Bissell Style 7 Manual

							2Thank You
USER'S GUIDE
1398, 71Y7 SERIES
Safety Instructions
Product View
Assembly
Operations
Maintenance and Care
WarrantyFebreze® Freshness
Product Registration
Consumer Care3
4
5
6-7
8-11
15
12
16
16
Replacement Parts Troubleshooting
13
14
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							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 carpet cleaner 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 carpet cleaner.
Thanks again, from all of us at BISSELL. 
Mark J. Bissell  
President & CEO
www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Thanks for buying a BISSELL vacuum 
 2  
						

							www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
 3
When using an electrical appliance, basic 
precautions should be observed, including 
the following:
 
Read all instRuctions befoRe 
using  upRight V acuuM
Always connect to a polarized outlet (left slot is 
wider than right). Unplug from outlet when not in 
use and before conducting maintenance. 
    W aRning:   
to reduce the risk of fire,   
electric shock, or injury:
■  Do not modify the polarized plug to fit a 
non-polarized outlet or extension cord. 
■  Do not leave vacuum cleaner unattended 
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 children to operate vacuum 
cleaner or use 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.
■  Do not handle vacuum cleaner or plug 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 stairs.
■Do not pick up flammable materials (lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, etc.) or use in the presence 
of explosive liquids or vapors.
■  Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach, 
ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.).
■  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 pick up hard or sharp objects such as 
glass, nails, screws, coins, 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.■ Use only on dry, indoor surfaces.■ Keep appliance on a level surface.■  Do not carry the vacuum cleaner while it   
is running.
sa Ve 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.  
						

							www.bissell.com 800.237.76914
Product view
WaRning: Do not plug in your vacuum cleaner 
until you are familiar with all instruc-
tions and operating procedures.
Crevice 
Tool
Combination  
Upholstery/
Dusting Brush 
To o l 
Quick 
Reach
® 
Handle
Hose ClipExtension 
Wand
Power 
Switch
Post motor 
Filter 
Handle
Handle 
Release  
Pedal
Powerfoot Power Cord
Furniture 
Protection Guard
Height 
Adjustment 
KnobQuick 
Release™ 
 
Cord Wrap
Quick Reach 
Handle
Hose Wand 
Mount
Stretch 
Hose 
Cord Clip
Tool 
Storage 
Clips Bag Door
Twist ‘n   
Snap
™   
Hose
Carrying
Handle  
						

							www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Assembly 
5
the only tool you’ll need to  
assemble your vacuum cleaner   
is a phillips head screwdriver.
attach handle to vacuum
1.  Stand the vacuum upright and slide 
the base of the handle firmly into the 
grooves at the top of the vacuum body.
2.  Check to be sure the handle is fitted 
to the vacuum body. If there is a gap 
in front, continue to push firmly until 
the handle is flush.
3.  Insert one screw from the assembly 
packet into the existing hole in the 
back of the handle. Tighten securely 
with a screwdriver.
attach vacuum hose and tools
1. Position the hose collar on the back of 
the vacuum as shown.
2.  Attach the hose collar with two screws 
from the assembly packet. Tighten 
securely with a screwdriver.
3.  Line up the tabs on the base of the Twist 
‘n Snap Hose with the corresponding 
tab notches on the hose collar as shown. 
Turn the Twist ‘n Snap Hose to the left to 
lock the hose into place.
4.  Grasping the Quick Reach® Handle, 
slide the end of the hose wand onto 
the suction intake opening. Snap the 
hose into the hose clip.
  note: the powerfoot will not  operate effectively unless the 
hose wand is firmly attached 
to the suction intake opening.
5.  Place the crevice tool inside the  
extension wand and slide them into 
the storage clip as shown.
6.  Snap the combination upholstery/
dusting brush tool into the storage  
clip as shown.  
WaRning: Plastic film can be dangerous. 
To avoid danger of suffocation, 
keep away from babies  
and children.
4.
1.
1.3.
Hose 
Collar
3.
5.
6.  
						

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Operations 
6
handle position
Press the handle release pedal with your foot 
to place your BISSELL PowerForce into one of 
three cleaning positions.
1. upright: For storage and above floor   cleaning with special tools.
2.  normal cleaning: Press handle  release pedal once. Use for most  
household floor cleaning tasks.
3.  low cleaning: With the vacuum in  normal cleaning position press handle 
release pedal again. Use for reach-
ing under low furniture such as tables, 
chairs and beds.
powerfoot height adjustment
The powerfoot/rotating floor brush on your 
BISSELL PowerForce can be adjusted to clean 
several floor surfaces. 
note: for optimal cleaning  
performance, adjust to the  
lowest practical setting. if your 
cleaner is difficult to push, adjust 
to the next higher setting. 
1.  Place handle in upright position. 
2.  Turn height adjustment knob to  
desired setting.
lowest setting: For bare floors. 
Medium settings: For short and medium 
pile carpets. 
highest setting: For plush pile or Berber 
carpet.
3.  Place the handle into the normal  
cleaning position and the powerfoot  
will adjust to the setting chosen.
note: You may also adjust 
the setting while in the normal 
cleaning position. 
Tip:
Hair, string and 
small objects 
can block the 
vacuum hose or 
tools. Check them 
occasionally for 
obstructions. See 
Troubleshooting 
Guide for   
instructions.
Tip:
Before cleaning 
under low furniture, 
check area first for 
objects that might 
harm the unit   
or block the   
vacuum hose.
 caution:  
The rotating floor brush continues 
to rotate while tools are in use. 
To reduce the risk of injury from 
moving parts, always move the 
vacuum cleaner with the carrying 
handle at the back of the cleaner. 
Always place vacuum cleaner on 
floor with handle in upright position 
when using tools. Never place your 
fingers under the vacuum cleaner 
when it is running. Never place 
powerfoot on furniture or uneven 
surfaces. Do not place vacuum 
cleaner close enough to objects to 
pull them into rotating brush.
1.  
						

							www.bissell.com 800.237.76917
Operations
special tools
Your BISSELL PowerForce is not only a  
powerful carpet and rug vacuum cleaner, it’s 
also a versatile above floor vacuum cleaner 
when you select one of the special tools.
1.  Raise handle to upright position.
2.  Grasp the quick reach handle and lift up 
to separate from suction intake opening.
3.  Attach tools by firmly pushing onto hose 
wand or extension wand. 
 a.  combination upholstery/  
dusting brush tool: Two types of 
cleaning tools are included in one 
attachment: rotate for desired tool.
 ■ Use brush side to dust furniture, 
blinds, books, lamps, shelves.
 ■ Use upholstery side for curtains,  
draperies, cushions, fabrics.
  b.  crevice t ool: Use in tight  
narrow spaces.
  c.  extension  Wand: Use with desired 
attachments for a longer reach.
note: When using the hose for 
above floor cleaning, make sure the 
powerfoot does not tilt forward.
power cord
When you are done using your BISSELL 
PowerForce, return it to the upright position 
and store the power cord.
1.  Turn vacuum cleaner OFF.
2.  Unplug power cord by grasping the 
polarized plug (NOT the cord) and 
disconnect from outlet.
3.  Loop power cord around cord wraps 
on side of vacuum cleaner.
4.  Clip molded plug to power cord to secure.
power switch
The power switch is located on the side of   
the vacuum. Push the rocker switch “ON”   
(I) to vacuum, and “OFF” (O) when cleaning 
is complete.
Tip:
Your BISSELL PowerForce features 
a Quick Release™ Cord Wrap. To 
remove the power cord quickly and 
easily, rotate the upper cord wrap 
toward floor, and slip power cord 
from upper and lower cord wrap.
Tip:
Vacuuming new carpet or fine powders 
may clog the dust bag causing the bag 
change indicator to turn red even though 
the dust bag does not appear to be full. 
Change the dust bag to restore maximum 
performance.
a. b.
c.  
						

							www.bissell.com 800.237.76918
Maintenance and care
To maintain maximum performance from 
your BISSELL PowerForce, perform these 
simple maintenance checks.
Replace dust bag
Never reuse a dust bag. Use only BISSELL 
Style 7 Dust Bags in your BISSELL PowerForce. ■Style 7 Febreze® (17F9)
■  Style 7 EnviroFresh® Micro 
Filtration Dust Bags (30861) 
■ Style 7 Dust Bags (32120).
1.  Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
2.  Pull the bag door outward to open. 
Set bag door aside.
3.  Grasp dust bag collar, and pull collar from 
connector tube. Discard used dust bag.
4.  Grasp new dust bag collar and push   
firmly onto connector tube. Tuck in dust bag. 
note: if you have a febreze® vac-
uum bag, see instructions below.
5.  Replace bag door by placing tab on 
bottom of door into opening as shown. 
Press top of door to snap securely shut.
note: Vacuum will not suction 
while the bag door is removed.
Replace febreze® vacuum bag
You will experience the odor elimination 
technology and freshness of Febreze® as you 
vacuum. Follow these steps prior to installing 
the Febreze® bag in your BISSELL vacuum.
1. Remove the plastic bag that contains 
the Febreze® bag that was included 
with your vacuum.   
note: if difficult to open, you 
may need to use scissors to   
carefully cut open the bag.
2.  Locate the Febreze® scent tag at 
the bottom seal of the vacuum bag. 
Carefully pull the tab along the   
perforated lines in the center of the 
scent tag. You will begin experiencing the 
freshness of Febreze® as you vacuum.  
note: only a portion of the 
overwrap should be removed.
3.  Discard the perforated piece you 
removed and install the bag into your 
vacuum as directed in the vacuum’s 
owner’s manual.
4.  The experience of Febreze® freshness 
starts when you begin vacuuming! WaRning: 
Do not operate cleaner with  
damp or wet filters or without  
bag and all filters in place.
 WaRning: 
To reduce the risk of injury from 
moving parts, turn off vacuum 
cleaner and disconnect Power 
Plug from electrical outlet.
4.
5.
 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.  
						

							www.bissell.com 800.237.76919
Maintenance and care
Post Motor 
Filter
Pre-Motor 
Filter
Brush Cover
3.
4.
cleaning the pre-motor filter
Use only BISSELL Replacement Filters in 
your BISSELL PowerForce.
1. Turn power OFF. Unplug vacuum  
cord from electrical outlet.
2.  The pre-motor filter, located in the  
bottom of the bag compartment,  
protects the motor from dirt particles. 
If filter becomes dirty, lift out filter  
and clean.
3.  Remove the filter and any debris on 
top of it. Rinse under warm water; air 
dry completely before replacing.
cleaning the post motor filter
1. Turn power OFF. Unplug vacuum cord 
from electrical outlet.
2.  Locate filter behind the filter door on 
the side of the vacuum. The mesh 
filter is washable and can be washed 
in warm water with mild detergent. 
Make sure the filter is completely dry 
before replacing. 
3.  Close the door.
check rotating floor brush   
& drive belt
You should check your vacuum cleaner’s 
rotating floor brush and drive belt regularly 
for wear or damage. You should also clean 
the brush and brush ends of string, hair, and 
carpet fibers. These can wrap around the 
brush and hamper its ability to effectively 
clean your carpet. Also remove any debris 
that has accumulated under the brush cover.
1.  Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
2.  Place handle in low position and  
turn vacuum cleaner over so bottom 
side is up.
3.  Remove the four screws as shown 
with a Phillips head screwdriver.  
Lift the brush cover off.
4.  Grasp rotating floor brush at both 
ends and lift.
WaRning: To reduce the risk of electric shock, 
turn power OFF and disconnect 
polarized plug from electrical out-
let before performing maintenance 
or troubleshooting.  
						

							www.bissell.com 800.237.7691
Maintenance and care
10
check rotating floor brush  
& drive belt (cont)
5.  Clean strings, hair and other debris 
from rotating floor brush, paying  
particular attention to brush ends.
6.  Clean strings, hair and other debris 
from motor pulley and drive belt areas.
7.  Check drive belt carefully for wear, 
cuts or stressed areas. Replace if worn.
8.  Check air passageway for obstruc-
tions. Remove debris from this area.
Replace drive belt
Use only BISSELL Style 7 Replacement Belts 
(#32074) in your BISSELL PowerForce.
1. Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
2.  With rotating floor brush removed from 
vacuum cleaner (Steps 1-4 of Check 
rotating floor brush and drive belt), 
grasp old drive belt and remove from 
motor pulley. Discard old drive belt.
3.  Place new drive belt over motor pulley 
and stretch other end over rotating floor 
brush in the space between the bristles.
4.  Place ends of rotating floor brush 
down into slots on sides as shown.
5.  Turn rotating floor brush by hand  
several times in direction of motor  
pulley. If properly installed, drive  
belt will center itself.
6.  Reposition brush cover and four 
screws. Tighten screws securely.  
Make sure end of brush cover is 
snapped into place.
Brush 
Cover
Press here
Motor Pulley
Air 
Passageway