Pet owners face a constant dilemma: Do you drag out a 30-pound professional carpet cleaner every time the dog tracks in mud, or do you rely on a tiny spot cleaner and crawl around on your knees? Neither option is ideal for everyday maintenance.

The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner aims to bridge that gap. Weighing just 16 pounds but boasting a 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush, it promises the power of a full-sized upright with the convenience of a lightweight stick vac. It targets the same “compact upright” market as the Hoover PowerDash Advanced, but with a few key differences in tank size and brush design.

Is this the perfect middle-ground machine for busy households, or does it sacrifice too much power to save weight? We analyzed its cleaning path, suction capabilities, and ease of use to find out.

1. What is the TurboClean Pet XL?

The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL is an upright carpet cleaner designed for whole-room cleaning in smaller homes or apartments. While it is significantly lighter than the massive ProHeat 2X models, it is larger and more capable than portable spot cleaners like the Little Green Mini.

The “XL” in the name refers to its 10-inch cleaning path and 1-gallon clean water tank, which are larger than the standard TurboClean models. This means fewer trips to the sink and faster cleaning times for hallways and living rooms.

2. Key Features & Tools

4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush

Most compact cleaners rely on a single, small brush roll. The TurboClean Pet XL features a 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush. These multiple rows of bristles vigorously scrub the carpet fibers to loosen embedded dirt and allergens. This mechanical action is crucial for removing dried-on pet messes.

Lightweight & Collapsible

Weighing in at roughly 16 lbs, it is easy to maneuver around furniture. A standout feature for apartment dwellers is the collapsible handle. You can shorten the machine for storage, allowing it to fit easily into closets or small utility spaces where full-sized uprights wouldn’t stand a chance.

Dual Tank System

It utilizes a two-tank system to keep clean water and formula separate from the dirty water. The clean tank holds a generous 1 gallon, reducing the number of refill breaks during a cleaning session.

3. Performance: Pet Hair & Stains

Handling Pet Messes

The 4-row brush roll is aggressive on stains but needs to be maintained. Like most cleaners, it will pull up pet hair. Bissell includes a removable nozzle that makes it relatively easy to clear out hair clogs after a session. For tough urine stains, the included Pet Stain & Odor formula works well to neutralize smells rather than just masking them.

EdgeSweep™ Bristles

One frustration with carpet cleaners is that they often leave a dirty strip right against the baseboards. The TurboClean Pet XL features “EdgeSweep” bristles on the sides of the foot, which help scrub effectively right up to the wall, ensuring you don’t miss the edges where dust bunnies collect.

4. Bissell TurboClean XL vs. Hoover PowerDash

This is the main battle in the compact upright category. Comparing it to the Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced:

• Tank Size: Bissell XL wins with a 1-gallon capacity vs. Hoover’s 0.5 gallons. You refill the Hoover twice as often.
• Weight: Hoover is lighter (13 lbs) vs. Bissell (16 lbs).
• Cleaning Path: Both are around 10 inches, but Bissell’s 4-row brush feels slightly more robust.
• Tools: The Hoover “Advanced” often includes a hose for upholstery. Check if your specific Bissell bundle includes a hose, as some base models do not.

Verdict: Choose the Bissell TurboClean XL if you have larger rooms to clean and hate refilling tanks. Choose the Hoover if you need the absolute lightest machine possible.

5. Technical Specifications

6. Pros & Cons

7. Buyer’s Guide: Who Needs This?

The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL is the ideal choice for:

• Apartment Dwellers: Who need a machine that stores small but cleans big.
• Pet Owners: Perfect for weekly maintenance of high-traffic “pet highways” in hallways.
• Value Seekers: Offers 80% of the performance of a ProHeat 2X for half the price.

If you need to detail your car or clean stairs frequently, ensure you buy a bundle with a hose attachment, or consider a dedicated spot cleaner like the Hoover CleanSlate Plus.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Does it heat the water?

No, the TurboClean Pet XL does not have an internal heater. It relies on the heat of the tap water you fill it with. For best results, use hot tap water (not boiling).

Is it hard to push?

At 16 lbs, it is relatively lightweight compared to other uprights. However, the strong suction can create a seal with the carpet, making it slightly harder to pull back on thick plush carpets.

Can I use this on hard floors?

No, this model is designed for carpet only. The aggressive brush roll could scratch delicate hardwood or scatter water on tile.

How do I store it?

The handle collapses down, reducing the height significantly. This allows it to fit on the floor of a standard closet underneath hanging clothes.