Hi Tom - We recommend using distilled or filtered water. Unfiltered water could cause mineral build up and stop the mop from steaming. We do not recommend using any chemicals, formulas, or cleaners in this mop.
This is why you DO NOT need to use distilled water in a Chief Steamer. Tap water is generally fine.
Use tap water instead of distilled water to fill the steamer. (Tap water, especially in areas with hard water, contains minerals that build up in the steamer's water reservoir and nozzle.) Leave water in the tank instead of emptying it after each use.
We recommend distilled or demineralised water when using your Steam Shot™ to reduce the risks of mineral deposits accruing in your water tank over time.
That probably depends on the quality of your tap water. Bissell strongly recommends using distilled water. If you have "hard" water, mineral deposits will most likely accumulate (eventually) in the machine and cause it to stop steaming.
The manual recommends distilled water. Water contaminants will clog the steam nozzle, which is applicable to the question about additives. Spray cleaners like 409, etc. on the extreme dirt areas of the floor or surface before steaming.
Tap water also contains calcium carbonate, which can actually clog the steamer head over time. This can obstruct the steam output, which will in-turn reduce your cleaning power. With distilled water, calcium carbonate is removed so you don't have to worry about build-up.
Boiled water refers to water that's simply been heated to boiling point. Although this kills potential pathogens that can be harmful to humans, it's not considered purified. Distilled water, however, is a much purer form of water that's had all of its impurities, minerals, and microorganisms removed.
Why is BISSELL recalling Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner? Out of an abundance of caution, BISSELL is voluntarily recalling its Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner because, in rare cases, this product can expel hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use, posing a burn hazard.
We recommend using distilled or demineralized water in place of tap water. Do not use any chemicals in the water tank.
One common substitute for distilled water is purified water, which has undergone a filtration process to remove impurities. While purified water may still contain some minerals, it is generally considered a safe alternative in most cases, especially for cleaning or drinking.
The best water to use is distilled water because tap water can contain heavy metals and other pollutants that can affect the integrity of the steam itself and shorten the life of your steamer.
Nothing but water, and preferably DISTILLED water and not tap water. You run the risk of having the mop plug up and stop steaming if you add anything else to the tank...and doing so will void the valuable 2 year manufacturer's warranty you get with this mop.
The common contaminants found in the tap water include chlorine, fluoride, copper, iron, lead, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, uranium, and more, which each one of them could cause serious health problems.
Tap water is a source for creating steam. However, eventually, poor tap water will damage your sterilizer.
The performance of a humidifier largely depends on the kind of water it processes. Using tap water, which often contains high levels of minerals, can cause white dust to accumulate. This white dust is not only a nuisance to clean but is also a sign that your humidifier might be working harder than it needs to be.
NOTICE: This product is under a recall.
They were sold during August 2008 through May 2024. The affected model numbers should match the model numbers listed above. Please proceed to the BISSELL® Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner Recall Page for more detailed instructions.
A separate class action lawsuit was filed against Bissell in January by a consumer arguing the company sold certain vacuums that allegedly contained a defect that caused them to overheat and potentially catch fire.
Rainwater is water that has been condensed from the clouds. The first drop is distilled water. But when it falls as rain, it picks up germs, dust, smoke, minerals, lead, and many other atmospheric chemicals.
No. BRITA water filters which contain ion exchange resin and activated carbon reduce substances from tap water that can affect its taste and appearance. The process only partially de-mineralises water. Distilled water, in contrast, is fully de-mineralised.
Your steam iron or garment steamer has been designed to be used with tap water. However, if you live in an area with hard water, fast scale build-up may occur.
Filtered Water
Of course, not all chemicals and unwanted materials are filtered out because the process isn't the same or effective as the one that distilled water goes through. Because of this, you should avoid putting filtered water in your steamer. The same goes for bottled water, as it is also filtered water.