BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro – an upgrade to a classic

Exactly 2 years ago, I was reviewing the Bissell CrossWave All-in-One 1785 and was thinking things couldn’t go any better. However, I recently saw the new Pet Pro version and I knew I had to check out this hybrid cleaner and see if it’s worth the upgrade. As promised, we will take a look today at a unit that both vacuums and mops, the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro. This highly versatile machine has a lot to offer, and I couldn’t help but bring you a detailed review of its features so you can find out how well it fits your needs.

Just before starting the research and tests, I was thinking that what should be different from its older brother is the pet hair vacuuming functionality, since its name says so. In other words, it should prevent pet hair from entangling onto the brushroll. One of the first things I’ve noticed at the Pet Pro version is that it has an uniquely designed brush roll, capable of cleaning a wider range of floor types. There are many  more things to talk about, so stay with me because, in the next three minutes or so, you will have learned about the vacuum’s:

• Specifications
• Usability
• Cleaning solutions
• Why you need it
• How to get it cheaper, and more

The Specs

Cleaning Power

Since the vacuum sucks up dirt and washes the surface at the same time, it’s not enough to assess its cleaning power based on suction capability alone. So we are going to talk about the agitation as well. Both of these factors come into play during the cleaning action as the machine also acts as a carpet cleaner (don’t expect it to have the same cleaning power, though). For the suction power, the Pet Pro achieves between 100-150 AW. This is enough to pick up dirt efficiently including the heaver and hard-to-pick debris. For the agitation, the brush roll of the Pet Pro attains 3000 rpm, which is high enough to clean dirt off a variety of floors. It means you can use this vacuum on both hard floors and those with low-pile carpets. The brush roll of this model is specially designed for use on a wide palette of surfaces with excellent results.

Input Power

The motor on the CrossWave Pet Pro draws 4.4 amps to run the unit and is the same as the one used in the previous version. This is quite efficient, considering the power serves to both rotate the brush roll and provide the suction. Consumes 600 W. For normal cleaning tasks, this power is adequate.

Water Tank(s)

It has two separate tanks. One tank holds clean water that contains the cleaning formula, while the other one stores dirty water containing the sucked up debris. The two-tank system ensures the dirty and clean water don’t mix, therefore enhancing the unit’s cleaning stability. The dirty water tank can hold 14.5 ounces of liquid and features an automatic system that shuts down the motor once it fills up. As soon as the motor stops running, a mechanism within the unit produces a shrill sound alerting you of the tank that needs to be emptied.

The clean water tank can hold 28 ounces of liquid. It doesn’t come with an alert system, though, which requires you to keep checking it now and then. If you want an area approximation, know that a full tank can clean around 700 sq ft. Two lines on the tank show the amount of water to be added for small and large area messes as well as the corresponding amount of cleaning solution. Using the measurements ensures correct amounts of water and cleaning formula for efficient mopping and without wastage of the cleaning solution.

Filtration

The Bissell CrossWave Pro comes with a washable filter that will trap the sucked up dirt and debris. The filter is not HEPA but will nevertheless do a good job trapping allergens. Be sure to wash it regularly and allow it to dry before fixing it back. Eventually, the filter will age and will need to be replaced. It will cost you not more than $10 to get a new one, and you can easily order through the manufacturer’s official website or from other websites such as Amazon. Keep checking the filter for signs of deterioration and change it as soon as you notice that it isn’t functioning correctly.

Dimensions

It weighs 11 pounds which is light enough for a unit that’s capable of sweeping and mopping your floor. Its height is 46″, measures 12″ in width, and has a depth of 10.5″. With these dimensions, the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro is small enough to be easy to store. It stands by itself, so you need not worry about what or where to lean it on. The vacuum also comes with a tray which protects your floor. For easier and safer storage, you can remove the brush roll and put it in the tray the vacuum comes with.

Accessories

Most of the parts in the package form the unit itself. Other than those, it comes with 2 8-ounce formulas called Multi-Surface Pet Formula with Febreze Freshness Spring & Renewal, a Rinse and Storage Tray, a Brush Roll Drying Tray with Rinse Funnel and a Rinse Cup.

Depending on which model you buy, you may also get an extra multi-surface tangle-free brushroll. For example, the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro Plus which you can find in BB&B contains 2 multi-surface pet brush roll, 2 wood floor brush rolls, 2 Bissell Multi-Surface Pet Formula with Febreze Freshness 8 oz. formula samples and 2 Bissell Wood Formula 8 oz. samples. Another example would be the TV offer from Bissell, which offers you additional cleaning brushrolls (Multi-Surface Brush Roll, Wood Floor Brush Roll, and Area Rug Brush Roll), an extra filter and 2 extra multi-surface pet solutions:

In any case, no matter which model you buy, you will also get a user manual as well as a starter guide.

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Special Features

The multi-surface brush roll the vacuum comes with is tangle free. According to the manufacturer, the roll can resist the tangle of pet hair up to 8 inches long, helping minimize the frustration brought by pet hair wraps. To help remove pet odors, it uses a special cleaning solution made for floors that have been soiled by pets. It makes this vacuum one of the best to use if you have a pet or pets in your home.

The two tank system ensures the brush roll is always using a fresh cleaning solution to mop. The result is a cleaner floor, even for the carpeted ones. The controls on the handle allow you easy switching of the cleaning modes, with the vacuum able to transition from cleaning a bare floor to cleaning an area rug. The on-demand trigger for the amount of cleaning solution provides you with instant control of cleaning power. You can use it whenever you encounter messes that seem hard to remove.

The unit is a breeze to disassemble which makes maintaining it easy. It comes with a clean tray to help you wash the brush roll. All you need to do is place the unit on the tray, put some clean water and set the motor running. While this method is easy and straightforward, I would recommend that you take out the brush roll (and which is made to be easy to remove anyway) and wash it in a sink instead. Doing so would result in a cleaner brush roll.

The Bissell CrossWave Pro also features a swivel head for enhanced maneuverability. You will find it easy to navigate into tight spots, move around objects, and clean the areas around corners. It also lies low enough to go under furniture and other items in your home, allowing you to mop the hard-to-reach places.

With an ergonomically shaped and non-slip handle, the Bissell CrossWave Pro is comfortable to use. You will clean with it for extended hours and not feel fatigued or get numb in the hands. This would come across as beneficial if you had large areas or many rooms to clean.

During cleaning tasks, a row of LED lamps will glow to light up the clear brush roll cover. It allows you to view the soapy water as it runs down to the brush roll and give you an idea of how well the machine is mopping. It may not be such a necessary feature, but it serves to assure you of the unit’s performance.

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Usability

The Pet Pro is pretty easy to assemble. It only takes a few minutes to click the various components into place, and the unit is ready to start its cleaning job.

The CrossWave Pro is also easy to operate. The control buttons are placed on the handle making them easy to reach while working the machine. The “Area rug” and the “Hard floor” buttons allow you to select the cleaning power based on the floor type. Pressing the Rug button means the unit will clean with more soap while pressing the Hard floor button means less soap. Other than these, there’s a particular trigger under the handle that acts to control the amount of cleaning solution released. Should you encounter a tough spill or when cleaning area rugs, all you need to do is press the trigger, and more of the cleaning liquid is released.

The vacuuming action involves the brush roll rotating to sweep dirt into the suction path. The vacuum’s suction power then acts to lift the dirt into the dustbin. To use the mopping functionality, the unit releases cleaning liquid onto the rotating brush roll which then works as a mop to wash the hard floor or rug. However, the wetting of the brush rolled does not stop the vacuuming action. It keeps on still, picking up the mopped dirt. During the double cleaning that involves sweeping and washing of the floor, the suction helps to dry the area being cleaned, so there are no streaks to complain about.

One thing I find likeable in the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro in how easily it switches from cleaning a hard floor to cleaning a rug. It allows you to vacuum and mop different floors all at once and using only one device.

The reach of this vacuum is exceptional. With a cord that measures 25 feet, you can expect to clean various rooms without interruption since you won’t be having to unplug it every time you switch places. However, the cord is not the retractable type, so you should expect it to be problematic to handle.

The vacuum comes with a strainer which removes debris from the water going into the dirty water tank. After you’re through with your cleaning, take out the dirty water tank, lift the strainer and empty the contents safely in a sink or toilet. You then rinse the tank and put it back in its place in the vacuum for another cleaning task.

One drawback of this vacuum is that it lacks an inbuilt system to heat the water it uses to mop. If you’re looking to use warm water for a cleaner floor, the manufacturer’s advice you to heat the water separately. I find this not useful since the water can lose heat before you’ve finished your cleaning task. It would have been better if a heating system was incorporated into the unit. Another minor drawback is the edge cleaning, which still needs some improvement.

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Warranty

The Pet Pro is backed by a limited manufacturers warranty that covers 3 years. Bissell is one of the leading makers of home appliances in the US, so you need not worry about the product’s quality. The 3-year warranty is also better than that of its sister product, the Bissell CrossWave, which only covers two years.

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Price

The vacuum currently retails at $300 on the official website of the manufacturer. You can also buy it from various places both online and offline. You will likely come across discounts being offered on it if you scout around. A discount such as this one would reduce the cost by a considerable amount depending on the deal, so be on the lookout for the available offers.

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Cleaning solutions which work with Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro

Your CrossWave comes with a multi-surface cleaner to start you off. This formula is meant for use on different floor types. However, it isn’t the only formula you can use with the machine. There are a variety of other cleaning solutions sold by the manufacturer, or you can even make yours. Among the cleaning solutions offered by Bissell are multi-surface, area rug, wood, multi-surface pet, and the variety pack. Here’s a table with all of them:

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Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro (purple version) vs Bissell CrossWave (green version)

As you can see, there is an obvious design difference. Apart from that, the body is almost the same. Financially speaking, the newer model costs around $50 more (see the Price section above). The brush roll of the Pet edition is thicker. The newer CrossWave also has the plastic strainer presented above. A new cleaning solution called Multi-surface Pet is included with the 2306 model. However, this can also be bought and used separately with the 1785. Last but not least, you get a 3 years warranty with the Pro model, instead of the 2 you get with the classic one. The way I see it, it’s not worth the upgrade if you already have the original version, but if you’re looking to buy one of these babies for the first time, I’d go with the purple 2306.

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FAQ:

Now that you have read our Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro review, you probably know whether or not this all in one wet and dry floor vacuum cleaner is for you. This multi-surface cleaner vacuums and washes hard floors and area rugs and is a great tool for pet owners and people with small children. 

Let’s dive into our frequently asked questions section to find out a bit more about this cleaning appliance. We hope it helps!

Q: Can the Bissell CrossWave be used on hardwood floors?

A: You should only use the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro on sealed floors. As long as your wooden floor is sealed, you can use it on your floor daily. 

Q: Does the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro pick up dry debris?

A: Yes, it does! The water and solution tank is kept separate from any dry debris that the floor cleaner picks up for the best results. 

Q: Does the Bissell CrossWave Multi-Surface pet brush roll work on area rugs?

A: Yes! This cleaner works in large areas and on rugs, making it a great rug cleaner with great multi-surface cleaning abilities. 

Q: What is the difference between the Bissell CrossWave and the CrossWave pet pro?

A: When it comes to their overall design, there isn’t much of a difference, both visually and with its engineering. The only difference is that the Pet Pro version has a special hair strainer for pet hairs in the dirty water tank. 

Q: Does the Bissell CrossWave really work?

A: It absolutely does! It is wonderful to pick up pet hair, dirt, and debris and make cleaning your home feel like less of a chore when you have pets in the house. 

Q: Which is the best Bissell CrossWave?

A: The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro is considered to be the best CrossWave model due to its above-average abilities to pick up pet hairs. 

It may not be the most innovative upgrade, but the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro will do a good job to keep your home clean. I find it one of the most useful hybrid vacuums you can get. Because it cleans by mopping and sweeping all at one go, it means you won’t be needing separate machines for the two chores, nor have to move around your home with a mop and a bucket when cleaning floors. The unit comes in an elegant, compact design you will instantly find appealing (didn’t want to use the cheesy “fall in love with”). I would recommend this product if you’re looking for a versatile vacuum you can count on to keep your home always clean.