
The Complete Buying Guide & Review
The Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is a budget-friendly, lightweight upright carpet cleaner designed specifically for pet owners who need to tackle accidents, mud, stains, and ground-in dirt without spending $200–$400 on a premium machine. It uses a 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush® that scrubs while powerful suction pulls dirty water into a separate tank, cleaning carpets with warm water and Bissell formula.
The most important takeaway is that this machine excels as an affordable, entry-level option for small-to-medium spaces and pet messes, but it’s not designed for deep restoration of heavily soiled carpets or large homes. For the price ($99.99–$113), it out-cleans other lightweight carpet cleaners and ranks as the best affordable carpet cleaner for pets in testing. However, it has limitations: fixed brushroll height struggles with deep rug crevices, the motor is less powerful than premium models (3.4–4.75 amps vs. 6+ amps), and durability concerns exist for long-term heavy use.
This article covers everything you need to know: what the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is, how it works, its key features and limitations, how it compares to alternatives, common mistakes, troubleshooting tips, real costs, and how to choose the right carpet cleaner for your situation. Whether you’re buying your first carpet cleaner or upgrading from a spot cleaner, this guide will help you make a smart decision.
What Is the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet and How Does It Work?
The Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is an upright carpet cleaner (not a vacuum) that combines water, cleaning solution, mechanical scrubbing, and suction to remove pet messes, stains, and dirt from carpets and area rugs. It comes in two main models: Model 2085 (original, 11 lbs, 9.5″ cleaning path) and Model 2987 PowerBrush Lightweight (12 lbs, 7.5″ cleaning path).
Key Components
Four main parts make the machine work:
- Clean water tank — Holds ½ gallon (Model 2085) or 5/8 gallon (Model 2987) of warm water and cleaning formula
- 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush® — Rotating brush with four rows of bristles that scrubs, lifts, and removes stains and dirt
- Dirty water tank — Separate collection tank that captures extracted dirt and water, keeping it separate from clean water
- Suction motor — 3.4-amp (Model 2085) or 4.75-amp (Model 2987) motor that pulls dirty water through the nozzle
How It Works: Step-by-Step Process
The cleaning process follows these steps:
- Fill clean tank — Add warm water and Bissell carpet cleaning formula to the clean water tank
- Plug in and prepare — Connect to grounded outlet, extend handle, recline machine using green lever
- Power on — Press red power lever to activate the brush roll
- Apply solution — Hold trigger and make one slow forward wet pass, applying water and solution
- Scrub — The 4-row PowerBrush spins to loosen stains as you move back and forth
- ** extracts** — Suction port in front sucks dirty water into the collection tank
- Repeat passes — Release trigger and make one slow pass forward and back over the same area to extract
- Continue until clean — Repeat until solution being pulled up appears clean
- Empty and maintain — Empty collection tank when dirty water reaches full line, rinse tank and nozzle after use
What’s Included vs. Not Included
The Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet includes:
- Carpet cleaning for pet accidents, mud, and stains
- Removal of everyday ground-in dirt
- Cleaning of carpets and area rugs (low pile)
- Two-tank system keeping clean and dirty water separate
- Removable nozzle for easy maintenance
It does not include:
- Above-floor cleaning (no hose for upholstery or stairs)
- Cleaning deep pile or shag carpets (fixed brush height)
- Professional-grade restoration power (budget motor)
- Edge sweep brushes (Model 2987 lacks them; Model 2085 has them)
Real-World Example
A homeowner with two dogs and a cat has frequent pet accidents on carpet. Instead of calling a professional cleaner ($180 average) or buying a $300+ carpet cleaner, they use the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet. They fill the tank with warm water and pet formula, work the machine slowly over stained areas, and extract dirty water into the tank. The carpet dries in 1–2 hours, and the pet mess is removed without renting a machine or spending hours scrubbing by hand.
10 Key Things to Know About the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet
1. It’s the best affordable carpet cleaner for pets
Testing shows the Bissell Turboclean is the best affordable carpet cleaner for pets, outperforming other budget options in stain removal for both urine and other pet stains. It ranks #1 for urine stains and #1 for peanut butter stains among budget cleaners, beaten only by premium models like the Bissell Big Green Machine.
Why this matters: Pet owners need reliable stain and odor removal without premium pricing. This machine delivers professional-level results for pet messes at $99.99, compared to $200–$400 for competitors.
Real-world example: A renter with a cat who scratches furniture and has occasional accidents needs a carpet cleaner that won’t break the budget. The Turboclean Powerbrush Pet removes urine stains effectively while costing half the price of mid-range options.
How to maximize: Use Bissell’s pet-specific cleaning formula for best results. Work slowly over stains, making multiple wet and dry passes as instructed.
2. Fixed brushroll height limits deep rug cleaning
The Powerbrush Pet has a fixed brushroll height that cannot be adjusted. This means it struggles with the crevices of deep pile rugs, shag carpets, or thick area rugs where the brush can’t reach the base.
Why this matters: If you have deep pile carpet, thick rugs, or varied floor surfaces, the machine may look clean but miss dirt trapped in deeper fibers. The brush sits at one height, leaving gaps in thick materials.
Real-world consequence: A homeowner with a 1-inch shag rug cleans it with the Turboclean. The surface looks cleaner, but after a week, dirt reappears from the base because the brush never reached deep fibers during cleaning.
How to handle it: For deep pile carpets, consider a premium model with adjustable brush height (like Bissell Big Green or Professional-grade machines). For low pile carpet and standard area rugs, the Turboclean works well.
3. Motor power is below premium models
The Turboclean Powerbrush Pet uses a 3.4-amp motor (Model 2085) or 4.75-amp (Model 2987), notably below the 6+ amps found in premium carpet cleaners like the TurboClean Pet XL or Big Green Machine.
Why this matters: Lower amp rating means less raw suction power and cleaning force. While adequate for pet messes and light soil, it won’t match the deep extraction of higher-end models for heavily soiled carpets or large areas.
Real-world example: A homeowner cleans a lightly soiled bedroom carpet and gets good results. The same machine struggles on a heavily soiled entryway with ground-in dirt, requiring more passes and leaving some dirt behind.
How to maximize: Use slow, deliberate passes. Make multiple wet passes (applying solution) followed by multiple dry passes (extracting) to compensate for lower power. For heavy soil, consider the Pet XL model with a 6-amp motor.
4. Lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver
At just 11–12 lbs, the Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is one of the lightest upright carpet cleaners available, making it easy to lift, carry, and maneuver.
Why this matters: Heavy carpet cleaners (16–20 lbs) are difficult for seniors, people with mobility issues, or those cleaning multiple floors. The lightweight design reduces fatigue during cleaning and makes storage easier.
Real-world benefit: A senior homeowner with arthritis can clean their bedroom carpet without struggling with a heavy machine. The lightweight design lets them work at their pace without strain.
Limitations: Lightweight sometimes means less stability on thick carpet. The machine may feel less “solid” than heavier models, but this is rare for most users.
5. Two-tank system prevents dirty water reuse
The machine features a two-tank system keeping clean water and dirty water separate, ensuring you always clean with fresh water and solution.
Why this matters: Some cheaper machines use a single tank, mixing dirty extracted water with clean solution. This re-deposits dirt onto carpets and reduces cleaning effectiveness.
Real-world example: A homeowner using a single-tank machine notices their carpet looks gray after cleaning. The Turboclean’s two-tank system prevents this, keeping extracted dirt isolated.
Maintenance tip: Empty the dirty tank when it reaches the full line. Rinse both tanks after each use to prevent mold and odor buildup.
6. Removable nozzle enables easy maintenance
The Turboclean has a removable nozzle that you can quickly and easily clean after every use, prolonging performance.
Why this matters: Nozzles clog with dirt, hair, and solution residue. If not cleaned regularly, suction decreases and cleaning quality drops. A removable nozzle makes maintenance simple.
How to clean: Remove the collection tank, pull up the two tabs near the front, unhook the nozzle, rinse under running water, then reattach by aligning hooks and clicking into place.
Best practice: Clean the nozzle after every use, remove debris from the red gasket on the base, and let everything dry before storage.
7. Not designed for large-area cleaning
The Turboclean is kind of like a spot cleaner meant for little messes pets or kids make, not for large areas. The ½–5/8 gallon tank capacity means frequent refills on bigger spaces.
Why this matters: Cleaning a 500-square-foot living room requires multiple tank refills and emptying, making the process time-consuming. Larger machines with 1-gallon tanks (like Pet XL) handle big areas more efficiently.
Real-world consequence: A homeowner tries to clean their entire basement carpet. They refill the tank 6–8 times and empty the dirty tank 4 times, spending 3+ hours on the job.
How to handle it: Use the Turboclean for rooms under 200 square feet, spot cleaning, or high-traffic areas. For whole-house cleaning, consider a larger model with bigger tanks.
8. Durability concerns exist for long-term use
User feedback indicates they clean okay but don’t last long, with some units failing after 1–2 years of regular use.
Why this matters: Budget machines sometimes sacrifice durability for price. If you clean carpets weekly or have heavy pet traffic, the Turboclean may not be a long-term investment.
Real-world example: A homeowner with three dogs uses the Turboclean weekly for pet accidents. After 18 months, the motor stops working or the brush roll belt breaks, requiring replacement.
How to maximize lifespan: Follow maintenance instructions, clean the nozzle regularly, don’t overfill tanks, and store properly. For weekly heavy use, consider a more durable mid-range model.
9. Edge sweep brushes vary by model
Model 2085 includes edge sweep brushes that help clean along walls and edges, while Model 2987 Lightweight does not have them.
Why this matters: Edge sweep brushes clean the troublesome areas where carpet meets walls, baseboards, and corners. Without them, you may miss dirt along edges.
How to check: If you buy Model 2987, plan to vacuum edges separately or use a hand tool. Model 2085 handles edges automatically.
10. Works better than spot cleaners for most messes
The TurboClean is better than a spot cleaner because it does as good a job without having to get on your hands and knees to scrub. It covers more area per pass and reaches deeper than handheld spot cleaners.
Why this matters: Spot cleaners are great for tiny stains but slow for larger areas. The Turboclean balances portability with effectiveness, cleaning pet messes faster than kneeling and scrubbing.
Real-world benefit: A parent with kids and a dog cleans a spilled juice stain and muddy paw prints. The Turboclean handles both in minutes, while a spot cleaner would require multiple attachments and slower cleaning.
When to use spot cleaner instead: For very small stains (under 1 foot), a spot cleaner like Bissell Little Green may be faster and more targeted.
The Real Cost of Getting Carpet Cleaning Wrong
Choosing the wrong carpet cleaning approach or machine can create expenses beyond the initial purchase price:
Financial Costs
- Re-cleaning: If the Turboclean doesn’t remove deep stains due to low power, you may need to hire a professional ($180 average) or buy a more expensive machine, doubling your cost
- Carpet damage: Over-wetting with improper technique can damage carpet backing, requiring $2–$10 per square foot replacement
- Replacement costs: Budget machines like the Turboclean may fail after 1–2 years of heavy use, requiring another $100–$150 purchase
- Rental fees: If you don’t own a machine and rent a carpet cleaner, you pay $30–$50 per rental plus transport time
Typical costs: The Turboclean costs $99.99–$113, while mid-range cleaners cost $160–$250 and premium models $300–$400. Poor results that require re-service or professional help multiply this cost.
Time Costs
- Multiple refills: Small tank capacity means frequent refilling and emptying on larger areas
- Slower cleaning: Lower motor power requires more passes, extending cleaning time
- Maintenance time: Budget machines may need more frequent belt brush roll, or nozzle cleaning
- DIY frustration: Beginners often clean incorrectly, wasting hours then still needing professional help
Emotional Costs
- Stress with persistent stains: Pet accidents that don’t fully remove create ongoing frustration
- Disappointment with machine failure: A machine breaking after a year feels like a wasted investment
- Trust issues: Poor results make you skeptical of future carpet cleaning purchases
Long-Term Consequences
- Reduced carpet life: Inadequate cleaning leaves dirt that grinds down fibers, shortening carpet lifespan
- Residue buildup: Poor technique leaves soap that attracts new dirt, making carpets look dirty faster
- Odor retention: Incomplete pet stain removal leaves odors that return over time
How These Costs Are Avoidable
Most costs are preventable with:
- Matching the machine to your carpet type and cleaning needs
- Following proper technique (slow passes, multiple wet/dry cycles)
- Regular maintenance (cleaning nozzle, emptying tanks)
- Knowing when to upgrade (for heavy soil, large areas, or weekly use)
- Using correct cleaning formula for your stain type
How an Experienced Carpet Cleaning Professional Helps You Succeed
While the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is a DIY machine, knowing when to call a professional is important. An experienced carpet cleaning professional provides guidance beyond what a budget machine can achieve:
Guidance Through Every Step
Professionals help with:
- Carpet assessment: Identifying fiber type, soil level, and stain type before cleaning
- Method selection: Choosing the right cleaning method (dry cleaning, steam cleaning, or combination)
- Pre-treatment: Applying specialized solutions for pet stains, oil, or dye before main cleaning
- Professional equipment: Using 6–12 amp motors with superior suction and extraction
- Post-cleaning care: Providing drying instructions and maintenance recommendations
Risk Management
Experienced technicians prevent problems:
- Test for colorfastness before applying any solution
- Control moisture to prevent backing damage or mold
- Use appropriate chemistry for your carpet fiber type
- Know when a stain requires specialized treatment beyond DIY
Troubleshooting Problematic Stains
When DIY cleaning fails, professionals can:
- Adjust chemistry (pH level, solvent type) for stubborn stains
- Use specialized tools for deep extraction into padding
- Treat old pet damage that penetrated beyond surface
- Recommend restoration instead of replacement when possible
Compliance with Standards
Professional cleaners follow industry standards from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and manufacturer care instructions, protecting carpet warranties.
When to Call a Professional Instead of Using DIY
Call a professional when:
- You have old pet stains (6+ months) penetrating padding
- Carpet is heavily soiled with ground-in dirt
- You have valuable, antique, or delicate rugs
- The Turboclean doesn’t remove stains after multiple attempts
- You need whole-house cleaning regularly (weekly or bi-weekly)
For occasional pet messes and light soil in small-to-medium rooms, the Turboclean is cost-effective. For deep restoration or frequent heavy cleaning, professional service is worth the investment.
Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Options, Alternatives, and Strategies
Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Model 2085 (Original)
How it works: 11 lb upright cleaner with 4-row PowerBrush, ½ gallon tank, 9.5″ cleaning path, edge sweep brushes, 3.4-amp motor
When appropriate: First-time carpet cleaner buyers, small spaces under 200 sq ft, budget-conscious pet owners, low pile carpet
Limitations: Smallest tank capacity, lowest motor power, no above-floor cleaning hose, struggles with deep pile
Turboclean Powerbrush Lightweight Pet Model 2987
How it works: 12 lb lightweight cleaner with 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush, 5/8 gallon tank, 7.5″ cleaning path, 4.75-amp motor, no edge sweep brushes
When appropriate: Users who want slightly more power than Model 2085, apartments or small homes, easy storage and transport
Limitations: Narrower cleaning path, no edge brushes, still lacks hose for upholstery
Turboclean DualPro Pet Model 3067
How it works: Mid-range cleaner with 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush, 8-foot hose for above-floor cleaning, tough stain tool, better suction than Powerbrush
When appropriate: Pet owners needing upholstery/stairs cleaning, medium spaces, those wanting better stain removal than Powerbrush
Limitations: Higher price (~$150–$180), still not professional-grade power
Turboclean Pet XL Model 3746
How it works: Best budget value with 6-amp motor (double the Powerbrush), 1-gallon tanks, 7-foot hose, 3-in-1 tough stain tool, 3-in-1 surface cleaning
When appropriate: Larger homes, heavy pet traffic, weekly cleaning needs, whole-room cleaning without frequent refills
Limitations: Higher cost (~$160), heavier at 16.5 lbs, still not premium power
Bissell Big Green Machine
How it works: Professional-grade cleaner with 12-amp motor, exceptional suction, deep extraction, best stain removal overall
When appropriate: Serious pet owners, large homes, frequently soiled carpets, those wanting best possible results
Limitations: Premium price ($300–$400), heavy and bulky, requires more storage space
Hoovers PowerDash Pet
How it works: Budget competitor with similar lightweight design, 4-row brush, smaller price point (~$80–$100)
When appropriate: Ultra-budget buyers, very small spaces, first-time carpet cleaner users
Limitations: Lower cleaning performance than Turboclean, less durable, smaller tanks
Strategy: Combine DIY with Professional Cleaning
For best value and results:
- Use Turboclean for weekly/bi-weekly pet messes and spot cleaning
- Hire professional cleaner annually or semi-annually for deep restoration
- This balances cost ($100 machine + $180 annual service) with performance
What to Do If You’re Currently Dealing with Pet Stains
If you have a fresh or old pet stain on carpet, follow this checklist:
Immediate Actions (Fresh Stains)
- Blot immediately — Use clean white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible
- Don’t rub — Rubbing spreads the stain and damages fibers
- Remove pet — Prevent the pet from re-contaminating the area
- Check carpet type — Identify if it’s low pile (safe for Turboclean) or deep pile (may need professional)
- Gather supplies — Get Bissell Turboclean, pet cleaning formula, and clean towels
Cleaning with Turboclean Powerbrush Pet
- Fill clean tank — Add warm water and Bissell pet formula to ½ or 5/8 gallon tank
- Pre-treat heavy stain — Spray stained area lightly with pretreatment before machine cleaning
- Plug in and power on — Connect to outlet, extend handle, recline machine, press red power lever
- Make wet pass — Hold trigger, make one slow forward pass applying solution
- Scrub — The 4-row brush loosens the stain as you move back and forth
- Make dry pass — Release trigger, make one slow pass forward and back to extract
- Repeat — Continue wet and dry passes until solution pulled up appears clean
- Empty tank — Pour out dirty water when it reaches full line, rinse tank
Post-Cleaning
- Rinse nozzle — Remove and clean nozzle under running water after use
- Air dry — Keep room ventilated for 1–2 hour drying time
- Vacuum — After complete drying, vacuum to restore carpet texture
- Monitor — Check for odor return over next few days
If Stain Persists
- Try multiple sessions — Old stains may need 2–3 cleaning sessions over several days
- Consider professional — If stain doesn’t improve after 3 attempts, hire a professional for deep extraction
- Document — Note stain type, age, and cleaning attempts for professional consultation
How to Choose the Right Carpet Cleaner for Your Needs
Use this checklist when evaluating carpet cleaners:
Cleaning Needs Assessment
- Space size: How many square feet do you clean regularly? (Under 200 = Turboclean Powerbrush, 200–500 = Pet XL, 500+ = Big Green)
- Pet frequency: How often do pet accidents occur? (Weekly = mid-range or professional, monthly = budget)
- Carpet type: Low pile (all models work) or deep pile/shag (need adjustable brush height)
- Stain types: Fresh accidents (Turboclean works) or old penetrating stains (need professional)
Budget Considerations
- Entry budget ($80–$120): Turboclean Powerbrush Pet, Hoover PowerDash Pet
- Mid-range ($150–$200): Turboclean DualPro Pet, Turboclean Pet XL
- Premium ($300–$400): Bissell Big Green Machine, Professional-grade models
Feature Requirements
- Tank capacity: ½ gallon (small spaces) vs. 1 gallon (large areas
- Motor power: 3.4–4.75 amps (budget) vs. 6+ amps (mid-range) vs. 12 amps (premium)
- Above-floor cleaning: Need hose for upholstery/stairs? (Powerbrush lacks it, DualPro/Pet XL have it)
- Edge cleaning: Need edge sweep brushes? (Model 2085 has them, 2987 doesn’t)
Durability Expectations
- Light use (monthly): Budget models like Turboclean Powerbrush work well
- Moderate use (bi-weekly): Mid-range models like Pet XL offer better longevity
- Heavy use (weekly): Premium models or professional service recommended
Long-Term Value
- Total cost: Machine price + cleaning formula + maintenance + potential replacement
- Warranty: Check manufacturer warranty length and coverage
- Parts availability: Are brush rolls, belts, and nozzles easy to replace?
Common Mistakes People Make with the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet
1. Pushing too fast
Why it happens: People think faster cleaning = efficiency.
Consequence: Machine doesn’t have time to scrub and extract, leaving dirt and solution behind.
How to avoid: Make slow, deliberate passes. The manual specifies “slow forward wet pass” and “slow pass forward and back” for extraction.
2. Not making enough passes
Why it happens: People do one wet pass and one dry pass, expecting complete cleaning.
Consequence: Stains remain or return quickly because soil wasn’t fully extracted.
How to avoid: Repeat wet and dry passes until solution being pulled up appears clean. Old stains may need 4–6 total passes.
3. Using cold water
Why it happens: People fill tank with cold tap water for convenience.
Consequence: Warm water activates cleaning formula better and improves stain removal.
How to avoid: Fill clean tank with warm water as specified in instructions.
4. Skipping pre-treatment for heavy stains
Why it happens: People assume the machine handles everything without prep.
Consequence: Old or heavy stains don’t lift because they weren’t broken down first.
How to avoid: Spray heavy stains lightly with pretreatment before machine cleaning.
5. Not cleaning the nozzle after use
Why it happens: People skip maintenance to save time.
Consequence: Nozzle clogs with dirt and hair, reducing suction and cleaning quality over time.
How to avoid: Remove and rinse nozzle under running water after every use.
6. Overfilling the dirty tank
Why it happens: People wait until the tank is completely full.
Consequence: Dirty water can back up into the machine, causing damage or mold.
How to avoid: Empty collection tank when dirty water reaches the full line, not after.
7. Using on deep pile carpet
Why it happens: People assume one machine works for all carpet types.
Consequence: Fixed brush height can’t reach deep fibers, leaving dirt in crevices.
How to avoid: Use Turboclean on low pile carpet and standard area rugs only. For deep pile, choose a model with adjustable brush height.
8. Expecting professional results from budget machine
Why it happens: People compare $100 Turboclean to $350 professional cleaners.
Consequence: Disappointment when stain removal isn’t perfect on heavy soil.
How to avoid: Understand the Turboclean is best for pet messes and light soil, not deep restoration. For heavy soil, hire a professional or buy a premium machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet?
The Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is a lightweight upright carpet cleaner designed for pet owners, using a 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush and powerful suction to remove pet messes, stains, and dirt from carpets.
How much does the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet cost?
The Turboclean Powerbrush Pet retails for $99.99, compared to many competitors priced over $200.
What’s the difference between Model 2085 and 2987?
Model 2085 is 11 lbs with 9.5″ cleaning path, ½ gallon tank, 3.4-amp motor, and edge sweep brushes. Model 2987 PowerBrush Lightweight is 12 lbs with 7.5″ cleaning path, 5/8 gallon tank, 4.75-amp motor, no edge brushes.
Does the Turboclean Powerbrush Pet have a hose?
No, the Powerbrush Pet models (2085 and 2987) do not have a hose for above-floor cleaning. The DualPro Pet and Pet XL models include an 7–8 foot hose.
How long does carpet take to dry after using Turboclean?
Carpet typically dries in 1–2 hours after using the Turboclean, similar to other lightweight carpet cleaners.
Can I use the Turboclean on area rugs?
Yes, the Turboclean works on carpets and area rugs, but only low pile rugs. Deep pile or shag rugs may not clean well due to fixed brush height.
What cleaning formula should I use?
Use Bissell carpet cleaning formula, specifically their pet formula for pet messes. The machine is designed for Bissell solutions.
How often should I clean the nozzle?
Clean the removable nozzle after every use to prevent clogs and maintain suction performance.
Does the Turboclean work on pet urine stains?
Yes, testing shows the Bissell Turboclean ranks #1 for urine stain removal among budget carpet cleaners.
Is the Turboclean better than a spot cleaner?
Yes, the Turboclean is better than a spot cleaner because it cleans larger areas without requiring you to get on your hands and knees to scrub.
What’s the warranty on the Turboclean Powerbrush Pet?
Check the manufacturer’s warranty guide included with your machine for specific warranty length and coverage.
Can I use the Turboclean on shag carpet?
No, the fixed brushroll height struggles with deep pile and shag carpets. The brush can’t reach fibers at the base.
How do I fix low suction on the Turboclean?
Check that the dirty tank seals are sealed, the tank is seated properly, inspect the hose for cracks, and look for clogs in the line.
Does the Turboclean come with a tough stain tool?
No, the Powerbrush Pet models do not include a tough stain tool. The DualPro Pet and Pet XL models include a 3-inch tough stain tool.
How heavy is the Turboclean Powerbrush Pet?
Model 2085 weighs 11.04 lbs, Model 2987 weighs 12 lbs, making it one of the lightest upright carpet cleaners available.
What’s the cleaning path width?
Model 2085 has a 9.5-inch cleaning path, Model 2987 has a 7.5-inch cleaning path.
Can I clean upholstery with the Turboclean Powerbrush Pet?
No, the Powerbrush Pet lacks a hose for above-floor cleaning. Use the DualPro Pet or Pet XL for upholstery and stairs.
How do I clean the brush roll?
Remove the belt cover with a Phillips screwdriver, lift the brushroll to remove the belt, clean the brushroll under running water, then reattach.
Does the Turboclean have a brush on/off switch?
No, the Turboclean Powerbrush Pet does not have a brush on/off switch. The brush runs when the machine is powered on.
Is the Turboclean corded or cordless?
The Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is corded with a 20-foot power cord.
What amp motor does the Turboclean use?
Model 2085 uses a 3.4-amp motor, Model 2987 uses a 4.75-amp motor. Both are below the 6+ amps in mid-range models.
How long is the power cord?
The Turboclean Powerbrush Pet has a 20-foot power cord.
Can I use the Turboclean on stairs?
No, the Powerbrush Pet lacks a hose and attachment for stairs. Use the DualPro Pet or Pet XL for stair cleaning.
What’s the best carpet cleaner for pets overall?
The Bissell Big Green Machine is the best carpet cleaner for pets overall, while the Turboclean is the best affordable option.
How do I know if my Turboclean needs repair?
If the brush roll doesn’t spin, suction is weak, or the machine won’t power on, check the belt, tank seals, and nozzle for clogs. Contact BISSELL Consumer Care at 1-844-383-2630 for support.
Does Every Purchase Save Pets with Turboclean?
Yes, every Bissell purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation® and its mission of saving pets in need.
Key Standards for Carpet Cleaning Machines
While there’s no federal regulation specifically for “carpet cleaners,” the industry follows standards from key organizations:
ASTM F2828 Testing Standard
The ASTM F2828 standard test method measures carpet cleaner cleaning performance by evaluating how well machines remove clay from carpet. The Turboclean PowerBrush 2987 performed “good” in Consumer Reports testing using this standard.
BISSELL Product Standards
BISSELL follows manufacturer quality standards for their carpet cleaners, including tank capacity specifications, motor ratings, and brush system design. Products are tested for cleaning performance and durability before release.
EPA Guidelines for Cleaning Products
The Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on safe cleaning products and proper ventilation during use. Using Bissell’s pet-specific formulas aligns with EPA recommendations for effective, pet-safe cleaning.
Consumer Reports Testing
Consumer Reports independently tests carpet cleaners using standardized methods for cleaning performance, noise, ease of use, and reliability. The Turboclean PowerBrush received good cleaning test scores but poor noise ratings.
Conclusion
The Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet is an excellent entry-level carpet cleaner for pet owners who need reliable stain and accident removal without premium pricing. At $99.99, it out-cleans other lightweight carpet cleaners and ranks as the best affordable option for pet messes, handling urine stains and everyday ground-in dirt effectively.
However, it’s not a universal solution. The fixed brush height struggles with deep pile rugs, the 3.4–4.75-amp motor lacks the power of premium models, and durability concerns exist for heavy weekly use. For small-to-medium spaces (under 200 sq ft), low pile carpet, and occasional pet messes, the Turboclean is cost-effective. For large homes, heavy soil, deep pile carpet, or weekly cleaning, consider the Turboclean Pet XL ($160) or Bissell Big Green Machine ($300–$400).
Most carpet cleaning problems are avoidable with proper technique: slow passes, multiple wet/dry cycles, warm water, and regular nozzle maintenance. Whether you’re buying your first carpet cleaner or upgrading from a spot cleaner, the Turboclean Powerbrush Pet delivers solid value for pet owners on a budget.
For personalized guidance on choosing the right carpet cleaner for your specific needs, carpet type, and pet situation, contact Double Take Carpet Cleaning. Their experienced technicians can assess your situation and recommend the best approach, whether DIY with a Turboclean or professional service for deep restoration.
