Bissell 6100 User Manual

USER’S GUIDE

6100 SERIES 220-240V

Safety Instructions

3

Product View

4

Assembly

5

Operation

6-9

10-15

16-17

18

19

20

Maintenance and Care

Troubleshooting

Consumer Services

Replacement Parts

Warranty

Thank you for buying a BISSELL Healthy Home Vacuum™

Everything we know about floor care went into the design and construction

of this complete, high-tech home cleaning system.

We trust that it will bring you many years of satisfaction. It is backed with a

limited two-year warranty. We also stand behind it with a knowledgeable,

dedicated Consumer Services department, so, should you ever have a

question, 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 Healthy Home Vacuum.

Thanks again, from all of us at BISSELL.

Mark J. Bissell

President and Chief Executive Officer

2

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2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

appliance,

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USING YOUR
UPRIGHT VACUUM.

WARNING: To reduce

the risk of fire, electric shock,
or injury:

■

Use indoors only.

■

Do not leave machine when it is plugged in.

■

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, return it to a
service agent.

■

Do not handle unit with wet hands.

■

Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close

door on cord, pull cord around sharp corners or edges,
run appliance over cord, or expose cord to heated sur­faces.

■

Do not unplug by pulling on cord. Unplug by

grasping plug.

■

Do not run appliance over cord.

■

Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands.

■

Do not expose hair, loose clothing, fingers or body parts

to openings or moving parts.

■

Do not pick up hot or burning objects such as

cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.

■

Do not pick up flammable or combustible materials (lighter

fluid, petrol, kerosene, etc.) or use in the
presence of explosive liquids or vapour.

■

Do not use appliance in an enclosed space filled with

vapours given off by oil base paint, paint
thinner, some moth proofing substances, flammable dust, or
other explosive or toxic vapours.

■

Not intended for use by young children or infirm

persons without supervision.

■

Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do

not play with the appliance.

■

Remove plug from electrical outlet before cleaning or

maintaining the appliance.

■

If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by

the manufacturer or its service agent in order to avoid a
hazard.

■

Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach,

ammonia, drain cleaner, petrol, etc.).

■

Do not allow to be used as a toy.

■

Do not use for any purpose other than described in this

User’s Guide.

■

Use only manufacturer’s recommended attachments.

■

Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust,

lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.

■

Keep appliance on a level surface.

■

Turn off all controls before unplugging.

■

Be extra careful when cleaning stairs.

■

This appliance is provided with double

insulation. Use only identical replacement parts.

■

Do not use without debris tank and/or filters in place.

■

Pay close attention when working

around children.

SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

THIS MODEL IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

IMPORTANT

FOR OPERATION ON A 220-240 VOLT A.C. 50/60 Hz
POWER SUPPLY ONLY.

FOR RESIDENTS OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM ONLY

If your appliance is fitted with a nonrewireable BS 1363 plug
it must not be used unless a 10 amp (ASTA approved to
BS 1362) fuse is fitted in the carrier contained in the plug.
(Spares may be obtained from your BISSELL supplier). If for
any reason the plug is cut off, it must be disposed of, as it is
an electric shock hazard should it be inserted into a mains
socket.

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3

Product view

Upper Handle

TurboBrush

Screen

EasyEmpty™
Dirt Container

™

Power Switch

Hose

Release Button

Carrying Handle

Filter Door Latch

HEPA Filter
Cartridge (inside)

Power Cord

Brush Switch

Quick Release
Cord Wraps

Crevice Tool

Headlight

Height
Adjustment
Dial

Furniture Protection
Guard

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Brush

Combination Brush

Handle Release
Pedal

Filter Tray (foam
filter inside)

Hose Collar

Brush Window

Lower Hose Clip

Hose
Wand

Wand Base

Diverter

Deluxe
Metal
Telescoping
Wand

Foot Hose

Assembly

Tool required: Phillips screwdriver

1. Slide upper handle onto lower handle. Insert

one screw into hole marked with an arrow
and tighten until snug.

2. Attach hose by lining up the tabs on the
collar with the corresponding notches on
the back of the vacuum as shown. Turn
clockwise to lock the hose into place.

3. Wrap the hose by routing it down and into
the lower hose clip then up and over the top
of the handle. Insert the hose wand fully into
the hose base.

Note: It is important that the hose is fully
inserted into the base for the suction air to
be directed properly to the foot during floor
vacuuming.

4. Store TurboBrush on the front of the handle

by aligning the slot at the bottom with the
tab and snapping into place.

5. Place crevice tool inside telescoping wand.
Store tools on vacuum as shown.

CAUTION:

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

1

3

2

4

5

w w w . b i s s e l l . c o m

5

Operation

Transporting your cleaner

Use the handle on the front to carry the cleaner
or place the cleaner in the upright position and
tip back to roll on the rear wheels.

Releasing the power cord

The upper and lower cord wraps rotate to allow
for quick and easy removal of the power cord.

Fingertip power switch

The power button is located at the top of the
vacuum handle.

To turn cleaner ON, press button once.
To turn cleaner OFF, press button again.

Note: The rotating brush will not turn on
unless the unit is in the reclined position
and the brush switch is on.

Handle positions

Use your foot to pull the handle release pedal
back to recline the vacuum cleaner.

Height adjustment

There are seven height settings available for
various floor surfaces. Turn the dial on the foot of
the cleaner to the desired setting.

Lowest setting – For bare floors.
Medium settings – For short and medium pile

carpets.
High setting – For plush carpet.

If the dial is difficult to turn, tilt the cleaner
back slightly to take the weight off the foot while
turning.

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ATTENTION:

Some Berber carpets have a
tendency to fuzz with wear.
Repeated strokes in the same
area may aggravate this
condition. Consider setting your
cleaner on a higher than normal
setting for this type of carpet.

Note: For optimal cleaning performance,
adjust to the lowest practical setting. If
your cleaner is difficult to push, adjust to
the next higher setting.

Operation

Fingertip brush switch

The rotating brush is turned on or off using the
switch at the side of the top of the handle. The
brush will start rotating when the unit is reclined.
The brush should be on for most carpeted floors.
You may want to turn the brush off for bare floor
cleaning or other delicate surfaces.

To turn the brush ON, press button once.

To turn the brush OFF, press button again.

Brush auto shut-off feature

When your cleaner is in the upright position, the
brush will not rotate. The brush will rotate only
when the cleaner is in the reclined position and
the brush switch is on.

Using the tools

1. Make sure the cleaner is in the upright position.

2. Remove the hose wand from the wand base.

This automatically diverts the suction to the
hose. Unwind the hose from the cleaner.

Note: To help prevent the machine from
tipping, the hose should remain in the
bottom hose clip.

ATTENTION:

Always place the vacuum
cleaner on the floor in its fully
upright position when using
tools. Placing the vacuum in
this position automatically
stops the rotating brush.

2

3 . Use the hose and wand alone or attach any

of the tools to the end of the hose wand.

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Operation

TurboBrush

Use rotating brush action for small areas such
as stairs and upholstery.

Note: Press gently when using the
TurboBrush to gain maximum cleaning.
Too much pressure could cause the brush
to stop rotating.

Combination brush

Use longer soft bristles for dusting.

Remove long bristle portion and use shorter stiff
bristles when agitation is needed to remove debris.

Crevice tool

Use in tight narrow spaces

Metal telescoping wand

Use with desired attachment for a longer reach. To
extend the wand, press down on the wand locking
button and pull out. When you have reached the
desired extension length, release the wand locking
button and pull out until it clicks into locked position.
To retract, press down on the wand locking button,
push the extension back into the wand and release
the wand locking button.

All items may not be included with your model.
Other tools are available; to order, please refer to
page 18-19.

Wand Locking button

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CAUTION:

To avoid personal injury
and to prevent the cleaner
from falling when cleaning
stairs, always place it at
the bottom of the stairs.

Operation

Emptying the dirt container

Empty the dirt container as soon as the dirt
reaches the “Full” line on the side of the container.

1. Press the release button on top of the

carrying handle to remove the dirt container.

2. Choose an emptying method. Method #2 is
recommended for allergy sufferers.

CAUTION:

Make sure vacuum cleaner
has been switched OFF and
unplugged before removing
dirt container.

Method #1 – hold the dirt container over

trash can and push the emptying button to
open the bottom (2a). Close the bottom after
the dirt empties.

Method #2 – place a plastic bag over the bottom

of the dirt container. Push the emptying button
through the plastic to open the bottom (2b). After
the dust settles, close the bottom and remove
the bag to discard.

3. Replace dirt container on cleaner by aligning
the bottom and pushing back until it snaps
into place.

1

2a

2b

3

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Maintenance and care

Cleaning the dirt container

Additional steps can be taken to clean the dirt
container as necessary.

1. Ensure the dirt container has been emptied.

2. Remove the lower portion by pressing the

front and back latches on the upper portion
as shown.

3. Clean the screen with a cloth or soft brush
to remove dust or debris.

4. If desired, the lower dirt container may be
washed in warm water. Make sure it is
completely dry before reassembling.

5. To reassemble, hold the carry handle and
place the upper portion into the lower
portion, lining up the front and back latches.
Push down until both latches click into place.
Make sure the dirt container is securely
assembled before replacing it on machine.

Cleaning the foam filter

The foam filter should be checked monthly and
washed as needed to maintain performance.
More or less frequent cleaning may be required
based on individual vacuuming habits and types
of debris picked up.

1. The foam filter is located in the tray

labeled "FILTER" underneath the dirt
container. Pull the tray out to access
the filter.

2. Remove foam filter from tray and hold under
running water to wash. Mild detergent
may also be used if desired. Wring excess
water from filter. Air dry thoroughly before

replacing.

WARNING:

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

2

3

5

WARNING:

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

1

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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.

Maintenance and care

Replacing the HEPA filter cartridge

The HEPA filter cartridge should be
replaced every six months or if suction
is declining. More or less frequent
replacing may be required based on
individual vacuuming habits and types of
debris picked up.

Note: To have the benefits of the
Airetight
use the BISSELL HEPA filter cartridge.

1. To remove the HEPA filter cartridge,

push down on the filter door latch and
pull door away from the cleaner.

™

HEPA System, you must

1

2. Lift the tab at the top of the HEPA filter

cartridge and pull cartridge away from
the cleaner.

3. Replace the used HEPA filter cartridge
with a new one.

Note: To avoid damaging the HEPA
filter cartridge and reducing its
filtration capabilities, be careful not
to touch the filter material. The HEPA
filter cartridge is NOT washable.

4. To ensure a tight seal, the filter cartridge

must latch fully in place. To install, push
firmly near the top with the palm of your
hand while holding the vacuum with
your other hand.

2

4

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11

Maintenance and care

Clearing clogs

Low suction or poor pickup may be due to
a clog in the vacuum cleaner. If you notice
a change in the sound of the motor or a
reduction in the spinning action in the dirt
container, check for a clog.

If there is no suction or if suction is reduced
at the hose, follow these steps to check for
and clear the clog:

1. Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.

2. Check the foam filter and clean as

necessary (see cleaning the foam filter
on page 10).

3. Check the HEPA filter and replace if
necessary (see replacing the HEPA filter
cartridge on page 11).

4. Check to see if dirt container is full.
Empty if needed.

5. Remove lower portion of dirt container.
Clean the screen and check center
tubes for dirt accumulation.

WARNING:

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

5

6

6. While dirt container is removed, check

7. Remove the hose from the cleaner by

8. Check diverter area at back of machine

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dirt inlet for clogs.

twisting the collar counterclockwise.
Straighten the hose and check for a clog.

for diverter position and clogs. When the
hose wand is removed from the base,
the diverter should be up (8a). If a clog is
visible near the diverter, the plastic cover
may be removed to clear the clog by
removing the 7 screws as shown (8b).

Note: When removing and reinstalling the
plastic cover, make sure the rope gasket
remains fully in its track.

7

8a

8b

Maintenance and care

Clearing clogs continued

If suction is normal at the hose, follow these steps
to check for and clear the clog for floor cleaning:

1. Check diverter area at back of machine for
diverter position and clogs. When the hose
wand is inserted in the base, the diverter
should be down. If a clog is visible near the
diverter, the plastic cover may be removed to
clear the clog by removing the 7 screws as
shown in illustration 8b on page 12.

2. Check the foot hose for clogs (2a). If you are
not able to tell from the outside if a clog is
present, remove the bottom 4 screws from
the diverter cover to loosen and straighten
the foot hose (2b).

Remove any clogs found and fully

reassemble the cleaner before attempting to
check suction again or use the cleaner.

Thermal motor protection

An internal thermal protector has been designed
into your cleaner to protect it from overheating.
When the thermal protector activates, the main
vacuum motor will stop operating. If this happens,
proceed as follows.

1. Turn the cleaner OFF and unplug from
electrical outlet.

1

2a

2b

2. Check the cleaner for the source of overheating
problem (i.e. full dirt cup, dirty filters or clog).

3. Fix the problem by following the steps in the
maintenance section of the user guide.

4. When the motor cools for approximately
30 minutes, the thermal protector
automatically resets and cleaning may
continue. If the cleaner will not turn on or
the thermal protector continues to activate,
your cleaner may need servicing.

Note: The thermal protector controls the
main vacuum motor only, not the brush
motor. If the thermal protector activates,
the brush will continue to operate normally;
however, there will be no suction.

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13

Maintenance and care

Brush reset

If something becomes lodged in the foot and
the brush shuts off, turn the cleaner off and
unplug from the electrical outlet. Remove the
obstruction. The brush will automatically reset
when the cleaner is plugged in and turned
back on.

Brush maintenance

The rotating brush should be checked regularly
for accumulating debris that might reduce the
cleaning performance of your vacuum.

1. Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.

2. Recline the handle and turn your cleaner
over so the bottom side is up.

3. Carefully cut away any visible hair, fibers
or debris from the brush roll.

Do not attempt to disassemble the vacuum foot
or to remove the brush roll. If you feel it needs
to be checked or replaced, have your cleaner
serviced.

Belt maintenance

The brush belt is designed to last the useful life
of the cleaner when used according to all
instructions in this user's guide under normal
household conditions. If you feel that it needs to be
checked or replaced, have your cleaner serviced.
Do not attempt to disassemble the
vacuum foot or to change the belt.

CAUTION:

To reduce the risk of injury
from moving parts, turn
power switch OFF and
disconnect power plug
from electrical outlet.

3

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Maintenance and care

Changing the light bulb

1. Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.

2. Recline handle for easier access to light bulb

and remove screw to lift off lens.

3. Remove the bulb by grasping bulb and pulling
straight out of the socket. Install the new bulb
by pushing gently into the socket until the
bulb snaps into place.

TurboBrush maintenance

The TurboBrush should be checked regularly for
clogs or debris wrapping around the brush.

1. Remove tool from hose or front of vacuum.

2. Twist collar so opening is at the top and lift

top cover to remove.

3. Remove the brush from the belt and clean
debris.

4. Replace the brush inside the belt and place
ends into slots on sides as shown.

2

3

2

4

5. Reposition top cover, making sure to line up

inside tab at the front with the opening on
the cover. Twist collar until opening is at the
bottom to lock into place.

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15

Troubleshooting

WARNING:

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

Vacuum cleaner won’t turn on

Possible causes Remedies

1. Power cord not plugged in 1. Check electrical plug

2. Thermal protector activated 2. Allow cleaner to cool for 30 minutes, see

page. 13

3. Handle not fully attached 3. Remove handle and reinstall

Brush not rotating

Possible causes Remedies

1. Brush switch turned to “OFF” 1. Make sure brush switch is in “ON” position

2. Vacuum is in upright position 2. Recline vacuum to operate brush

3. Brush is jammed 3. Remove obstruction or debris and

unplug cleaner to reset brush, see page. 14

4. Brush needs to be reset 4. Unplug cleaner to reset brush, see page. 14

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5. Handle not fully attached 5. Remove handle and reinstall

Vacuum cleaner won’t pick up or low suction

Possible causes Remedies

1. Incorrect height setting 1. Turn dial to lower setting

2. Hose wand not properly positioned 2. Make sure hose wand is fully seated in

base and diverter is in down position

3. Dirt container not installed properly 3. Check assembly of upper and lower portions,
correctly position and snap into place

4. Dirt container full 4. Empty dirt container

5. Clog in cleaner 5. Follow instructions on pgs. 12-13 for

clearing clogs

6. Filters are dirty 6. Check and clean foam filter, check and
replace HEPA filter cartridge if needed

7. Hose not properly attached 7. Make sure hose collar is twisted to
lock position

Troubleshooting

Vacuum cleaner is difficult to push

Possible causes Remedies

1. Incorrect height setting 1. Turn dial to higher setting

Visible dust escaping from cleaner

Possible causes Remedies

1. Filter tray missing or not installed properly 1. Check filter tray to make sure it is

fully inserted

2. Foam filter missing or not installed properly 2. Check for foam filter and correct installation

3. HEPA filter cartridge missing or not installed properly 3. Check for HEPA filter cartridge and

correct installation

4. Dirt container not installed properly 4. Make sure dirt container is correctly
positioned and snapped into place

5. Dirt container not assembled properly 5. Check screen, upper and lower portions of
the dirt container for proper assembly

6. Hose not installed properly 6. Make sure hose wand is fully seated in
base, make sure foot hose is properly
attached to diverter area

7. Hole or crack in hose 7. Check hose for holes or cracks and replace
if needed

Please do not return this product to the store.

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Other maintenance or service not included in the manual should be performed by an

authorized service representative.

Thank you for selecting a BISSELL product.

17

BISSELL Consumer Services

If your BISSELL product should require service:

In the UK, Australia or New Zealand, call BISSELL Consumer Services at the numbers below and we will give
you the location of a BISSELL Authorized Service Center in your area. For all other countries, contact your local
in country distributor for questions, service, or repair.

If you have questions about your warranty or need replacement parts please contact the numbers below.

For UK inquiries:

Monday - Thursday 9 am — 5 pm
Friday 9 am — 4 pm

BISSELL Homecare (Overseas) Inc.

The Boat Yard
105 Straight Road
Old Windsor
Berkshire, SL4 2SE
United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]

For New Zealand inquiries:

Monday - Friday 9 am — 5 pm

Parex Industries Ltd.

103 Central Park Drive
Henderson
Auckland
New Zealand
Telephone: [phone]

For Australian inquiries:

Monday - Friday 9 am — 5 pm

BISSELL AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

Unit 35
15 Ricketts Road
Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149
Australia
Telephone: [phone]

For all other inquiries:

Monday - Friday 8 am — 4 pm

BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

PO Box 1888
Grand Rapids, MI 49501 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Or visit the BISSELL website - www.bissell.com

When contacting BISSELL, have model number of unit available.
Please record your Model Number: ___________________
Please record your Purchase Date: ___________________

Note: Please keep your original sales receipt. It provides proof of date of purchase in the event of a

warranty claim. See Warranty on page 20 for details.

Please do not return this product to the store.

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Replacement parts - BISSELL Healthy Home Vacuum™

Below is a list of common replacement parts. While not all of these parts may have come
with your specific model, they are available for purchase if desired. Please note, all
attachments may not store on board your vacuum.

Item Part No. Part Name

1 3282 HEPA Filter Cartridge
2 203-1374 Foam Filter
3 203-1362 TurboBrush
4 203-1381 Wide TurboBrush
5 203-1367 Pet Wide TurboBrush
6 203-1364 Telescoping Wand
7 203-1373 Metal Telescoping Wand
8 203-1365 Combination Brush
9 203-1363 Crevice Tool
10 203-1366 Flexible Crevice Tool
11 203-1382 Contour Tool
12 203-1359 Hose
13 203-1377 Light Bulb

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12

13

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Warranty - Healthy Home Vacuum™

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from country
to country. If you need additional instruction regarding this warranty or have questions regarding what it may
cover, please contact BISSELL Consumer Services by telephone, or regular post as described below, or
contact your local in country distributor.

Limited Two Year Warranty

Subject to the *EXCEPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS identified below, BISSELL Homecare, Inc., will replace (with

new or remanufactured components), at BISSELL’s option, free of charge from the date of purchase by the
original purchaser, for two years any defective or malfunctioning part do to manufacturers defect.

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, or use not in accordance with the User’s Guide is not covered.

For UK inquiries:

Monday - Thursday 9 am — 5 pm
Friday 9 am — 4 pm

BISSELL Homecare (Overseas) Inc.

The Boat Yard
105 Straight Road
Old Windsor
Berkshire, SL4 2SE

For Australian inquiries:

Monday - Friday 9 am — 5 pm

BISSELL AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

Unit 35
15 Ricketts Road
Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149
Australia
Telephone: [phone]

United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]

For New Zealand inquiries:

Monday - Friday 9 am — 5 pm

Parex Industries Ltd.

103 Central Park Drive
Henderson
Auckland
New Zealand

For all other inquiries:

Monday - Friday 8 am — 4 pm

BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

PO Box 1888
Grand Rapids, MI 49501 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Telephone: [phone]

BISSELL HOMECARE INC. 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.

*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 TWO YEAR DURATION FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE AS
DESCRIBED ABOVE.

©2008 BISSELL Homecare, Inc
Grand Rapids, Michigan
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Part Number 110-4005
Rev 2/08
Visit our website at:
www.bissell.com

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