Do your floors need extra care? A regular mop isn’t enough to keep them clean if you have pets and children. Unlike a steam mop, it won’t sanitise the crevices of your floor effectively. You’d still find sticky residue or dried-on messes even after hours of scrubbing.
With traditional mopping, you may also need to use cleaning solutions to eliminate germs in your home. Most of which contain chemicals that are not safe for your furry friends and young children. Besides vacuums, a steam mop with a refillable water tank is an excellent tool for a more thorough cleaning.
But not all steam mops work well on cleaning the floors. Luckily for you, we found these BISSELL Steam Mops. Check out our review below and see how these tools will help make your cleaning session better.
BISSELL Steam Mops
Being in the business since 1876, BISSELL is a reputable provider of premium cleaning products. Now, it provides a wide selection of the best steam cleaners. As a family-owned business, BISSELL is passionate about helping you have a clean and mess-free living environment. It’s most evident in their steam mops that work best for all types of household and everyday messes.
BISSELL steam mops have excellent power cleaning. The mop head of their products is easy to manoeuvre, allowing you to get into deep corners of the floor. It also comes with washable or reusable Microfiber pads. BISSELL’s products have a two-year warranty that covers mop repair and replacement. However, the terms and conditions on this matter can vary depending on your state.
The steam mops crafted by BISSELL won’t only help you take care of your floors. They also design their products to save and support homeless pets. This means that when you purchase a BISSELL steam mop or any of their products, you’re also helping pets find a loving home.
How BISSELL Steam Mops Work
Steam mops come with different features, and they almost always work the same way. There’s a button you need to press to heat water from a refillable tank. It will create steam down into the pad covering the mop head. You can then manoeuver it over your floor. The moisture dries up quickly, leaving you with spotless floors.
BISSELL steam mops, however, have a more convenient filling and storing. They have a water cup that you can attach to the steam mop’s handle. Thus, it’s easier for you to fill the tank with the appropriate amount of water.
Unlike a regular floor cleaner, BISSELL steam mops sanitise and clean floors without toxic chemicals. These steam mops work on sealed hardwood, tile, granite, marble, and ceramic floors. Because of a swivel steering mechanism, you can easily move it around and under the furniture.
If you want to get optimum results, here are some practices you need to follow when using a BISSELL steam mop:
- Prepare your floor: Regardless of the type of steam mop, it’s always best to sweep or vacuum the floor beforehand. It doesn’t have to be an extreme sweeping or vacuuming session. Just clear out the loose debris scattered around. Skipping this step hampers the steam mop’s ability to do a better job.
- Ready the steam mop: Make sure to ready the steam mop. If you use a cordless one, have it charged before cleaning. BISSELL has cordless options, and they also have those with a power cord that’s ready to use within 30 seconds. Note that the mop pads absorb the dirt from the steam. Ensure to buy extras so you can change the pad as it becomes dirty now and then.
- Use a steam mop at least once a week: A steam mop is most suitable for maintenance cleaning. Depending on your family’s activities inside the home, it should be at least once a week or more frequently. Using a steam mop on heavily soiled floors may not be a good idea. The hot steam will splodge the dirt all over the floor.
Things to Know Before You Buy a BISSELL Steam Mop
Steam mops are effective cleaners for grime and other messes on the tile, hard floor, or grout surfaces. While BISSELL steam mops often get top ratings, you have to consider your unique needs and how you plan to use them.
Here are three things to consider before you buy a BISSELL steam mop:
Floor Type
The excess moisture of the steam can damage some surfaces. Assess the type of floors you have. Although steam mops work on some laminate and hardwood floors, some flooring manufacturers have specific warnings about steam cleaning.
Investing in a steam mop would be a great idea if you only have one type of floor in your home. A general-purpose steam mop is usually better if your property has different floor types.
But BISSELL steam mops are designed for various flooring, so you have several options. When in doubt, consult your model’s instruction manual.
Usefulness
A steam mop can help you save time cleaning floors, but it does need some prep work to get optimum results. It’s ideal for cleaning up stubborn dirt grime stains. A traditional mop is often more absorbent and suitable if you’re only looking for a quick cleanup for spilling drinks.
Luckily for you, BISSELL steam mops are versatile and easy to set up no matter the mess. You only need to fill up the water tank to the required level, wait for a few seconds, and you can begin cleaning.
Expectations
The heat of steam mops is effective for removing splotches and sticky substances. But most of them can’t absorb large amounts of liquid. This is why using a regular mop and bucket is often a better option for big splashes and spills.
BISSELL steam mops are great options if frequent large spills are your concern. There are some mops with built-in vacuum cleaners.
Factors to Look for in a Quality BISSELL Steam Mop
BISSELL has a range of versatile steam mops. These mops can give you peace of mind and spotless floors with their superior cleaning power. But each has varying features that can affect the quality of results you’ll get.
The best steam mops not only provide remarkable outcomes. They also make your cleaning experience easier and more enjoyable. To help you find a quality BISSELL steam mop, look for the following factors.
Weight
Steam mops are usually lightweight compared to vacuum cleaners, but some still weigh heavier than others. When choosing a BISSELL steam mop, try it out in the store so you can ensure it’s easier to move around and carry from room to room. Note that the steam mop’s tank size can add to its weight, especially when it’s full of water and in use.
Water Tank Capacity
BISSELL steam mops with small water reservoirs are lighter. But the size of the steam mop’s water tank determines how long it will function before you need to refill it with water. A tank with a smaller size means frequent refilling. Thus, it may not be a practical choice if you’re cleaning a large property.
Bigger water tanks let you clean longer without having to refill. But they can be heavier and more challenging to use and store because of their larger size. Consider the size of your tank and your area when selecting the right BISSELL steam mop.
Versatility
Steam mops are generally designed for cleaning floors. But some models of BISSELL mops have versatile features. You can transform them into handheld steam cleaners and use them to sanitise curtains, appliances, and other parts of your home.
You can also fold some steam mops flat to clean up hard-to-reach areas. Others have features like scrubbing fibres to wipe off indelible stains. Make sure to look for a BISSELL steam mop with multiple purposes.
Steam Output Settings
BISSELL steam mops come with different steam settings. Some have steam control that lets you adjust the amount emitted. This is important, especially if you’re dealing with flooring that cannot take the heat at any temperature.
With an adjustable steam setting, you can lower the steam on sensitive flooring and dispense more to areas that need deep cleaning. But for a deep clean, find a steam mop that reaches between 140 and 179.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Attachments and Brushes
BISSELL steam mops have a wide selection of attachments and brushes. Some models have a carpet glider, enabling you to move across the carpeted surfaces and clean the carpets and rugs using hot steam.
Other attachments comprise washable and reusable cleaning pads. There’s also a bristle brush perfect for cleaning sinks, countertops, ovens, showers, and much more. Check to see the attachments included with the steam mop so that you can pick the most suitable one.
Sanitisation
You can use steam mops for sanitising without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s a safe way to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces that kids and pets come into contact with. But you’d have to hold the mop in place for at least 10 minutes to ensure it’s effective. Note that too much heat can also damage the floor.
If you’re looking to use your steam mops to disinfect, pick a model with adjustable steam levels and a telescoping handle feature. They can help make steam cleaning more manageable and effective.
Drying Times
Since steam mops are water-based cleaners, you need to allow drying time. While it depends on the surface type and the water’s temperature, it can take between 8 to 24 hours for steam cleaning to dry completely.
But BISSELL steam mops clean and dry out faster than the other models. Because they can heat water to high temperatures, the heat is forced through the mop and contributes to quicker drying times.
BISSELL Steam Mop Models and Types Reviews
BISSELL steam mops come in various models with several different features. Choosing the best steam cleaning tool depends on your needs and preferences. Hence, read the following reviews for BISSELL steam models and types to give you a headstart.
PowerFresh® Steam Mop Hard Floor Steam Cleaner
BISSELL PowerFresh steam mop is a well-balanced and top-performing steam cleaner. Its features and superior three cleaning modes are a real heavy hitter. Assembling this steam mop is easy, requiring only a single screw.
What we like about this model is the 16-ounce removable water tank capacity. It allows you to clean for more extended periods without stopping to refill the reservoir. We also like its flip-down scrubber, which you can engage with your foot when you encounter stuck-on messes while mopping.
Its 23-foot power cord makes cleaning more convenient. We don’t need to change outlets now and then to clean most rooms. However, we find this steam mop leaving some residue on the floors because it doesn’t come with a tray to rest on after you use it.
If you’re looking for an affordable steam mop with good manoeuvrability and natural sanitisation, this BISSELL PowerFresh will not disappoint.
PowerFresh® Pet Lift-Off® Steam Mop
BISSELL PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off Pet is a versatile steam cleaning tool with 13 accessories. You can convert it into a handheld steam cleaner, allowing you to clean other areas of your home besides the floors. You only need to detach the body from the handle, then you can use different attachments, depending on what you need.
We love its tremendous steam pressure, which you can customise based on your cleaning needs. We also love its manoeuvrability over every type of flooring and the 25-foot cord that lets you clean around without having to plug on different outlets. The transparent tank is also one of our favourites. It’s easier to monitor the water level and top off whenever it’s already running low.
The downside is that switching between floor mopping and using attachments takes time. It’s also hard to fill the water tank because of its location and narrow opening. But if an inexpensive and all-around cleaner matters to you, this is the best option.
PowerFresh® Slim 3-In-1 Steam Mop and Handheld Steam Cleaner
BISSELL PowerFresh Slim is a powerful and lightweight steam mop that you can convert into a portable handheld steamer or an extended handheld cleaner. This model is highly manoeuvrable with nine accessories that involve floor mop attachment and wall mount for easy storage. This BISSELL steam mop’s slim design and low profile allow you to target and clean hard-to-reach spots.
We like the on-demand steam trigger of this model, which helps you dispense the right amount of steam on the flooring and other surfaces. It has an extra bristle scrub brush that lets you clean more surfaces. But our favourite is the clothing steamer tool. It enables you to steam your clean clothing, curtains and other fabrics.
Note that this model is a bit more pricey than the others. However, if affordability isn’t a big deal to you and you’re looking for something with convenient storage and a mess-free configuration, this is an excellent choice.
Symphony™ All-In-One Vacuum and Steam Mop
The BISSELL Symphony is a big time-saver for cleaning. The built-in steam mop lets you sanitise hard floors without using any chemicals. Meanwhile, the vacuuming option of this model allows you to clean away dirt and dust. Depending on your needs, you can use this tool as a vacuum and mop simultaneously or use each function separately.
Its dry tank technology is what we love about this model. It keeps the dry debris in a separate container during the steam cleaning. It also has a quick-release mop pad tray, which allows you to change cleaning pads easily.
But this type of BISSELL steam cleaner doesn’t have any mechanism to absorb large amounts of liquid. Since it’s only for bare floors, you’d need to buy a separate vacuum cleaner for your carpet. If you have relatively clean floors and spills are not much of a concern, this is a great tool for you.
PowerFresh® Pet Steam Mop Hard Floor Steam Cleaner
BISSELL PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop is an ideal cleaning tool for fur parents. It has a flip-down easy scrubber that’s great for cleaning up dried-on pet messes. Like other BISSELL steam mops, it sanitises your home without harsh chemicals, so it’s safe for pets.
The odour eliminating scent discs is one of the things we love about this model. You can insert it into the mop pad and eliminate pet odours while you’re steam cleaning. This BISSELL PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop is easy to set up. You can use it in 10 minutes or less. The problem with this steam mop, though, is that you may have to refill the water reservoir more frequently.
PowerEdge™ Lift-Off® 2-In-1 Steam Mop
BISSELL PowerEdge Lift-Off 2-In-1 Steam Mop is a great cleaning tool for bare floors and sealed hard floors. But it has a detachable handheld steamer that you can use for multiple surfaces above your floors, such as countertops and sinks. It’s easy to manoeuvre around tight spaces because of its triangle foot and swivel steering mechanism.
The best thing about this BISSELL model is its removable water tank, which is easy to refill. It also comes with steam-ready lights that notify you when the steam mop is ready to use. The disadvantage with this BISSELL PowerEdge is the power cord length. Because it’s only 16 feet, you’d have to keep moving where you plug it in.
PowerFresh® Deluxe Steam Mop
BISSELL PowerFresh Deluxe is a lightweight steam mop that cleans larger areas. It comes with a detachable SpotBoost brush that helps scrub away stuck-on messes. Its well-thought-out design makes refilling the water tank easier.
There are also Spring Breeze Fragrance discs if you want some scented boost. You have to insert it into the tray, and there’ll be a burst of fresh scent during the steam cleaning. But we find that this steam mop doesn’t include hands-free cleaning pad changing. This means you have to brush off the toughest layered messes by hand.
If you’re searching for a high-value steam mop, this PowerFresh Deluxe is a top choice. It’s not expensive but has excellent cleaning performance.
Symphony™ Pet All-In-One Vacuum and Steam Mop
BISSELL Symphony Pet All-In-One Vacuum and Steam Mop makes mopping up pet messes easier. What makes this steam model a cut above other mops is you can steam clean and vacuum pet hair and debris at once. It has a hands-free emptying feature, which we love the most. You can empty the dirt tank without getting your hands messy.
It comes with disposable mop pads to clean your pet messes and odour eliminating scent discs that help remove pet odours. This steam cleaning tool doesn’t have a swivel mechanism. Still, it’s an excellent choice for a household with some pets running around.
Cleaning and Protecting Your BISSELL Steam Mop
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keep your steam mop running smoothly and extend its life. It’s highly recommended to clean it after every use. Note that it’s best to follow the user guide when doing this. But here are some general cleaning tips for your BISSELL steam mop.
- Unplug your steam mop from the power outlet before cleaning it to avoid accidents.
- Ensure to empty the water tank after use to prevent moulds and corrosion that shorten the mop’s lifespan.
- Clean around the inside of the water tank with a cloth and get rid of the limescale.
- Clean the nozzles on your steam mop and unblock any residue inside it with a thin cotton pad or a thin pin.
- If you’re using reusable mop pads, wash them to prevent the build-up of contaminants and bacteria. If you’re using disposable pads, discard them after every use.
- Before storing your steam mop, wipe over its exterior with a dry cloth. Check the base to ensure there’s no moisture left.
Pro Tip
“Be careful when dealing with boiling water for your BISSELL steam mop to avoid possible injuries.”
What BISSELL Steam Mop Model Should You Buy?
BISSELL steam mops do a great job in steam cleaning and sanitising. But like other cleaning equipment, each model has benefits and drawbacks. The best one depends on what you’re searching for and how you intend to use it in your cleaning session. When in doubt, Vacuum It is here to help you make a more informed decision. Contact us today for more information and reliable recommendations.
Before buying your new BISSELL steam mop, check out the reviews published in Vacuum It first. Visit our site for more information.
Can I use vinegar in my BISSELL steam mop?
The user guide for BISSELL Steam Mops has specific warnings about putting detergent or vinegar products into the steam cleaner as it can be unsafe and damaging. BISSELL may void the warranty if you use vinegar.
What should I put in my BISSELL steam mop?
Distilled and demineralised water is recommended for your BISSELL steam mop. Using cleaning solutions may cause clogging because of mineral build-ups, making the steam mop less efficient.
Is steaming floors better than mopping?
Steaming floors require less effort than traditional mopping. It's also better at cleaning up tougher grimes and stains. But which one is better still depends on several factors, such as unique cleaning needs, affordability, floor type, and easy maintenance.
Andrew Creswell is the senior editor at Vacuumit and a product review expert.
Based in Melbourne, his experience as a content writer for major international publications has given him great knowledge over the consumer appliances industry and the expertise needed to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Over the past decade, Andy has done reviews on thousands of home appliances and cleaning equipment and has established himself as a consumer technology expert.