Cleaning our homes can be such a drag sometimes, am I right? No one really enjoys hauling out the vacuum or getting down on hands and knees to scrub the floors. We all wish there was an easier way to get those dull, dirty hard floors looking fresh and clean again.
Well, there is – the Bissell CrossWave! This handy little gadget is a game-changer for washing hard floors. Trust me – no more vacuuming first and then mopping afterward with the crosswave.
The CrossWave uses a special cleaning solution made specifically for the machine. But sometimes we get tempted to use more affordable, familiar cleaners we already have at home, like good ol’ Pine-Sol. But hold up – can you use Pine-Sol in your Bissell CrossWave?
Continue reading to find out
Understanding the Bissell CrossWave
The Bissell CrossWave has a two-tank system. One tank holds clean water and formula, while the other tank collects dirty water.
The formula mixes with the water and is dispersed onto the floors and then vacuumed back up along with the dirt and grime. This allows you to vacuum and wash your sealed hard floors simultaneously.
Why Use the Specialized Formula?
Bissell specifically designed a solution to use with the CrossWave. This formula helps trap dirt, lift stains, and leave floors clean and shiny. It also helps protect the machine from odors, residues, and premature breakdown.
However, using other cleaners could potentially damage the CrossWave or leave unwanted residues behind. The specialized formula is gentler on floors but still effectively cleans.
Can I Use Pine-Sol in the CrossWave?
While it may seem convenient, you should not use Pine-Sol or other cleaners in the Bissell CrossWave. Here are a few key reasons why:
Pine-Sol Could Damage the Machine
Pine-Sol contains ingredients like pine oil, isopropanol, and surfactants like sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. These could potentially react with the CrossWave’s components and cause corrosion or build-up of residues.
Using abrasive cleaners can damage the water filter, spray nozzles, or vacuum flex hose over time. This could reduce cleaning performance or lead to costly repairs.
It May Not Rinse Away Completely
The CrossWave relies on clean water rinsing away dirt and formula after it’s applied to floors. Pine-Sol and other cleaners may not dilute and rinse away fully.
Residue left behind could make floors sticky or cause rapid resoiling. Floors may appear clean but have lingering chemical residues you can’t see.
Could Lead to Excess Foaming
Pine-Sol is formulated to foam when used for cleaning. Excess foaming inside the CrossWave’s water tanks could cause the tanks to overflow.
It may also clog vacuuming by releasing thick foam onto the floors. This foaming action is great for hand mopping but problematic in the CrossWave.
May Damage Floors
The CrossWave formula is designed to be gentle on all sealed hard floors. In contrast, Pine-Sol contains ingredients like pine oil that could potentially damage some floor finishes, leaving them dulled or scratched.
It’s best to avoid harsh cleaners that can strip floors of protective coatings with repeated use. The CrossWave formula is a safer bet for keeping floors damage-free.
Can Harm Pets
Pine-Sol has an intense pine scent from natural pine oil. This aroma can be overwhelming for pets, especially cats. Breathing the strong fumes could cause respiratory irritation.
Pets may also ingest residue left on floors if Pine-Sol is used in the CrossWave. This could cause stomach upset or more serious conditions like chemical pneumonitis.
Recommended Cleaning Solutions
To keep your CrossWave running optimally, use Bissell’s specialized floor cleaning formulas. There are formulas designed for wood floors, area rugs, and sealed tile/stone.
You can purchase Bissell CrossWave cleaning solutions:
- In store at places like Walmart, Target, etc.
- Directly from Bissell.com
- On Amazon
Read: What Can I Use In My Bissell Carpet Cleaner?
Can You Use Other Cleaners Occasionally?
Once in a while, it may be okay to use a cleaning solution besides the Bissell formulas. But proceed with caution.
- Make sure it’s a mild, unscented cleaner safe for floors and pets.
- Dilute it more than you typically would for mopping.
- Rinse with clean water afterward.
- Limit use to only occasional, not all cleaning sessions.
- Check floors for any damage, residue, or change in appearance after use.
Bissell does not recommend or authorize using other cleaners regularly. Always refer to the CrossWave user manual for guidance to prevent misuse.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, – we know it’s tempting to want to save a few dollars by using Pine-Sol in your Bissell CrossWave. But as you can see, it’s just not worth the risks. In this case, it is important to use the Bissell solutions the machine was designed for.
It’s the best way to keep the CrossWave working properly and prevent any damage. Stick to the cleaner made for your machine, and your floors will look amazing every time.