The Bissell Crosswave is a versatile cleaning machine that has taken the market by storm with its ability to vacuum and wash floors simultaneously. However, the question on many users’ minds is: can you use the Bissell Crosswave as just a vacuum on carpet? In this article, we’ll delve into the capabilities and limitations of this multi-functional cleaner to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
The Bissell Crosswave: A Brief Overview
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a step back and review what the Bissell Crosswave is all about. This innovative cleaner is designed to tackle various types of flooring, from hard surfaces to carpets. It features a powerful suction system, a water tank for cleaning solution, and a rotating brush roll that helps agitate dirt and debris. The Crosswave is available in several models, each with its unique features and attachments, but they all share the same core functionality.
Vacuuming on Carpet: The Basics
When it comes to vacuuming on carpet, there are a few essential things to consider. The first and foremost is suction power. A good vacuum for carpet should have enough suction to lift dirt, dust, and other debris from the fibers. Additionally, the machine should have an adjustable suction control to accommodate different carpet types and pile heights.
Another critical aspect is the brush roll. A rotating brush roll helps to agitate the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and allowing the vacuum to pick it up more effectively. Some vacuums come with adjustable brush rolls or specialized carpet tools to tackle specific carpet types.
Can You Use the Bissell Crosswave as Just a Vacuum on Carpet?
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Can you use the Bissell Crosswave as just a vacuum on carpet? The short answer is: yes, but with some caveats.
The Good News: The Bissell Crosswave does come with a powerful suction system, which is essential for effective carpet cleaning. The machine is capable of producing up to 25 feet of water lift, which is more than sufficient for most carpet types. Additionally, the rotating brush roll helps to agitate the carpet fibers, making it easier to pick up dirt and debris.
However, The Not-So-Good News: The Crosswave is not a dedicated vacuum cleaner, and its design is geared more towards hard floor cleaning. While it can vacuum carpet, it may not be as effective as a dedicated vacuum cleaner specifically designed for carpet.
Limitations on Carpet
There are a few limitations to consider when using the Bissell Crosswave as just a vacuum on carpet:
- Lack of Deep Cleaning: The Crosswave’s suction power is impressive, but it may not be enough to deep clean high-pile carpets or those with heavy dirt and debris accumulation.
- Inconsistent Cleaning: The machine’s vacuum path is wider than a traditional vacuum, which can lead to inconsistent cleaning results on carpet. You may need to make multiple passes to achieve the desired level of cleanliness.
- No Adjustable Suction Control: Unlike dedicated vacuum cleaners, the Crosswave does not come with adjustable suction control. This can make it challenging to fine-tune the suction power for specific carpet types.
Tips for Using the Bissell Crosswave on Carpet
If you still want to use the Bissell Crosswave as just a vacuum on carpet, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:
- Use the Carpet Tool: The Crosswave comes with a carpet tool attachment that can help improve cleaning results on carpet. This tool is specifically designed to tackle carpets and can help you get more effective cleaning results.
- Adjust the Brush Roll: While the Crosswave does not have adjustable suction control, you can adjust the brush roll to accommodate different carpet types. For example, you can set the brush roll to a slower speed for delicate carpets or a faster speed for deeper cleaning.
- Make Multiple Passes: To achieve consistent cleaning results, make multiple passes over the carpet, changing direction with each pass.
Bissell Crosswave vs. Dedicated Vacuum Cleaners
If you’re still unsure about using the Bissell Crosswave as just a vacuum on carpet, it’s essential to consider the alternatives. Dedicated vacuum cleaners, such as upright or canister vacuums, are specifically designed for carpet cleaning and often offer more advanced features, such as:
- Deeper Cleaning: Dedicated vacuum cleaners are designed to deep clean carpets, often with more powerful suction systems and specialized tools.
- Adjustable Suction Control: Many dedicated vacuum cleaners come with adjustable suction control, allowing you to fine-tune the suction power for specific carpet types.
- Better Carpet Tools: Dedicated vacuum cleaners often come with more advanced carpet tools, such as crevice tools, upholstery tools, and extension wands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Bissell Crosswave can be used as just a vacuum on carpet, it’s essential to understand its limitations. The machine is designed for hard floor cleaning, and its capabilities on carpet may not be as effective as a dedicated vacuum cleaner. However, with the right techniques and attachments, you can still achieve decent cleaning results on carpet.
If you’re looking for a dedicated vacuum cleaner for carpet, it’s worth considering alternative options that cater specifically to your carpet cleaning needs. But if you already own a Bissell Crosswave and want to use it for carpet cleaning, following the tips outlined above can help you get the most out of your machine.
Remember, the Bissell Crosswave is a versatile cleaner that can tackle a variety of flooring types, including hard surfaces, carpets, and everything in between. With its powerful suction system, rotating brush roll, and advanced features, it’s an excellent addition to any cleaning arsenal.
Can I use the Bissell Crosswave solely for vacuuming on carpet?
Yes, you can definitely use the Bissell Crosswave as a vacuum on carpet. Although it’s designed as a hybrid cleaner that can tackle both hard floors and carpets, it’s more than capable of handling vacuuming tasks on carpeted surfaces. In fact, the Crosswave’s powerful suction power and specialized carpet brush roll make it well-suited for picking up dirt, dust, and other debris from carpets.
When using the Crosswave on carpet, make sure to adjust the suction power and brush roll speed according to your carpet type. For example, you may want to reduce the suction power on gentler carpets or increase it on thicker, more robust ones. Additionally, the Crosswave’s adjustable handle and comfortable grip make it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces.
Will the Bissell Crosswave’s water tank get in the way when vacuuming carpet?
One of the main concerns when using the Bissell Crosswave as a vacuum on carpet is whether the water tank will get in the way or spill water on the carpet. Fortunately, the Crosswave’s design takes this into account, and the water tank is cleverly positioned to avoid any issues. When vacuuming carpet, the water tank remains sealed and won’t leak or spill, allowing you to focus on cleaning without worrying about water damage.
In fact, the Crosswave’s water tank is designed to be easily removable, so if you’re only planning to use the device as a vacuum, you can simply detach the tank and store it away. This makes the device even more lightweight and convenient to use, especially when tackling larger carpeted areas.
Is the Bissell Crosswave’s carpet brush roll gentle on my carpet fibers?
The Bissell Crosswave’s carpet brush roll is designed to be gentle on carpet fibers while still providing effective cleaning results. The rotating brush roll is made with soft, flexible bristles that won’t scratch or damage most carpet types. In addition, the brush roll is adjustable, so you can customize its height and speed to suit your specific carpet needs.
As an added precaution, it’s always a good idea to test the Crosswave on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet before using it more extensively. This will give you a sense of how the brush roll interacts with your carpet fibers and allow you to make any necessary adjustments. With proper use and maintenance, the Crosswave’s carpet brush roll should provide years of gentle, effective cleaning on your carpets.
Can I use the Bissell Crosswave to vacuum pet hair and dander?
The Bissell Crosswave is more than capable of tackling pet hair and dander on carpets. The device’s powerful suction power and carpet brush roll work together to lift and remove embedded pet hair, while the included crevice tool and upholstery brush make it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs and upholstery.
When using the Crosswave to vacuum pet hair, be sure to empty the dirt tank regularly to prevent clogs and maintain optimal suction power. You may also want to consider using the device’s anti-tangle rubberized pet hair brush, which is specifically designed to reduce hair tangling and make cleaning easier.
How does the Bissell Crosswave’s suction power compare to other vacuum cleaners?
The Bissell Crosswave’s suction power is impressively strong, making it well-suited for tackling a variety of carpet types and messes. With a maximum suction power of 25.6 air watts, the Crosswave outperforms many other vacuum cleaners in its class. This means you can trust the device to pick up dirt, dust, and debris with ease, even on thicker or more stubborn carpets.
In addition to its powerful suction, the Crosswave’s adjustable suction control allows you to customize the power to your specific cleaning needs. This is particularly useful when cleaning delicate or sensitive surfaces, where too much suction power could cause damage.
Is the Bissell Crosswave loud when used as a vacuum on carpet?
Like any vacuum cleaner, the Bissell Crosswave does produce some noise when in operation. However, the device’s noise level is generally considered to be moderate and shouldn’t be overly disruptive. When used on carpet, the Crosswave’s noise level is around 78 decibels, which is comparable to many other vacuum cleaners on the market.
If you’re concerned about noise levels, you can take steps to minimize the disruption. For example, try using the Crosswave during less busy times of the day or in areas where the noise won’t be as much of an issue. Additionally, the device’s variable suction control allows you to adjust the power (and noise level) to your specific cleaning needs.
Can I use the Bissell Crosswave on high-pile or shag carpets?
The Bissell Crosswave can be used on high-pile or shag carpets, but with some caution. While the device’s powerful suction power and carpet brush roll are well-suited for many carpet types, high-pile or shag carpets can be more challenging to clean. The Crosswave’s brush roll may struggle to penetrate very thick or dense carpet fibers, which could lead to reduced cleaning performance.
To use the Crosswave on high-pile or shag carpets, start by adjusting the suction power and brush roll speed to the lowest settings. This will help prevent the device from getting bogged down or tangled in the carpet fibers. You may also want to consider using the device’s upholstery tool or crevice tool to clean these areas, as they can be more effective at navigating tight spaces and thick fibers.