Bissell SpotClean Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner – A Must Have for DIY Detailers
by Reece @ DIWhen I first bought the Bissell SpotClean Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner, my primary concern was cleaning up after a new puppy who had a few too many accidents during the potty training process. Little did I know that this small, portable unit would quickly become one of my favorite tools for tackling all kinds of cleaning jobs, especially in my vehicle. For any DIY detailer looking to keep their vehicle’s interior spotless, this compact cleaner is an absolute game changer.
Portability and Convenience
One of the first things that impressed me about the SpotClean Pet is its portability. The unit is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and perfect for maneuvering into tight spaces in a vehicle’s interior. It doesn’t take up much space in your garage or closet either, which is a bonus if you are working with limited storage space.
Performance on Pet Messes and Beyond
Originally, I purchased the SpotClean for the intended purpose for dealing with puppy accidents. It performs incredibly well at lifting pet stains and odors out of carpets and upholstery. The brush at the end of the handle works well to agitate tough stains and it comes with other tips and attachments to target different areas.
However, its performance extends far beyond just pet messes. I quickly found out that this little machine is equally impressive when it comes to handling the dirt, grime, and stains that inevitably accumulate in your vehicles interior, especially around the edges of your all weather floor mats, lighter colored head liners, etc.
A Perfect Tool for Vehicle Upholstery
If you are into DIY detailing, you will appreciate how well the SpotClean Pet Portable works on vehicle upholstery and carpets. The powerful suction combined with the cleaning solution lifts embedded dirt and stains with minimal effort. I have used it on everything from cloth seats to floor mats, and the results are consistently impressive. The unit’s 3 inch Tough Stain Tool is great for getting into those hard to reach areas around seats where dirt and grime tend to build up, but as mentioned before the smaller attachments are great for different, more uniquely shaped or tighter areas.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setup is straightforward, just fill the clean water tank to the listed line, add the cleaning solution to the second line, and you are ready to go. The water tanks are easy to remove, clean and refill, and the hose on the unit provides enough reach to clean most areas without too much hassle. Plus, cleanup afterward is quick and easy, so you won’t dread pulling it out for smaller jobs.
It is however important to note that this unit does not like larger debris, so a vacuuming beforehand is necessary. I also want to state that this is certainly not a heavy use tool, so if you are doing a car here or there, or just simply taking care of your vehicle this unit will shine. If you are working on vehicles each day, there are better, more durable units for this type of application.
Cost-Effective Detailing
As someone who enjoys keeping my car clean but doesn’t always want to shell out for professional detailing services, or tool rentals, the Bissell SpotClean Pet has proven to be a cost effective investment. It allows me to detail my vehicle’s interior on my own schedule, saving money in the long run. Considering how much a single interior detail can cost, this unit can pay for itself after just a single use.
Final Thoughts
The Bissell SpotClean Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner is an excellent choice for pet owners, but its versatility shines when used for interior vehicle cleaning. For DIY detailers who want an affordable, portable, and powerful solution to keep their car interiors looking sharp, this machine is a must have. Whether you are cleaning up after your pet or dealing with everyday dirt and grime, this little cleaner handles it all.
What is the best way to dry the carpet after you have used this machine? I always worry about mold, so have never done this.
Gina – When using the machine, I make sure to use as little water/solution as possible. I spray, then use the vacuum to suck up as much as possible. Repeat as needed and when finished I leave the doors open to air everything out. The carpets are slightly damp, but not soaking wet in any way. You can also use a fan to help quickly dry the areas as well.