The Bissell Pet Stain Eraser is a popular cordless, handheld cleaner designed specifically for pet messes. It uses a unique formula and powerful suction to remove spots and stains from carpets, upholstery, stairs, and other surfaces in your home.
One key feature of the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser is its blinking blue status light. When this blue LED light is solid, it indicates the unit has sufficient battery charge and is ready to start cleaning.
However, when the blue light starts blinking instead of remaining solid, it signifies some type of issue.
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Blinking Blue Light
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser’s blinking blue light:
- What causes the blue status light to blink
- The potential issues signaled by a blinking light
- 7 quick and easy troubleshooting tips to stop the blinking and get your Bissell Eraser back to cleaning
- Proper use and care recommendations to prevent issues
- Answers to frequently asked questions about the blinking blue light
Let’s start by going over what it typically means when this blue indicator light starts blinking instead of remaining steadily illuminated.
Understanding Why the Blue Light Blinks on a Bissell Pet Stain Eraser
The most common reasons for the status light on your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser to blink instead of remaining steadily lit are:
- Battery Issues: If the blinking blue light occurs when charging, it typically signals a problem with the battery or charger connections. Issues include the battery not being seated properly, loose charger connections, using the wrong charger, and battery failure.
- Brush Roller Blockages: Debris wrapped around the brush roller, like pet hair, strings, carpet fibers, etc. This prevents the brush from spinning properly.
- Pump Issues: If the unit isn’t picking up water/formula properly, it could indicate issues with the suction pump that prevent normal operation.
- Dirty Tanks: Debris clogging the dirty water tank, or the clean water/formula tank not being installed correctly can cause improper pump operations.
- General Malfunctions: In rare cases, electrical shorts or malfunctions with the motor, circuit boards, sensors, or other internal components can cause the light to blink as well.
So in most cases, a blinking blue light on a Bissell Pet Stain Eraser indicates some type of issue preventing normal operation – it’s typically NOT an indication of an internal problem with the status light itself. Most blinking blue light problems can be quickly fixed with some basic troubleshooting and maintenance steps.
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Blinking Blue While Charging
Many users first notice the blinking blue light problem when their Bissell Pet Stain Eraser is plugged into the charger, but the light just keeps flashing instead of glowing solid to indicate charging.
If the blue status light blinks when the unit is charging, first ensure the battery is seated properly in its housing. Next, check both ends of the charger cable to ensure there is no damage and both connectors are inserted fully.
Try charging in a different outlet in case there are issues with that particular electrical outlet. Also avoid using generic or aftermarket chargers, as the charging specs must match exactly.
You should also check the battery contacts and connectors for any corrosion or damage. If there are any issues noted, try cleaning the contacts.
Finally, leaving the unit sitting unused or in storage for very long periods with a discharged battery can permanently damage batteries.
So the blinking light on charge may indicate it’s time to replace an old, worn-out battery that simply can’t hold a charge anymore.
Common Root Causes Of A Blinking Blue Light
While the previous section outlined the usual meanings behind why the status light blinks blue instead of glowing solid during normal operation and charging, let’s take a deeper dive into the most common underlying issues.
Knowing the root cause will help troubleshoot the problem more efficiently and prevent repeat occurrences in the future. Here are some of the most common reasons the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser blinking blue light problem develops:
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Brush Roller Blocked by Debris
Pet hair, long strings, carpet fibers, and other debris catching in and wrapping around the motorized brush roller is a prime cause of the blinking blue light on a Bissell Pet Stain Eraser.
When debris jams up and stops the brush roller from spinning freely, sensors in the unit detect the blockage. This triggers the blinking light indicating an issue, for safety and to prompt clearing out the debris.
If you notice reduced suction power, bunching/tangling of debris around the brush roll, or loud noises coming from the brush area – a clog is likely the culprit.
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Pump Issues Interfering with Water Pickup
Problems with the internal suction pump inside a Bissell Pet Stain Eraser can manifest as a blinking status light. The device relies on the continuous operation of this pump system to simultaneously spray cleaning formula onto stains while instantly vacuuming it (along with the stain) up.
When the pump fails or loses prime, normal water and formula pickup functionality gets interrupted. The onboard electronics detect this pump malfunction and indicate it to users via the blinking blue light and cessation of cleaning action.
Pump problems typically occur due to accumulated debris/mineral buildup inside the mechanisms or leaks allowing air infiltration. Using extremely dirty water sources or formulas with particles that can clog intake valves contributes to pump issues over time too.
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Battery Problems
Given these cleaners are powered by removable lithium-ion battery packs, battery issues account for a decent share of blinking blue light problems on the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser.
Faulty batteries, damaged terminals/connectors, improper installation, and usage/storage habits that shorten battery lifespan are the most common battery-related reasons behind a blinking status light.
When battery output voltage drops too low, or connectivity issues interrupt stable power flow to the internal electronics, the status indicator usually blinks rather than glowing solid. Ultimately indicating a battery problem is preventing normal functionality.
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Dirty Internal Components
Pet stains, muddy paw prints, food spills, seasonal debris tracked inside, and general household grime – our floors see it all! Over time, all this dirt and grime migrates into our cleaners too.
The interior of mechanisms like small pumps, solenoid valves, tubing, filter screens, gaskets, sensors, circuit boards, and even status lights themselves inevitably accumulate debris build-up with regular use.
Excess particulate contamination or oily films coating the critical internal electronics of a Bissell Pet Stain Eraser can definitely initiate seemingly random blinking light behavior as performance degrades.
While not extremely common, sometimes deep cleaning the innards helps restore normal operation and stops annoying blinking status lights!
Serious Impacts From Allowing Blinking Light Issues to Continue
While it may be tempting to keep trying to use a Bissell Pet Stain Eraser with a blinking blue light instead of resolving the problem – we strongly advise against it!
Allowing abnormal operations to continue in an attempt to “power through it” risks causing serious damage to the unit. It also poses safety hazards, and gives very poor cleaning results, while making the problem harder to accurately diagnose for proper repair later.
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Hazards From Electrical or Water Exposure
Using any electrical appliance that displays abnormal behavior raises risks of electric shock, shorts, sparking, fire, etc.
The Bissell Pet Stain Eraser relies on the proper circulation of potentially substantial water volumes while energized. So liquid leaking onto internal electrical components significantly amplifies shock and fire risks!
You should immediately stop using a unit showing any signs of abnormal function, especially those indicating internal water leaks near circuitry or the battery. Allow qualified service personnel to examine for safety before further use!
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Permanent Damage
Continuing use with an underlying problem – like blockages putting excessive strain/load on components – often escalates minor issues into complete breakdowns or terminal failures.
Small clogs eventually enlarge, slowly wearing out pumps and motors or destroying bearings/seals. Impaired water flow causes overheating risks too. Plus, debris can penetrate deeper internally abrading critical parts as you keep trying to operate the unit.
Seeking prompt diagnosis rather than trying to force a potentially damaged cleaner to work despite warning signs avoids causing permanent equipment destruction. Catching problems early also keeps repair costs lower in most cases.
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Repeat Failures & Difficult Troubleshooting
If an underlying problem is not properly identified and resolved before placing an intermittently functional unit back into service – repeat failures are almost inevitable.
Intermittent problems or barely noticeable performance degradation left unaddressed allows related components to continue deteriorating through continued compromised use. This quickly leads to the recurrence of blinking lights, error codes, or total failures – now likely at the worst possible times!
These repeat incidents often damage related components that previously functioned normally too. So the set of malfunctioning elements multiplies, complicating troubleshooting exponentially on failures recurring after neglecting early warnings.
Addressing even subtle performance changes promptly makes the reliable and efficient diagnosis of the root causes much simpler – before it leads to role-on collateral damage!
Recognizing Your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser is Fully Charged
As outlined earlier, the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser’s blinking blue light when sitting in the charging base usually indicates some type of battery or charging system issue (though it could have other causes too).
But how can you tell when battery charging has completed if the light continues blinking instead of turning solid?
Here are a few ways to recognize your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser has reached a full charge, even with a blinking status light:
- Charger LEDs Stop Illuminating
Most Bissell chargers have separate LED indicator lights built into their base or AC adaptors. Typically, these light up to indicate power ON and active charging states.
Once the battery internally reaches maximum capacity, these charger status LEDs will turn OFF – even if the blue light on the unit itself keeps blinking.
- Charging Base Feels Warmer
Lithium batteries generate heat during rapid charging cycles. As the battery approaches a full state of charge, the charging current begins tapering off.
This slowing rate of energy transfer reduces surface heating of both the battery and charger base. So if the previously warm charger base feels significantly cooler, the battery likely reached a full charge.
- Time Held at “Peak” Voltage
Advanced lithium battery chargers progressively ramp voltage levels up as internal battery resistance increases nearing a full charge state.
Once reaching optimal peak voltage for that battery type is, the charger maintains this voltage continuously until charge completion.
So if your charger maintains this steady raised voltage for 2-3 hours, the charge cycle most likely completes normally regardless of any blinking indicator lights.
- Battery Run Time Returns To Normal
If your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser runs for normal operational periods on a full battery after extended charging – it provides a reliable confirmation that your battery capacity restored to expected levels.
Any charging system malfunctions inhibiting the battery from fully recharging would result in severely reduced runtimes on a “full” battery.
7 Quick Fixes For a Bissell Pet Stain Eraser’s Blinking Blue Light
When your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser suddenly starts blinking its blue status indicator lamp instead of remaining steadily lit, here are 7 troubleshooting tips to try bringing it back to reliable operation:
1. Check Battery Install & Connections
- Ensure the battery is properly oriented installing in a carrier
- Verify battery terminals fully contact equipment terminals
- Check battery latch clicks fully into the lock position
- Wiggle the battery to confirm a tight fit with no play
- Inspect terminals for debris/damage; clean gently
2. Charge Battery Fully
- Use ONLY the original Bissell charger
- Keep on charge a minimum of 5 hours after the light starts blinking
- Ensure the blinking stops before removing it from the charger
3. Clean Brush Roller Area
- Deactivate the unit; avoid contact with water near electronics
- Remove PowerBrush attachment
- Unwind string/hair/fibers from roller & bearings
- Remove debris between the roller and housing
4. Examine Formula Tanks & Connections
- Ensure clean water and formula tanks are oriented properly
- Listen for click when installing each tank
- Verify release valves move freely; clean as needed
- Check tank connection points for air leaks allowing the pump to lose prime
5. Empty Dirty Water Tank
- Note/treat any odd smells from extracted liquid
- Rinse tank, cap, valves, seals, screens, gaskets thoroughly
- Confirm all components dry fully before reassembly
6. Clean Sensors & Electrical Contacts
- Swab pressure/flow sensors with rubbing alcohol
- Use contact cleaner spray on battery terminals & connectors
- Check all pins/holes in electrical connectors for obstructions
7. Test On Various Stain Types
- Try cleaning both durable & delicate surfaces
- Make separate test spots with water only; formula only
- Verify consistent spray and extraction performance
- Watch closely for any recurrence of blinking blue light
If no obstruction exists, cleaning steps resolve most Bissell Pet Stain Eraser blinking light problems. But for persistent issues, replacing the battery, electronics testing, seal replacements, or specialized repairs may be needed – contact Bissell support for assistance.
Proper Usage & Care To Prevent Blinking Blue Lights
While the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser is remarkably sturdy considering its size and affordable price point – improper usage or inadequate maintenance can still overtax its components.
Applying a few basic care tips helps maintain your machine in peak operating condition. This prevents many performance issues leading to blinking status lights and system failures:
- Frequently clear hair & string wrap from rotating brush rollers.
- Alternate between clean and dirty water tanks when refilling.
- Check filter screens inside tanks regularly for debris clogs.
- Change internal filters per the maintenance schedule.
- Allow mechanism drying before adding clean water formula.
- Store the unit upright on a secure surface; avoid tipping risk.
- Disconnect the battery during long-term storage periods.
- Fully recharge the battery at least monthly if unused.
Additionally, immediately stopping use at the first sign of any operational anomaly (like a blinking indicator light) protects the system. Seek repairs promptly as well – before small issues cascade into major malfunctions from the strain of continued operation.
Following this preventative maintenance approach minimizes performance issues, extends equipment lifespan dramatically, avoids injuries, and reduces the total cost of ownership over your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser’s lifetime.
FAQs – Troubleshooting Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Blinking Blue Light Issues
Stuck troubleshooting frustrating blinking blue light problems on your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions for quick solutions:
- Why does my Bissell blue light keep blinking instead of staying solid?
A blinking blue status light typically indicates some type of fault preventing normal operation. Most commonly debris jams, battery issues low voltage/charge levels, pump failures, or loose hose connections.
- What should I do if my eraser won’t spray water or formula?
Start by ensuring tanks are filled appropriately and installed correctly. Also, check for clogged tubes or loose fittings. Refill tanks with fresh water/formula. If still not spraying, the pump may need replacement.
- Why does my Bissell stain eraser stop spraying and sucking back up water after a few minutes?
This usually occurs when the dirty water collection tank reaches max capacity and can’t contain more liquid – automatic backup prevention protects internal electronics from overflow damage. Simply empty the collection tank more frequently to allow uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
- My pet stain eraser battery won’t charge – the light just keeps blinking! Help?
A blinking light while charging typically indicates loose battery connections or an outdated battery needing replacement. Ensure the charger adapter is fully inserted into both the wall outlet & machine charging port. Also, check battery latch is clicked fully into the locked position and that the terminal contacts are free of debris/damage.
Still won’t charge properly? Replace battery per manufacturer recommendations – avoid using batteries sitting in storage over 6 months.
- What should I do if water leaks from my Bissell pet stain cleaner?
Small leaks generally come from loose hoses not fully secured onto tank fittings or around pump assemblies. However significant leaks likely indicate internal seal & o-ring deterioration needing replacement to prevent irreparable water damage to sensitive electronics.
Shut off & unplug the unit immediately at any sign of water intrusion near electrical components. Schedule a service call for proper diagnosis and repairs before further use!
Bissell Customer Support:
- General Product Support: 1-800-237-7691
- Monday – Friday: 9 am – 9 pm ET
- Saturday: 9am – 8pm ET
- Sunday: Closed
- Support Page
More Fixing Guides:
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you a thorough understanding of why your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser may show a blinking blue light instead of operating normally. More importantly, the troubleshooting tips outlined should get your unit back cleaning pet messes in no time!
Key takeaways include:
- A blinking blue light typically signifies some type of fault is detected.
- The most common issues include battery problems, pump failures, obstructed brush rollers, and dirty water tanks.
- Continuing use while the indicator blinks risks serious damage or hazardous electrical shorts.
- Simple maintenance like charging batteries fully, cleaning sensors, and clearing debris fixes most blinking light problems.
- Catching issues early prevents malfunctions from cascading and simplifies repairs.
Equipped with this information, you can now confidently troubleshoot unexpected blue blinking light behavior from your Bissell Pet Stain Eraser. Here’s to many more years of convenient, hassle-free stain removal using your cordless cleaner!
