Filter
203-7421 Foot Assembly
203-7422Dirt Cup Assembly203-7426 Handle Assembly  
						

							©2014 BISSELL Homecare, Inc
Grand Rapids, Michigan
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Part Number 160-6014  Rev 11/14
Visit our website at: www.BISSELL.com
For information about repairs or replacement parts, or questions about your warranty:Registering is quick, easy and offers you benefits over the lifetime of your product. 
 
You’ll receive:
Visit www.BISSELL.com/registration now!
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 7 for details.  
Call:
BISSELL Consumer Care1-800-237-7691
Monday - Friday  8 am - 10 pm ET 
Saturday  9 am - 8 pm ET 
Sunday  10am - 7pm ET
BISSELL Consumer Care Register your product today!
BISSELL Rewards PointsAutomatically earn points for   
discounts and free shipping on 
future purchases.
Faster ServiceSupplying your information now 
saves you time should you need   
to contact us with questions   
regarding your product.
Product Support   
Reminders and Alerts
We’ll contact you with any   
important product maintenance 
reminders and alerts.
Special PromotionsOptional: Register your email   
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contests, cleaning tips and more!
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