Why Does My Bissell Carpet Cleaner Start Smoking?

Bissell carpet cleaners are a popular choice for many homeowners because they can clean carpets quickly and easily. However, When using your cleaner, it’s conceivable that it will occasionally smoke. This can be a bit alarming, but don’t worry – there’s usually nothing wrong!

Usually, your Bissell carpet cleaner smells like smoke, or worse, it starts to smoke, and it is due to a clogged filter. Try cleaning the filter with soap and water. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the filter, which generally solves the cleaner’s smoking problem. If that doesn’t work, then you’ll have to check for other causes of the smoke.

As an owner of a Bissell carpet cleaner, you may have experienced your machine starting to smoke.

While this can be scary, there are a few reasons why this happens. I’ll explain why your Bissell carpet cleaner may start smoking and what you can do to fix the problem.

Why Your Bissell Carpet Cleaner Is Smoking? A Few Possible Reasons Why And What You Can Do About It

Reason #1 Wrong Setting of The Cleaner

Let’s start out with the simple problems first. Your Bissell carpet cleaner is smoking because the brush roll is spinning too fast. When the brush roll on your Bissell carpet cleaner is spinning too fast, it can cause the carpet cleaner to smoke.

Solution

To fix this, simply turn the brush roll knob to the “slow” setting.

Reason #2 Worn Out Brushes

Your Bissell carpet cleaner may start smoking because the brushes are worn out. The brushes help to agitate the carpet and loosen dirt, so they can get pretty worn down over time. When the brushes are worn out, they can cause the motor to overheat and start smoking.

Solution

When your Bissell carpet cleaner is smoking due to worn-out brushes, you’ll need to replace them. First, try to clean it. If that doesn’t work, you can find replacement brushes online or at your local Bissell retailer.

Reason #3 Dirty Clogged Brush Roll

The second reason your Bissell carpet cleaner may start smoking is because there is something caught in the brush roll, for example, a string or thread. When something gets caught in the brush roll, it can wrap around the shaft and cause friction and the motor to overheat, resulting in the cleaner start smoking. This causes heat to build up and smoke to start coming from the bottom of the machine.

Solution

To fix this problem, you’ll need to remove the brush roll and clear any debris that may be caught in it. Once the brush roll is clear, you can reassemble your Bissell carpet cleaner, and it should be good as new.

Reason #4 Slipping Worn Out Belt

Sometimes, your Bissell carpet cleaner is smoking because the belt is worn out. The roller brush is driven by a belt, and when this belt gets worn out, it will start to slip. Resulting in the roller brush spinning faster than it should, which in turn causes the motor to overheat the cleaner and starts smoking.

Solution

To fix this problem, you will have to simply replace the brush roll belt. In some cases, the motor may need to be replaced.

You can find replacement belts for your Bissell carpet cleaner model at most hardware or home improvement stores. If unsure which belt to get, check the Bissell website for replacement parts info.

Reason #5 Overheating Motor

Your Bissell carpet cleaner is smoking because the motor is overheating. The motor on your Bissell carpet cleaner is responsible for circulating the cleaning solution through the carpet, and when the motor overheats, it causes the carpet cleaner to smoke.

Solution

Let the Bissell carpet cleaner cool down for at least 15-30 minutes before using it again. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the motor on your Bissell carpet cleaner.

Finally, If your Bissell carpet cleaner is still smoking, there may be a more serious problem.

In this case, it’s best to take your machine to a Bissell authorized service center to have it checked out because no one likes dealing with a smoking Bissell carpet cleaner.

A Quick Checklist to Check All the Reasons for Bissel Cleaner Making Smoke In One Go

1. Unplug your carpet cleaner from the outlet and leave it unplugged for at least an hour to allow the motor to cool down.
2. Remove the water tank, empty it and rinse it out with warm water. Refill the tank with cold water and replace it.
3. Take the dirty water tank out of the carpet cleaner and empty it. Rinse the tank out with warm water and refill it with cold water. Replace the tank.
4. Lift the floor nozzle off of the carpet cleaner. Turn the carpet cleaner over so you can see the bottom.
5. Remove the screws that hold the bottom plate in place with a screwdriver. Lift the bottom plate off of the carpet cleaner.
6. Locate the motor on the bottom of the carpet cleaner. The motor will be a large, black cylindrical object.
7. Remove the screws that hold the motor in place with a screwdriver. Pull the motor out of the carpet cleaner.
8. Inspect the motor for any debris or dirt that may be causing it to overheat. Clean the motor off with a rag.
9. Replace the motor in the carpet cleaner and screw it in place. Replace the bottom plate and screw it in place.
10. Plug the carpet cleaner into the outlet and turn it on. Test the carpet cleaner to see if it is still smoking.
11. When your Bissell carpet cleaner starts smoking, it’s essential to take immediate action. This is usually caused by a problem with the motor, and if not addressed, can lead to a fire.

Why Does My Bissell Carpet Cleaner Smell Like Burning?

The most likely reason for a Bissell carpet cleaner to smell like burning is that the belt is slipping. If the belt is slipping, it will cause the brushroll to slow down and creates a burning smell.

This is a prevalent question that a regular Bissell cleaner owner has.

Other than belt slipping, There are a few things that could be causing your carpet cleaner to smell like burning.

Determining the Source of Burning Smell

First, check your power cord to see if it is frayed or damaged in any way. If the cord is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Second, check the bottom of your carpet cleaner to see if there is any debris or dirt build-up. If there is, this can cause your carpet cleaner to smell like burning.

Third, check the brushes on your carpet cleaner. If they are worn out or damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Finally, check the belt on your carpet cleaner. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced, and you can’t work with a damaged belt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

So, what was the problem? Is it the cord, the brushes, or the belt…? There are a few things that could have caused your Bissell carpet cleaner to smell like burning, but which one is it? Let us know in the comments below!