Empty the dirt tank before it gets full
Most Bissell vacuums have a dirt tank you remove and empty by hand — not a bag you replace. The tank sits at the back or side of the machine and clicks or twists out depending on your model. Empty it when the dirt reaches the fill line, not when it is completely full, because a packed tank reduces suction and makes the motor work harder.
The fastest way is to hold the tank over a trash can, press the release button or latch (usually on the handle), and let the dirt fall straight down. Tap the bottom of the tank a few times to shake loose any clumps that stick. If dirt clings to the sides, use a dry cloth or old toothbrush to wipe the inside walls before you put the tank back on the machine.
Key Takeaways
- Empty the dirt tank when it reaches the fill line, not when it is completely full, to keep suction strong.
- Most Bissell tanks click or twist out from the back or side of the machine and empty by hand into a trash can.
- Tap the tank bottom and wipe the inside walls with a dry cloth to remove dirt that sticks.
- Rinse the filter under cool running water every month, and replace it once a year or when it looks gray and clogged.
- Check the brush roll for hair and string wrapped around it every time you empty the tank.
Locate and remove the dirt tank on your model
The dirt tank location varies by Bissell model. On upright vacuums, it is usually at the back near the handle. On canister models, it hangs on the side or underneath. Check your manual or look for a button or latch labeled "release" or "empty" — Bissell marks these clearly so you can find them in the dark.
Press or twist the latch and pull the tank straight out. Some models require you to hold down a button while you pull; others twist counterclockwise. If the tank feels stuck, do not force it — check whether a second latch or clip is holding it in place. Once it comes free, carry it directly to the trash can to avoid spilling dirt on your floor.
Tap and wipe the tank clean
After you dump the loose dirt, hold the tank upside down over the trash can and tap the bottom and sides firmly with your hand or a wooden spoon. This dislodges dirt packed against the walls and corners. Tap for five to ten seconds, then turn the tank right-side up and look inside — you should see the bottom clearly.
If dirt still clings to the walls, wipe the inside with a dry cloth, an old toothbrush, or a soft brush. Do not use water unless your manual says the tank is washable — most plastic tanks can handle a quick rinse, but some have electronic sensors that water can damage. Once the inside looks clean and dry, the tank is ready to go back on the machine.
Clean or replace the filter while the tank is out
The filter sits inside the tank or on top of the motor head, depending on your Bissell model. While the tank is out, this is the best time to check the filter. A clogged filter looks gray or brown and feels stiff; a clean filter is white or light yellow and feels soft. If it looks dirty, rinse it under cool running water — never use hot water, which can damage the material.
Let the filter air-dry completely before you put it back in. This usually takes two to four hours. If the filter is torn, has holes, or does not come clean after rinsing, replace it with a new one. Bissell filters cost between ten and twenty dollars and last about one year with regular use. A clogged or damaged filter cuts suction in half, so replacing it is worth the cost.
Check the brush roll for wrapped hair and string
While the tank is out, flip the vacuum over and look at the brush roll — the spinning cylinder at the bottom that actually picks up dirt. Hair and string wrap around it constantly and slow it down. Use your fingers or scissors to pull away any visible tangles, working from one end of the roll to the other.
If the brush roll does not spin freely by hand after you remove the tangles, the bearings may be worn and the roll may need replacement. Brush rolls cost fifteen to thirty dollars depending on your model. A brush roll that does not spin means the vacuum will not pick up dirt even if the motor runs, so do not skip this step.
Put the tank back and run a quick test
Slide the tank back onto the machine and press or twist the latch until you hear a click or feel it lock. The connection should be tight — if it feels loose, the tank may not be seated all the way. Push it in firmly and try the latch again.
Before you vacuum, turn the machine on for five seconds with the tank in place. You should hear normal motor sound and feel suction at the hose or brush head. If the sound is weak or you feel no suction, the tank may not be seated correctly, the filter may still be clogged, or the brush roll may still be tangled. Stop and check each one before you use the vacuum on your floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash the dirt tank with soap and water?
Most Bissell tanks are plastic and can handle a quick rinse under cool running water with a little dish soap. Let it air-dry completely — at least two hours — before you put it back on the machine. Never use hot water or a dishwasher, which can warp the plastic or damage sensors inside the tank.
How often should I empty the tank?
Empty it when the dirt reaches the fill line, usually after vacuuming one or two rooms depending on how much debris is on your floor. A full tank reduces suction and makes the motor work harder, so emptying it often keeps the vacuum running at full power.
What if dirt falls out when I remove the tank?
Carry the tank directly over the trash can before you press the release button. If you have already removed it, hold it over the trash and tap the bottom to shake out any loose dirt before you set it down. Wipe up any spilled dirt with a damp cloth.
Do I need to replace the filter every time I empty the tank?
No. Rinse the filter under cool water once a month or when it looks gray and clogged. Replace it once a year or sooner if it tears or does not come clean after rinsing. A new filter costs ten to twenty dollars and takes two minutes to install.
Why is my vacuum still weak after I emptied the tank?
Check three things: the tank is seated all the way and locked in place, the filter is clean and dry, and the brush roll spins freely without hair or string wrapped around it. If all three are fine, the hose may be clogged — hold it up to a light and look through it, or run water through it to clear any blockage.