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The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop has a simple design that’s intuitive to use, works on multiple floor types, and kills up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. I recently tested seven of the best steam mops, and this simple model from Bissell outperformed the others.
During product testing, I used the Bissell PowerFresh and the six other steam mops to clean hardwood floors, ceramic tile, and linoleum. I also performed a more thorough test, allowing equal amounts of pasta sauce and apple juice to dry on my hardwood floors. The Bissell PowerFresh 1940A cleaned both well. It only took a few passes using the high steam setting for the mop to break down the dried-on food.
In addition, it was one of the easiest models to maneuver, cleaning around toilets, under cabinet overhangs, and along the edge of walls. Even though I had access to several mops, this was the one I reached for over and over again.
Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop: At a Glance
Rating: 9/10
PROS
- Low-profile swivel head fits under cabinet overhangs, around toilets, and under furniture
- Removable water reservoir tank is easy to fill and easy to empty after using
- Offers 3 steam levels depending on the type of flooring and level of dirtiness
- Takes 30 seconds for the mop to warm up, then it’s ready to use
- Includes 2 scent discs that smell fresh without being overpowering
CONS
- Doesn’t have a removable handheld steamer like some comparable models
- At 6.2 pounds, it feels a bit heavy carrying up and down the stairs
Get the Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop at:
What is the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop?
The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop cleans floors naturally with steam. It’s safe for sealed hardwood, ceramic tile, marble, linoleum, and granite. The mop features three steam levels that users can select with a push of a button. The lowest level is ideal for everyday cleaning, while the higher levels of steam help power through dried-on messes and sanitize the floor. It also has a flip-down scrubber for tile floors and cleaning grout.
The reservoir tank holds 16 ounces of water and is removable, so users can fill it at the sink—much more convenient than mops that require filling with a flask. After plugging in the mop, the steam is ready within 30 seconds. Users can then choose the steam level they need.
The mop features a low-profile swiveling head that fits underneath the edges of cabinets, furniture, and around toilets. It maneuvers easily, allowing for a quick and efficient clean. The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop has a 23-foot cord, which was long enough to reach around all the rooms in my home without my having to switch outlets.
It comes with two mop pads: a regular microfiber pad and a microfiber scrubby pad. The inside of the pads contains a pocket where users can insert a scent disc if they’d like. The mop comes with two scent discs: while they don’t aid in cleaning, they make the house smell nice.
How easy was it to put together the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop?
Putting this Bissell together was easy. It came in three pieces: a mophead, lower body, and handle. I snapped the mophead into the lower body and slid the top handle in at the opposite end. The mop came with a screw taped to the handle to secure it. I just used a Phillips head screwdriver to install the screw in the hole. Assembly took me less than a couple of minutes.
This model came with two mopheads, each with a quick-grip release tab that looks similar to a clothing tag. To install the mop pads, I slipped one over the mophead, ensuring the quick-release tab was on the back side. The tabs were a simple way to make sure the pad was in the correct position. The mop also came with two fragrance discs that fit into the interior pocket of the pad.
One feature I appreciated about the Bissell PowerFresh is the removable water tank. To fill the water tank, I pulled it up and out, removed the cap, and added room-temperature water.
It was self-explanatory to use the mop for the first time. After I plugged it in, the blue indicator light flashed for about 30 seconds. Once it stopped flashing, I selected my desired steam level and cleaned my floors.
Is the Bissell PowerFresh 1940A easy to use?
After testing seven of the most popular steam mops on the market, I concluded that the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop was one of the easiest to use. While many of the mops I tested, especially those with higher water tanks, felt uncomfortable to push, the Bissell PowerFresh maneuvered with ease.
Another common issue I experienced during testing was thick mopheads that couldn’t reach under cabinet overhangs or small pieces of furniture. The design of the Bissell PowerFresh mophead is slim, making cleaning next to cabinets a breeze. The angled head also allowed me to mop next to the toilet and edge of the walls.
It doesn’t take much effort or strength to push this model, and I was able to start with the lowest steam level for my hardwoods, quickly taking it up a notch when needed.
While this mop doesn’t come with attachments like some higher-end options, it was the easiest to use, and I reached for it repeatedly.
How well does the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop clean?
The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam mop cleans well. The first time I used it, I was amazed by how dirty the pad was after I finished mopping. It also cleans without leaving streaks or haze.
Before testing the steam mops, I had previously used a spray mop on my hardwood and tile floors. Although the floors looked clean enough, minor streaking was always left behind. I haven’t experienced any streaking with the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop. My floors look cleaner than they ever have.
Since most of my house has hardwood floors, I use the lowest steam setting, only switching to a higher level when I need to blast through stuck-on dirt. I use the medium to high setting on my tile floors. I’ve also used this product on white linoleum, and it cleaned up all visible dirt.
One potential con to this model is that since it doesn’t have a handheld steamer, it doesn’t contain a grout brush. I tested other models with grout brushes, and the brushes did an excellent job dislodging dirt and lightening stains.
Is the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop worth the money?
At under $100, the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is worth the money. I tested seven steam mops with prices ranging from $70 to $175. Even though this model was the third most expensive, it was the easiest to use and cleaned wonderfully.
Those who are switching from a regular mop that uses a cleaning solution to the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop might save money in the long run. While users can purchase Bissell’s scented line of water or scent discs, neither are necessary—the mop only needs electricity and water. (Although extra mop pads may be required down the road.)
The main thing to remember is that this mop doesn’t come with attachments. Therefore, those looking for a multiuse steam mop that acts as a garment steamer, grout cleaner, and window cleaner might not find the Bissell PowerFresh to be the best investment. But this model is worth considering for those looking for a mop that’s easy to grab, heats up quickly, and leaves floors clean.
Is the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop right for you?
Personal preferences will play a large part in which steam mop is right for individual users. The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop is a good choice for anyone who cleans often and wants a mop that’s easy and quick to use. It cleans without leaving streaks on the floor, and the microfiber pads are absorbent, picking up large amounts of dirt.
However, those who prefer multiuse cleaning tools might be happier with options that come with attachments. For example, another steam mop I tested, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop cleaner, also features three steam levels, is easy to push, and comes with attachments. The reason it wasn’t my favorite was because of its short cord. I had to stop and switch outlets in the middle of mopping the floor, which was not convenient. There are also more heavy-duty steam mops, like the Bissell PowerSteamer 3-in-1, that have a big focus on attachments but are less comfortable to mop with.
For those looking for a mop that works solely as a mop, the Bissell PowerFresh 1940A is hard to beat. The maneuverability is top-notch, and the slim mophead easily cleans all floor areas. It’s also competitively priced, giving users a big bang for their buck.
Where to Buy the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
Get the Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop at:
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on a variety of popular home and finance websites. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
