Bissell CrossWave Floor and Area Rug Cleaner A: Yes, you can leave clean formula/water in the tank when not in use.
Hi Morgan - it's safe to leave any unused formula in the machine. We do not recommend leaving dirty water in the cleaner.
Some may be tempted to just let the carpet air dry and let it take care of itself. However, It's a bad idea to leave a wet carpet alone and hope for the best. Wet carpet is an invitation for mould to grow, not to mention the damage it can cause to the carpet.
Step 5: Rinse Your Carpets (Optional)
All you need to do now is let the carpet fully dry and be amazed at the difference you see. We are always here to help if you have questions about any of our cleaning tips or our products.
In many cases, using plain water in your carpet cleaning machine is enough to flush out soil and dirt. You can even add a bit of dishwashing detergent to help freshen the carpet. (Dishwashing soap with grease-cutting capabilities can even help remove certain oil-based stains.)
Bissell CrossWave Floor and Area Rug Cleaner
A: Yes, you can leave clean formula/water in the tank when not in use.
Hot water loosens and softens dirt more quickly, making it easier to remove, and it also helps to kill bacteria. That's why we recommend filling up your carpet cleaner's tank with warm water. Some BISSELL Carpet Cleaners also use HeatWave technology to keep the water hot throughout the cleaning process.
We recommend you only go over the same area once when carpet cleaning to avoid over saturating your carpets.
Strictly precautionary and for your protection, please do not let children or pets on damp carpets or fabrics. Do not walk barefoot or in socks, or touch wet carpet or fabrics. 24 hours recommended. Use booties or clean soled shoes to walk on damp carpet.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that mold thrives in moist environments. This means that if your carpet is consistently exposed to water or high levels of humidity, it is more likely to develop mold. This can occur due to spills, leaks, or other sources of water that come into contact with the carpet.
How long did the water sit on your carpet? According to FEMA, you need to begin the cleaning process before that 24 to 48-hour window when mold and mildew begins to grow. Miss that window of time? You will probably need new carpeting.
Naturally, all carpet cleaners will leave some moisture, which will dry out in the hours following the cleaning process. However, if the carpet remains wet long after cleaning, it's because the final step of that process was insufficient.
You don't have to use the Bissell solution, but it is optimized for use in their machines.
Rinsing your carpets is an essential part of the cleaning process so don't get lazy at the last hurdle! While you can just rinse with water, for best results, using a rinse aid is advised. It will leave your carpets feeling soft, fresh and smelling great.
While baking soda and white vinegar are popularly used for cleaning, these should not be used with a carpet cleaning machine. We recommend sticking with professional cleaning solutions when deep cleaning your carpet.
Whilst a professional is attempting to remove a stubborn stain the carpet may have received too much moisture, and excessive rinsing can saturate the area and allow water to penetrate into the carpet backing and underlay. The clean water will then mix with the stain and become dirty and discoloured.
Abrasive cleaners can damage the carpet fibers and leave a bare spot where the stain used to be. The same goes for heavy-duty scrubbing brushes. If you must scrub your carpet, use a mild cleaner and a soft bristle brush to prevent damage.
Yes and no. On one hand, you should keep cleaning until the water runs clear. This will ensure that all the dirt and grime are removed from the carpet. However, on the other hand, you shouldn't scrub too hard or use too much water.
Start Cleaning the Carpet
Once the carpet cleaner is up and running, start moving it back and forth while pulling the trigger to release some of the water and detergent. Start at the far end of the room and work your way out, ensuring that you're not oversaturating the carpet.
Using warm tap water (140°F, 60°C MAX) will help to get the best clean. Fill to the WATER line and then add in your desired formula* to the FORMULA fill line. Using water that is too hot can cause deformities to the clean water tank which can impact machine performance.
On page 3 of the User's Guide it plainly states: "Never put descaling , aromatic, alcoholic or detergent products into the steam cleaner, as this may damage it or make it unsafe for use." White vinegar is considered a "descaling" product.
Drying time will vary by the type of carpet, thickness of the pad and the cleaning techniques of the user. On average, it's best to wait four to six hours before walking on the carpet after carpet cleaning.