The Bissell CrossWave is a very popular multi-surface cleaning device that has been making waves (pun intended!) in the cleaning industry recently. This versatile cleaner was designed to vacuum and wash hard floors and area rugs all at the same time. But what about regular carpeting – can you use a Bissell CrossWave on carpet?
The short answer is yes, you can use the CrossWave on some types of carpet, but with a few limitations. In this article, we’ll give you a full overview of how the CrossWave works, tips for using it on carpets, which carpets to avoid, and alternative options if it’s not the best choice for your floors.
How the Bissell CrossWave Works
To understand if the CrossWave can handle your carpets, it helps to know what’s under the hood. This innovative cleaner is different than a typical vacuum or carpet cleaner in a few key ways:
- Multi-Surface Cleaning: The CrossWave is designed to clean area rugs, hard floors, tile, laminate, sealed hardwood, linoleum, and more.
- Brush Roll and Vacuum Suction: It has a soft brush roll that loosens and lifts dirt, along with strong vacuum suction that pulls it into the clean water tank.
- Cleans and Dries: The CrossWave cleans and dries surfaces in one wet pass, eliminating the dampness left behind by a traditional carpet cleaner.
With this unique cleaning system, the CrossWave is able to tackle more surfaces than a regular vacuum. But carpet comes with some special considerations.
Using the CrossWave on Carpet
The Bissell CrossWave can be used on carpet, but it works best on area rugs and low-pile carpeting. Here’s what to know:
- Works on Area Rugs: Smaller area rugs with a low pile are great candidates for the CrossWave. It can vacuum and wash them thoroughly.
- Not for High-Pile Carpets: The CrossWave isn’t designed for plush, thick carpets. The brush roll can’t reach dirt trapped deep down in a high pile.
- Adjust Settings: When cleaning carpet, adjust the CrossWave settings. Turn off the “Area Rug” mode and switch to “Carpet” mode to minimize over-wetting.
As long as your carpets are short, tightly woven, and low-pile, the CrossWave can likely handle them. But you’ll need to take some special steps to make sure it cleans carpets effectively.
Tips for Using the CrossWave on Carpet
To get your carpets as clean as possible with the CrossWave, keep these tips in mind:
- Vacuum First: Give your carpets a thorough vacuuming before using the CrossWave. This will pick up surface-level dirt so the CrossWave can focus on deeper cleaning.
- Check Manufacturer Guidelines: Consult the user manual to see which carpets are recommended for the CrossWave. Follow any special instructions.
- Use Correct Attachments: Snap on the carpet glider attachment to adjust the brush roll height for carpets. Make sure it’s at the right setting for your carpet length.
- Go Slowly: Work in small sections and move slowly to allow the CrossWave time to lift dirt from the carpet fibers. Make multiple wet passes.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions and taking your time will give you the best cleaning results. The CrossWave can handle carpets, but needs a little babying compared to hard floors.
When Not to Use the CrossWave on Carpet
While it can work on some carpets, there are certain types of carpeting you’ll want to avoid cleaning with the CrossWave:
- Thick or Plush Carpets: Carpets with a dense, thick pile are too much for the CrossWave. The brush can’t reach into plush carpets.
- Berber Carpets: Berber’s looped construction traps dirt, which the CrossWave may not effectively remove. The loops can also get caught.
- Already Soiled Carpets: If your carpets are already heavily soiled, it’s better to use a deep-cleaning carpet cleaner. The CrossWave works best for maintenance cleaning.
Stick to flatter carpets and rugs, and avoid anything overly plush or already very dirty. In those cases, it’s better to use a different cleaning method.
Alternative Cleaning Options for Carpet
While versatile, the CrossWave has some limitations when it comes to carpets. If it doesn’t seem up for the task on your carpets, consider these alternative cleaning options instead:
- Carpet Cleaner Rentals: Many hardware stores rent out heavy-duty carpet cleaners that can deep clean carpets with rotating brushes and strong suction.
- Other Bissell Carpet Cleaners: Bissell makes several cleaners designed specifically for carpets, like the Big Green Machine. These can provide a deeper clean for carpets.
- Professional Carpet Cleaning: For truly deep cleaning and thorough stain removal, call in the pros. Professional carpet cleaners have industrial-strength equipment.
Depending on your particular carpets and how dirty they are, the CrossWave may not provide the level of cleaning you need. Fortunately, you still have plenty of other ways to get your carpets fresh and clean.
Conclusion
The Bissell CrossWave is a multi-surface cleaner that can be used to clean some carpets and area rugs. Lower-pile rugs and carpeting are the best candidates for the CrossWave. Make sure to adjust the settings and follow the manufacturer’s guidance to optimize the CrossWave’s performance.
For very plush, high-pile carpets or heavily soiled rugs, it’s better to use a more heavy-duty carpet cleaning method. But for routine maintenance cleaning of carpet, the CrossWave can get the job done. As always with carpets, vacuum thoroughly first and make slow wet passes. Used properly, the innovative CrossWave can freshen up your carpets along with the rest of your floors.