i used vinegar in my bissell crosswave and now it's acting weird, is it broken?

Diagnosis

The "weird" behavior you are experiencing—which typically manifests as erratic water flow, a high-pitched whining sound from the pump, or leaking from the base—is caused by the acetic acid in vinegar reacting with the internal components of the 1785A. The CrossWave is engineered with specific rubber gaskets, O-rings, and plastic seals designed for neutral pH cleaning solutions. Vinegar is an acid that degrades these elastomers, causing them to swell, warp, or degrade entirely. When these seals fail, the vacuum loses its prime, meaning the pump can no longer create the necessary suction to pull water from the clean tank into the brush roll. Furthermore, vinegar can cause micro-corrosion on the internal impeller of the water pump. If you notice the machine is running but no water is hitting the floor, or if water is pooling around the motor housing, the vinegar has likely compromised the integrity of the internal fluid path.

How to Fix It

To attempt to salvage the unit and remove residual acidic buildup, you must perform a deep system flush. Do not add any more cleaning solution during this process.

1. Empty the dirty water tank completely and rinse it with fresh water to ensure no vinegar residue remains in the recovery area.
2. Fill the clean water tank to the "Max" fill line using only hot tap water (approximately 120°F/50°C). Do not use boiling water, as this can warp the plastic tank.
3. Place the machine on a hard floor surface. Power the unit on and hold the water spray trigger for 30 seconds continuously to force water through the pump and out the brush roll.
4. Turn the machine off and let it sit for 10 minutes. This allows any remaining vinegar trapped in the internal lines to soak and loosen.
5. Repeat the spray cycle three more times. If the flow seems restricted, gently tilt the machine forward and backward while spraying to help dislodge any air pockets caused by the pump losing prime.
6. Remove the brush roll and rinse it under a faucet to clear any vinegar-induced residue from the bristles.

If That Didn't Work

• Manual Pump Priming: If the pump is whining but no water is flowing, the pump has lost its prime. Remove the clean water tank and use a turkey baster or a small funnel to carefully pour a small amount of water directly into the intake valve where the tank connects to the machine. This eliminates air gaps that the pump cannot overcome on its own.
• Seal Replacement: If you notice water leaking from the bottom of the chassis, the internal O-rings have likely been eaten away by the acid. You will need to disassemble the outer casing and replace the pump seals. This requires a precision seal kit and is generally recommended for those comfortable with small-component electronics repair.
• Impeller Cleaning: If the flow is weak, a small piece of degraded seal may be clogging the impeller. You can attempt to flush the system with a mixture of distilled water and a tiny drop of dish soap (which acts as a surfactant) to lubricate the internal lines and push out debris.
• Professional Pump Replacement: If the pump makes a grinding noise or fails to activate entirely, the acetic acid has corroded the motor windings or the impeller shaft. The water pump assembly must be replaced entirely.

Heads Up

• Strict Formula Adherence: Only use BISSELL CrossWave formula or plain water. Even "natural" cleaners like lemon juice or homemade soap mixes can cause the same seal degradation as vinegar.
• Storage Protocol: Never leave water or cleaning solution in the tanks for more than 24 hours when not in use. Standing liquid can lead to biofilm buildup or accelerate the degradation of seals if a non-approved cleaner was used.
• Warranty Warning: Using vinegar is documented as "improper use." If you send the unit in for repair, technicians can often detect the scent or chemical residue of vinegar, which will void your manufacturer warranty.
• Filter Maintenance: Ensure the dirty water tank filter is cleaned weekly. If vinegar has caused the filter to harden or shrink, it will allow debris to enter the motor, leading to total machine failure.