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[lbwshop]

I have had a Bissell steam mop for a couple of years.  It does a good job, but leaves a HORRIBLE smell as it it used.  I've replaced the water filter, and wonder if the odor come from this.  Has anyone else had a similar problem?  TIA.

[Snoopp]

I had the Bissell steam mop and it leaked but didn't smell. I may have had the same one you have with the filter you replace.   I wound up throwing it out and getting a shark.  No problems so far with the shark. 

[Kachina624]

Perhaps it's mildew. I'd put a little bleach in it. That should kill mildew and disinfect.

[enw5002]

I would highly discourage you from putting bleach in your steam mop. Bleach can corrode the machine and any plastic tubing inside. My steam mop smells too. I attribute that to the water sitting in the tank between uses. Probably mildew. I am going to try putting a mixture of vinegar and water into the tank and dumping it out after sitting for a little bit. After that's all said and done add regular water back to the tank.

[ThinkOutsidetheBox]

Definitely would NOT put bleach in the mop. It is most definitely corrosive to any metals and plastic. You also will likely void your warranty as they all instruct you to not put anything in the reservoir except water (you do use only distiller water, right). That being said, since vinegar is used in irons and coffee makers to clean THEM, I would venture a guess that a few DROPS of white vinegar in the reservoir would prevent any bacterial growth and smell without causing damage to the unit.

[Tigriss]

I would do vinegar to flush it out. You can put the bleach in the steamer pot to sit and rinse it out, then run a fresh water steam. I do a splash of vinegar in mine to clean those bits out. You can also wash the tank with bleach, then leave the cap off so it can dry. You should always let it air out after your are done using it, so the water doesn't build up mold.