Do you have to use Bissell’s cleaner in your Crosswave or is it okay to use any cleaner? What about Pine-Sol is it okay? Or bleach is that okay? What about Fabuloso? After all, it’s Fabuloso -right? And for that matter what about homemade solutions like vinegar and water? Let’s find out…
Many people are using a wide variety of different solutions other than the ones supplied by Bissell but does that mean it is okay? It may surprise you to know that the Crosswave manual actually says that if you do so you may void your warranty.
You can find the information on page 5 of their manual (available online) and here is the exact wording… Always use CrossWave formulas in your machine. Other solutions may harm the machine and void the guarantee.
Now, most of our suspicious minds think they are just saying that to force us to buy their solutions and shake a few more coins out of us. But nonetheless, if you have a brand new Bissell Crosswave and you don’t want to risk voiding your warranty it is best to stick with Bissell’s official products.
There are people who say they are using other solutions just fine however you need to be aware that BISSELL designs their machines to use specified formulas. You run the risk of damaging your machine and/or not getting all of the cleaning benefits the machine is capable of.
< class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>Why You Shouldn’t Use Other Cleaning Solutions in Your Bissell Crosswave?
As long as you’re using this type of machine it’s best to use a detergent that doesn’t produce foam. Some people worry that without the foam to scrub the carpet with, the machine won’t get their carpets clean. But the machines don’t need foam to get your carpets clean.

Here’s the thing, if you use the wrong detergent foam can bypass the water separator and enter the motor, dulling or fouling the electrical components and can even result in destroying the motor. The detergent buildup at the bottom of the tank can also cause damage.
- BISSELL models are designed for use with their own solution. Using other solutions will shorten the life of your machine, void its warranty, and could cause it to malfunction.
- Harsh detergents, caustic cleaners, anything containing bleach, ammonia, acids of any kind, even those sweet-smelling essential oils, all can damage your Crosswave. These solutions can eat into various parts of the machines and ruin them.
- Another thing to consider is that Bissell knows what they are doing and specifically design their cleaning solutions to achieve the ultimate cleaning results without leaving streaks behind.
Using other solutions just makes things much harder, and didn’t you buy the Bissell in the first place for quicker and easier cleaning?
< class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>Can You Use Pine Sol With Bissell Crosswave?
When it comes to cleaning floors, you want to make sure you’re getting the job done right. Pine-Sol is a common multi-purpose household cleaner that has been used for decades, but should it really be used in your Bissell CrossWave?

Also see: The Lowdown on What Cleaner to Use in Your Bissell Little Green
No – don’t do it. It’s tempting to add PineSol or some other pine-scented cleaner, but PineSol and other pine-based cleaners can damage the seals and gaskets inside your Crosswave.
After a while, you may see that the nozzle head will leak at the seals because the Pine-Sol has eaten away at them and you will have to replace your machine sooner than necessary.
< class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>Can You Use Bleach In Your Bissell Crosswave?
Bleach can weaken the materials of your machine, causing them to wear out faster. Bleach can also cause corrosion of metal parts in your machine, including the pump and motor. This will potentially cause leaks which may lead to you losing your cleaning solution and/or water, and damage to your flooring.

You can not use bleach in your Bissell Crosswave because bleach can cause the rubber gasket inside of the machine to deteriorate. The bleach will cause it to swell or s ink, which may result in a leak.
Also, bleach can cause a chemical reaction with the plastic components in your machine, including those within the tank and those that make up the spray wands. The result of this reaction could be discoloration of these parts as well as a loss of function.
If you have already used bleach in your machine, please fill the machine with plain water and agitate for one minute. Then run clean water t ough the machine for an additional t ee minutes to flush out all traces of bleach.
< class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>Can You Use Fabuloso In A Bissell Crosswave?
You can not use Fabuloso in your Bissell Crosswave because if you use it in your Bissell Crosswave will damage the machine.

Once again, Bissell Crosswave is designed to work with solutions specifically made for your machine. Using an incorrect solution may cause damage to the machine or void the warranty.
The correct solution for your Bissell Crosswave is the one they provide. This solution is specially made for your machine and will help you achieve optimal results when cleaning your carpets and floors.
< class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>Can You Use Vinegar And Water In Bissell Crosswave?
You may think that vinegar can’t be considered in the same vein as those other dastardly Bissell Crosswave enemies mentioned above – but alas – that is simply not so.

The chemical reactions of vinegar are more powerful than you might have imagined and you should never use vinegar in your Crosswave.
So, the solution to what solution you can use in your Bissell Croswave is to stick to the solution Bissell provides. I know… I’m a mathematical; genius. Well… not really, because Bissell came up with the solution.
< class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>Frequently Asked Questions
Questions | Answers |
---|---|
Can I Use Fabuloso in My Bissell Crosswave? | It’s recommended to always use cleaners designed for the Bissell Crosswave. Using other products like Fabuloso might void the warranty or damage the machine. Check the user manual or contact Bissell for more guidance. |
Can I Use Pine Sol in My Bissell Crosswave? | Just like with Fabuloso, it’s best to use cleaners that are specifically formulated for the Bissell Crosswave. Using Pine Sol might not be suitable and could potentially harm the device or void the warranty. |
Can You Use Vinegar in Bissell Crosswave? | Vinegar is a natural cleaner and can be used in many cleaning devices. However, it’s crucial to ensure that vinegar is safe for your specific model. Diluted vinegar is often less harsh than undiluted. |
Can You Use Other Cleaners in Bissell Crosswave? | Always refer to the user manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some cleaning solutions might be too harsh or not suitable for the device. |
Can I Use Any Cleaner in My Bissell? | While many cleaners might work, it’s safest to use cleaners that are specifically designed for your Bissell model to avoid any potential damage or warranty issues. |
Can You Use Bleach in Bissell Crosswave? | It’s generally not recommended to use bleach in cleaning machines as it can be corrosive and damage the internal components. Always refer to the device’s manual. |
What Cleaner Can You Use in Bissell Crosswave? | It’s best to use the cleaning solution recommended by Bissell for the Crosswave. They likely have specific solutions designed for optimal performance and safety of the device. |
Do You Have to Use Bissell Solution in Crosswave? | While using the Bissell solution is likely recommended for best results and to maintain the warranty, other compatible cleaners might work. Always check the manual or manufacturer’s guidelines. |
Can You Use Pine Sol in Toilet? | Yes, Pine Sol can be used as a toilet bowl cleaner. Ensure you rinse thoroughly and avoid mixing with other cleaning products to prevent chemical reactions. |
Can You Use Other Cleaners in Tineco? | Always refer to the user manual of your specific Tineco model. It’s best to use cleaners recommended by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the device or voiding the warranty. |
Can You Use Mr. Clean in Bissell Crosswave? | Using non-Bissell cleaners, including Mr. Clean, might work, but it’s always safest to refer to the user manual or contact Bissell for specific guidance. |
What Can I Use Instead of Bissell Cleaning Solution? | While there might be alternative cleaning solutions compatible with Bissell devices, it’s recommended to use Bissell’s proprietary solution for best results and to keep the device in good condition. |
Can I Use Lysol in My Bissell Crosswave? | It’s essential to be cautious when using products not specifically designed for the Bissell Crosswave. Lysol might not be suitable and could affect the device’s performance or longevity. |
Can You Use Rug Doctor Cleaner in a Bissell? | While Rug Doctor cleaner is designed for carpet cleaning machines, it’s best to ensure compatibility with your specific Bissell model. Check both Rug Doctor’s and Bissell’s guidelines. |
Can You Use Bona in Bissell Crosswave? | Bona is primarily designed for hardwood floors. If you’re considering using it in the Bissell Crosswave, check both Bona’s guidelines and the Bissell user manual to ensure compatibility. |
In summary, your BISSELL Crosswave is a powerful, high-tech solution to cleaning your hard floors. With the Crosswave, you can clean and shine your bare floors in an easy time-saving manner. Still, at times it can be confusing when deciding which floor cleaner to use to best suit the type of mess you are cleaning up.

While you will find people leaving comments on various forums and even within the product about using other cleaning solutions in their Bissell Crosswave the simple fact of the matter is you are better of sticking with the tried and true formula’s Bissell makes.
BISSELL machines use HE (high efficiency) detergents. These detergents clean up faster and dissolve completely, resulting in minimal foam and better rinsing of the carpet fibers. That means less carpet soil left on your floors and more carpet cleaning solution available to work on stains and odors.