Clean your Bissell pet vacuum filter by rinsing it under running water, tapping out loose debris, and letting it air-dry completely before reinstalling it

A clogged filter cuts your vacuum's suction in half and makes the motor work harder than it needs to. Bissell pet vacuums pull a lot of hair and dander, so the filter clogs faster than it would in a regular home. The good news is that cleaning takes five minutes, costs nothing, and extends the filter's life by months.

Most Bissell pet models use one of two filter types: a pleated foam or felt filter that sits inside a plastic cage, or a cylindrical filter with vertical ridges. Both clean the same way. You do not need tools, replacement parts, or special cleaners—just water and a clean towel.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove the filter from your vacuum by opening the dust cup or filter compartment, then gently pull the filter straight out to avoid tearing the pleats.
  • Tap the filter over a trash can to dislodge loose pet hair and dust before you rinse it with water.
  • Rinse under cool running water from the inside out, holding the filter so water flows through the pleats or ridges rather than against them.
  • Let the filter air-dry completely—at least four hours, or overnight—before putting it back in the vacuum, because a damp filter can damage the motor.
  • Clean your filter every two weeks if you have pets, or whenever you notice the suction dropping.

Locate and remove the filter from your vacuum

On most Bissell pet upright models, the filter sits inside the dust cup at the top of the machine. Press the release button or latch on the side of the dust cup—the exact location varies by model—and pull the cup straight down and away from the vacuum body. The filter is usually mounted on the inside of the cup lid or on a cage that sticks up from the cup bottom.

On Bissell pet handheld and cordless models, the filter is often accessed from the side or back of the unit. Check your model's manual for the exact location, but the release mechanism is usually a straightforward button or clip. Once you have located it, press or slide the release and gently pull the filter straight out. Do not twist or yank, because the pleats or ridges can tear if the filter catches on the housing.

If your filter is attached to a plastic cage or frame, you may need to unscrew or unclip it from the cage before rinsing. Some Bissell models have the filter permanently attached to the cage, in which case you rinse the whole assembly together.

Tap out loose debris over a trash can

Hold the filter upright over an open trash can and tap it gently on the sides and bottom with your hand or a soft brush. You should see a cloud of pet hair and dust fall out. Tap for about 30 seconds, rotating the filter so you hit all sides. This step removes the bulk of the debris and makes the rinsing step much faster and more effective.

Do not bang the filter hard or tap it against a hard edge, because you can crack the pleats or ridges. A gentle, steady tap is all you need. If the filter is very clogged and the debris is not coming loose easily, move on to the rinsing step—water will loosen what tapping cannot.

Rinse the filter under cool running water

Hold the filter under a kitchen or bathroom faucet with cool water running at medium pressure. The key is to rinse from the inside out: point the water stream at the inside surface of the filter so the water flows through the pleats or ridges and pushes debris out the other side. If you rinse from the outside in, you will push dirt deeper into the filter.

For a pleated foam or felt filter, gently squeeze the pleats between your fingers under the running water to help loosen trapped hair and dust. Do not scrub hard or wring the filter, because you can damage the material. For a cylindrical filter with ridges, hold it under the water and slowly rotate it so all sides get rinsed evenly.

Keep rinsing until the water running out of the filter runs clear. This usually takes one to two minutes. If the filter is very dirty, you may need to repeat the tapping and rinsing cycle once more. Never use hot water or cleaning chemicals—cool water is all you need, and hot water can warp the filter material.

Let the filter air-dry completely before reinstalling

After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water by hand—do not wring or twist. Lay the filter flat on a clean towel or stand it upright in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not place it near a heater, in a dryer, or in an oven, because high heat can damage the filter material.

The filter must be completely dry before you put it back in the vacuum. A damp filter can cause the motor to overheat or fail. Most filters take four to eight hours to air-dry, depending on humidity and air circulation in your home. Overnight drying is the safest approach if you are not sure. You can tell the filter is dry when it feels light and there is no moisture when you squeeze it gently.

Reinstall the filter and test your vacuum

Once the filter is completely dry, slide it back into the vacuum the same way you removed it. Make sure it sits flush in its housing and any clips or latches are fully engaged. If your filter was attached to a cage, make sure the cage is secured properly before you reattach the dust cup or close the filter compartment.

Run your vacuum for a few seconds to make sure the suction feels normal and the filter is seated correctly. You should notice an when ready improvement in suction if the filter was clogged. If the suction is still weak, the filter may not be fully dry, or there may be a clog elsewhere in the vacuum—check the hose and brush roll for hair tangles.

How often to clean your Bissell pet vacuum filter

If you have pets, clean your filter every two weeks as part of regular maintenance. If you vacuum daily or have multiple pets, clean it weekly. If you notice the suction dropping suddenly between scheduled cleanings, do not wait—clean the filter right away. A clean filter is the single biggest factor in keeping your Bissell pet vacuum running at full power.

Over time, even with regular cleaning, filters lose their ability to trap fine dust and dander. Most Bissell pet vacuum filters last six months to a year with weekly cleaning before they need to be replaced. If you rinse your filter and the suction still does not improve, or if you see tears or permanent discoloration in the pleats, it is time for a new filter. Replacement filters are inexpensive and widely available online and in stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my Bissell pet vacuum filter in the dishwasher or washing machine?

No. The dishwasher and washing machine use hot water and agitation that can damage the filter material and break the pleats or ridges. Hand rinsing under cool running water is the only safe cleaning method for Bissell pet vacuum filters.

What if my filter has a bad smell even after I clean it?

A lingering odor usually means the filter did not dry completely before you reinstalled it, or pet hair and moisture are trapped inside. Remove the filter, rinse it again, and let it air-dry for a full 24 hours in a warm, dry location with good air circulation. You can also sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the filter before drying to help absorb odors.

Is it okay to use a vacuum filter cleaner product on my Bissell pet filter?

Stick with cool water only. Commercial filter cleaners can leave residue that affects suction or damage the filter material. Cool water removes pet hair and dust just as well and costs nothing.

My filter is torn. Can I still use it?

Small tears at the edge may not affect performance, but tears in the pleats or ridges will let dust bypass the filter and clog your motor. If you see tears, replace the filter rather than risk damage to the vacuum.

How do I know if my filter is completely dry?

Squeeze the filter gently—it should feel light and firm, not damp or spongy. If you are unsure, wait another few hours. It is better to wait too long than to reinstall a damp filter and damage your vacuum.