Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940, Floor Steamer, Tile Cleaner, And Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

With a rich history of more than 100 years when it comes to engineering and innovating products to take care of our floors, Bissell has a wide range of products. You can find almost any type of vacuuming device you need: from upright to canister vacuums, from handhelds to sticks, from sweepers to steam cleaners. Bissell got you covered!

Bissell has always done the thorough market research to improve its products during its long journey of development. Every product improvement is based on customer feedback. As a result, its product line is bound to satisfy and exceed users' expectations, and we do not doubt that this is one of the biggest reasons the company has won its customers’ trust for years.

So who makes Bissell vacuum cleaners? The company was named after Melville Reuben Bissell, who was the inventor of a carpet sweeper. After he passed away in 1889, his wife - Anna Bissell - took over their small business and turned it into an industry giant with rapid global expansion.

Since 1876, the company has spent years of continuous innovation to design premium cleaning tools that upgrade our living environment. As a family business, Bissell understands how great it is to live in a clean home with those you love the most, whether with your life partners, your little ones, your older parents, or your four-legged friends. Given this, each Bissell product is made with utmost attention to detail.

Tester’s Opinion

Why do we need a steam mop?

The days when we have to get on our hands and knees and carry the bucket around to scrub the floors are long gone. Technological advancements have made our lives much more comfortable, and when it comes to home appliances, modern household equipment has radically altered our living standards.

We have more time to enjoy our lives, to spend time with our loved ones instead of sweating and breaking our backs in long and never-ending cleaning sessions. If you are thinking of minimizing time and effort on one of the most tedious chores - mopping - then it’s time to consider a steam mop.

A steam mop has a big difference when compared to a generic mop. It retains heat to disinfect floors. Therefore, you do not have to use chemicals with unpleasant scents, potentially causing symptoms like headaches and nausea.

   ➜ RELATED: Bissell Spot Clean Pro 3624 - An Excellent Portable Vacuum Cleaner For Carpet Spots And Stains

Now you can make sure your floor is clean while avoiding the use of dangerous cleaners. If you have kids, pets, or anyone with allergies in the family, you know how useful this type of steam mop is.

But how to pick the most suitable one for your needs? There are a few reliable brands on the market that you can count on, and Bissell is one. So let us take you through the pros and cons of one of their best steam mops in our Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 right below.

Bissell Powerfresh 1940 steam mop Via: Amazon

Pros and cons

You only need to spend around $89.99 to get a steam mop that eliminates 99.99% of germs and bacteria. Therefore, this device from Bissell is unsurprisingly one of the most popular models on the market.

Bissell Steam Mop 1940 eliminates 99.99% germs and bacteria Via: Amazon

During this time of the Covid-19 outbreak, what’s better than equipping yourself with a Bissell 1940 Powerfresh Steam Mop hard floor steam cleaner? Why waste time checking on which disinfectants are safe to use to avoid contracting the life-threatening virus? You can use a cost-effective and high-quality Bissell steam mop to protect yourself and your family.

Before going into an in-depth analysis of all the nuts and bolts of this mop, let’s see what their pros and cons are

Pros

• • Has a low profile to fit underneath furniture

• • Has generous width of 12.5 inch

• • Affordable and easy to use

• • Lightweight and compact

• • Has three different steam cleaning modes

• • Pads are made from antimicrobial microfibre

• • Has a flip-down scrubber for more effective mopping

• • Very simple to operate

• • Long cord

• • Quick heat-up time (only 30 seconds)

• • No trigger to hold down while mopping

• • Two years warranty

Cons 

• • Might struggle with large liquid messes

• • Excluded from a cooling pad

• • Lack of accessories

• • Lack of an on/off button

• • The water tank is difficult to remove (especially with wet hands)

Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 review

Dimension, weight and tank capacity

Bissell 1940 Powerfresh Steam Mop Blue is a corded device that comes at the dimensions of 43’’ high, 13’’ wide, and 9.5’’ broad. Its weight is 6 pounds, making it a lightweight device compared to other competitors on the market. Let’s look at the weight of a few best-selling models for comparison.

One of the highest-ranked steam mops from Shark is S5003D. It weighs 5.78 pounds, which is about the same weight as the Bissell Steam Mop 1940. Sienna Luna SSM-3006 comes at 8.5 pounds while Bissell Spinware 2307 weighs 14.57 pounds.

Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 has a 16-ounce water tank, allowing you to clean for 30 minutes. To add to users' convenience, it’s also removable. However, it does not include a handle, so if you need to remove this tank, wipe your wet hands first.

Sanitizing the floor of a large house might take more than 30 minutes, as stubborn dirt and stains usually require you to hold the mop in place for at least 15 seconds.

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Design, look, and feel

Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 has a simple and modern design. It’s a nice-looking device with an eye-pleasing color scheme of blue and white. It might be similar to a stick vacuum cleaner from the first look as it stands up just like one.

The handle fits perfectly into the unit's body while the water tank and power mode button are along the body. This Bissell steam mop is designed with utility in mind as there is a small hook on the backside of the mop to hold the cord while it’s not in use conveniently.

The cleaning head is connected with two cleaning pads by an elastic yet sturdy band to stay firmly on the cleaning head. The solid white pad is soft and designed to use for regular scrubbing. The grey pattern stripes pad is scrubby, and it’s meant to be used for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. 

What we like about these pads is that they can be removed for washing to avoid unpleasant smells. These two pads should be washed with detergent only, no bleach, nor fabric softener. Also, Bissell recommends that users air dry them before putting them back in.

Besides, the cleaning pads are included with a small pocket inside so you can insert the Febreeze Fresh tablets in for extra fresh scent while mopping your floor. What’s better than having a naturally clean and fresh space after cleaning? 

In case you do not like to use scented products all the time, you can cut these tablets into smaller sizes, depending on your needs. We cut them into half, but we know that some other users who are sensitive to fragrances cut them into quarters.

Key supporting features 

Flip-down scrubber: was designed to clean stuck-on stains and dried-on messes with your foot. Simply step on the grey piece of the mop's head whenever you come across stubborn messes or sticky spots. The older the stains, the more pressure you will need to clean them up thoroughly.

Flip-down easy scrubber Via: Amazon

Bissell claims that the so-called EasyScrubber can clean grout. However, it can only remove sticky residue in the grout, but not the accumulated discoloration types. You will probably need a more powerful spin brush for this type of embedded dirt or stains.

Mop Head: is rectangular and comes at 12.5 inches wide, which is relatively large for this Bissell 1940 Steam Mop's overall size. It has a low profile, so fitting under low cupboards is not a problem. Since the pad is puffy, it picks up debris from your floor's most hidden corners.

What we love the most about this mop head is its swivel steering feature. In our performance test, we only need to whip it around the corners of our furniture, and all of the tiny pieces of debris were also picked up quickly.

Carpet glider: users should always note that this is not a carpet cleaner. True to its name, it’s made to glide the steam mop over the carpet to ensure perfect adhesion. The cleaning pad sits on top of this strong and well-built plastic attachment. It helps the mop glide across carpeted floors smoothly while you’re steam cleaning. 

   ➜ RELATED: How To Clean A Carpet - TOP 9 Cleaning Carpet Tips 

Power cord: is 23 ft. long, which is quite generous for an average-sized house. However, if your living space is large, then you might need to change plugs while mopping. The cord wraps around a hook at the bottom or the top of the unit, making it super convenient when you need to plug it in.

The cord is not retractable, so you’ll have to manually wrap it up once you’re done with your cleanups. This Bissell steam mop stands on its own, which means you can easily park it in the storage area. 

Tester’s Opinion

Using instructions and tips to protect your floor

Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 is a steam-only mop to clean your floors, and there is no vacuuming function. Also, there are no attachments included to clean vertical areas or counters and hidden corners.

Before mopping with this tool, we recommend users sweep or vacuum the floors by using best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors or choose the most reliable vacuums for multiple floor types. Otherwise, you will find debris leftover that can be pushed around, from one place to another, by the mop. Even worse, you might smear specks of dirt and pet hair and scratch the surface.

Which floor types can I use this steam mop on?

This Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 was designed to mop sealed hardwood floors, usually coated with a protective varnish or polyurethane. These surfaces include tile, vinyl, hardwood, marble. Even though Bissell says that this steam mop is safe to use on laminated floors, we recommend users read your flooring warranty first.

Alternatively, you can also check with your floor supplier, since laminated flooring type can be irreparably damaged if cleaned with a steam mop. It’s best to be careful rather than regretting afterward.

Can I use this steam mop on the carpet? This question shows up on many home care forums and retailing sites so it’s worth mentioning here. The answer is yes since Bissell provides you with a carpet glider as a package of your purchase. 

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Settings and control 

Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 is simple to operate. It has a SmartSet digital steam control system. Its buttons are on the front of the machine’s lower body, which is a small inconvenience as you’ll have to bend over. There are three settings: short, medium, and high. Each level is compatible with different amounts of steam that the unit emits.

The most noticeable plus point of this modern steam mop is that you do not have to hold the trigger while mopping. This feature adds a lot to users' convenience and comfort. It saves a lot of time and energy to complete the cleaning job.

There is no on/off switch, which means you will have to unplug to turn the unit off. Once it’s plugged in, it’s hot. So pay extra attention to this detail and do not leave it in one spot on your floor for more than20 seconds. Otherwise, it can damage your floor.

Step by step set-up and operating instructions

• • Set up: The head of the mop and its body can easily be clicked into each other. After sliding the handle into the body, tighten the screw. It’s ready to use in less than five minutes.

• • Slide the cleaning pad into the mop-head: If you want to use the Febreeze Fresh tablets, slide them into the cleaning pad's pocket.

• • Fill up the water tank: First, remove the water tank by pulling it up with dry hands. Second, unscrew the cap and now fill it with water under any faucets. Third, place the tank back into the mop.

• • Plug it in: simply unwrap the cord, plug it in, and wait for about 30 seconds to heat up. This quick heating-up time is one of the best things about this Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940. The steam indicator light will blink during this waiting time. Once it’s ready, this light will be in solid green light. Now you can choose the setting of your wish and start mopping.

• • Refill if required: If the mop stops emitting steam, then it’s time to refill. Simply remove the tank, refill, and keep going with your cleaning tasks. Just that simple!

• • Unplug and shut down: after unplugging, you’ll need to remove the cleaning tab by pressing the quick release tab. Next, remove the scent disk from the pad, empty leftover water (if any) from the tank, and wrap the power cord up. Be sure to store the steam mop in a safe place for your next uses. We recommend you not to keep it close to damp areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Cleaning performance

We used both light and heavy liquids such as mud, honey, ketchup during our cleaning tests, and Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 excelled in its performance. With a large and thick cleaning pad, this Bissell device absorbs water and effectively cleans up other debris types.

If you have vinyl floors with tiny channels, the extra cushion of this Bissell’s cleaning pads gets into any hidden patterns and grooves with ease. So no corner of your floor is left untouched.

If you are pet owners, you know how messy they can be. During rainy days, their muddy paws can leave unsightly spots on your floors.

Similarly, if you’re parents of toddlers, chances are you’re usually exhausted with non-stop cleaning tasks. Their soup or honey leftover can be found anywhere in the kitchen. After only a few minutes vacuuming the floor of the living room, you can turn around to see their orange juice right behind you.

The great news is Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 cleans all sorts of stains and spots excellently. It can lift and remove coffee, honey, orange juice, red wine, and many other liquids quickly.

We also tested this device's sweeping function, and it showed that it lives up to its name as one of the best steam mops on the market. We ran it on a floor that has accumulated quite a lot of dust or dirt. The before-after difference is visible.

Maneuverability

This machine's overall weight is only 6 pounds, making it easy to manage. It’s not difficult to turn and rotate - thus- moving around corners and furniture is comfortable. More importantly, this Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 can lie on the ground. Therefore, mopping underneath low counters or tables doesn’t break your back anymore.

While carrying out thorough research to write an unbiased review for this famous Bissell steam mop, we’ve come across a few negative comments about its movement. Several customers said that it’s tough to push around.

So it’s rational if these concerns from your peer users worry you. But fret not! We have an easy tip to fix that: do not start using the mop before steam is being produced. While Bissell has noted this detail down in their using instruction, we believe it’s also worth mentioning here

Tester’s Opinion

Maintenance

Maintaining the Bissell PowerFresh is straightforward and inexpensive. The cleaning pad can be easily removed from its cleaning head, rinsed under cold water, and reused. If there is noticeable wear that affects the mop performance, then it’s time for a replacement.

Bissell recommends washing the pad several times for regular home use, mopping, and replacing it twice every year. A new cleaning pad costs around $12.98 on Amazon, which is quite reasonable for most users. The scented tablets cost around $12.86 on Amazon, but its replacement is optional, as not every customer uses it for their home cleaning.

One important detail to note here is Bissell recommends users always use either distilled or demineralized water to avoid mineral remnants getting clogged inside the machine. So it’s best to make sure the water sources that you’re using for your Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 is safe and clean to ensure the longevity of your device.

Alternatives

#1- Bissell Spinwave, 2307 - A hard floor cordless mop with powerful cleaning features

All of the details and features of the Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 seem to be a perfect fit for most people’s needs. However, you may not have made up your mind because you prefer a cordless machine that gives you flexibility to move around the house.

Also, you’ve been thinking if you need a mop with steam since you’ve used mopping with a cleaning solution for many years, and you’re not ready for a change yet. If you’re among this group of customers, then Bissell Spinwave 2307 is probably a perfect alternative.

Bissell Spinware 2307 Via: Amazon

The device is powered by an 18V lithium battery that provides effortless cleaning for 20 minutes. While Bissell 1940 provides users with a package of 2 cleaning pads, Bissell 2307 comes with four pads. Two of them are soft, and the other two pads are scrubby. Similar to those from Bissell 1940, these four pads are also washable and can be reused many times.

Also, if the lack of the on/off button on Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 is one of the details that leave you cold, then Bissell 2307 is more well-designed, featuring an on/off switch. There is also a “spray on demand” button that allows you to control how much cleaning liquid will go on each specific spot while cleaning.

The unique feature of 2307 is its two rotating mop pads that scrub the floors, reducing your cleaning efforts, thus reducing your cleaning time. Its cleaning mop pads' width is 14 inches, which is relatively large, making your mopping task much more manageable than a traditional mop.

#2- Bissell steam mop deluxe - A somewhat similar product with a SpotBoost Brush feature

If you’re keen on a high-performing steam mop like the 1940 model but prefer to fill the water tank with a cap rather than removing it and fill it up under the faucet, then Bissell steam mop deluxe meets your requirements in this respect.

Bissell steam mop deluxe Via: Amazon

Your purchase package includes a water cup attached to the handle for filling and storing. If your hands are wet, removing the water tank of Bissell 1940 to fill water in can be a challenge. With this deluxe steam mop, you can quickly fill water thanks to its cup.

One unique function of this deluxe device is its SpotBoost Brush located right on the unit, allowing you to remove tough and sticky messes with ease. For stubborn messes and grout you can lift it removable foot lever unit to clean them quickly.

Similar to Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940, Bissell steam mop deluxe also has two cleaning pads. One is soft, and the other is scrubby. Its heating time is the same as on the 1940 version, which is 30 seconds. It has the same cleaning pad width with its 1940 sibling: 12’’.

While the power cord of Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 is 23 ft, this deluxe version has a slightly longer cable of 25’’. So you have two more feet of extra reach in about a similar design. For those who need a larger water tank, Bissell steam mop deluxe is a great alternative. It can contain 16 oz of water, allowing you to mop several rooms in the house without worrying about refilling every few minutes.

#3- Bissell PowerFresh slim steam mop 2075A - A 3-in-1 machine that is convertible into a handheld

Picture this: you’re reluctant to click the purchase button to get Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 delivered to your place because of its lack of accessories. You’re on the search for an alternative with at least several tools. But why waste your time searching?

Bissell PowerFresh slim steam mop 2075A is packed with a series of tools that allow you to clean different house areas conveniently. Its Flat Scraper Tool removes tough, stuck-on, and oily messes on stovetops, microwaves, and fridge. The Bristle Scrub Brush effectively cleans sinks, oven racks, countertops, and so on.

Bissell Steam Mop 2075A Via: Amazon

The Angle Tool lets you reach small, hidden corners and edges such as toilet seats, showerheads, bathroom sinks, and sliding-door tracks. The Clothing Steamer Tool is perfect for steam cleaning of curtains, pet beds, and upholstery surfaces.

While Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 was advertised that it could clean grout, this claim still needs some clarifications. So if you have some grout to clean, why not equip yourself with Bissell 2075A instead as it comes with a grout tool to clean dirt and grime from the grout.

Bissell 2075A can be used as an upright and converted into a handheld for multiple cleaning purposes. Its 25 feet cord length gives you the mobility you need to clean many different areas in the house while its 13’’ cleaning pad lets you clean effortlessly.

Conclusion

We hope our Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 review has been useful to help you make a well-informed decision. Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop 1940 is easy to use and well-known for its top-notch performance. Its maintenance is also simple, while its cost is affordable for many.

Despite some minor drawbacks, its quick heat-up time, a removable tank, and an adjustable steam level system bring you a versatile device for any sealed hard floor.

If you’re parents of toddlers or pet owners, chances are you have to deal with lots of messes around the house. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly steam mop to get rid of all kinds of stubborn stains and stick-on spots, then this Bissell 1940 is certainly an option worth considering.