For ease and comfort, I like using tools like the Bissell CrossWave to help solve problems faster and better. This machine works like a regular vacuum, and it comes with a custom cleaning solution. Do people want to know if they can use alternatives like bleach in a Bissell CrossWave?
Yes, you can use alternatives like bleach in your Bissell CrossWave primary because the machine belongs to you. However, bleach is the least option I’d suggest as it is harsh and could destroy your floor if not properly diluted. You could also forfeit the product warranty should you use solutions other than the factory-made cleaner.
Nonetheless, many people still choose their personal liquid cleaner and have used it successfully. Additionally, other homemade mixtures could serve as liquid cleaners, provided you mix and use them well. This article will tell you how the Bissell cleaner works and other alternatives to their factory-made liquid cleaner.
How Do I Use a Bissell CrossWave?
Contents
A CrossWave is a modern cleaning tool similar to the regular vacuum and works well on different surfaces. Bissell CrossWaves can be used wet or dry. It’s also easy to move around because of the lightweight (about eleven pounds).
A rolling brush and suction are attached to pick and remove dirt from the surface. There are two small knobs on the handle, which perform two distinct functions. One knob cleans hard surfaces, while the other works for carpets and different mild floor types.
Bissell CrossWaves also have double tanks. One holds the liquid cleaner, while the other keeps the dirt sucked up from the floor. There’s a separate trigger knob that allows you to release and regulate the amount of liquid cleaner on the floor.
This function will help maintain surfaces like wood that can be discolored or destroyed by excess moisture. The dirt tank also gives it an advantage over regular mops. This is because you won’t have to drag your cleaning solution into a different container or change it when dirty.
If you want to vacuum dry as with the regular type of vacuum, a Bissell CrossWave can do that. You’ll need to keep your hands off the knob, which releases the liquid cleaner. A Bissell CrossWave is suitable for a wide range of floor patterns.
What Cleaning Solutions Can I Use in a Bissell CrossWave?
Bissell solution suits many floor types and is safer than homemade cleaning solutions. There are, however, other alternatives you can use in your Bissell machine.
Bleach
Although this solution can be harsh in its concentrated state, bleach is an effective stain remover. You’d have to ensure that it’s appropriately diluted with water to minimize damage to surfaces. Unlike other liquids, no matter how mild a bleach solution is, it’s still unsafe for wood floors.
Surfaces made of wood are not water-resistant. Adding a harsh liquid-like bleach will only cause further harm. Your floor surface could suffer discoloration or damage over time due to bleach absorbed into it.
Wood surfaces are porous and will retain moisture no matter how well cleaned. Therefore, bleach should be used on firmer surfaces such as sheet vinyl. On the positive side, bleach is a highly effective disinfectant.
If you use it, as little as about six teaspoons in your CrossWave liquid tank will do.
Ph Neutral Surface Cleaners
Porous floor types like hardwood and natural stone tiles require more caution and a mild liquid cleaner. Ph neutral surface cleaners are pretty effective for porous floor types. However, it would help if you still diluted it to avoid discoloration.
An effective and suitable pH-neutral cleaning agent is Zep. It’s mild on surfaces and will help protect your floors against damage.
Vinegar
This is another alternative cleaner and works well for disinfecting surfaces like bleach. While bleach is a better disinfectant because it kills up to 99% of germs, vinegar destroys about 89%. The benefit is that it’s safer and milder, even on soft floor types like carpet.
Vinegar is suitable for waxed floors but not ideal for unsealed surfaces like marble, silk, granite, or wool. To use it on wood flooring, ensure that it’s properly diluted. The concentrated vinegar could damage the floor finish if it’s not diluted enough with water.
Use the same amount as bleach, or dilute half a cup in a gallon of water before emptying into your CrossWave.
Hot Water
This may sound like a weird idea to many people, but hot water can make an excellent cleaning solution. It may interest you to know that professional and home care companies recommend using hot water for cleaning.
Unlike most cleaning solutions that leave residues on your floor, hot water ensures that your floor doesn’t trap dirt. In addition to saving money, hot water cleans so well you would be amazed by the results.
Custom Shampoo
For a mild and well scenting cleaner, consider a homemade cleaning agent for your Bissell CrossWave.
You’ll need to mix the following:
- A gallon of water
- Half cup of laundry conditioner
- A cup of ammonia
- Half cup of regular laundry detergent
Stir the mixture well and store it in a dry, empty container with a covering or lid. Your custom shampoo should serve for multiple cleanups. Shake the mixture well each time before pouring it into your Bissell CrossWave tank.
Caution
Acidic agents such as bleach shouldn’t be mixed with other chemicals or domestic ingredients. Doing that could result in an adverse reaction, causing more damage to your floors.
Also, the leftover particles could be harmful and harsh on the skin. Ensure to clean your Bissell equipment after use to prevent its squirt nozzle from sticking or blocking.
How Do I Clean My Bissell CrossWave Brush?
As mentioned before, you need to clean your machine after use to preserve its durability. This part is as critical as the actual cleaning, mainly if you use homemade solutions. Homemade cleaners often leave sticky residues that glue or jam up the squirt nozzle.
First, you need to detach each part of the equipment and carefully rinse them to remove stuck particles. Next, rinse and wipe the cleaning liquid tank. Empty the dirty water from the suction tank, rinse it well and wipe afterward.
Don’t forget to wash and wipe the lids as well. Next, you need to wipe dirt off the Bissell brush roll. Continue by taking out the plastic covering around the brush with a simple push upward.
Extract the brush roll by pushing the knob on both sides, then pulling it outward. Rinse the brush preferably under warm or hot water for a while, then place it somewhere airy to dry out. Proceed by wiping the chamber where the brush is kept in a downward movement, using a clean rag or paper towel.
Afterward, clean out the squirt nozzle so it doesn’t get clogged or glued by particles from your homemade solution. Finally, reassemble the machine parts once they have dried out and keep them away for future cleanings.
In closing, remember that it requires proper maintenance to increase the lifespan of your Bissell CrossWave. So follow all the necessary precautions and use the correct measurement for your cleaning solutions.
I’m positive you’ve learned how to take proper care of your Bissell equipment and what cleaning solution works for it.
