BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam Mop Review

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Cleaning sealed hard floors, especially when faced with tough dirt and sticky messes, can be exhausting.

The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam Scrubbing Steam Mop aims to simplify this task by combining steam cleaning with rotating mop pads.

It promises to scrub away messes with minimal effort, saving you from the strenuous task of scrubbing floors by hand. But does it deliver on these promises?

In this detailed review, we’ll dive into what makes the SpinWave SmartSteam stand out, explore its pros and cons, and examine how well it suits different types of users and their specific needs.

BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam Description

The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam is an upright, corded steam mop designed for cleaning and sanitizing sealed hard floors. What makes this model unique is the combination of steam power and rotating mop pads, which spin up to 230 RPM to scrub away stuck-on dirt.

This feature is especially handy for cleaning up after pets or tackling high-traffic areas in your home. With two levels of steam control and the option for no-steam mode, you can customize your cleaning to suit different surfaces and messes.

The intelligent LED display is another standout feature. It provides real-time feedback, displaying the steam level, floor type, and even alerts you when the water tank needs refilling.

Plus, with a removable water tank and LED headlights that illuminate your cleaning path, the SpinWave SmartSteam is built for convenience.

What I personally love about this steam mop is its ability to sanitize floors.

According to BISSELL, the SpinWave SmartSteam can kill 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses, including Coronavirus and Influenza, when used as directed. This makes it an excellent choice for homes with children or pets where cleanliness is essential.

Floor Types and Carpets

One of the strengths of the BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam is its versatility across different floor types.

It’s designed to clean and sanitize sealed hard floors, including hardwood, tile, marble, laminate, and stone. If you have a mix of floor types in your home, this steam mop can transition between surfaces without causing damage.

On delicate surfaces like sealed wood, the lower steam setting is ideal, while the higher setting works wonders on tougher surfaces like tile and stone.

However, the SpinWave SmartSteam does have its limitations.

Users have reported that while it excels at cleaning tile and other smooth surfaces, it struggles with grout lines. If you have a lot of grout in your home, you may find that the mop pads aren’t able to scrub deep enough to remove dirt from those crevices.

I’ve found this to be the case in my own home, where the grout in my kitchen floor required a more specialized cleaning tool.

For homes with a combination of tile and hardwood floors, the SpinWave SmartSteam is an excellent all-in-one solution.

I use it frequently in my home, which has a mix of tile in the kitchen and hardwood in the living room. The mop’s rotating pads easily cut through messes on the tile, and the adjustable steam levels mean I can safely use it on my wood floors without worrying about causing damage.

This steam mop is well-suited for a variety of users, including:

1. Pet Owners: If you have pets, especially ones that frequently track in dirt or spill food and water, the BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam is a game changer. The rotating mop pads do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and removing dried-on messes from floors. One example is how I use it to clean up after my dog’s food area. Drool and bits of kibble often make a mess, but the steam and rotating pads tackle the grime effortlessly, leaving the area spotless.

2. Busy Parents: Parents with young children will appreciate the sanitizing power of this steam mop. Whether it’s spilled juice in the kitchen or sticky handprints on the floor, the SpinWave SmartSteam makes cleanup quick and easy. For parents with crawling babies or toddlers who spend a lot of time on the floor, the ability to sanitize floors without chemicals is an added bonus.

3. Homeowners with Large Spaces: If you have a large home with extensive hard flooring, the SpinWave SmartSteam can save you a lot of time. With its 14.5-inch cleaning path and a 25-foot cord, you can cover large areas without having to frequently stop and switch outlets. This makes it ideal for open floor plans or homes with expansive kitchen and dining areas.

Mop Head Type

The SpinWave SmartSteam is equipped with two round mop heads that rotate at high speeds, providing scrubbing power beyond what a typical steam mop can offer.

These mop heads are designed to lift and scrub away dirt without requiring much effort from you. This feature is particularly useful for tackling sticky or stubborn messes, like dried spills or mud.

One limitation, however, is that the round shape of the mop heads makes it difficult to clean tight corners.

If you have areas like the space behind toilets or in narrow hallways, the mop may struggle to reach these spots.

I’ve experienced this when trying to clean the grout lines around my kitchen counters. The mop performed excellently on the open areas of the tile, but I had to manually scrub the corners afterward.

The SpinWave SmartSteam comes with two sets of mop pads—one set of scrubby pads for tougher jobs and another set of softer microfiber pads for more delicate surfaces.

These pads are machine washable, so you can reuse them multiple times. I’ve found the scrubby pads to be particularly effective on high-traffic areas where dirt tends to accumulate, while the softer pads are perfect for cleaning sealed hardwood without scratching.

Water Tank and Steam

The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam is designed for efficient cleaning, and its removable water tank is a key part of that. The tank holds 538 ml (about 18.2 oz) of water, which is enough to clean several rooms before needing a refill. The best part? It heats up in just 20 seconds, so you can start cleaning almost immediately.

The steam levels can be adjusted depending on the type of mess or floor you’re cleaning. The lower steam setting is great for lighter jobs or more sensitive surfaces like laminate, while the high steam setting is ideal for tackling tough messes on tile or stone. If you don’t need steam, you can switch to the no-steam mode and use the mop’s rotating pads on their own.

One thing to note is that this mop uses steam to sanitize your floors, killing 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses when used correctly. I use it in my kitchen after preparing meals to ensure the floors are not only clean but also free of harmful germs. For families with pets or young children, this added layer of sanitation provides peace of mind.

Controls

The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam is equipped with an intuitive LED display that makes it easy to monitor and control your cleaning.

The display shows the current steam level, the floor type being cleaned, and alerts you when the water tank needs to be refilled.

There are also floor-directed LED headlights that help illuminate dark or shadowy areas, making it easier to see where you’re cleaning.

Fingertip controls allow you to adjust the steam level or switch to no-steam mode with ease.

The handle is ergonomic, though the mop can feel a bit heavy during prolonged cleaning sessions, which may cause wrist strain for some users.

In my experience, the handle is comfortable enough for shorter cleaning sessions, but I did notice some wrist fatigue when using the mop for extended periods in larger rooms.

Attachments

The SpinWave SmartSteam comes with two sets of mop pads: one set of scrubby pads for tough messes and one set of softer microfiber pads for delicate surfaces.

These pads are machine washable and can be reused multiple times, saving you the cost of buying replacement pads frequently.

While the mop doesn’t come with any additional attachments, the rotating mop pads provide enough scrubbing power for most cleaning tasks.

If you have a home with different types of hard floors, you might find the softer microfiber pads useful for wood floors, while the scrubby pads are perfect for cleaning tougher surfaces like tile or stone.

I’ve used both sets of pads in my home and found them to be highly effective on their respective surfaces.

Cleaning Solution Options

The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam is designed to work with water only, which is ideal for those looking to clean without the use of chemicals.

If you prefer to avoid cleaning products due to allergies or sensitivities, this mop is a great option. The steam does an excellent job of lifting dirt and sanitizing surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals.

While some users may wish to add cleaning solutions to the water tank, it’s recommended to use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and keep the steam system functioning smoothly.

I’ve stuck to using distilled water and have had no issues with clogging or mineral deposits.

Dimensions and Storage

The SpinWave SmartSteam is designed for convenience, with a wide 14.5-inch cleaning path that makes it easy to clean large areas quickly.

Its 25-foot cord gives you the freedom to move around without constantly needing to switch outlets.

At 9 pounds, the mop is fairly lightweight, but some users may find it heavy during prolonged cleaning sessions.

When not in use, the mop stands upright on its own, making it easy to store in a closet or utility room. The removable water tank also adds to its convenience, as you can easily refill it at the sink without needing a separate measuring cup.

Pros

Powerful Steam and Scrubbing Action: The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam combines steam power with rotating mop pads that spin at up to 230 RPM, making it incredibly effective at removing tough, stuck-on messes. Whether you’re dealing with dried spills or pet messes, this mop can handle the job without requiring much effort from the user.
Kills 99.9% of Germs: The steam generated by this mop sanitizes floors, killing 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses, including common strains like Coronavirus and Influenza. This is a major plus for households with kids, pets, or anyone concerned with maintaining a hygienic environment.
Easy to Control: With its fingertip controls, the SpinWave SmartSteam allows you to adjust steam levels or switch to no-steam mode quickly. The intelligent LED display is user-friendly, providing clear information on steam readiness, temperature, and floor type.
Reusable, Washable Pads: The included mop pads are washable and can be reused multiple times, saving you money in the long run. The fact that there are two types of pads (scrubby and microfiber) allows for versatile cleaning across different surfaces.
Large Cleaning Path: The wide 14.5-inch cleaning path means you can cover more floor space in less time, which is ideal for larger homes or rooms.
Long Power Cord: The 25-foot cord provides plenty of reach, so you won’t have to switch outlets frequently. This is particularly helpful when cleaning large areas without interruption.
LED Headlights: The floor-directed LED headlights illuminate areas you might otherwise miss, such as under furniture or in darker corners. This makes cleaning more thorough and ensures you don’t leave any spots untouched.
Quick Heat-Up Time: The water tank heats up in just 20 seconds, so you can get to work quickly. There’s no waiting around for the steam to be ready, which is great for busy households.
Quiet Operation: BISSELL claims this mop is 80% quieter than competing spinning pad steam mops, which is a noticeable benefit if you’re cleaning while others are home or during quiet hours.

Cons

Struggles with Grout: One of the mop’s limitations is its ability to clean grout. While it performs well on flat surfaces like tile, it struggles to scrub deep into grout lines. This is a common issue with steam mops in general, so if you have a lot of grout in your home, you might need a more specialized tool for those areas.
Heavy for Some Users: While the mop is fairly lightweight at 9 pounds, some users may find it heavy during prolonged cleaning sessions. If you have wrist or joint issues, this may be a concern.
Small Water Tank: The 538 ml (18.2 oz) water tank is sufficient for most rooms, but if you’re cleaning a larger area, you may need to stop and refill the tank. Some users have also reported difficulty removing the tank for refills, which can be frustrating.
No Attachments: While the rotating pads provide excellent scrubbing power, the SpinWave SmartSteam doesn’t come with any additional attachments for more specialized cleaning tasks. This limits its versatility compared to some other steam mops that offer handheld units or additional accessories.
Round Mop Heads Don’t Fit Corners: The round shape of the mop heads makes it difficult to clean tight corners and edges, especially in smaller spaces like bathrooms. You might need to manually clean these areas with a cloth or sponge after using the mop.

Price

The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam falls into the mid-range price category for steam mops, typically retailing at just over $100.

While this price is higher than some basic steam mop models, it’s reasonable considering the added features like rotating pads, steam control, and LED lights.

For homeowners looking for a more robust cleaning solution, the extra cost is justified by the enhanced performance and ease of use.

I’ve found that, in terms of value, this steam mop strikes a great balance between affordability and functionality.

It offers powerful cleaning without the hefty price tag of premium models, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want high performance.

BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam Reviews and Ratings

When evaluating the BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam, it’s essential to consider both customer feedback and personal experience.

Many users appreciate the cleaning power of this mop, particularly for hard floors like tile and wood (sealed only!).

Several users have reported that the rotating mop pads make it easy to clean large areas quickly, and the steam sanitizes their floors effectively.

While I still have m y Haan, it’s no longer available and its number one feature was the scrubbing feature. It’s nice to see this being added to more models.

However, there are some recurring concerns, such as the mop’s difficulty in cleaning grout and the occasional issue with the water tank being hard to remove.

Additionally, some users have found the mop to be a bit heavy for extended cleaning sessions. On the plus side, the quiet operation and long cord are frequently highlighted as major advantages.

Based on our research and personal use, I would rate the BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam a solid 4.6 out of 5.

It delivers excellent cleaning performance, especially on hard floors, but the limitations with grout cleaning and its relatively small water tank prevent it from achieving a perfect score.

Summary

The BISSELL SpinWave SmartSteam Scrubbing Steam Mop is an impressive steam mop that combines the power of steam cleaning with rotating mop pads to provide a deep clean without the need for harsh chemicals.

It’s particularly well-suited for homes with pets, families with young children, and anyone who needs a versatile, easy-to-use cleaning tool for hard floors.

While it has a few limitations, such as struggling with grout and being somewhat heavy for prolonged use, the SpinWave SmartSteam excels in most cleaning tasks.

It’s a great option for those looking to sanitize their floors and cut down on manual scrubbing. The LED display, adjustable steam levels, and washable mop pads add to its appeal, making it a well-rounded cleaning tool that’s worth the investment.