Back about a month ago when my pregnancy morning all-day, all-night sickness was in full swing, I couldn’t stand the smell of my house. Although I was admittedly a total cleaning slacker during this time, I normally keep my house pretty clean. It took a while, but I finally figured out that the problem was a combination of cooking smells and dog.
Gross, right? If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know you can smell things that no one else can, so at least that kept me from being totally embarrassed that friends and family had ever set foot in this house.
I pledged that as soon as I started to feel better, I was going to do something about the dog smell. I cleaned all of our linens and Febreezed what I couldn’t wash, but it still didn’t help. Then, I realized it was the carpets.
I thought about having the carpets professional cleaned, but I really hated the idea of spending all of that money for a one-time service. I started to check out carpet steam cleaners, and when a friend bought one she feel in love with (and showed me her before and after pictures), I was sold.
Last week, I bought the Bissell ProHeat 2X Multi-Surface steam cleaner at Target. It cost me $199 (plus tax), and I was given a $20 Target giftcard at the register to use at a later time as part of Target’s weekly promotion. Considering it would cost me about that much to have my carpets cleaned professionally just one time, I figured it was worth a shot. I also liked that this machine cleaned carpet and hard surfaces, so I was hoping it would save me from having to buy the steam mop I’ve been wanting for my tile floors.
I took it home, read the User’s Gude, and immediately began cleaning. Here are my personal thoughts on the Bissell ProHeat 2X Multi-Surface steam cleaner:
Ease of Assembly and Use: Right away, I was delighted with the ease of use of this machine. I had to assemble it out of the box, but the instructions were very clear and assembly was easy. I also really liked that the machine, even when full of water, was fairly light. Although it is heavier than a vacuum cleaner, it was light enough that I didn’t feel like using it was hard work.
Carpet Cleaning: Following the directions, I vacuumed my carpet with my regular vacuum to get rid of any debris on the surface. We have a few high-traffic areas that just look dirty all the time, so I went to work on one of those spots immediately. Here’s how it looked before I used the steam cleaner:
And here’s how it looks now:
Are you shocked or what? I couldn’t believe the difference!
This machine has four different cleaning settings – Heavy Traffic, Normal Clean, Light Clean, and Water Rinse. I cleaned the high traffic areas of my carpet on the Heavy Traffic setting and it really did the trick. I accidentally left it on this setting when I should have switched it to Normal Clean for the rest of the carpets, and I blew through the solution in mere minutes. Total user error, but I learned my lesson!
After you clean using one of the cleaning settings, you have to go back and use the Water Rinse setting to make sure all of the solution (or whatever you choose to use in your machine) has been picked up. When I was finished, my carpets were just slightly damp and only took a few hours to dry all of the way.
I cleaned the rest of my living room and I was amazed at what the steam cleaner got up that all of the other carpet cleaning products and machine rentals I had tried couldn’t – a year old coffee stain, tons of shoe and paw dirt, and other stains of unknown origin. I feel like I have brand new carpet.
Hard Floors: As I mentioned before, I was hopeful that this machine would do a great job cleaning hard floors, too. There is an easy to install attachment that goes on the bottom of the machine for hard floors, and I could tell that it wasn’t going to do a good job cleaning tile grout.
I started cleaning the kitchen tile floors, and honestly, it was just a big mess. Perhaps it was user error, but water just went everywhere. I guess it probably cleaned better than a mop and bucket because it was hot water (there is a built-in water heater in the machine) and dirty mop bucket water wasn’t being used again and again, but ug! After more work than I thought I would have to put into my kitchen floor, the machine pulled up enough water that it only took about an hour for the rest of the floor to dry on its own.
The kitchen floor does look very clean, but I don’t think that I’ll use this machine on my floors. I guess I will need to keep looking into a steam cleaner that is just for tile (if I really even need to use a steam cleaner at all).
Attachments: This machine comes with three attachments – a Tough Stain brush, a TurboBrush, and the hard floor attachment. I didn’t use the Tough Stain brush, but it looks like a little scrub brush. I did use the TurboBrush, which is a brush that you put “tough stain” solution in for areas that need to be pre-treated or have really deep stains. It worked well on the few spots that I tried.
Customer Service: The Bissell ProHeat 2X Multi-Surface has a 1-year warranty for manufacturer defects (you have to keep your original receipt for the warranty to be valid). I did have trouble with my TurboBrush the second time I used it. I called customer service and they gladly shipped a new one out to me. Only after I talked to them did I realize that the problem was my own fault (there wasn’t enough water in the tank, so it wouldn’t spray), so I guess I just have two TurboBrushes now.
Cleaning the Machine: This was the part of owning a steam cleaner that I was really worried about, but cleaning this machine is no hassle at all. There are only two tanks that need to be rinsed (and you can actually leave Bissell solution in one of them to store it if that’s the type of solution you use). I was able to lay the machine down and clean the brushes very easily. It probably only takes me about 10 minutes to clean it for storage.
In summary, I really like this machine for steam cleaning my carpets, and I am VERY glad I purchased it. It was a good investment for my home and my family. I will likely not use it to clean the tile, but that is certainly not that big of a deal to me given it’s tremendous cleaning power on carpets. If you are looking for a great carpet steam cleaner as Spring Cleaning kicks into full swing, I recommend the Bissell ProHeat 2X series.
Even better, my house no longer smells like dog!
*****
Disclaimer: I purchased the Bissell ProHeat 2X Multi-surface with my own money for use in my own home. I have never, in any way, been contacted by Target, the Bissell corporation, or their representatives and have not, in any way, been compensated for this review.
I am in the same boat! My preggo sickness has not diminished yet (15 weeks in) but deep cleaning the house is #1 on my list when I can smell cleaning products w/o gagging. The hubby has been trying to keep the house clean but we have much different standards of cleanliness. Might have to get one of these steam cleaners, thanks for the review!
I've got the Bissel Little Green Steam Machine and it works great on spots and spills. AND steam works great when you want to fluff up carpet that has been smooshed down under heavy furniture, too!
I just got this machine and i am noticing soap residue – the wet carpets feel sticky. Any ideas???
I have the same steam cleaner and fell in love with it all over again this weekend! My son spilled model car paint on the carpet about a year ago and never thought I had a chance of getting it out.Our house has light kind of off white carpeting and with a daycare they take quite a beating but the Bissell makes them look almost new again! It took it right up! I love how easy it is to use!!
We have a similar model of carpet steam cleaner but no carpets anymore. It comes with an upholstery attachment that I use. We loved it when we cleaned the carpets in our other home. Now we only have hard woods.
Happy Hera Day 🙂 from a fellow lyre sister
Thanks for the review, I've been thinking of buying a carpet cleaner.
For our tile, I use the Shark SteamMop and I LURVE it. SO easy to use, no chemicals, and I feel like my floor is much cleaner than with a traditional mop. I still need to scrub my grout one of these days, but for everyday messes, the Shark is pretty cool. I got mine at Kohls.
We bought on of these (#1)about 4 years ago for $199 too. IT worked great. Then about a month ago we found this one you bought (#2) at Big Lots for $129 so we bought it. The #2 version is alittle smaller and heats at a higher temp. plus it's easier to clean the front part that seems to hold all the dog hair. We love it too.
Thanks for the review, Lindsay. 🙂 Maybe this is something I should put on my wish list!!
ooh my hubby has been kind of obsessed with looking at steam cleaners so thanks so much for the review
Thanks for the review! Our carpet upstairs is a mess. It's almost 7 years old and I've had the rooms professionally cleaned once. Spots that were gone shortly after the professional cleaning are back. Ugh. I've been wondering whether it's just time to replace the carpet (it was cheap to begin with) or invest in a steam cleaner. With two boys, I think a steam cleaner might just be a good idea either way. With so many options out there, I'm glad to get a recommendation!
I'm pregnant too! 22 weeks though…you are smart to steam-clean now; my back is starting to bug me enough that it's not something I'll probably tackle again until well after the baby comes.
I've had my Hoover steam cleaner for years, and I love it. I have tile floors similar to yours (from the picture) and I do use my steam cleaner on them. I suppose if the grout is really grungy, it'll need to be scrubbed. We scrubbed (hands and knees) all of the miles of grout last summer and then used grout sealer on it, and it's been tons better since then. (It wasn't very clean when we moved in.) I like using the steam cleaner on the tile b/c it has those spin brushes…great for greasy spots in front of the stove or my husband's coffee drips by the coffee machine. I find that it picks up water well enough that it's at least as safe as mopping, and less gross. I do try to remember to do it in daylight b/c it's MUCH easier to see where you've missed picking up water.
I have the same and it does wonders on my carpet. Haven't tried on hard flooryet .
we used to have a similar model- great for carpets, not for hard floors! i have a Shark Steam Mop now, and it's great. we don't have any carpets in our new home, so it has made mopping easier for me. sparkly grout is nice!
just a warning on your carpet cleaner- it won't survive long if you loan it to all your friends! it seemed like the right thing to do at the time- we borrow their circular saw, they borrow our steam cleaner. WRONG! they can get a new blade for their saw- our carpet cleaner just died a slow death. : )
happy monday!
rachel
OOOO I am definitely going to check out this gadget. It seems reasonably priced in dollars and by the looks of it well worth the money.. I have 2 doggies who also from time to time stink (and very rare the odd accident).. Even though you clean and febreeze and vacuum every day I always feel that there is a 'doggy' smell..
Thank you for sharing
I got the SteamFast SF-140 Steam Mop for our house, and for $50 it works REALLY well. I have a little trouble getting under the lip of my kitchen cabinets, but otherwise it's great for the money. Gets up all the sticky messes my toddler leaves around.
That carpet looks amazing, I need to review my roomba one of these days 🙂
Hate to be the messenger with bad news, but over the years of using home shampooers like your new one, I have found that the carpets get dirtier faster! After finally replacing most of my carpets with wood and tile (lucky to live in south FLA!) I started to have what little carpet we have now ( in the living room and dining room which we use minimally) professionally steam cleaned,I found out from the steam cleaner guy why: unless you really really really remove all that shampoo detergent you are leaving a residue that only attracts more dirt! Unfortunately, the home shampooers just do not have the suction to remove all the dirty water and detergent that the truck mounted engine can. He also suggested carpets be cleaned at least 2X a year. He suggested if I were to use a home shampooer in betwen his cleanings, to use way less detergent, even just a drop, just to emulsify the dirt on the carpets and be able to extract the water better with less residue. So- please let us know how well the carpets STAY clean- that will be the true test! I'd love to know, because there are many times I would love to just go over them myself every once and awhile toi freshen things up! Also, dogs have oily fur which only adds to that residue that locks in the dirt- I have made a conscious effort to keep my golden only on the tiled areas and that alone has made a big difference. Thanks for sharing your experience with your new machine/love your blog!
Joanne
forgot to tell you this! I DO have the SHARK STEAM MOP for all my tile and wood and it is fantastic! Definitely a good investment! Again- no soap, so no residue to attract new dirt! It's a keeper!
Joanne
I am amazed at how clean it looked…. I had thought of one before too… but only a passing thought. Mayne it is time.
I also have a Bissell Steam Cleaner and it is AWESOME! I love it with many glittery hearts and stars.
(Bonus – if you husband's aquarium malfunctions and sprays a couple gallons of water out in you home, you can also use it to get the fishy water out of your carpets. Just saying!)
Okay, quick question- does it have a furniture attachment? I have been looking for something like this, but I wanted one that could also do furniture. Thanks!
Hey Lindsay, great review! I have thought of buying an upright carpet cleaner for awhile, and I agree, for the price of one professional cleaning, it's worth a try! Maybe I'll ask for one for Mother's Day. 🙂
I had that one. It worked great for …. 4 years then died. Maybe we overworked it with 2 cats, 1 dog and 2 boys?
Thanks for the review! I have been wondering if a home steam cleaner would really work, and be worth the investment. I will be asking my hubby for one tonight!
I feel for your morning…all day pregnancy sickness, I did the same thing. In fact, I lost 30 lbs with my firstborn son! Not all bad, I got pregnant wearing a size 12 and left the hospital a size 7! LOL Oh to be that size again. I digress.
Thanks for the blog on the steamer, been needing to get my carpets cleaned, but didn't want to pay someone that fee for a one time clean. Good to know there's a good machine out there! 🙂
If you get a second, come visit me at my blog. 🙂
My hubby and I are considering this exact machine. Thanks so much for the review. Glad that it does a good job.
I have the Bissel and love it. I don't have the problem of having to clean more often like some of the others said, I rinse my carpets really well. Vacuuming every other day helps too, I guess 🙂
I had the steam mop and I was really unhappy with it. Yes, it is chemical free and uses heat, but it did not clean my grout at all. I ended up returning it for a full refund, after it broke for the 2nd time. If you get one, make sure to get it at Bed Bath & Beyond, they will take them back no matter what.
My parents have this steamer and they love it! We have lived in homes that are either all tile (yuck) or all wood (yeah!) so I have a steamer that is made for those type floors. It's AWESOME! On tile I would have to follow the steamer with my feet on a towel and kind of dry as I went along … mainly so it was SHINY clean and also b/c I hate walking around with wet feet! Try one … they are great! (I have the Bissell … it was like $90 bucks. Still working great after 3 years!)
I have a Bissell carpet cleaner and I like it too. Although it grossed me out at how dirty the water was when I empty the machine – yuuuuuck!
I have this and it does have attachments for upholstery. I used Totally Awesome cleaner from the dollar store for the cleaning solution(diluted0. Worked great. Worked great on the rug and the upholstery. I did follow up with a clean water rinse. I tried it on my tile floors and it did make a watery mess, but I need to give it another try. Definitely worth the investment.
I purchased the same on about 3 weeks ago. I LOVE it!! I am so very happy I bought it. I have not tried it on my kitchen floor though.
I just bought this yesterday and I can definitely smell the difference between the room that I cleaned and the hallway and rest of the house outside the room. I moved into a 5 year house and it did not take up the dog pee stains that were there from the previous owners. Who knows those stains could be 5 years old but I was very disappointed that they did not come up. I did however see ALOT of dirt and dog hair come up. I have not tried it on tile yet. Im kind of scared now that you guys say it makes a mess? So it cleans well on tile but you just need to let it dry for a while? Thanks
I have two elderly dogs… they’ll both be 17 December 17th. They have gotten to the point where going “out” is a forgotten memory. I have full tile floors in my house (thank God!) and this cleaner has been the best thing that happened since the puppies were born almost 17 years ago. Does a great job on the tile. Sometimes I have to use it 10 minutes after the last time. Smells so good the dogs need to re-label it. Have used it so much my water tank is beginning to leak, but after a couple years, I think that’s pretty good. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat!
We have all hardwood floors upstairs and carpet in our finished basement. After coming home yesterday to find that our dog was both very sick and had escaped her crate, we bought one of these.
It did take 2 cleanings in 2 days to fully get the smell out of the carpet but it was a REALLY bad mess! I am very pleased with the machine on carpet and love that it has the rinse feature.
Today I used it on our tile kitchen floor upstairs. At first I was unhappy with the watery mess that everyone has noticed, however I just spent a little more time sucking it up and now the floor is shiny and spotless, and for way less effort than my usual routine (spray spots, steam mop, wipe grout)
As for keeping your carpets cleaner, I would suggest diluting the solution even when it claims you don’t have to. It’s far quicker to get residue out when you’re not putting too much down in the first place 🙂
Bummer that it can’t be used on tile. I want something heavy duty for the grout. I have the Bissell Steam and Sweep – which I love. But it’d be nice if something heavy duty would work on both tile and carpet.
It is too bad that you couldn’t get it to work on your hard floor. I use mine ONLY on tile and it works wonders. I have never had the problem with water pouring out of it. I think you should try again! I absolutely LOVE mine!! Before owning this if I mopped with a regular mop I always felt like I was walking on a dirty floor, but with this, it has no residue and is comfortable to walk on. 🙂
I had the first generation of the bissell machine and thought it was great. My kids broke it . I had 3 cats and a golden retriever at the time. Dark green carpet throughout the house. I had to pay to have my carpet cleaned. When I BOUGHT THE X2 and used it myself it was so much cleaner then when I spent 300$ to have it cleaned.
Rachelle
Having read this I believed it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this
information together. I once again find myself spending a significant
amount of time both reading and posting comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!