Cleaning your home is more than just wiping down surfaces or vacuuming the floor. For many people, deep cleaning is a priority, especially when it comes to carpets and upholstery. This is where advanced cleaning machines come into play, and one such product that many homeowners consider is the Bissell ProHeat. While the name might suggest it’s a steam cleaner, there’s more to it than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll dive into what the Bissell ProHeat is, its capabilities, and whether it truly functions as a steam cleaner. Let’s explore this popular product in detail.
What is the Bissell ProHeat?
The Bissell ProHeat is a well-known line of carpet cleaning machines, specifically designed to tackle deep cleaning tasks like removing dirt, stains, and odors from carpets and upholstery. These machines are often referred to as “carpet cleaners,” “shampooers,” or “deep cleaners.” Bissell ProHeat models come equipped with powerful motors, rotating brushes, and heated water systems that help achieve superior cleaning results. They use water mixed with cleaning solution to clean carpets thoroughly.
However, it’s essential to understand that while the Bissell ProHeat has a feature called “Heatwave Technology,” which keeps the water warm during the cleaning process, it is not technically a steam cleaner. Let’s break down what that means.
How Does a Steam Cleaner Work?
To understand the difference, let’s first define what a steam cleaner is. Steam cleaners use water that is heated to a very high temperature—typically over 200°F (93°C)—to produce steam. The steam is then directed onto surfaces to sanitize and clean them. This method relies on high temperatures to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses while also loosening dirt and grime for easy removal.
Steam cleaners are commonly used for hard surfaces like tile, grout, and countertops. They can also be used on fabrics and upholstery, but they are not ideal for cleaning large areas of carpet or floors with heavy stains.
Key Differences Between the Bissell ProHeat and a Steam Cleaner
1. Water Temperature
Bissell ProHeat: The Bissell ProHeat uses warm water (rather than steam) to clean carpets. Its “Heatwave Technology” ensures that the water stays at a consistent temperature, but it doesn’t reach the high heat of a steam cleaner. The temperature of the water in a ProHeat machine is typically much lower than steam cleaners, which rely on temperatures above 200°F.
Steam Cleaner: Steam cleaners work by using super-heated water that turns into steam. This steam can reach temperatures as high as 220°F to 240°F (104°C to 116°C). The heat produced by steam cleaners is used to break down dirt, grease, and even sanitize surfaces.
2. Cleaning Method
Bissell ProHeat: The ProHeat operates by spraying a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto carpets. It uses rotating brushes to scrub and lift dirt, then vacuums up the dirty water, leaving the carpet cleaner.
Steam Cleaner: Steam cleaners work by emitting steam to soften dirt and grime. The steam breaks down tough stains, making it easier to wipe away the debris. Steam cleaning also sanitizes surfaces, thanks to the high temperature of the steam.
3. Sanitizing Power
Bissell ProHeat: While the ProHeat effectively removes dirt and stains, it does not have the same sanitizing power as steam cleaners. It cleans carpets, but it does not kill germs or bacteria in the same way that steam cleaning does. If sanitization is a top priority, a steam cleaner may be a better option.
Steam Cleaner: Steam cleaners excel in sanitization. The high heat produced by steam kills germs, bacteria, and even viruses. This makes them an excellent choice for disinfecting surfaces, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and even on upholstery.
4. Use Case
Bissell ProHeat: This machine is designed for people who want to deep clean their carpets and upholstery regularly. It’s ideal for removing stains, dirt, and odors from carpets. It’s not designed to sanitize hard surfaces or to clean with steam.
Steam Cleaner: Steam cleaners are versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, tile, grout, hardwood floors, and even windows. They are great for cleaning and sanitizing a wide range of surfaces but may not be as effective at removing deep stains from carpets compared to a specialized carpet cleaner.
What Does Heatwave Technology Do?
One feature that sets the Bissell ProHeat apart from other carpet cleaners is its “Heatwave Technology.” This feature helps maintain the temperature of the water throughout the cleaning process, ensuring that the water stays warm as you clean. While this is helpful for removing dirt and stains, it’s important to note that the water doesn’t reach steam-like temperatures.
Heatwave Technology keeps the water at a steady temperature, which helps enhance cleaning performance, but it does not provide the high heat necessary to sanitize or kill bacteria like a steam cleaner would. It’s more of a convenience feature that ensures your carpet cleaner stays effective throughout the cleaning session.
Pros and Cons of the Bissell ProHeat
Pros:
Effective at Cleaning Carpets: The Bissell ProHeat is excellent at removing dirt, stains, and odors from carpets and upholstery.
Heated Water: Heatwave Technology ensures that the water remains at an optimal cleaning temperature, improving overall cleaning results.
Easy to Use: The Bissell ProHeat is user-friendly, with easy-to-follow instructions, making it a great choice for homeowners who want a hassle-free carpet cleaning experience.
Versatile: In addition to carpets, some Bissell ProHeat models can clean upholstery, stairs, and other fabric-covered surfaces.
Cons:
Not a Steam Cleaner: Despite the name “ProHeat,” it does not produce steam or offer sanitizing power like traditional steam cleaners.
Not Ideal for Hard Surfaces: The ProHeat is specifically designed for carpets and fabric. It’s not as effective at cleaning hard surfaces like tile or hardwood floors.
Requires Cleaning Solution: Unlike steam cleaners that can often clean without chemicals, the Bissell ProHeat typically requires a carpet cleaning solution, which may not appeal to those who prefer a chemical-free clean.
When to Choose a Steam Cleaner Instead
If your main goal is to sanitize and disinfect surfaces while cleaning, a steam cleaner might be a better option. Steam cleaners are designed for a wide range of surfaces, including hard floors, tiles, and countertops, and they can remove germs and bacteria effectively.
On the other hand, if your main concern is deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, or fabric surfaces, the Bissell ProHeat is an excellent choice. It provides powerful cleaning, and while it doesn’t sanitize like a steam cleaner, it excels at tackling deep dirt and stains in your home’s soft surfaces.
Conclusion
The Bissell ProHeat is a powerful and effective carpet cleaning machine, but it is not a steam cleaner. While it uses heated water for cleaning, it doesn’t produce steam or have the sanitizing capabilities that a steam cleaner offers. If you’re looking for a machine specifically for deep carpet cleaning, the ProHeat is a solid choice. However, if you need a cleaner that can sanitize surfaces and eliminate bacteria and germs, a steam cleaner would be a better fit. Understanding the differences between these two types of machines can help you make a more informed decision about which is best suited to your cleaning needs.
In the end, whether you choose a Bissell ProHeat or a steam cleaner depends on your specific cleaning goals. If you need a machine to tackle tough carpet stains and odors, the ProHeat will do the job. However, for sanitization and a broader range of surface cleaning, a steam cleaner is your best bet.
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