How to Use Bissell Crosswave: Must-Read for New Owners

On bare floors, it picks up dry debris and mops at the same time. When you move to your high-traffic area rugs, the multi-surface brush roll gets to work, deep cleaning and bringing a fresh look to your house.

If you think reading Bissell's user manual and watching online videos don't help much, read on to figure out how to use Bissell Crosswave. For those who've only used regular vacuums, a wet-dry vacuum like this can be confusing and challenging to get used to.

How To Use The Bissell Crosswave

Getting started with your Crosswave is easier than you might think. Let's break down the setup process and cleaning techniques step by step.

How to Assemble Your Bissell Crosswave (Step-by-Step)

Assemble the Bissell Crosswave

As a wet-dry vacuum, the Bissell Crosswave requires some additional steps to assemble all the parts together compared to regular vacuum cleaners. But don't worry—we'll walk you through this process.

• The first component you should deal with is the handle. Slide it into the main machine until you hear a click.
• Pour the desired amount of water into the clean water tank on the back of the Crosswave, following the steps laid out in the next section.
• Align this reservoir with the grooves and slide it into the machine until it clicks.
• To unwrap the cord, turn the quick release downward and remove the cord from the lower cord wrap.
• Plug the power cord into a wall outlet (for corded variants), start the vacuum, and select either the Rug or Hard Floor settings.
• Lean the vacuum back, and you'll see the brush roll begin spinning.
• Press the trigger and hold it for a second so your machine can prime the cleaning solution and water.

Your vacuum's now ready to do its job. You should also attach the Easy Clean Tray that comes with the Crosswave.

This tray consists of a brush roll drying tray and a storage tray. It allows users to store cleaning products and tools between uses and serves as a place for the machine's brush roll to dry.

Assembling this tray is straightforward. Line up the storage tray's arrows with those of the drying tray and slide them into your Crosswave.

When you're done cleaning, wrap the cord around the lower cord wrap and the higher quick release cord wrap.

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How to Fill the Clean Water Tank Correctly

You'll find the clean water tank on the back of the machine, sitting right above the dirty tank.

The clean water tank

Lift it straight up to remove the tank from the main machine.

Unscrew the cap before adding water. How much water and formula you'll need depends on the area you're cleaning. The clean water tank comes with two pairs of measuring lines to help you with this.

For smaller spaces (under 350 square feet):

• Fill with warm water to the first water fill line
• Add cleaning formula to the first formula line right above it

For larger spaces (up to 700 square feet):

• Use the second set of water and formula fill lines

Note: use only warm water. Don't heat the tank in a microwave or use boiling water.

Put the tank's cap back on and tighten it. Slide the tank into position by aligning it with the Crosswave's rear grooves.

How to Clean Different Floor Types with Your Crosswave

Despite its multifunctional nature, how to use Bissell Crosswave isn't difficult to master. Just give yourself 2-3 cleaning sessions to get comfortable with it.

During the first few cleanings, this wet-dry vacuum could be a little confusing to operate. By following our instructions, you should get a good grasp of how to utilize it on multiple floor types.

Understanding Your Two Cleaning Modes

The first and most important thing you should know is that the Bissell Crosswave offers two cleaning modes: rug and hard floor.

Understanding them is crucial to whether you can use your Crosswave effectively, as its performance and operation vary widely between the two cleaning modes.

Hard Floor Mode:

• Light, controlled spray for tile, hardwood, or laminate
• Faster drying time (5-10 minutes)
• Use as many passes as needed for your mess

Rug Mode:

• Doubles the solution output for deeper dirt
• Best for area rugs and high-traffic carpets
• Longer drying time (15-30 minutes)
• Bissell recommends four wet passes and four dry passes with overlapping strokes

Pro Tip for Pet Owners: The Rug mode's double solution output is perfect for embedded pet hair. Run an extra dry pass to lift stubborn fur.

How To Use The Bissell CrossWave On Hard Floors

Picture this: you've just spilled coffee on your kitchen floor. Here's how the Hard Floor mode saves the day.

Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet (that's a three-prong outlet with the extra safety slot). Press the Hard Floor button. Selecting this setting will turn on the machine in hard floor cleaning mode. However, the brush roll won't start spinning until you recline your vacuum backward.

Vacuum with the Bissell Crosswave

Before each vacuuming session, press the solution spray trigger for about ten seconds to make sure the system's primed with the cleaning solution.

The Bissell Crosswave will illuminate some LED lights when you're holding this trigger. You'll see some bubbles forming inside while the solution is flowing, thanks to the clear brush roll window.

When vacuuming your hard floors, apply the cleaning solution to them on both backward and forward passes by holding the spray trigger.

Can you use the Bissell Crosswave as just a vacuum? Absolutely.

If you feel there's too much solution already and your hard floors need to dry faster, release the spray trigger and continue cleaning without dispensing additional solution.

Quick Clean for Busy Parents: Keep the tank filled and ready. A 10-second prime means you can tackle spills before they set—no need to dig out the mop bucket.

Got challenging stuck-on messes on hard floors? The Rug mode may help you get rid of them.

Activate the setting and hold the machine over the stubborn mess you need to remove. Hold the spray trigger and use short passes. The multi-surface brush will handle the rest.

To stop this brush roll, put the machine in an upright position. Press the Hard Floor setting again to turn off your Crosswave.

Hardwood Floor Owners: Release the trigger on your third pass to avoid over-wetting and speed up drying time on wood surfaces.

How To Use The Bissell CrossWave On Area Rugs

Many Bissell Crosswave reviews have recommended users test the Crosswave on a small area of their area rugs before actually cleaning them. Otherwise, you may risk damaging or discoloring your rugs.

The best way to do this is to find a hidden part of your rug for a colorfastness test (that means checking if the colors bleed or fade when wet). You can also have a rough idea of how to clean shag rugs by checking the manufacturer's tag.

Follow the instructions printed on them, and make sure you don't use the Bissell Crosswave on area rugs made from silk or other delicate fabrics.

If your Bissell Crosswave's brush roll is too dirty after cleaning the hard floors, rinse it in the Easy Clean Storage Tray before moving on to the area rugs.

Plug it into a grounded outlet and press the Rug button to turn on the machine. Pull the machine backward to start the brush roll.

Similar to vacuuming hard floors, hold the spray trigger for several seconds to prepare the cleaning solution.

Use the Bissell CrossWave on area rugs

During cleaning, hold this trigger while moving the machine over your area rugs in forward and backward movements.

Remember that the Rug cleaning mode uses twice the amount of cleaning solution as the Hard Floor mode dispenses. Release the trigger if you think one pass with the solution is enough. This will make the area rugs dry faster as well.

Bissell recommends a routine of four wet passes and four dry passes with overlapping strokes to clean area rugs thoroughly.

How to Maintain Your Bissell Crosswave

Besides understanding how to use a Bissell Crosswave, it's important to keep a regular maintenance routine with a wet-dry vacuum like this. It reduces the chance of your unit running into problems or weak suction.

Empty The Dirty Water Tank After Every Use

Turn off the machine and unplug it from the electrical outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire.

Remove the dirty water tank by pressing the recessed button (the small, sunken-in button) located on top of it. Remember to hold the front handle when this button's pressed to pull the tank away.

Grip both sides of the tank top and pull upward to remove it.

Dump out the collected debris and dirty water. Clean the inside by rinsing it. If it gets too dirty, use a towel or rag to wipe it clean.

Pull up the filter from the top of the tank to remove it. Then hand-wash it with water and mild detergent.

Empty the dirty tank

Located at the bottom of this top, the float helps prevent the tank from overflowing.

If it's about to fill up fully, the float is triggered and shuts down the suction motor of the Bissell Crosswave. This mechanism will then make a high-pitched sound, indicating that it's time to empty and clean your vacuum's dirty water tank. You should also clean this float by rinsing it.

Let everything dry before reassembling.

Start with the filter. Simply place it back into the top of the tank, then attach the top back onto the dirty water tank.

Finally, angle the tank onto the main machine. Insert the bottom of the tank first, then push the top toward the machine until you hear a click.

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Clean The Brush Chamber and Brush Roll Weekly

Remove the brush roll window by holding it at the front and pulling it upward. Grab the brush roll's tab and pull it upward to get the brush roll out.

Rinse the brush roll and the brush roll window with warm water. Don't use a washing machine or dishwasher to clean the brush roll. If the chamber's dirty, use a towel or rag to clean it.

Let the brush roll window chamber and brush roll dry before attaching them back onto the machine.

Reinstall the brush roll by inserting an end to the right side of the foot and pressing the pull-tab down to lock the entire brush roll into place.

Align both tabs of the brush window with the foot's edges and press it down until you hear a click.

Clean and replace the brush roll regularly

Maintain The Easy Clean Storage Tray

Place your Bissell Crosswave on its self-cleaning storage tray. Pour water into the tray until it reaches the MAX line.

Plug the machine in and press the Hard Floor button to start it. Recline your vacuum while not moving it from the storage tray. Let it run for about 15 seconds until it soaks up all the water in the tray. Repeat this step with more water as needed.

After that, remove the brush roll window by grasping the front and pulling it upward. Remove the brush roll by grabbing the tab and placing it upright in the Brush Roll Drying Tray.

When the brush roll's dry, install it back onto the machine by inserting an end to one side and pressing the pull-tab downward. Similarly, line up the brush window tabs with the edges on the foot and press the window into place.

You should store your Bissell Crosswave in the basement or a closet until your next use.

Make sure it's kept in a dry area without the risk of freezing. As this is a wet-dry vacuum, freezing could cause damage to the internal components of the machine and void its warranty.

Bissell Crosswave Safety Guidelines - How To Use It Properly

To avoid injury, electric shock and reduce the risk of fire:

• Unplug your Bissell Crosswave when it's not in use.
• Don't modify the power plug.
• Don't use wet hands to handle the machine, especially the plug.
• Don't unplug the machine by pulling it.
• Have the cord repaired at an authorized center if it has been damaged.
• Don't use this model outdoors.
• Don't immerse the Crosswave in water.
• Don't suck up the debris that's smoking or burning, including hot ashes, matches, or cigarettes.
• Don't let children come near the machine, especially when it's plugged in.
• Pay extra attention while cleaning stairs.
• Keep all parts of your body away from the moving parts and openings of the machine.

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

Machine won't spray solution? Prime it for 15 seconds instead of 10. Check that the clean water tank cap is tight and the tank is seated properly.

High-pitched whining sound during use? Your dirty tank is full. Empty it even if it doesn't look full—the float mechanism triggers before it overflows.

Floors still wet 20 minutes after cleaning? Use more dry passes than wet passes. A 2 wet : 3 dry ratio works best for most hard floors. For rugs, stick to the recommended four wet and four dry passes.

Brush roll not spinning? Make sure the machine is tilted back. The brush roll only activates when the vacuum is reclined, not in the upright position.

How To Use The Bissell Crosswave: Final Words

We hope that with our guide above, learning how to use Bissell Crosswave has been made easier for everyone, including people who just switched from regular vacuum models. Pay close attention to how a wet-dry vacuum works, and you'll enjoy all the versatility it brings.

Keep in mind that Bissell Crosswave how to use on carpets with the Cordless or Cordless MAX models is similar to the steps laid out in this article.