I'm just curious if I can use other cleaning formulas like Method or Pine Sol etc for using with my Bissell Crosswave Max or if I HAVE to use Bissell's own cleaning formula.
The manual says you should only use their brand or it can damage the machine. Is this true or are they just trying to scare people into buying their own detergent?
I'm talking about this
https://www.target.com/p/bissell-multisurface-floor-cleaning-formula-for-crosswave-38-spinwave/-/A-51199179?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000074568415&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2B0060H00000uIB6rQAG+-+Bissell_Google_Consumables_Q4_2020-Q1_2021_Flight&adgroup=PLA_Bissell&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9030959&gclid=Cj0KCQiAifz-BRDjARIsAEElyGKq07FueLU0s9ZqUtYQSFAp0QZrqR2r7Mhx1bHkZb8U52TciTEwIfUaAvUpEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Other cleaners won’t necessarily damage the machine, but it’s a possibility. The detergents these machines use are designed to not produce foam, because foam inside the collection tank can make it past the water separator and into the motor and cause damage. Also, caustic cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or acids could damage various components, certain essential oils can weaken and crack plastics. The genuine cleaner is also designed to not leave streaks on the floor when used in the machine, other cleaners may not be as streak free.
Their brand name formula is very affordable on Amazon, I would just use the genuine formula.
You just don't want to use anything that's not a solvent, or oil/distilate based. Bissell makes a lot of money on their cleaners (which IMHO aren't bad, but waaaaay overpriced). You want to use something sold as "no rinse" though, as it'll not foam up.
I don't have one of these, but in my Hoover I use Lysol Lemon Disinfectant cleaner (Or the Members Mark version of it for $5/gallon), and/or I've used "neutral floor cleaner" and have zero issues over many, many years (although it can turn the tank a tad yellow).
I just picked up a Karcher FC5 unit (shh, it's under the tree), which I'll probably do the same.