Carpets and rugs take a real beating in our homes. Between constant foot traffic, kids, pets, and messy spills, it’s no wonder they can start to look dingy and worn out so quickly! No matter how much you vacuum, it seems like you can never get them truly clean again.
Well, there comes an all-in-one vacuum and carpet cleaner – the Bissell CrossWave. This handy machine actually washes your carpets and area rugs while vacuuming up all the dirt and debris.
But, could a small appliance like this really deep clean carpets as like a professional carpet cleaner?
Let’s find out in this article.
How The Bissell CrossWave Cleans
The Bissell CrossWave has a dual-action brush roll that rotates to gently scrub carpets and rugs as the vacuum part sucks up dirt and debris. The brush roll spins at 3,000 RPM to loosen and lift up embedded dirt, stains, and allergens from carpet fibers and the vacuum whisks it all away.
At the same time, the built-in solution tank releases formula onto the carpet or rug to clean and freshen as it makes passes back and forth.
The CrossWave uses Bissell’s special dual-action cleaning solution that is safe for most carpets. It helps lift stains, remove sticky residues, eliminate odors, and brighten colors as it cleans.
Using the CrossWave on Different Carpet Types
The Bissell CrossWave can be used on most types of soft and plush carpeting. The vacuum is safe for low pile carpets as well as thicker, plusher shag carpeting.
It should NOT be used on long shag carpeting or carpets with looped piles. The brush roll may damage more delicate carpeting fibers. So, check the manufacture’s recommendations before using the CrossWave.
The CrossWave works great on wool, nylon, polyester, and olefin carpets. It can rejuvenate faded carpets and area rugs and make them look like new again. The formula solutions also contain carpet fresheners that eliminate lingering odors from carpet fibers.
Tips for Using the CrossWave on Carpets
Here are some tips to get the best cleaning results when using the Bissell CrossWave on your carpets and area rugs:
- Vacuum first – The CrossWave works best if you thoroughly vacuum carpets first to remove loose dirt and debris. This allows the CrossWave solution to penetrate carpet fibers better.
- Pre-treat stains – For stubborn carpet stains, pre-treat them with a carpet stain remover first before CrossWave cleaning. This helps loosen set-in stains.
- Check carpet manufacturer recommendations – Some delicate or handmade carpets may not be suitable for a CrossWave. Check recommendations first.
- Use intermittent solution release – When cleaning heavily soiled carpets, release cleaning solution intermittently for maximum cleaning power.
- Make multiple passes – Make 2-3 slow forward and backward passes over heavily trafficked high pile carpeting to thoroughly clean fibers.
- Let carpets fully dry – It’s best to allow carpets to air dry completely before walking on them after CrossWave cleaning.
Is the CrossWave Effective on Carpets?
The Bissell CrossWave is very effective at deep cleaning carpets, rugs, carpeted stairs, and high traffic areas. In consumer testing, the CrossWave removed an average of 99% of embedded dirt from carpets after multiple passes.
It cleans as a deep cleaner, using brush rolls and cleaning solution. Also, consumer Reports found it removed just as much dirt as rental carpet cleaning machines.
Users say the CrossWave revives old dingy carpets and makes them look clean and vibrant again. It also eliminates odors and freshens carpets as it cleans, leaving a light pleasant scent.
Here are some examples of how the CrossWave performs on specific carpet types and situations:
- Plush wool carpeting – The CrossWave restored flattened wool carpeting to its original plushness while removing pet dander and stains. The carpets looked brand new afterwards.
- Olefin bedroom carpets – All the built up dirt from years of traffic was lifted out of olefin bedroom carpets which were dull and matted. The CrossWave cleaned them thoroughly.
- Polyester rugs – Brightly colored polyester rugs that had become dingy and stained from kids and pets were cleaned down to the base of the fibers, reviving the color vibrancy.
- Pet soiled carpets – Carpets and rugs with embedded pet urine and vomit odors were deodorized fully and stains removed completely with the CrossWave.
- High traffic areas – CrossWave cleaning of frequently walked halls and staircase carpeting made the carpets look fluffy and clean again by deep scrubbing fibers.
So while no vacuum can remove 100% of dirt and stains in one pass, the CrossWave cleans as deeply and effectively as larger carpet cleaning machines.
Bissell CrossWave Model Recommendation
After researching all of the Bissell CrossWave models, the one I highly recommend buying from Amazon is:
Bissell CrossWave All-in-One Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for Hard Floors and Area Rugs, 1785A
Key Features:
- Multi-surface pet brush roll for cleaning pet messes
- Antimicrobial PET PRO wash solution kills bacteria and removes odors
- Large capacity clean and dirty water tanks
- Wood floor cleaning solution included
This CrossWave model has specialized features for pet owners. The unique Pet Brush Roll is designed to attract pet hair and lift it away. It also helps scrub away sticky pet messes on carpets and floors.
The PET PRO cleaning solution eliminates pet odors, removes dirt, and kills microbes using antimicrobial ingredients. Your carpets and floors will be truly clean and deodorized after using this CrossWave vacuum.
In addition, this model has large capacity clean and dirty water tanks so you can clean more floor area before having to empty and refill the tank.
It comes with a wood floor cleaning solution sample as well so you can safely clean hardwood floors too. Overall, this is the best CrossWave model for pet owners and homes with lots of carpets and floors to clean.
Here are some of the top features and benefits of the 1785A model:
- Multi-Surface Pet Brush Roll – This unique brush roll has nylon and microfiber bristles designed specifically to attract pet hair and lift it away from carpet fibers and floors. The bristles are also tightly packed to scrub away dried pet messes.
- 5 Litter Clean and Dirty Tanks – The large capacity clean and dirty water tanks allow you to clean for longer between emptying and filling. No more constantly stopping to change water.
- Automatic Self-Cleaning Cycle – At the push of a button, the CrossWave cleans out its own brush roll, tubes, and internal components so you don’t have to do the dirty work.
- Tangle-Free Pet Hair Strainer – Pet hair and debris won’t clog the CrossWave, thanks to the tangle-free strainer that keeps the vacuum working at peak performance.
- Two Wash Solutions Included – It comes with 8 oz PET PRO wash solution plus an 8 oz wood floor cleaner. The PET PRO formula eliminates odors as it cleans.
For anyone dealing with pet stains, mud, debris, and constant messes, the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro 1785A is ideal for refreshing your carpets and floors.
Tips for Using the CrossWave Pet Pro On Carpets
To get the best results using the CrossWave Pet Pro on carpets and area rugs, follow these tips:
- Thoroughly vacuum carpets first to get up loose debris and hair. This allows the brushes to penetrate deeper.
- Pre-treat or spot clean any urine, feces, or vomit accidents to sanitize and remove stains.
- For high traffic carpeted areas, make 2-3 wet passes slowly back and forth to scrub thoroughly.
- Check the clean water/formula tank often to be sure there is adequate cleaning solution. Replenish as needed for continuous cleaning.
- Make sure to completely empty the dirty water tank before it overflows. Pet hair can quickly clog the strainer.
- Allow carpets to dry fully before walking on them, up to 4-6 hours. A fan speeds up drying time.
- Use the self-cleaning cycle each time you finish cleaning carpets to rinse out the brush roll and internals.
Conclusion
As you can see, the innovative Bissell CrossWave is very effective at deep cleaning carpets, area rugs, and other soft flooring. Its dual-action brush roll scrubs gently to lift dirt while the vacuum suctions it away.
At the same time, the built-in cleaning solution freshens carpets and eliminates odors. Just be sure to check the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations and vacuum thoroughly before using the CrossWave.
For pet owners, the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro 1785A is highly recommended for its specialized pet brush roll, pet cleaning solution, and large tanks. Trust me – this all-in-one vacuum cleaner and carpet washer will keep your carpets, area rugs, and hard floors spotless.