How to Work a BISSELL Steam Cleaner: Step-by-Step Guide to Spotless Floors

Steam cleaning is an eco-friendly and highly effective method for cleaning a variety of surfaces in your home, from floors to upholstery. Among the many steam cleaning brands, BISSELL has become a trusted name due to its reliability, ease of use, and versatility.

If you’re new to steam cleaning or simply want to know how to get the most out of your BISSELL steam cleaner, this guide will walk you through the steps. Well also explore its benefits, uses, and how it compares to other steam cleaners.

What is a BISSELL Steam Cleaner?

A BISSELL steam cleaner is a cleaning device that uses the power of hot steam to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria from surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. These cleaners are designed to sanitize surfaces while being gentle on your homes materials. They are commonly used to clean floors, carpets, upholstery, and even kitchen appliances.

Types of BISSELL Steam Cleaners

BISSELL offers a range of steam cleaners suited for different cleaning tasks. The main types include:

BISSELL Steam Mops: Designed specifically for hard floors, such as tile, sealed hardwood, and laminate, steam mops clean and sanitize floors using steam.

BISSELL PowerFresh: A popular model that offers steam control and mop pads for deep cleaning floors while eliminating germs.

BISSELL Symphony: A vacuum and steam mop combination that allows you to vacuum and steam clean your floors at the same time.

BISSELL SpotClean ProHeat: This handheld cleaner is ideal for removing tough stains from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors.

There’s more to explore! Here’s another valuable read: How to Plumb a Pot Filler: Step-by-Step Guide for DIY Success

How Does a BISSELL Steam Cleaner Work?

BISSELL steam cleaners work by heating water to a high temperature to create steam. The steam is then applied to surfaces through a mop head or nozzle, loosening dirt and grime. The hot steam sanitizes the surface, killing up to 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and allergens. The microfiber pads or attachments absorb the dirt, leaving your surfaces clean and sanitized.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a BISSELL Steam Cleaner

Heres a detailed step-by-step guide on how to work a BISSELL steam cleaner:

Assemble the Steam Cleaner

Before starting, make sure your BISSELL steam cleaner is assembled properly. Follow the manufacturers instructions to connect the mop head, handle, and any other attachments that come with your model.

Fill the Water Tank

Once assembled, remove the water tank from the steam cleaner. Fill it with clean, distilled water to prevent mineral buildup. Avoid adding any chemicals, detergents, or cleaners unless specified by BISSELL, as these can damage the machine and void the warranty.

Note: Some models, like the BISSELL PowerFresh, may come with scent discs or optional fragrance waters that can be added to enhance the cleaning experience without damaging the machine.

Power On and Preheat

After filling the water tank, reattach it to the steam cleaner. Plug the cleaner into a power outlet and turn it on. Most BISSELL steam cleaners have an indicator light that will turn on to signal that the device is heating up. It usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute for the water to heat up and produce steam.

Select Steam Setting (If Applicable)

Many BISSELL steam cleaners, such as the PowerFresh models, allow you to select different steam settings (Low, Medium, High) based on the type of surface youre cleaning. For delicate surfaces like sealed hardwood, use a lower steam setting. For tile, grout, or heavily soiled areas, a higher setting may be more appropriate.

Begin Steam Cleaning

Now that the steam is ready, begin cleaning by placing the mop head or nozzle on the surface and slowly moving the cleaner back and forth. The steam will loosen dirt and grime, while the microfiber pad or brush attachment will lift and absorb it.

• For Hard Floors: Move the steam mop in a smooth, even motion across the floor, ensuring that you cover all areas.
• For Stains: If you encounter tough stains on your floors or carpets, hold the steam cleaner over the stain for a few seconds to let the steam penetrate and loosen it before scrubbing or wiping away.

Refill the Water Tank as Needed

If the water tank runs out during cleaning, simply refill it and continue. Most BISSELL models allow you to pause cleaning, refill the tank, and resume without needing to cool down or restart the machine.

Change the Mop Pads

For long cleaning sessions, or if the mop pad becomes heavily soiled, replace it with a fresh one to ensure effective cleaning. BISSELL mop pads are machine-washable, so you can reuse them multiple times.

Turn Off and Store

Once youve finished steam cleaning, turn off the machine and unplug it. Allow the steam cleaner to cool down completely before emptying any remaining water from the tank and storing the unit.

You might also be interested in: How Does a Steam Cleaner Work?

Benefits of Using a BISSELL Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaning offers several advantages over traditional cleaning methods, making it a preferred choice for homeowners. Below are the key benefits of using a BISSELL steam cleaner:

Chemical-Free Cleaning

BISSELL steam cleaners use only water to generate steam, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners. This makes steam cleaning an eco-friendly and safer option for homes with children, pets, or individuals with allergies or chemical sensitivities.

Kills Germs and Bacteria

The high temperature of steam effectively kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses on contact, providing a deep clean without the use of disinfectants. This makes it ideal for sanitizing surfaces, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.

Effective Stain Removal

BISSELL steam cleaners are designed to remove tough stains from floors, carpets, and upholstery. The combination of heat and moisture helps break down dirt, grease, and stains, making it easier to lift them from surfaces.

Versatile Cleaning

BISSELL steam cleaners are highly versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including:

• Hard floors (tile, sealed hardwood, laminate, vinyl)
• Carpets and area rugs (using the carpet glider attachment)
• Upholstery and fabric furniture
• Kitchen appliances (stovetops, countertops)
• Bathroom fixtures (sinks, tubs, grout)

Fast Drying Times

Since steam cleaning uses less water than traditional mopping, floors dry quickly after cleaning. This is especially convenient for households where quick turnaround times are needed.

Easy to Use and Maintain

BISSELL steam cleaners are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and require minimal setup. Most parts, like mop pads and water tanks, are easy to remove and clean.

Don’t miss out on related tips: Read this next: How Does a Steam Cleaner Work on Upholstery?

Limitations of BISSELL Steam Cleaners

While BISSELL steam cleaners are highly effective, they do have a few limitations:

Not Suitable for All Floor Types

Steam cleaners should not be used on unsealed hardwood floors, waxed surfaces, or certain types of laminate, as the heat and moisture can damage these materials. Always check your floor manufacturer’s guidelines before using a steam cleaner.

Manual Scrubbing May Be Needed for Tough Stains

While steam cleaning is effective for most stains, extremely tough, set-in stains may require additional scrubbing or pre-treatment before using the steam cleaner.

High Initial Cost

While BISSELL steam cleaners are a long-term investment, they can be more expensive than traditional mops or handheld vacuums. However, the savings from not having to purchase cleaning chemicals and their versatile usage can offset the initial cost.

There’s more to explore! Here’s another valuable read: Can You Use the BISSELL CrossWave Without Water?

Comparison of BISSELL Steam Cleaners with Traditional Cleaning Methods

To understand how BISSELL steam cleaners compare to traditional cleaning methods like mopping or scrubbing with chemicals, heres a detailed comparison:

Aspect	BISSELL Steam Cleaners	Traditional Cleaning (Mops, Chemicals)
Cleaning Method	Uses hot steam to loosen dirt and sanitize	Uses water, soap, and chemical cleaners
Chemical Usage	No chemicals, only water used	Requires cleaning solutions and disinfectants
Effectiveness on Germs	Kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses	Chemical cleaners disinfect but may leave residues
Water Usage	Low, uses minimal water	High, requires more water and cleaning agents
Stain Removal	Effective on light to medium stains	Depends on the strength of chemicals used
Drying Time	Fast, dries in minutes	Slower, floors remain wet for longer
Ease of Use	Easy to use, quick setup and operation	Requires mopping, scrubbing, and rinsing
Versatility	Can be used on multiple surfaces	Requires different tools for different surfaces
Cost	Higher initial investment	Lower upfront cost, but ongoing costs for supplies

Tips for Getting the Best Results from a BISSELL Steam Cleaner

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the best results when using your BISSELL steam cleaner:

1. Vacuum Before Steaming: Always vacuum or sweep the floors before using a steam cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents dirt from being pushed around and ensures a more thorough clean.
2. Use Distilled Water: To avoid mineral buildup in the steam cleaner, use distilled water instead of tap water, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
3. Change Mop Pads Regularly: For best results, change the microfiber mop pad regularly during cleaning sessions to avoid spreading dirt.
4. Test on a Small Area: Before using the steam cleaner on a new surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that the heat and moisture wont cause damage.
5. Dont Over-Steam: Avoid holding the steam cleaner in one spot for too long, especially on delicate surfaces, to prevent over-wetting or damage.

Conclusion

BISSELL steam cleaners are an excellent investment for anyone looking to maintain a clean, sanitized home without the use of harsh chemicals. They are easy to use, effective on a variety of surfaces, and provide the added benefit of killing germs and bacteria with just water.

If you have floors that are sensitive to moisture or if you need to tackle extremely tough stains, you may need to combine steam cleaning with other methods.

If you want a versatile, eco-friendly, and effective way to clean your floors, carpets, and upholstery, a BISSELL steam cleaner is a great choice. With proper maintenance and regular use, it can help you keep your home spotless and hygienic with minimal effort.