The BISSELL CrossWave HydroSteam does an excellent job dealing with stains on bare floors when using its ‘SteamWash’ function and with the PET Multi-Surface with Febreze formula. To use the ‘SteamWash’ setting, you’ll have to wait for the appliance to warm up and start producing steam, at which point the indicator light on its floorhead shifts from flashing orange to a solid orange. From there, you can pull the trigger on the handle, which releases a blast of steam. The HydroSteam is capable of completely clearing away a dried-on stain within a few back-and-forth sweeps, but a more efficient method of cleaning would probably be keeping the unit in place over the stain and letting the surface agitation from its brushroll and steam do the work of lifting up any debris. It’s worth noting that the PET Multi-Surface with Febreze formula produces a pretty strong detergent-like scent, which might be a little overwhelming for some.

Cleaning stains without the PET Multi-Surface with Febreze formula takes a few more passes, but ultimately results in similar results. The manufacturer recommends making two passes in the ‘HydroSteam’ mode and any remaining passes without; you can see the result of five water-only passes here and nine water-only passes here.