Vacuums & Floor Care

How to Clean a BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce

The BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce can dry-vacuum before washing, which helps keep large crumbs out of the wet system, but used solution still passes through its brush roll, window, suction path, strainer, dirty-water tank, lid, screen, and filter. BISSELL provides a clean-out cycle for routine flushing and a manual procedure for the parts that retain hair or residue. The dirty-tank sensors also need clean surfaces to recognize the water level correctly. This guide covers OmniForce cordless models; use the model number on the product label when ordering a roll or filter. Keep the battery body, charging contacts, and powered foot out of water, use genuine BISSELL formula for the intended floor, and allow the washed filter and brush roll to become completely dry before closed storage.

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Primary reference: BISSELL official CrossWave OmniForce cleaning and maintenance guidance. Always check the manual for your exact model.

Quick reference

Before wet mode
Power-vac loose dry debris when practical.
After use
Run clean-out, empty wastewater, and discard strainer solids.
Washable parts
Rinse tank parts, roll, and window; filter may use mild detergent.
Keep dry
Powered foot, battery body, charger, and contacts.
Formula
Use genuine BISSELL formula and the marked water/formula lines.

What you will need

  • The official BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce care instructions
  • A sink and clean warm water
  • Mild detergent only where BISSELL permits it for the filter
  • A trash container
  • Soft microfiber cloths
  • A small soft brush
  • Blunt scissors for wrapped hair
  • A ventilated drying tray or rack
  • Genuine BISSELL formula for the intended floor type

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Dry-vacuum loose debris before wet cleaning

When practical, use the OmniForce's power-vac mode to collect dry crumbs and hair before dispensing solution. This reduces solids in the strainer and wastewater path. Finish the floor task, turn the machine off, and return it upright to its storage or charging tray on a level surface before maintenance.

Step 2: Run the clean-out cycle

Check that the clean-water tank holds enough fresh water or correctly mixed BISSELL formula and that the dirty tank has capacity. Start the clean-out cycle using the exact control sequence in the OmniForce guide and let it complete. Do not lift the unit or remove a tank mid-cycle. The flush is routine care, not a substitute for manual tank and roll cleaning.

Step 3: Empty the dirty tank and strainer

Remove the tank upright, lift its lid, and take out the strainer. Discard captured solids into the trash rather than the sink, then pour wastewater into a suitable drain. Empty at the full line or after each wet-cleaning session. Leaving debris submerged promotes odor and can coat the level-sensing surfaces.

Step 4: Rinse the tank, strainer, lid, and sensors

BISSELL directs owners to rinse the dirty tank and strainer with warm water. Rinse the lid and wipe its screen and the sensors on both sides without scratching or bending them. Remove film around seals and corners with a soft cloth. Shake off water and leave the assembly open to dry rather than snapping a damp lid onto the tank.

Step 5: Wash and dry the dirty-tank filter

Remove the filter from the lid and tap away loose debris. BISSELL permits warm water and mild detergent for the OmniForce filter and screen; gently open the pleats so water can reach trapped dirt. Rinse away all suds and let the filter dry completely. Reinstalling it damp can restrict suction and create odor.

Step 6: Remove the brush window and brush roll

Pull the brush-window release, lift the window away, and remove the roll by its tab. Cut hair from the roll with blunt scissors while protecting bristles and the end cap. Inspect the window's scraper edges and the roll chamber. If suction has weakened, look through the accessible foot hose or inlet for lint.

Step 7: Rinse the roll and window

Rinse both removable pieces under warm water, using fingers or a soft brush on sticky residue. Do not put the powered foot under a faucet. Stand the roll upright in the drying area and leave it until its core and ends are dry. Wipe the foot chamber and suction opening with a damp cloth, then dry them.

Step 8: Maintain the clean-water tank

Discard unused mix before extended storage, rinse the tank and cap, and inspect the valve. For the next job, use water temperature, fill lines, formula type, and dosage shown on the tank and formula label. Household detergents can oversuds and may damage the machine; essential oil, bleach, vinegar, wax, and solvent do not belong in the tank.

Step 9: Clean the exterior and charging tray

Disconnect the charger and wipe the handle, tank bays, exterior foot, wheels, and tray with a damp, well-wrung microfiber cloth. Dry pooled water. Use a dry cloth around charging contacts and electrical seams. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the machine or store the cord where wastewater can reach it.

Step 10: Reassemble and test pickup

Fit the dry roll and locked window, assemble the completely dry filter, screen, lid, strainer, and dirty tank, and seat the clean tank. Charge and run a short test with fresh BISSELL formula on an approved surface. If the full-tank alert returns or water remains on the floor, stop and recheck sensors, filter, tank seals, roll window, and suction path.

Specific cleaning questions

Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.

Should I clean the CrossWave OmniForce after every use?
Run the clean-out cycle after wet cleaning, empty the dirty tank and strainer, and remove visible hair. Rinse the roll, window, and filter as their condition requires.
Can I wash the OmniForce filter with soap?
BISSELL permits warm water and mild detergent for the filter and screen. Rinse every trace of suds and let the filter dry completely before reinstalling it.
Can I use another floor cleaner in the OmniForce?
Use genuine BISSELL formula intended for the surface and follow the fill lines. Household soap, bleach, vinegar, oil, wax, and solvent can foam or damage the system.
Why does my OmniForce say the dirty tank is full?
The tank may be full, or residue, foam, or a wet clogged filter may be affecting the sensors. Empty the tank and clean the lid, screen, filter, and sensors on both sides.
Can I wash the CrossWave OmniForce brush roll?
Yes. Remove the brush window and roll, rinse both removable parts with warm water, and dry the roll completely. Do not rinse the powered foot.
Why does the OmniForce smell after self-cleaning?
Self-cleaning does not remove all wastewater and solids. Empty and rinse the dirty tank and strainer, wash the roll and filter, and let parts dry open to the air.
Why is the CrossWave leaving dirty water behind?
Check for a full or misseated tank, wet or clogged filter, dirty sensors, blocked suction path, or loose brush window. Stop wet cleaning until pickup is restored.
Should I vacuum before using wet mode?
The OmniForce can power-vac dry debris first. Doing so reduces the amount of hair and crumbs that enter the wet strainer and makes post-use cleanup easier.