When I pulled out my Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro and saw all the different attachments, I’ll be honest — it felt a bit like unpacking a mini cleaning toolkit I wasn’t fully sure how to use. I knew each piece was designed to make cleaning easier, especially with pets in the house, but figuring out which tool went where took some trial and error.
If you’ve ever wondered which attachment tackles stairs, which one is best for upholstery, or how to snap everything into place without the hassle, you’re not alone. Let me walk you through how I use each attachment so you can get the best (and fastest) clean every time.
Image by villaggiolepalme
Why the Attachments Are the Real Heroes
The big upright part of the ProHeat 2X is great for carpets, but the moment you snap on one of the five attachments, the machine turns into a completely different beast. You can hit stairs, upholstery, mattresses, car seats, area rugs, and those impossible crevices behind the toilet.
I once spent an entire paycheck having a pro company clean my sectional. Two years later I did the exact same job myself in two hours with the 3-inch tough-stain tool and the Deep Reach pet tool. Same results, way less money.
Meet Your Attachment Lineup
Your Pet Pro usually comes with these five attachments (check your box—sometimes they hide in the Styrofoam):
- 3-inch Tough Stain Tool – small but mighty for spots and spills
- Deep Reach Pet Tool – longer bristles, injects solution deeper into cushions
- 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool – has a dry-only rubber strip and a wet-cleaning side
- HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool – cleans the hose so you don’t store stink
- Stain Trapper Tool – traps pet messes in a separate chamber so they don’t get pushed around (absolute genius for “accidents”)
When to Pull Out Each Attachment (Real-Life Examples)
I keep them in a little caddy right next to the machine so I’m not hunting while the dog is still dripping mud.
- Coffee or wine on the couch → 3-inch Tough Stain Tool
- Cat pee that’s soaked into the cushion → Deep Reach Pet Tool
- Dog hair embedded in the car seats → 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool on dry mode first, then wet
- That mystery smell in the mattress → Deep Reach again, followed by the 2-in-1 dry strip
- End of the cleaning session → HydroRinse tool so the hose doesn’t smell like a swamp next month
Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Sofa Like I Do Every Month
Grab a drink, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and let’s clean a couch together.
- Vacuum first. Always. I use my regular vacuum with the upholstery brush. Loose hair and crumbs will clog the Bissell otherwise.
- Fill the clean tank with hot tap water to the “water” line and add Bissell Pet Pro Oxy Urine Eliminator formula to the “formula” line. I’ve tried cheaper detergents—trust me, the genuine stuff works better on pet messes.
- Snap on the 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool. Pull the rubber strip down if you’re just sucking up hair first (dry mode).
- Do one dry pass over the whole sofa to grab hair and dust. You’ll be shocked how much comes up.
- Flip the rubber strip up for wet mode. Start at the top back of the cushion and work down in slow, overlapping strokes. Pull the trigger to spray, release, then pull back slowly to suck. Don’t rush—two seconds per pull is about right.
- Hit any dark stains with the 3-inch Tough Stain Tool. Pretreat with a little formula straight from the bottle, wait two minutes, then go to town.
- Switch to the Deep Reach Pet Tool for seat cushions that have seen years of dog butts. The bristles dig deeper and the extra solution gets down where smells live.
- Let it dry. I point two box fans at the couch and crack a window. Takes about 3–4 hours instead of all day.
How to Use the Stain Trapper Tool (Because Gross Happens)
My labrador once had an upset stomach on a beige area rug. I thought the rug was headed for the landfill. The Stain Trapper Tool literally traps the solids and nasty liquid in its own chamber so you’re not pushing particles around. Attach it, pull the trigger, and watch the mess get sucked into the little trap instead of redistributing. Empty the trap outside and thank the engineers at Bissell.
Cleaning Stairs Without Wanting to Cry
Stairs used to be my least favorite job. Now I do them in ten minutes flat.
- Use the 3-inch Tough Stain Tool for the traffic lane in the middle.
- Switch to the Deep Reach Tool for the corners where dog hair collects like tumbleweeds.
- Hold the hose up high so the weight of the machine isn’t pulling you backward down the stairs. I loop the hose over my shoulder like a purse strap.
Car Seats and Area Rugs Love the Attachments Too
The 2-in-1 tool is perfect for my SUV. I do dry passes until no more golden retriever glitter comes up, then one light wet pass. Smells like new car again. For 8×10 area rugs, I roll them up, take them to the driveway, and hit both sides. Way cheaper than Rug Doctor rental.
Common Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To
- Over-wetting. If you leave puddles, cushions can grow mold. Slow trigger pulls, not fire-hose mode.
- Skipping the dry vacuum pass. Clogs the machine fast.
- Storing the hose dirty. Run the HydroRinse tool with clean water for 30 seconds after every job.
- Using regular detergent instead of low-foam formula. You’ll be cleaning foam out of the recovery tank for days.
Quick Comparison: Which Attachment for What?
| Job | Best Attachment | Runner-Up | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh pet urine | Stain Trapper Tool | Deep Reach | 20 minutes |
| Embedded dog hair | 2-in-1 (dry mode first) | – | 15 minutes |
| Red wine on cushion | 3-inch Tough Stain | Deep Reach | 10 minutes |
| Mattress odors | Deep Reach + 2-in-1 dry | – | 25 minutes |
| Stairs traffic lane | 3-inch Tough Stain | Deep Reach | 8 minutes |
Eco-Friendly Mix I Use When I Run Out of Bissell Formula
Sometimes Amazon is slow. My backup solution that works almost as well:
- 2 cups hottest tap water
- 1 tablespoon clear dish soap (no moisturizers)
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 10 drops tea tree or lavender essential oil (optional, but smells amazing)
It foams less than the commercial stuff, so it’s safe in the machine. I still use real Bissell formula for heavy urine stains though—nothing beats the oxygen boost.
Maintenance That Keeps Your Machine Running Five Years Strong
- Empty and rinse both tanks after every use.
- Run the HydroRinse tool monthly.
- Lay the hose out straight to dry so it doesn’t kink.
- Once a year, remove the brush roll and cut wrapped hair with a seam ripper. Takes five minutes, adds years to the motor.
The Moment I Knew the Attachments Were Worth It
My mother-in-law was coming to stay for a week. The guest room mattress had a faint cat-pee smell from the previous owners (we bought the house that way). I spent 45 minutes with the Deep Reach tool and the 2-in-1 dry strip. She slept there seven nights and never said a word. That’s when I knew these attachments pay for the whole machine ten times over.
Next time the dog tracks mud across the ottoman or the kid spills chocolate milk, you’re not calling a $300 service—you’re grabbing the hose, snapping on the right tool, and handling it like a pro.
Final Pro Tip From Someone Who’s Cleaned Way Too Many Couches
Always test a hidden spot first. I learned that lesson on a $2,800 sectional when the dye ran a little. One tiny spot on the back corner saves heartbreak.
FAQ
Can I use the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro attachments on a microfiber couch?
Yes, but use very light passes and the lowest spray setting. Microfiber hates getting too wet. Always check the tag—look for “W” or “WS.” If it says “X” or “S” only, vacuum only.
Will the attachments really remove old pet odors?
They do if you combine the Pet Oxy formula and the Deep Reach tool. Odors live deep in padding; surface spraying doesn’t cut it. Two or three thorough sessions usually knock it out completely.
How long does furniture take to dry after using these attachments?
With good airflow and moderate solution, cushions are touch-dry in 3–5 hours and fully dry in 8–12. Speed it up with fans or a dehumidifier.
Can I use the tools on leather furniture?
No. Water and leather are not friends. Use the 2-in-1 tool on dry mode only for hair removal, or stick with a dedicated leather cleaner.
Is the machine heavy to carry up stairs when using attachments?
The tank stays downstairs—you only carry the hose and tool. It’s maybe 4 pounds total. Total game changer.
