Sometimes, life gets a little sticky. And a quick wipe just won't cut it for some spills and spots. But with the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop at your side, you'll have the upper hand on the really tough task.

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop sanitizes with steam, which kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. In this post, you will learn how to use the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop the correct way.

How to Use the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

Learning how to use the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop involves assembling the steam mop, getting to know the features, using the steam mop, and storing it properly. Here’s a quick video on how to use it:

1. Assembling the steam mop

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop assembles quickly and easily. It is packaged with the following items:

• Handle Assembly with one screw
• Lower Body
• Maneuverable Mop Head
• Removable Water Tank
• Removable Easy Scrubber (attached to mop head)
• 2 PowerFresh Steam Mop Pads
• 2 Spring Breeze Fragrance Discs

To assemble the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop, attach the lower body to the mop head by snapping it into place. Slide the handle assembly down and screw until it is tightened.

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is now assembled.

2. Get to know the Bissell PowerFresh features

Now that you have assembled the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop, it’s time to get to know its features. The PowerFresh comes with 5 important features that you need to know:

1. Removable water tank

The water tank is located on the top of the steam mop. It can be refilled with water any time during use. It is recommended to use distilled or demineralized water instead of tap water to reduce mineral build-up inside the tank. Do not use chemicals in the water tank of your Bissell PowerFresh steam mop.

2. SmartSet Steam Control

The steam control feature allows you to choose between 3 steam settings (low, medium, and high). The SmartSet Steam Control indicator light will stop blinking when the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is ready to use. Then press the Steam Level button to choose the level of steam you desire.

3. Microfiber mop pads

Reusable microfiber mop pads are machine washable and safe for virtually all hard floor surfaces. Your Bissell PowerFresh steam mop may have come with two different pads:

• The white microfiber pad is for everyday use on delicate flooring (sealed hardwoods and laminate).
• The gray and white striped pad is for scrubbing heavily soiled floors and cleaning tougher messes.

4. Removable Easy Scrubber

The Removable Easy Scrubber allows you to quickly clean sticky messes by pressing the Easy Scrubber with your foot and locking it into position. You can also clean grout and crevices easily with this effective tool.

5. Triangle Mop Pad Foot

Some units may come with an additional triangle foot. To use it, attach the lower body to the mop head by snapping it into place. Use the triangle mop pad foot to clean in corners and other hard-to-reach areas.

3. Using the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

Now that you have assembled the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop and got to know its features, it’s time to use it. Here’s how to use the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop in 5 steps:

1. Add Freshening Disc and attach the mop pad

Insert the Spring Breeze Freshening Disc into the pocket located inside the mop pad. You can choose to use the whole disc for a refreshing scent or cut it in half for a lighter scent. Set the mop head in the mop pad, making sure that the quick-grip release tab is located on the back.

2. Fill the water tank

Remove the tank by lifting it straight up and away from the unit. Unscrew the cap at the bottom of the water tank. Fill the water tank with water. Use distilled or demineralized water to prolong the life of the machine and reduce mineral build-up. For best results, the water should be at room temperature.

Replace the cap and tighten it until it is snug. Lastly, replace the water tank back into the steam mop unit by gently sliding the tank into place and pressing it down firmly. If you do not install it properly, it can leak.

3. Plug the unit and select the steam level

Twist the Quick Release cord wrap clockwise to unwrap the power cord completely and plug it into a 120-Volt outlet. The SmartSet Steam Select Indicator light will glow when the steam mop is ready to use. Press the Steam Level button to choose the level of steam you desire.

IMPORTANT: The pump may make a “knocking” sound when you use the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop or refill the water tank for the first time. This is normal and should only last a few seconds.

4. Cleaning hard floors

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is designed to clean hard flooring such as ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, marble, stone and sealed hardwood floors. Using the steam mop on waxed or some unwaxed floors may result in a diminished glossiness. Do not use the steam mop on unsealed wood floors.

Before using the steam mop, test it in an inconspicuous area and check the care instructions from your flooring manufacturer. It is also recommended to vacuum or sweep the floors. This removes excess dust from surfaces and prevents dirt from getting moved around by the steam mop pad. 

Here’s how to use the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop on hard floors:

1. Plug the Bissell steam mop and wait 30 seconds for it to heat up.
2. Choose the level of steam to clean your floor. (Low for delicate floors, medium for regular cleaning, and high for durable floors or sticky messes).
3. Begin cleaning by slowly passing the steam mop over the floor surface.
4. To turn off the steam mop, continue to press the Steam Level button until the blue light is illuminated above the Steam Level button.
5. When the steam mop stops emitting steam, unplug the unit. Simply remove the water tank, refill, and continue steaming.

To thoroughly clean dried-on sticky spots, place the scrubby pad on the steam mop. Then, press and lock the Easy Scrubber brush into place and slowly move the brush over the sticky spot to remove it.

To sanitize an area, use the microfiber pads to stroke the steam mop back and forth slowly and evenly (at least 3 times over the area) using continuous steam. For best results, remove the pad and wash it after use.

5. Using the carpet refresher attachment (select models)

This carpet refresher attachment (also known as the carpet glider) is recommended for refreshing carpets. Once the steam mop is cradled in the carpet refresher attachment, it will easily glide over the carpet.

Always be sure a mop pad is in place before placing in the carpet refresher attachment. Only white mop pads should be used with the carpet attachment. Do not use the carpet attachment on spots or stains. Also, do not glide it over the same spot for longer than 20 seconds.

Here’s how to use the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop carpet refresher attachment:

1. Place the swivel mop head, with mop pad attached, in the carpet refresher attachment.
2. Fill the water tank with water.
3. Begin refreshing your carpet or rug by pushing the steam mop in a forward and backward motion, releasing steam as you go.
4. Move the steam mop and carpet refresher attachment in a continuous motion until finished.
5. When you have finished refreshing your carpet or rug, unplug the steam mop and remove it from the carpet or rug.

The Bissell steam mop and its carpet glider is not intended to be used as a carpet cleaner, only a carpet refresher or deodorizer. Never attempt to use the steam mop on carpet without the carpet refresher attachment in place. DO NOT leave the mop in a stationary position.

Related articles:

• Steam cleaning carpets (everything you should know)
• Best steam cleaners with carpet glider

4. What to do after using the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop

Using your Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is just one piece of the puzzle. Knowing how to store and maintain it is equally important. Once you are finished using the steam mop, please do these steps:

1. Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
2. Carefully remove the mop pad using the Quick Release tab from the mop head. The mop pad and lower assembly may be hot. Remove Spring Breeze Freshening Disc from the mop pad.
3. Any water remaining in the water tank should be emptied before storage.
4. The mop pad can be machine washed in warm water. Use only liquid detergents. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. For best results, air dry.
5. Wrap the power cord around the Quick Release cord wrap on the back of the steam mop.
6. Wipe all surfaces of the steam mop with a soft cloth. Store upright in a protected, dry area.

Remember, storing the steam mop upright with a wet mop pad attached may result in the formation of white marks on your floor. To remove the white marks, clean the area with vinegar.

Conclusion

And there you have it, the complete guide on how to use the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop. Between the 1940 and the 1806 PowerFresh steam mops, Bissell knew how to make a tool that made cleaning easier.