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Wish you could sweep and mop at the same time? The Bissell Crosswave is a multi-surface floor cleaner designed to do just that (and clean area rugs too). This week, we will be putting the multi-surface Crosswave through the Modern Castle performance tests to determine how well this unit can perform as both a vacuum and mop. Mopping & Vacuum Floor CleanerBissell CrosswaveThe Bissell Crosswave is a versatile, wet-dry vacuum that gives users the ability to vacuum, sweep, and mop at the same time. The Crosswave dominated our cleaning tests, removing nearly 100% of all dry and wet debris types. The only major con is it cannot be used on carpets, so it’s not really a whole home cleaner. That said, for all hard surfaces and area rugs it provides exceptional cleaning performance. Highly recommended. Pros
Cons
Wet mess? Dry mess? No problem
96% Summary The Bissell Crosswave is a multi-surface floor cleaner with a great level of versatility paired with strong performance. This specific Bissell is able to suck up dry debris while also mopping and cleaning up wet substances on your hard floors. Additionally, the push of a button allows you to wash you area rugs easily. All things considered, the Bissell Crosswave is a great option for users who want to sweep and mop in one pass. Prefer to watch rather than read? See our Bissell Crosswave video review below: Bissell Crosswave DesignThe Bissell Crosswave Multi Surface is designed with somewhat of a stick vacuum styling, with a few extra additions. Crosswave is part vacuum, part wet mop. As a wet dry vacuum, the cleaning head of this unit contains a multi-surface brushroll that is able to help agitate dirt and debris, in addition to mopping hard floors or wash area rugs. BrushrollSeveral strands of cloth make up the brushroll. By using cloth, the brushroll is able to absorb the cleaning solution and water in order to properly clean the floors. Additionally, the cloth is soft enough to avoid scratching your more delicate floors. Cleaning TankThere are two separate tanks on this Bissell. One is used for the clean water and cleaning solution and the other is used to store the dirty water and debris that is sucked up by the unit. Bissell Crosswave cleaning solution water tankOn the clean water tank is two fill lines; one for small area messes and one for large messes. These lines are clearly marked to show how much water should be added, followed by how much cleaning solution should be added to the water. By following the measurements provided on the tank, users are able to create the right amount of solution to clean the floors with, without wasting any water or cleaner. Dirty TankThe dirty water / debris tank is 0.4 L and can easily be removed from the unit. A small lip on the front of the tank acts as a handle, allowing the user to quickly release the tank from the Crosswave itself. OperatingAlong the handle of this Bissell are the cleaning mode knobs. The two buttons indicate the floor type the user is cleaning on; rug and hard floor. Once the Bissell Crosswave vacuum is turned on, the mode can be quickly changed by pressing one of these two buttons. The trigger that supplies the water and cleaning solution to the brushroll is also located along the handle and can be squeezed once the unit is powered on. Side profile view of the Bissell Crosswave cleaning headA 25′ cord powers the unit and can be wrapped along the back side of the Crosswave. The following tests are designed to show how the Bissell Crosswave Multi-Surface floor cleaner performs as both a mop and a vacuum. We tested the Crosswave as a mop on tile flooring, spreading three different debris types across the floor and attempting to mop them up over the course of three passes. Next, we tested the Bissell Crosswave as a vacuum on an engineered hardwood floor. For this test, we spread four different debris types across our testing lane and attempt to suck each of them up. Below are the cleaning scores for each debris / cleaning type. For starters, the mop test contains three debris types:
Each of these debris types offer a different level of stickiness and consistency, allowing us to test the Bissell Crosswave vacuum against a light, heavy, and liquid substance. All three debris types are spread across our testing lane in three separate sections. What our mopping test look liked before we starting cleaningThroughout our mopping tests, we try to give real life examples and be as consistent and fair as possible. The mopping test procedure goes as follows:
Mopping TestsThe Bissell Crosswave did an excellent job mopping up each of the three debris we spread across our testing lane.
As less of a sticky substance, the dirt posed no issues for the Bissell Crosswave. On the other hand, the honey and soda were not entirely mopped up after one pass. Bissell Crosswave mopping vs. soda, honey, and mud (we cleaned the left side, leaving the right dirty so you could see the difference)Cleaning HoneyThe honey is quite a thick, sticky substance that requires a little bit of extra pressure from the user, in addition to 2-3 passes to completely remove it. Cleaning honey with the CrosswaveAfter our second pass, the honey was virtually non-existent. One final pass left the area where honey was spread, spotless. Cleaning SodaSoda was a bit different than both the mud and honey. The Bissell Crosswave Multi-Surface did not have any problems mopping up the soda, except when it came to mopping it away from the baseboards of our testing lane. When easily accessible, the Crosswave mopped up the soda with ease. However, as we tried to mop the soda that was up against the baseboards, it seemed as if the inch or so of plastic casing around the multi-surface brushroll prevented this Bissell from getting close enough to the baseboard. Liquids that push to the baseboard or wall may be harder for the Crosswave to clean.That said, there was a minimal portion remaining on our testing lane after everything was said and done. We were able to use a small rag and clean up the rest of the mess. RELATED | Wonder how the Crosswave compares to the Hoover Floormate? Find out in our Bissell Crosswave vs. Hoover Floormate comparison. Also see our Bissell Crosswave vs. Symphony comparision. Area Rug Cleaning TestAs one of the more versatile mops we have tested, the Bissell Crosswave also has the ability to wash area rugs. During this test, we took a high pile shag rug that has not been washed in 6 months. The rug sits in a high traffic area of a home and is in a house with one dog and two cats. From there, we used the Bissell Crosswave to clean half of the rug and compare to the other half. After doing so, we found that the Crosswave vacuum was able provide a deep cleaning for the rug. Does it remove dog & cat hair?It removed a sizable portion of dog and cat hair (in addition to other dirt / debris) from deep within the fibers of the rug. The Crosswave was able to remove dirt, debris, and dog hair that our vacuum missedWhile the Bissell Crosswave was able to remove lots of hair, dirt, and debris, it wasn’t able to restore the carpet’s white stripes back to their original vividness. Does it remove stains?To erase the stains from a rug like this one, you will more than likely need a more powerful carpet cleaner or perhaps a stain remover like this. Our cleaning process consisted of three total passes over the dirty area of the rug. During these passes, we saw the carpet get cleaner each pass. By the final (third) pass, the carpet still had some slight discoloration, but there was a definite improvement in smell, aesthetic, freshness, and overall cleanliness. Area rug cleaning test – Bissell CrosswaveProbably the most interesting trait about using the Bissell Crosswave on the area rug was its ability to suck down deeply into the rug.
If you’re able to move quickly, the Crosswave is not as hard to handle, but if you are taking slower passes across the rug, some users may find it a bit harder to push on a thicker rug. On the positive side, this strong degree of suction allowed the unit to remove dog hair and debris that was deeply grounded into the rug. Vacuum Cleaning TestsThe Bissell Crosswave Multi Surface performed flawlessly as a vacuum during our tests. After spreading the rice, kitty litter, cereal, and sugar across our testing lane, the Crosswave vacuum was able to vacuum up 100% of each debris. There were no issues with this Bissell when it came to vacuuming on hardwood floors. Bissell Crosswave vacuuming test vs. cereal, sugar, kitty litter, and riceKeep in mind, the Bissell Crosswave is not designed to vacuum on carpeted surfaces, therefore we did not test this unit, as a vacuum, on any carpets.
Overall, the Bissell Crosswave had an impressive level of performance with regard to vacuuming on hardwood floors. Combining this high level of vacuuming performance with the strong mopping performance makes for a an extremely well-rounded wet dry vacuum. How Bissell Crosswave CleansThe Bissell Crosswave cleans in a few different ways. Since this unit operates as both a mop and a vacuum, the way in which it cleans can vary. VacuumingFirst off, when used as a vacuum, the Crosswave vacuum works to sweep and suck through the suction path and brushroll. The brushroll will spin, sweeping dirt and debris into the suction path of the unit. Bissell Crosswave multi-surface cleaning headFrom there, the suction power of the Crosswave works to lift the dirt and debris into the dust bin. MoppingNext up, the Bissell Crosswave can be used to mop hard floor surface types, such as tile or hardwoods, in addition to washing area rugs. As the Crosswave is placed into hard floor mode, the brushroll will begin to spin. Once this occurs, users can press the trigger on the inside of the handle, which will dispense the cleaning solution onto the brushroll. Bissell Crosswave multi-surface cleaning headNow that the solution has been dispensed onto the brushroll, it can be used as a mop. Yet, it is still going to suck like a vacuum as well. This combination allows users to clean messes that contain both dry and wet debris all in one. For example, cereal and milk – the Bissell Crosswave Multi Surface will suck up the dry debris like a vacuum, while also mopping up the liquid. Area RugsIf you are cleaning an area rug, the unit needs to be placed into “area rug” mode. This is completed by pressing the appropriate button on the handle of the unit.
Bissell does recommend that if a mess is extremely sticky on a hard floor surface, users should place the unit in area rug mode. The added amount of cleaning solution will help lift the sticky substance off of the floor. Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes the Bissell Crosswave work on carpet? No. According to the Bissell Crosswave’s product description it works on seal hard floors and area rugs only. Do not use the Crosswave on carpets. Does the Bissell Crosswave use steam? No. The Bissell Crosswave does not use steam. Instead, it uses a rotating wet-dry brushroll made from cloth fibers and a two tank water cleaning system. Does the Bissell Crosswave clean grout? Yes, to a point. Regular cleaning of your floors with the Crosswave will help to keep dirt to a minimum on your grout lines. However, it is not the same as deep cleaning your grout with more direct cleaning methods. Does the Bissell Crosswave work on laminate floors? Yes, provided the laminate floors are sealed and water proof. You should check with your flooring manufacturer and/or installer to determine if your laminate floors are water proof. Does the Bissell Crosswave clean itself? Yes. The Bisell Crosswave includes a self-cleaning tray. Simply place the Crosswave on the tray and use the Area Rug cleaning mode for a few seconds. This will clean the brushroll. Does the Bissell Crosswave have attachments? Yes, however, the included attachments vary based on the version. All Crosswave versions include a multi-surface brushroll and cleaning tray. Some versions included specialized brushrolls for pets, area rugs, and/or hardwoods. Does the Bissell Crosswave clean area rugs? Yes, and quite well based on our testing data. The Crosswave isn’t a replacement for a traditional carpet shampooer, but it does help to keep area rugs notably cleaner. Does the Bissell Crosswave really work? Yes. The Bissell Crosswave is a powerful wet mop. In addition, it’s able to remove larger dry debris that you would normally need a vacuum or broom for. It performed well during all of our cleaning tests. Does the Bissell Crossave sanitize? No. It does not use steam or harsh chemicals that would sanitize floors of bacteria and viruses. It is a floor cleaner only, not a floor sanitizer. How big is the Bissell Crosswave?The Bissell Crosswave is 46″ tall, 12″ wide, and 10.6″ deep. Additionally, this Bissell weighs 11 pounds.
What accessories come with the Bissell Crosswave?The Bissell Crosswave is a multi-surface wet dry vacuum that includes a few different parts and accessories. The Bissell Crosswave includes the following: Multi-Surface BrushrollThe Bissell Crosswave includes a multi-surface brushroll. This brushroll includes medium firmness bristles, in addition to the softer fibers of the core brush. This makes it great for a variety of hard surfaces, in addition to area rugs. Hardwood Floor BrushrollSome versions of the Bissell Crosswave include the hardwood floor brush. This is similar to the multi-surface brush, except it does not include the medium firmness bristles. This brush is all soft fiber, which is better for polishing hardwood floors. Area Rug BrushrollSome versions of the Bissell Crosswave include the area rug brush. This brush is entirely made up of medium firmness bristles and does not have the core of soft fibers. The firmer bristles create better agitation, which will yield better cleaning performance for area rugs. Pet BrushrollSome versions of the Bissell Crosswave include the pet brush. This brush is similar to the multi-surface brush, however, the firmer bristles sit below a softer bristles. This allows for agitation, but keeps the firmer bristles from grabbing onto longer hairs and becoming tangled. It works on both hard surfaces and area rugs. Cleaning SolutionThe cleaning solution included with the Bissell Crosswave is designed for multiple floor surface types. This solution should be mixed with the water inside of the clean water tank. There are also specific cleaning solutions available for hardwood floors, area rugs, and pets. Cleaning TrayA cleaning tray is also included with the Bissell Crosswave. The unit can be placed on top of the tray with cleaning solution added to the front portion of the tray. Users are the able to turn the Crosswave on and clean the brushroll with this stationary cleaning tray. FilterThe filter included with the Bissell Crosswave is washable, but does need to be replaced eventually. Users will be able to notice the deterioration of the filter over time, which should help to know when the part should be replaced. Although the Bissell Crosswave does not include a large number of extra parts or accessories, there are options to purchase more. See the full list here. Cleaning SolutionsBissell offers a good variety of cleaning solutions, including the following:
Each of these cleaning solutions offers a different scent. Therefore, users have even more variety when choosing which smell they would like to enjoy while cleaning the floors. Is the Bissell Crosswave Easy to Use?The Bissell Crosswave Multi Surface is not a complicated unit to use, but it can be confusing to operate your first time. That said, Bissell does offer a user guide with clear instructions on how to operate / maintain the Crosswave. Cleaning ModesFirst things first, there are two cleaning modes that determine how this Bissell should be used; hard floor and rug. These two modes are controlled by labeled buttons located on the handle of the unit. To remove the brush, simply snap off the protective cover, and then pull the brush along the side “pull” hook.Each of these modes can be used to vacuum or mop / wash your floors. If you decide to use the Bissell Crosswave as a vacuum, the only requirements are plugging in the unit and choosing a floor type. Removing the Crosswave’s dirty water tankThe rest of the work, aside from actually pushing the Crosswave, is controlled by the vacuum. Preparing to CleanAs you move on to mopping, the process becomes a little more intuitive. For example, if you decide to mop your tile floors, the process is as follows:
The more you use this unit, the easier it gets. Filling the water tank is not difficult and is quick to complete. Once you actually power the Bissell Crosswave on, mopping is simple, as long as you are consistent with squeezing the trigger that releases the cleaning solution. To remove the cleaning solution water tank along the back, simply pull up and out from the unit.Some users may find that the unit does not clean its best if the brushroll is not primed before cleaning, or if they are not holding down the trigger while making passes back and forth across the mess. Replacing PartsEach of the water tanks and the brushroll can be removed easily as well. Simply pull on their respective handles and each section will pop off. Be sure you hear a click when replacing each piece, as this ensures everything is snapped into place correctly. Overall, the Bissell Crosswave is not hard to use, but you may want to give the directions a quick read before using it for the first time. RELATED – Interested in how other Bissell’s clean? See our Bissell vacuum reviews, as well as the popular Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, Hard Floor Expert, and Bolt stick vacuum. ManeuverabilityThe Bissell Crosswave vacuum contains a swivel head, but this is not a highly maneuverable swivel head. The head is only able to turn ~25°. The inability to turn could be an issue for some users, depending on the layout of your home. If you are only trying to mop or vacuum open spaces, the Crosswave’s maneuverability won’t be an issue. Although this Bissell is not able to turn sharply, it does contain a 25′ cord. Therefore, the cleaning radius of this mop is quite large. Maintenance TasksMaintaining the Bissell Crosswave is of the utmost importance. If you do not pay attention to the maintenance and care of this unit, you may experience less than ideal cleaning performance.
Annual maintenance costs for the Bissell Crosswave lands around $40 / year. This includes replacing the filter and brushroll once a year and 64 oz. of multi-surface cleaning solution. DIY Cleaning SolutionAround 50% of the on-going maintenance costs for the Crosswave will be the cost of your cleaning solution. You’ll save yourself at least $20 / year if you make your own homemade cleaning solution. Before you dive in to making your own cleaner please be aware:
While it can save you a few bucks, if there’s a chance it could damge the machine it just doesn’t feel worth it. One commenter below said vinegar cleaning solutions damaged the seals of her Crosswave. So proceed with caution. Bissell Crosswave vs Pet ProThe Crosswave is offered as the standard Crosswave as well as a Crosswave Pet Pro. There are not many differences between the two, but certainly enough to sway your decision if you’re a pet owner.
To begin with, the design of these two Bissell’s is structurally identical on the Bissell Crosswave vs Pet Pro. The only design difference between these two units is the color scheme. The standard Crosswave (which we are focusing on in this review) is green, whereas the Bissell Crosswave Pet is purple. When we take a look at the brushrolls included with these two units, the Bissell Crosswave Pet is going to include a multi-surface brush designed specifically for pet hair.
Included with the standard Bissell Crosswave is a similar brushroll, minus the extra pet featured tangle free design. Pet Cleaning SolutionAdditionally, the purchase of a Bissell Crosswave Pet will contain the multi-surface pet cleaning solution instead of the standard multi-surface cleaner included with the original Crosswave.
If you’re looking for additional help dealing with pet hair, see our Dyson Ball Animal 2 Review. Is the Bissell Crosswave worth the money?In our tests, the Bissell Crosswave removed nearly 100% of all dry and wet debris types. The only downside is that it doesn’t work on carpets. However, it does an excellent job at removing rice, sugar, cereals, dirt, debris, and pet hair from area rugs and tile/hardwood floors. Its accessories, especially the self-cleaning tray, can make cleaning a lot easier. The Crosswave can also be used on waterproof laminate floors. Just make sure you check with your flooring manufacturer first. All in all, the Bissell Crosswave offers great value for the money, as you can use it to vacuum, mop, and sweep most types of surfaces. The Bissell Crosswave is definitely worth it and offers an amazing value. This Bissell acts as both a mop and vacuum, and does an excellent job cleaning in both forms. The price you pay for this unit is well worth the high level of performance you receive. CleaningDuring our cleaning tests, there were hardly any issues. As a vacuum, the Crosswave was flawless. As a mop, it was nearly perfect. The only area where we saw a problem was having the unit try to mop up liquid that was up against a baseboard. While the Crosswave was not able to clean up 100% of the liquid, its performance with other messes was perfect. ManeuverabilityManeuverability is perhaps my biggest complaint. The Crosswave has a limited turning radius of ~25°. As a result, it’s best suited to go straight forward and straight back. That said, it does have a 25′ cord, which is a nice feature. MaintenanceMaintenance isn’t too bad considering the cleaning performance. The cleaning solutions could get pricey. Beyond that, it’s simply replacing the filter and brushroll as needed. Warranty and returns are about average with the Crosswave. Bissell offers a 2-year warranty and a 30-day return policy (via Amazon.com). RELATED – See the full list of vacuums we’ve reviewed here. Bissell Crosswave Reviews: What Do Other Consumers Say?To better understand general consumer opinions on the Crosswave we looked at Bissel Crosswave reviews on Bissell.com. Overall, the Crosswave reviews are excellent. Out of 3,916 reviews the Crosswave received 4.6 stars. 2,961 Crosswave reviews were five-stars and 153 reviews were one-star Complaints among the one-star reviews ranged from performance issues, damaging floors, build quality, and specific floor type issues. Here’s an example of a one-star review:
The five-star reviews tend to be shorter and all about the same. Most focused on the performance, lightweight feel, and usability. Here’s an example of a Bissell Crosswave review that received five-stars:
One thing to note, I really like that Bissell shows both positive and negative reviews on their website. The Bissell Crosswave reviews are easily filterable, so you can see certain review scores, as well as other filter / sort criteria. Bissell Crosswave SpecificationsBelow is a complete list of important specifications and features included on the Bissell Crosswave: Who Should Buy the Bissell Crosswave?The Bissell Crosswave is a well-rounded unit that has the ability to sweep, vacuum, and mop all at the same time. If you’re looking to knock out all of these, plus wash your area rugs, then the Bissell Crosswave Multi Surface could be a good addition to your household. I would recommend the Bissell Crosswave if you’re looking for the following features in a wet dry vacuum:
One last note, please remember that the Crosswave shouldn’t be used on carpets. Area rugs are fine, but not regular carpets. For more information on the Bissell Crosswave visit here. ChangeLog
Can you use Bissell crosswave on all floors?Safe and effective for use on tile, sealed wood floors, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, rubber floor mats, pressed wood floors, area rugs, and more. PICK UP PET MESSES. CrossWave Pet Pro multi-surface cleaner comes with a Tangle-Free Brush Roll, Pet Hair Strainer and PET Multi-Surface Formula with Febreze Freshness.
What is a cheaper alternative to the Bissell crosswave?What is a cheaper alternative to the Bissell Crosswave? The Bissell Crosswave is an excellent product, but its performance comes at a price. A cheaper alternative is the Hoover Floormate. Both models can be used for vacuuming and mopping. They have a similar design and performed well in our cleaning tests.
Does Bissell crosswave really work?The Bissell Crosswave is a versatile, wet-dry vacuum that gives users the ability to vacuum, sweep, and mop at the same time. The Crosswave dominated our cleaning tests, removing nearly 100% of all dry and wet debris types. The only major con is it cannot be used on carpets, so it's not really a whole home cleaner.
Can you use the CrossWave just as a vacuum?Can You Use the Bissell CrossWave as Just a Vacuum? This is a question that we received a lot and the answer is yes, absolutely. The Bissell CrossWave is a 2-in-1 vacuum that combines the functionalities of a vacuum cleaner and a floor mop.
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