Question 1

What's the difference between the blue versus purple pet?

Accepted Answer

There are two models of the Bissell Steam Mop listed on this page (at the top).  The 1940 Blue model and the 19404 Purple "Pet" model.  The question is, what is the difference between these two models?  The newer Pet model 19404 is not listed on Bissell's web site yet so any insight would be appreciated.  And please don't just say that the pet model is better if you have pets.  We want to know specification differences.

Question 2

Can I use on laminate floors?

Accepted Answer

From the research I did before buying my Powerfresh mop 3.5 years ago, steam mops are not generally recommended for laminate but it probably depends on the quality of your laminate whether or not you can use the steam mop on it (and how often) without problems. Since laminate floors are essentially like layers of pressed cardboard with a pretty fake wood-looking top layer, too much water can be the kiss of death for them. However, it seems some laminate floors tolerate a little water better than others (and I also understand some newer laminate floorings are now "waterproof"). You might want to ask yourself how your laminate floors currently handle water. That would probably give you a good indication of how they will fair having a steam mop used on them regularly.I have some laminate in my house but although it has a high wear rating, it is not sealed so it is super-sensitive to water. The seams swell and bubble really easily if any water is left on it for very long. Even so, I have been able to use the Powerfresh mop on my laminate and I haven't noticed any problem BUT... and this is important: I only use the LOWEST steam setting. I run the mop very QUICKLY, not allowing it to steam in one place. I don't make more than 1 or 2 passes over one area so the wetness is minimized I am also careful not to rest the wet mop head on my laminate when I stop mopping; I carry the mop to a room with vinyl or tile to set it down. Another way I often use the Powerfresh mop on my laminate is to allow the mop pad to get wet (but not soaked) with steam and then I turn the steam completely off and just damp mop the laminate without actually steaming it. It still cleans my floor really well (and dries fast) and hopefully this eliminates the risk of steam or too much moisture being forced into the seams. This is far easier than damp mopping with a traditional mop and I feel much more comfortable using this method on a more regular basis with my laminate. I would say if you have laminate, use a steam mop with caution and common sense, especially if it is not sealed, and always be on the lookout for water damage.

Question 3

can the bissell 1940 harm pergo laminate wood flooring?

Accepted Answer

We have used it on both laminate and wood floors with no damage to the flooring.  The floor comes out so much cleaner than regular mopping.

Question 4

How good of a job would it do on porcelain tiles?

Accepted Answer

It does an excellent job on smooth or textured tile.  Regarding grout, some say yes, it cleans grout well and others say no. At first, I fell into the "no" camp. It didn't seem to do much for the discolored grout in one of my bathrooms despite multiple moppings during the first few months I owned the mop but I didn't really fault the mop for not cleaning the grout in that bathroom because I suspect the tile floor is original to the house (1978). Even straight bleach and scrubbing with a toothbrush didn't really clean it so I really thought the grout in that bathroom was so old it was beyond hope of ever being clean again. However, now that I have been steaming the grout in my one bathroom regularly throughout the 2.5 years I have owned the mop, I do see quite a bit of improvement in the grout. It is still a long way from looking brand new but it is considerably better. In fact, it's so much better that I have abandoned the idea of "painting" the grout with a grout refreshing product like Grout Renew or Grout Refresh.Essentially, I think it really depends on how old and stained the grout is to start with. If it's really bad, you might not see much, or any, improvement at first, or maybe not even for several months or a year, depending on how often you mop.   However, if the grout isn't too bad, you will likely see better results more quickly.

Surface Recommendation	Floor
Color	19404
Style	Powerfresh
Item Dimensions D x W x H	9.5"D x 13"W x 43"H
Item Display Dimensions	29 x 12 x 7 inches
Item Weight	6.2 Pounds
Wattage	1500 watts
Power Source	Corded Electric
Form Factor	Upright
Heat Time	0.5 minutes
Special Features	Odor Eliminating Fragrance Discs

Bissell 19404 PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop by Bissell

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