cleaned my area rug and now my crosswave smells like wet dog, how do i clean the machine itself?

Diagnosis

The "wet dog" odor in your Bissell CrossWave 1785A is caused by the accumulation of organic biofilm and stagnant moisture within the dirty water recovery tank, the internal suction conduit, and the brush roll fibers. When you clean an area rug, the machine pulls up a higher concentration of proteins, skin cells, and pet dander than it does from hard floors. If these particles aren't fully flushed out, they settle in the "dead zones" of the tank and the crevices of the brush roll, where they begin to decompose and grow bacteria. This smell is often exacerbated by the 1785A's internal plumbing. Because the machine uses a vacuum motor to pull liquid through a narrow tube into the recovery tank, a thin layer of sludge can coat the interior of that tube. Even if you empty the tank, the residual moisture trapped in the brush roll and the suction path continues to off-gas, creating that pungent, damp-animal scent every time the motor runs and pushes air through the system.

How to Fix It

To fully deodorize the machine and remove the bacterial buildup, follow this deep-cleaning sequence:

1. Deep Clean the Dirty Water Tank: Remove the recovery tank and empty it completely. Use a bottle brush or a long-handled scrub brush to scrub the interior walls and the bottom corners. Fill the tank with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of white vinegar or a mild dish soap. Shake vigorously, rinse with hot water, and leave the lid open to air dry completely.
2. Sanitize the Brush Roll: Remove the brush roll by pressing the release tabs on the sides of the brush head. Do not simply rinse it; soak the brush roll in a basin of warm, soapy water for 30 minutes. Use a soft brush to scrub the bristles, removing any embedded hair or rug fibers. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry vertically for at least 4 hours before reinstalling.
3. Flush the Internal Plumbing: Fill the clean water tank with hot tap water (do not exceed 120°F to avoid damaging the seals). Do not add any cleaning solution. Power on the machine and run it over a clean, hard surface for 3-5 minutes. This forces fresh water through the internal pump and flushes out any stagnant residue in the lines.
4. Clean the Filter: Remove the foam filter located at the top of the dirty water tank. Rinse it under high-pressure running water until the water runs clear. Squeeze it out gently; do not wring it. Allow it to dry completely before replacing it, as a damp filter is a primary source of mildew smells.
5. Final Air-Out: After completing the flush, leave the dirty water tank detached and the brush roll area open for 2 hours to ensure all internal moisture has evaporated.

If That Didn't Work

• Vinegar Shock Treatment: Fill the clean water tank with a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and warm water. Run the machine over a small area of hard floor for 2 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the alkaline biofilm and neutralizes odors that soap cannot reach. Follow this with a plain water rinse.
• Enzymatic Cleaner Soak: If the smell persists in the brush roll, soak the bristles in an enzymatic pet odor remover (like Nature's Miracle) for 2 hours. These enzymes specifically break down the protein chains found in pet dander and urine that cause the "wet dog" scent.
• Replacement Parts: If the odor is emanating from the motor exhaust, the internal filter may be permanently fouled. Replace the foam filter (Part #2032721) and consider replacing the brush roll if the bristles have become permanently stained or matted.
• Tank Seal Inspection: Check the rubber gasket seal on the dirty water tank. If debris is trapped in the seal, it can create a pocket of rot. Wipe the seal down with rubbing alcohol to sanitize the contact point.

Heads Up

• Never leave dirty water in the tank: Even for a few hours. The 1785A is prone to rapid bacterial growth; empty and rinse the recovery tank immediately after every single session.
• Avoid Over-Sudsing: Only use the official Bissell CrossWave formula. Using standard floor cleaners or too much soap creates excess foam that can bypass the filter and enter the motor housing, leading to permanent internal odors.
• Air-Dry is Mandatory: Always store the machine with the dirty water tank removed and the brush roll area ventilated. Storing it "closed" while damp is the fastest way to create a mildew problem.
• Rinse After Rugs: Whenever you transition from cleaning a rug to a hard floor, perform a 30-second "clear water flush" to prevent heavy rug debris from settling in the suction tube.