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Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop Review

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Curious as to whether or not a steam mop is really worth all the hype? Say hello to the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop.

Bissell is known for its floor care cleaning products, and this is another one of its more popular steam mops. Does the PowerFresh steam mop have what it takes to pass the Modern Castle tests?

Powerful Steam Mop

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Bissell PowerFresh

The Bissell PowerFresh is a well-balanced steam mop. Strong cleaning performance, multiple steam cleaning modes, and good maneuverability help round out this steam mop as a whole. If sanitizing your floors is important to you, the PowerFresh could be a good option to explore.Check Price

Pros

  • The Bissell PowerFresh has a flip down scrubber that helps to lift stuck on messes while mopping.
  • This mop offers three different steam cleaning modes.

Cons

  • The PowerFresh steam mop struggles with cleaning up large liquid messes.
  • This steam mop does not have a tray to rest on after being used, which leaves more residue on your floors.

Table of Contents

Bissel PowerFresh Steam Mop Design

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop has what seems to be the standard steam mop design. It looks much like a stick vacuum but cleans by creating hot steam to sanitize and clean.

DESIGN | As noted above, the PowerFresh steam mop stands up like a stick vacuum. The handle feeds into the body of the unit, which is also connected to the head of the mop. Along the body are the water tank and steam power mode button.

The back side of the mop contains a small hook that holds the cord while it is wrapped and not being used.

Bissell PowerFresh steam mop
Bissell PowerFresh steam mop

CLEANING PADS | The cleaning pads on the Bissell PowerFresh are held onto the cleaning head by an elastic band that wraps around the cleaning head. These pads are microfiber and can be removed, washed, and reused multiple times.

Additionally, the cleaning pads have a small slot on the inside, which is where Febreeze Fresh tablets can be inserted to help make your floors smell cleaner after being mopped.

AESTHETIC | This Bissell steam mop is simple, but offers a nice aesthetic. The white and blue color scheme is broken up by the buttons located on the body of the unit.

There is not much to the PowerFresh steam mop, but it does have somewhat of a modern, sophisticated look.

How Bissell PowerFresh Cleans

The Bissell PowerFresh cleans via steam, but does have three different modes. The cleaning process includes:

  • Fill water tank
  • Plug in the unit and wait 30 seconds for the blue steam light to stop blinking
  • Select steam mode (low, medium, or high) and wait another 5-10 seconds for the mop to produce steam
  • Begin cleaning

STEAM MODES | Three different steam modes are offered by this mop; low, medium, and high. Each increase in steam setting simply means more water is being used to create a larger, more powerful amount of steam.

Three steam modes are available on the Bissell PowerFresh
Three steam modes are available on the Bissell PowerFresh

By using more steam, users are able to try and lift tougher, stuck on stains and messes.

SCRUBBING BRUSH | Users also have the option of flipping down the small scrubbing brush that sits at the back of the cleaning head. This brush works to agitate stuck on stains after the steam has made a pass over them.

Scrubbing brush on the Bissell PowerFresh
Scrubbing brush on the Bissell PowerFresh

From there, the steam mop can continue to clean the area until the brush and steam have worked to lift the stain / sticky substance.

How Big Is the Bissell PowerFresh?

The Bissell PowerFresh stands at 28.6″ in height, 11.6″ in width and 7.1″ in depth. Additionally, this unit weighs 6 pounds.

  • Length â€“ 28.6″
  • Width â€“ 11.6″
  • Depth â€“ 7.1″
  • Weight â€“ 6 pounds
Bissell PowerFresh size

What accessories come with the Bissell PowerFresh?

The Bissell PowerFresh does not require many extra parts and accessories to operate. Therefore, Bissell does not include a lot.

The following parts and accessories are included with this Bissell steam mop:

Cleaning pad included with the Bissell PowerFresh

Cleaning Pad: Two microfiber cleaning pads are included with this steam mop. One of the pads is a soft pad while the other is a scrubby pad. Both cleaning pads are washable and reusable. These pads also include an elastic band around the edge of the pad, which helps them to stay on the cleaning head of the PowerFresh.

Carpet glider included with the Bissell PowerFresh

Carpet Glider: A carpet glider is also included. The carpet glider can be attached to the bottom of the Bissell PowerFresh to help the mop smoothly glide across carpets when steam cleaning.

Scented tablet included with the Bissell PowerFresh

Spring Breeze tablets: Two small fragrance discs are included with the purchase of the PowerFresh steam mop. These tablets can be inserted into a small pocket within the cleaning pad for an extra fresh scent when mopping your floors.

Other Small Accessories

There are not a lot of extra pieces you can buy for the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop. A few of the most popular extra parts are:

  • Diamond shaped cleaning head
  • Pet odor removal cleaning tablets
  • Steam mop scented floor cleaner (use with water)

If you’d like more accessories with your floor cleaner, check out our Bissell Crosswave review. It’s a wet-dry vacuum and is available with multiple cleaning heads (in addition to a cleaning tray).

Cleaning Tests

The following tests are designed to show how the Bissell PowerFresh performs as both a mop and a sweeper.

We tested the Bissell PowerFresh as a mop on tile flooring, spreading three different debris types across the floor and attempting to mop the debris up over three separate passes.

Next, we tested the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop as a sweeper, making several sweeping passes across a dusty hardwood floor. After doing so, we took a look at the floors and made our assessment of the Bissell PowerFresh’s cleaning performance.

The following are the scores for each debris / cleaning type we tested.

Mud

100%

Honey

91%

Water

85%

Sweeping

100%

For starters, the mop test contains three debris types:

  • Dirt / mud
  • Honey
  • Water (dyed green for visibility)

Each of these debris types offer a different level of stickiness and consistency, allowing us to test the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop against a light, heavy, and liquid substance. All three debris types are spread across our testing lane in three separate sections

Bissell PowerFresh cleaning tests - before
Bissell PowerFresh cleaning tests – before

Throughout our mopping tests, we try to give real-life examples and be as consistent and fair as possible. The mopping test procedure goes as follows:

  1. Measure out 3 oz of water and spread the water across the back of the testing lane.
  2. Squirt honey in the middle of the testing lane, covering a majority of the width of the lane.
  3. Create a muddy substance from dirt and water then spread the mud with a shoe.
  4. Make a pass across the testing lane and compare the amount of each debris type mopped up on pass one to the untouched debris.
  5. Make pass number two across the lane and analyze the amount of each debris type mopped up.
  6. Make a third pass, if necessary.

Mopping Tests

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop did an excellent job with regard to our cleaning tests. The following sections offer a more in-depth look at how each debris type matched up against the PowerFresh.

Water Cleaning

Mopping up water can often be difficult for steam mops. This Bissell steam mop was able to soak up almost all 3oz of the water we spread across our testing lane.

The larger cleaning pad meant more room for the water to be absorbed, which is exactly what we saw. Yet, we did see some struggle towards the end of the water test.

Once the PowerFresh had absorbed as much as it could hold, the pad began to spread green water across the testing lane.

Green water was spread across the testing lane towards the end of our cleaning test
Green water was spread across the testing lane towards the end of our cleaning test

Therefore, it was able to mop a majority of the water up, but it did not hold it well once it had reached max capacity.

Mud Cleaning

The mud cleaning test was no match for this Bissell. After a single pass across the mud, we found that the PowerFresh was able to use its steam to plow right through the mud, leaving none behind.

After one pass across half of the mud, there was virtually no mud remaining
After one pass across half of the mud, there was virtually no mud remaining

The mud test was certainly the most successful test we saw from the Bissell PowerFresh.

Honey Cleaning

The honey cleaning test was also quite successful. After adjusting the steam level of the mop, it was able to clean up almost all of the honey. The only problem we noticed was a small remainder of sticky residue left on our tile floor testing lane.

Honey was a bit tougher for the PowerFresh to clean up
Honey was a bit tougher for the PowerFresh to clean up

The cleaning pad and steam did a great job of lifting and removing the honey, but as we continued to mop we found that some honey made its way from the cleaning pad back onto the testing lane.

We used our recently tested O-Cedar spin mop to get the remaining residue off the lane.

All things considered, this steam mop did a great job throughout our cleaning tests.

Sweeping Tests

The sweeping test was a major success with the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop. We ran the PowerFresh along hardwood floors that have accumulated a good amount of dust and dirt.

After running this Bissell steam mop over the floors, we found that the PowerFresh was able to easily lift and remove the dust and dirt from the floors. There was a visibly notable difference.

RELATED â€“ Think you’d rather have a robot do the light mopping / sweeping for you? Check out the Braava Jet 240 robot mop and the Braava 380t robot mop for a hands-free cleaning.

Is the Bissell PowerFresh Easy to Use?

Using the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is not difficult. There are a few steps to follow when using this steam mop, but they are all straightforward tasks.

SETUP | After removing the parts from the box, you will have to snap the body of the unit into the cleaning head of the mop. From there, the handle can be screwed into the body of the mop. After screwing the handle in, you are ready to start using your mop. Assembly takes no more than 2 minutes to complete.

The handle of the mop has to be screwed into the body of the unit
The handle of the mop has to be screwed into the body of the unit

FILL TANK | As you get ready to use the steam mop, you will have to remove the water tank and fill it up. The tank can be removed by pulling straight up on it. From there, the cap unscrews and water can be placed inside of the tank from any faucet.

To fill the tank, remove it from the unit, unscrew the cap, and fill it with water
To fill the tank, remove it from the unit, unscrew the cap, and fill it with water

Once the tank is full, replace the cap and insert it back into the body of the steam mop.

CLEANING PAD | Next, you have to attach the cleaning pad to the mop. Rest the mop on the ground and apply the stretchy (brown edge) elastic band around the front of the cleaning head.

If you are going to use a scented tablet, slide that into the pocket of the cleaning pad before slipping the pad onto the mops cleaning head.

Removing the cleaning pad is completed by pulling up on the pad's elastic band
Removing the cleaning pad is completed by pulling up on the pad’s elastic band

From there, you’re ready to plug the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop in and let it heat up.

STEAM MODES | After the mop has heated up, the blue light above the steam options will stop blinking and become a solid light. This is when you can select the appropriate steam mode you’d like to use and begin mopping.

Steam will be produced quickly after selecting the power mode, but keep in mind that the stronger steam modes need a bit more time than the lighter.

All things considered, the Bissell PowerFresh is easy to use and does not take much time to get going.

Here are a few other easy to use mops you might be interested in.

Maneuverability

Maneuverability is not a game changer on this Bissell steam mop, but it is better than some of the other steam mops we have tested thus far.

  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Power: 23′ Cord
  • Height: 46″
  • Modes: 3

TURNING | When turning the Bissell PowerFreshusers shouldn’t experience much difficulty. Rotating the handle allows the cleaning head to rotate, making turning around corners and furniture fairly easy.

The PowerFresh can turn 90° around furniture and other obstacles in your home
The PowerFresh can turn 90° around furniture and other obstacles in your home

FLAT LAY | An added bonus, this steam mop is able to lie virtually flat on the ground. This gives users an advantage as they try to clean under obstacles around their home.

This Bissell is able to lie almost completely flat on the ground before the head lifts up
This Bissell is able to lie almost completely flat on the ground before the head lifts up

MOVEMENT EASE | Initially, I found the Bissell PowerFresh to be somewhat tough to push. Yet, after the steam began to pump through the cleaning pad, the movement became much easier to manage.

If you begin to push this Bissell steam mop before the steam is being produced and pushed through the cleaning pad, you may have a tough time.

The overall weight (6 pounds) of this unit is easy to manage. Therefore, it really depends on whether or not the steam is being pushed through the pad that determines how difficult this unit is to move.

RELATED â€“ If you’d like to see how other steam mops compare, check out our reviews of the Shark GeniusShark Pocket, and Hoover Twin Tanks.

Maintenance Tasks & Costs

The following table indicates the frequency at which you will likely want to replace the various parts and components of the mop. However, your individual experiences may vary

Accessory / PartReplacement FrequencyReplacement Cost
Cleaning padAs neededCheck Price
Scented tabletsOptionalCheck Price

Maintaining the Bissell PowerFresh is quite simple. Wash or replace the cleaning pad as necessary and replace the scented tablets, if you decide to use them.

  • Change the cleaning pad â€“ The cleaning pad can be removed from the cleaning head, washed, and reused. If obvious wear occurs or performance seems to be impacted, then it is time to replace the cleaning pad.
  • Fill water tank â€“ Filing the water tank is crucial. Without water, this steam mop cannot operate.

Annual maintenance costs for the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop should cost around $16 / year. This includes replacing the cleaning pads twice per year.

Is the Bissell PowerFresh worth it?

All in all, the Bissell PowerFresh offers a great value and is definitely worth it. The cleaning performance, reasonable price point, balanced design, and ease-of-use all combine to create a well-valued unit.

Bissell PowerFresh steam mop review

Throughout our cleaning tests, the PowerFresh performed quite well. The only issue we saw was the amount of liquid it could handle. Although the mop was able to soak up a decent amount, it began to spread the remaining liquid, as the pad became fully soaked. Aside from this, mud and honey were no match for this Bissell steam mop.

Maneuverability was impressive as well. The turning was above average and the weight was light enough to control.

Maintenance costs are not over the top, but this could change for every user depending on how often the mop is used.

With regard to warranty and returns, Bissell offers a 2-year limited warranty and a 30 day return period (via Amazon).

RELATED â€“ What’s the best mop we’ve tested? Find out!

Bissell PowerFresh Specifications

Below is a complete list of important specifications and features included on the Bissell PowerFresh:

Specifications
TypeSteam mop
ManufacturerBissell
ModelPowerFresh 1940
Length46"
Width11.6"
Weight6 lbs.
Floor TypeAll hard floor (indoor)
Water Tank Capacity0.47 L
CordlessNo - 23' cord
ReturnsVaries by retailer
Warranty2-Year limited
PriceCheck Price

Who Should Buy the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop?

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is a great option for a wide variety of users. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix option or a deeper clean, this mop can do the trick.

I would recommend the Bissell PowerFresh if you’re looking for the following features in a steam mop:

  • Want a steam mop versus a generic mop â€“ Steam mops are a bit different than regular mops, as they use steam to clean instead of liquid water or cleaning solution. If you’re okay with using steam to clean / sanitize your floors, then the PowerFresh could be a fine choice.
  • Want to sanitize your floors â€“ perhaps the biggest pro to any steam mop is the fact that is sanitizing floors of 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. If you’re concerned about germs on your floors, being able to wipe them out completely is pretty awesome.
  • Don’t mind a corded unit â€“ As a corded unit, your maneuverability is somewhat limited. Therefore, you will want to be sure you’re okay with having to change the plug-in location when cleaning different rooms of your home.
  • Want a strong performer â€“ Overall, this Bissell steam mop performed well. There were hardly any struggles with the water, honey, or mud. If you need a mop that is able to tackle your house’s dirty floors, the Bissell PowerFresh may be the answer you need.

For more information on the Bissell PowerFresh visit here.

Solid performance, affordable
  • Design - 93%
    93%
  • Performance - 95%
    95%
  • Quality - 93%
    93%
  • Usability - 94%
    94%
  • Value - 93%
    93%
94%

Summary

The Bissell PowerFresh is a steam mop designed to combine convenience and powerful performance all at a low cost. The overall maneuverability, cleaning performance, maintenance, and ease of use, makes this steam mop one of the better ones we have tested to date. If you’re looking to add an inexpensive steam mop to your floor care lineup at home, this could certainly be an option worth considering.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.