How to Use a Bissell Steam Mop

On this page (9 sections)

1. How do you use a Bissell steam mop step by step?
2. Which Bissell steam mop fits your cleaning needs?
3. What should you check before turning on the mop?
4. How do you fill the tank and choose water?
5. How do you choose steam and move the mop?
6. How do you clean stuck-on dirt and grout?
7. What mistakes should you avoid?
8. What should you do after mopping?
9. How to use a Bissell steam mop: which one should you choose?

To learn how to use a Bissell steam mop, fit a clean pad, fill the tank as the manual directs, and choose a steam mode approved for your sealed floor. Sweep or vacuum first, move the mop steadily, and unplug it before taking off the pad.

The right model depends on your floor and the kind of mess you clean. The PowerFresh 1940A suits homes that want several steam settings and a scrubber for stuck-on spots; the PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 offers simpler high and low modes; and the SpinWave SmartSteam 3897A is for people who want rotating pads and a no-steam option.

How do you use a Bissell steam mop step by step?

Prepare the floor, attach the pad, fill the tank, then heat the mop and clean in steady passes. Use your model's manual for the approved water, floor types, pad placement, and controls.

1. Check the floor. Confirm that it is sealed and approved for your mop. Sweep or vacuum up grit and loose debris.
2. Fit a clean pad. With the mop unplugged and cool, attach the pad as the manual shows. Check that it lies flat over the head.
3. Fill the tank. Use only the water type and fill method allowed for your model. Close the tank securely.
4. Plug in and select a mode. Set the mop upright on its pad and wait for the ready indicator or the warm-up time in the manual.
5. Clean in steady passes. Move across the floor without stopping over one spot. Use overlapping passes where needed.
6. Switch off and unplug. Let the mop cool before removing the pad, emptying the tank, or storing it.

A steam mop cleans hard floors; it does not pick up dry debris. For help choosing a floor-cleaning machine, start with our guide to steam cleaners for floors.

Which Bissell steam mop fits your cleaning needs?

Choose by the controls and cleaning features you’ll use, then confirm your floor is approved. The PowerFresh 1940A is a good fit for varied messes, the Deluxe 1806 keeps the choices to high and low steam, and the SpinWave SmartSteam adds powered pad rotation and a no-steam mode.

The PowerFresh 1940A is the clearest choice if you want 3 steam settings and a flip-down Easy Scrubber for dried-on messes or grout buildup. Skip it if you need a cordless mop, since it uses a power cord, or if your floors are not approved for steam.

The PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 suits you if high and low settings cover your needs and you want a built-in SpotBoost Brush for sticky spots. Its optional Spring Breeze fragrance disc may suit people who like a scented clean; skip the disc if you prefer no added fragrance.

The SpinWave SmartSteam 3897A is for sealed-floor cleaning where rotating pads, fingertip controls, and a no-steam setting matter. Choose another style if you prefer a basic mop head or your floor cannot tolerate steam, even at a lower setting.

Compare the models in our guide to the best Bissell steam mops before choosing. If you are still deciding between a steam mop and another cleaning method, our steam mop vs. spin mop guide explains the difference.

What should you check before turning on the mop?

Sweep first, check the floor's care instructions, and attach the pad while the mop is unplugged. Steam is suitable only for surfaces approved by both the mop manual and the floor manufacturer.

Move rugs, toys, and cords out of the cleaning path. Some floors with the same surface name can have different finishes, so “hardwood” or “tile” alone does not confirm that a floor is safe for steam.

Avoid steam on unsealed wood and on floors whose care instructions forbid heat or moisture. For floor-specific guidance, read whether you can steam mop laminate floors and steam mop vinyl floors.

Can you use a Bissell steam mop on every hard floor?

No, use it only on a surface and finish approved by the mop and floor makers. The PowerFresh 1940A is designed for sealed hardwood, tile or ceramic, granite, and marble; the Deluxe 1806 is described for sealed hard floors including linoleum.

A named surface is not automatically steam-safe if it is unsealed, damaged, or treated with a finish that cannot take heat and moisture. Check the manual and flooring care instructions before cleaning.

Our guide on whether a steam mop can clean tile and grout covers grout and other limits to consider.

How do you fill the tank and choose water?

Use only the water type and amount your model's manual allows. Keep floor cleaner, essential oils, and fragrance out of the tank unless the instructions specifically permit them.

The PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 includes a measuring cup. Use the tank's fill marks and the manual's directions, then close the tank before attaching it to the mop.

Whether you need distilled water depends on your model and water conditions. Check the manual or read our guide to distilled water in a steam mop for more context.

Can you add scent to a Bissell steam mop?

Use a fragrance disc only if your model supports one, and place it in the intended tray. The PowerFresh 1940A and Deluxe 1806 support Spring Breeze scent discs.

Do not put fragrance in the water tank unless the manual specifically allows it. Skip scent discs if you want an unscented clean or someone in your home is sensitive to fragrance.

How do you choose steam and move the mop?

Start with a setting that suits the floor and the mess, then guide the mop at a steady pace. Keep the head moving so one section does not receive prolonged heat and moisture.

The PowerFresh 1940A has 3 settings for different cleaning needs. The Deluxe 1806 has high and low modes, while the SpinWave SmartSteam has 2 steam levels and a no-steam option.

The SpinWave SmartSteam's rotating pads provide scrubbing action, so guide the mop using its controls instead of pressing down. On the PowerFresh 1940A, lower the Easy Scrubber to work on dried-on messes as its manual directs.

How do you clean stuck-on dirt and grout?

Use the built-in scrubber as directed and keep the steam head moving. The PowerFresh 1940A has an Easy Scrubber for dried-on messes and grout buildup, while the Deluxe 1806 has a SpotBoost Brush for stuck-on spots.

These brushes can help loosen residue, but they do not make an unapproved floor safe for steam. Check the floor's care instructions before using steam or a scrubber, especially on delicate finishes.

Grout condition and sealant can affect what cleaning method is suitable. See our guide on whether a steam mop can clean tile and grout for more on cleaning tile and grout.

What mistakes should you avoid?

The main mistakes are steaming an unapproved floor, leaving the mop in one spot, and adding unapproved liquids to the tank. Each can expose the floor or mop to heat, moisture, or substances the instructions do not allow.

Do not use steam as a substitute for sweeping. Grit and crumbs can collect in the pad or be pushed across the surface, so clear loose dirt before you start.

Do not assume every sealed floor tolerates the same steam level. Start with the manual's directions, use the lowest suitable setting, and stop if the floor care instructions advise against steam.

Do not remove a hot pad or store the mop with a damp pad attached. Unplug the unit, let it cool, then follow the manual for pad washing, tank care, and storage.

What should you do after mopping?

Unplug the mop, let it cool, and remove the pad according to the manual. Wash reusable pads as directed and let them dry fully before storing them.

Empty leftover water if your model's instructions recommend it. Wipe the body, store the mop upright in a dry place, and secure the cord without pulling it tight or sharply bending it.

A dirty pad can spread soil on the next clean. Follow our directions for how to clean steam mop pads to keep reusable microfiber ready for another session.

How to use a Bissell steam mop: which one should you choose?

Pick the PowerFresh 1940A for 3 steam settings and its flip-down scrubber, the Deluxe 1806 for high and low modes with a SpotBoost Brush, or the SpinWave SmartSteam for rotating pads and a no-steam option. For any of them, confirm the floor is approved, sweep first, use only permitted water, and keep the mop moving.

If you want a second brand's setup steps, compare this routine with how to use a Shark steam mop. For a model-by-model buying comparison, see the best Bissell steam mops.

Frequently asked questions

Do you put water or cleaner in a Bissell steam mop?

Use water in the tank, following your model's manual. Don't add floor cleaner, essential oils, or other liquids unless Bissell specifically permits them for that model.

Some models support optional fragrance discs, which go in their designated tray rather than the water tank.

How long does a Bissell steam mop take to heat up?

Warm-up time depends on the model. The PowerFresh 1940A and PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 have a 30-second heat time, while the SpinWave SmartSteam 3897A has a 20-second heat time.

Follow the ready indicator and instructions for your mop.

Can you use a Bissell steam mop on hardwood?

Use steam only on sealed hard floors that the manual approves. The PowerFresh 1940A is designed for sealed hardwood, while the PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 is described for sealed hard floors including hardwood.

Don't use steam on unsealed, waxed, or water-sensitive flooring.

Should you sweep before using a Bissell steam mop?

Yes, sweep or vacuum loose dirt first so the pad can focus on stuck-on residue instead of pushing grit across the floor. Pick up crumbs and small debris, then use the steam mop according to its floor and care instructions.