Why I Decided to Test the Bissell 1940
I have two kids, a dog that sheds constantly, and hardwood floors that seem to attract every grain of dirt within a five-mile radius. After spending years alternating between a vacuum and a mop, I was skeptical — deeply skeptical — when my neighbor suggested the Bissell CrossWave 1940. A machine that vacuums and washes at the same time? Sounds great in theory. But theory and reality are very different things.
So I bought one. I used it for three months across kitchen tile, sealed hardwood, and area rugs before writing this Bissell 1940 review. Here is what I actually found — the good, the annoying, and everything in between.
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Model Number | Bissell CrossWave 1940 |
| Type | Wet-Dry Vacuum + Floor Washer (2-in-1) |
| Weight | Approximately 11.6 lbs |
| Tank Capacity | 14 oz clean / 14 oz dirty water |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Brush Roll | Multi-Surface Brush Roll |
| Best For | Hard floors, area rugs, sealed hardwood, tile |
| Warranty | 2 years limited |
| Price Range | $200 – $280 (varies by retailer) |
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What Exactly Is the Bissell CrossWave 1940?
The Bissell CrossWave 1940 is a multi-surface wet-dry floor cleaner that vacuums and washes your floors at the same time. It uses a rotating multi-surface brush roll that lifts debris while the built-in water system delivers cleaning solution to break down grime. The dirty water gets sucked into a separate tank, so you are not just pushing dirty water around like a traditional mop.
It is designed primarily for sealed hard floors — tile, hardwood, laminate, and LVP — but it can also handle area rugs with a mode switch. It is not a deep carpet cleaner by any measure, but for everyday rug maintenance, it does fine.
Key Features of the Bissell CrossWave 1940
1. Simultaneous Vacuuming and Washing
This is the headline feature and it actually works. On a typical morning cleanup after breakfast, what used to take two separate passes — vacuum, then mop — now takes one. The time savings add up quickly if you have a high-traffic kitchen.
2. Self-Cleaning Cycle
When you are done, you press a button, put the machine in its tray, and it cleans its own brush roll. This was the feature I did not expect to love as much as I do. Old mops get grimy and smelly within a week. The CrossWave 1940 brush roll smells fresh every time I pull it out. That alone is worth a lot.
3. Two-Tank System
Separate clean and dirty water tanks mean you are never cleaning your floors with the same water you just picked up dirt with. The tanks are easy to remove, easy to fill, and easy to clean. The 14 oz capacity is adequate for a medium-sized kitchen but you may need to refill for a whole-home cleaning session.
4. Multi-Surface Mode Switch
A simple toggle lets you switch between hard floor mode and area rug mode. The machine adjusts suction and brush roll behavior accordingly. It is not complicated, and it works exactly as advertised.
5. 25-Foot Cord
For most rooms, 25 feet gives you enough reach without having to switch outlets. In a large open-plan space you might need to move once, but this is not a dealbreaker.
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Performance Review: How Does It Actually Clean?
On Tile Floors
This is where the Bissell CrossWave 1940 is at its absolute best. Our kitchen tile gets sticky fast — spilled juice, crumbs, the general chaos of family life. One pass with the CrossWave picks up the dry debris and cuts through the sticky residue at the same time. Floors come out genuinely clean, not just damp-clean.
On Sealed Hardwood
I was cautious here because hardwood is finicky. Too much moisture and you risk warping. The CrossWave 1940 uses a controlled amount of solution, not a flood, so I have had zero issues with my floors in three months. They come out clean with a subtle shine, no streaks, and no residue — provided you use the Bissell cleaning formula or a diluted compatible solution.
On Area Rugs
It handles light surface debris well on area rugs. Dog hair, crumbs, tracked-in dirt — yes. But do not expect it to deep clean a thick pile rug. Switch it to rug mode, make a pass, and it does a respectable everyday maintenance job. Just know its limitations here.
On Pet Hair
My dog is a Lab mix who sheds aggressively. The CrossWave 1940 picks up most surface pet hair on hard floors with one pass. On rugs, it gets the majority but not all — a dedicated pet vacuum still has an edge for heavy fur. That said, the self-cleaning cycle handles the brush roll fur buildup better than I expected.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
| Vacuums and washes simultaneously — genuinely saves time | Not ideal for deep carpet cleaning — better on rugs |
| Self-cleaning cycle keeps the brush roll hygienic | Replacement brush rolls cost extra over time |
| Surprisingly quiet for a dual-function machine | Water tanks could be slightly larger for big homes |
| Easy to maneuver around furniture legs | Learning curve for the self-cleaning feature initially |
| Large dirty water tank means fewer trips to the sink | |
| Works well on both tile and sealed hardwood |
Bissell 1940 vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
| Feature | Bissell 1940 | Bissell 2593 | Bissell 2306A |
| Type | Wet-Dry Vac + Wash | Wet-Dry + Pet | Wet-Dry + Wash |
| Weight | 11.6 lbs | 11 lbs | 10.8 lbs |
| Carpet Mode | Area rugs only | Area rugs + low pile | Area rugs only |
| Self-Cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Hair | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Price | ~$240 | ~$280 | ~$220 |
| Best For | Hard floors + rugs | Pet owners | Budget pick |
The 1940 sits comfortably in Bissell’s mid-range lineup. If you have pets that shed heavily, the 2593 is worth the extra spend. If budget is a primary concern, the 2306A is a solid alternative. But for most households dealing with everyday hard floor messes, the 1940 hits the sweet spot between price and performance.
Who Should Buy the Bissell CrossWave 1940?
This machine is ideal for:
- Households with hard floors as the primary surface — tile, hardwood, LVP, laminate
- Busy parents or pet owners who want a one-pass cleanup solution
- People who genuinely dislike traditional mopping and want something more hygienic
- Anyone with a medium-sized home who values time savings on daily chores
It is NOT ideal for:
- Homes that are primarily carpeted — this is not a carpet deep-cleaner
- Anyone looking for a single-device replacement for a heavy-duty upright vacuum
- Very large homes where tank capacity becomes a frustration
Final Verdict: Is the Bissell CrossWave 1940 Worth It?
Our Rating: 8.4 / 10
Yes — with appropriate expectations. The Bissell CrossWave 1940 is not trying to replace every cleaning tool in your home. It is trying to replace your mop and your hard floor vacuum in one device, and it largely succeeds. The self-cleaning feature keeps it hygienic, the two-tank system keeps it effective, and the time savings are real and consistent.
If your home has a lot of hard flooring and you are tired of the vacuum-then-mop routine, the Bissell 1940 review conclusion is simple: it is a genuinely useful machine. It earns its price tag for the right household.
Three months in, mine is still in regular rotation. That says more than any spec sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Bissell CrossWave 1940 good for hardwood floors?
Yes, it is — as long as your hardwood is sealed. The CrossWave 1940 uses a controlled moisture system that does not oversaturate the floor. In my three months of use on sealed hardwood, I have seen no warping, no water damage, and no streaking. Do not use it on unsealed or waxed wood floors.
Q2: Can the Bissell 1940 replace my regular vacuum?
For hard floors and area rug maintenance, yes — in most cases. For deep carpet cleaning or heavy-duty whole-home vacuuming, no. It works best as a daily driver for hard floor spaces, not as your sole cleaning device if you have significant carpet coverage.
Q3: How often should I clean the brush roll?
The self-cleaning cycle handles routine maintenance after every use. I recommend removing and manually rinsing the brush roll once a week if you use the machine daily, or whenever you notice buildup that the self-clean cycle does not fully address. Replacement brush rolls are available directly from Bissell.
Q4: What cleaning solution should I use with the Bissell 1940?
Bissell recommends their own CrossWave Multi-Surface Cleaning Formula, and I agree with this recommendation. Third-party solutions can work but some leave residue or affect the brush roll over time. The Bissell formula is formulated specifically for this machine and produces the best results.
Q5: How long does the battery last? Is it cordless?
The Bissell CrossWave 1940 is a corded machine, not battery-powered. The 25-foot cord gives you adequate reach for most rooms. If you specifically need a cordless option, the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max is the alternative to consider, though it comes at a higher price point.
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