Bissell CrossWave Leaving Streaks or Leaking? (SOLVED)

When your Bissell CrossWave is leaking dirty water or leaving streaks, relax, both issues can be fixed if you know where the problem is coming from and how to address the issue.

In this post, we will show you how to fix a Bissell CrossWave that is leaking or leaving streaks.

Why is My Bissell CrossWave Leaving Streaks?

A Bissell CrossWave may leave streaks on floors if you are not using enough cleaning solution (too much water) when cleaning. Streaking can also happen if you use too much water during passes, causing the brushes to become oversaturated. The last cause for streaking could be dirty brush rolls.

The Bissell CrossWave uses its spray function to wet the floor when cleaning. If the machine is leaving streaks on your floor, here are some tips to help.

1. Use the right amount of water and cleaning solution

You may not be using enough fresh cleaning solution when cleaning.

The clean water tank has two measuring volumes, large area cleaning and small area cleaning. 

For small area cleaning (areas up to 300 square feet), fill the tank up to the FIRST water fill line. Then, fill it to the FIRST formula fill line with a cleaning formula.

For large area cleaning (areas up to 700 square feet), fill the tank up to the FIRST water fill line. Then, fill it to the FIRST formula fill line with a cleaning formula.

Remember, the right amount of water makes all the difference.

2. Hold the trigger to leave an even finish

To leave an even finish on your floor and avoid streaks, be sure to hold the trigger. If you use too much water during passes, the brushes can become oversaturated, causing a Bissell CrossWave to leave streaks.

After making wet passes, release the trigger to go over the wet area without spraying. This will help dry floors faster and remove water streaks.

3. Make sure the brush rolls are clean

The last cause for streaking could be dirty brush rolls. Make sure you are running the self-cleaning cycle after each use to help clean brush rolls.

Also, be sure to replace your brush roll after 10 hours of use. You can always get new Bissell CrossWave brushes. Clean brush rolls go a long way.

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If you have done all of the above, yet the Bissell CrossWave is still producing excess water and leaving streaks, there may be a leak in one, or both, of the water tanks.

Why is My Bissell CrossWave Leaking Dirty Water?

While it’s easy to blame one of the machine’s water tanks as the culprit, a Bissell CrossWave can leak if you are not using it properly. Here are 6 possible reasons why a Bissell CrossWave leaks water, or even dirty water:

1. The clean water tank is not installed properly (there is a gap between the tank and the machine).
2. You are using too much cleaning formula (too much foam building up within).
3. The dirty water level may have surpassed the full line.
4. Cracks or damage on the clean water tank.
5. Cracks or damage on the dirty water tank.
6. Cracks or damage on the brush roll window.

Assuming that both the clean and dirty tanks are installed properly, you are not using too much cleaning formula, and the dirty water level has not surpassed the full line, a Bissell CrossWave can leak water due to a crack or damage from either the clean water tank, dirty water tank, or brush roll window.

Let’s break it down further. First, you need to examine where the leak is coming from. The leak from a Bissell CrossWave may come from three places:

1. Clean water tank
2. Dirty water tank
3. Vents

Here is what you need to do to troubleshoot the leaking in three simple steps:

1. Check clean water tank for cracks or damage

First, turn the machine off.

Remove the clean water tank from the unit and empty it. Carefully examine for cracks or damage. You can also fill the tank with water over a sink and check if there are leaks coming from the tank.

If the clean water tank is damaged, you need to replace it with a new clean water tank.

With the clean tank still removed from the unit, also check for cracks or leaks on the black cap and on the rubber gasket. If there are cracks or damage, it should be replaced.

You can buy a clean water tank replacement. You can also browse the replacement by model.

Once everything is set, fill the clean tank with water, install the cap tightly onto the tank, and firmly install it onto the machine. Make sure to not leave gaps between the tank and the body of the machine.

Remember, every time you use the Bissell CrossWave, make sure to use the recommended amount of formula as indicated on the clean tank. Otherwise, there may be too much foam building up within, causing a leak or water coming out from the vents.

2. Check dirty water tank for cracks or damage

If there is no damage on the clean water tank, the next thing to inspect is the dirty water tank. With the machine turned off, remove the dirty water tank from the unit and empty it.

Carefully examine for cracks or damage. You can also fill the tank with water over a sink and check if there are leaks coming from the tank.

If the dirty water tank is damaged, you need to replace it with a new dirty water tank. You can above, where you can also browse the replacement by model number.

If the dirty water tank is fine, return it carefully to the machine.

Remember, every time you use the Bissell CrossWave, do not let the dirty water level surpass the full line, otherwise, the machine may leak dirty water.

3. Check the brush roll window

If both the clean and dirty water tanks are perfectly fine, then the last thing you want to check is the brush roll window. Remove it from the unit, and carefully rinse and dry the window.

Once cleaned, examine the brush roll window for damage or cracks.

If the brush roll window is cracked or damaged, you need to replace it with a new one. You can above, where you can also browse the replacement by model number.

Can You Use a Bissell CrossWave Without Water?

You can use a Bissell CrossWave without water because it is a wet dry vacuum. It is engineered to vacuum and/or wash sealed hard floors and area rugs simultaneously.

Without pressing on the trigger, the machine will not spray water onto your floors. If you are looking to do a quick vacuum without mopping, a Bissell CrossWave can work as an upright vacuum cleaner.

Does Bissell CrossWave Leave Residue?

A Bissell CrossWave will not leave any residue as long as both the clean and dirty tanks are installed properly, and you are using the right amount of water and cleaning solution.

Bottom Line

And there you go, the answer to the problem: why is my Bissell CrossWave leaving streaks or leaking dirty water. By applying out simple guide, we hope you can resume cleaning using your beloved CrossWave.

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