How to clean a Bissell pet vacuum filter in three quick steps

Bright entryway with arched, white doorway and open door, two-tiered shelving with statues and flowers, armchair, striped rug, coat rack and tile floors.

(Image credit: Future)

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1. Unplug and remove filter
2. Tap away dust
3. Rinse and dry
Why you should clean the filter
Do I need to dry it?

published 10 April 2025

Learning how to clean the filter of your Bissell pet vacuum is essential maintenance to keep it running at its best and able to pick up fur from your floors and upholstery with its usual ease.

As Homes & Gardens' home tech editor, I've spent more than 200 hours testing the best vacuums for pet hair, including taking apart and cleaning Bissell vacuums and carpet cleaners.

The good news is, it's pretty straightforward, and I consulted a professional cleaner to make sure these simple three steps will protect your precious vacuum filter whilst restoring suction.

How to clean a Bissell pet vacuum filter

1. Unplug and remove filter

Blue bedroom with dog on foot stool. Large landscape hangs over bed with patterned sheets, next to drawers with lamp and an armchair. — A replacement filter is an inexpensive investment that keeps your vacuum running smoothly.

Before doing anything else, remember to power off and unplug your vacuum. You don't want any surprising shocks.

'The filter should come out of either the dirt tank or the side compartment, depending on the model,' explains professional cleaning expert Scott Schrader from CottageCare.

This is a great chance to inspect your Bissell filter for any wear or damage. Look out for dents or missing parts as a damaged filter will cause your vacuum to lose suction power. An extra filter is also a handy way to make sure you can regularly clean your filters and still use your vacuum while one is drying.

Luckily, replacement filters are affordable at Bissell for all available models.

CleanView

Bissell

CleanView Filter Pack

Bissell's CleanView vacuums use pre-motor and post-motor filters to trap dust, dirt and hair. This replacement pack of both costs $12.99.

3-in-1 Stick

Bissell

3-in-1 Stick Vacuum Filter

This is the only filter you'll need if your Bissell vacuum is the 3-in-1 Stick.

Select

Bissell

Select Foam Filter

If you use any Bissell Select vacuums, some of their best carpet cleaners for pets, this foam filter is the one you need.

2. Tap away hair and dust

A black cat sat on a bed in front of a wood panelled wall with pegs, with a rattan bag, two hats and a bright vintage style poster hanging up and a large houseplant in a wicker basket at the end of the bed — A gentle brush can remove stubborn hair and dust from vacuum filters.

'Once removed, tap out the loose hair and dust over the trash can,' Scott continues. This shouldn't take long, but if it's been a while since you've cleaned your vacuum filter for your Bissell pet vacuum, there might be some hair lodged in the filter. Pluck out what you can, or use a gentle brush like this handheld vacuum cleaner brush at Amazon to clear the holes of any blockages.

For cleaning filters

WAONIQ

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Brush

This is great for cleaning stubborn hair from your Bissell vacuum filters, but also for any hair trapped around brushrolls after vacuuming.

3. Rinse and dry

Well-lit living room with white wood panelled wall, blue armchair, floral rug and dog sat on regency sofa. — Make sure the filter is completely dry before putting it back into your vacuum.

Then, rinse the Bissell pet vacuum filter thoroughly. Use warm water – not too hot, not cold, and with absolutely no soap or detergent. Soap and hot water can damage the delicate fibers of your filter.

After all the hair, dust and dirt has been rinsed away, let it dry completely. This might take up to 48 hours, but don't get impatient. Returning the filter to the vacuum while it's still wet can cause damage.

Once it's fully dry, pop your Bissell filter back into your pet vacuum, and it will be ready for action.

FAQs

Why is it important to clean your Bissell pet vacuum filter?

Forgetting to clean your Bissell's filter can cause your pet vacuum to lose suction power as insufficient air is passing through it. This then forces the vacuum's motor to work harder, which can cause overheating, motor damage or mean you have to get rid of your vacuum cleaner earlier than you otherwise would.

Vacuuming pet hair the right way involves this small vacuum maintenance step to maintain adequate suction.

Do I need to dry the filter?

Moisture is one of the things you should never vacuum. Moisture can get into the inner workings of your vacuum, damage the motor and all electrical parts, and contribute to the growth of mold and bacteria within the appliance, causing your vacuum to smell over time.

Take some chores off your hands with one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair.

Dan is the Home Tech Editor for Homes & Gardens, covering all things cleaning, smart home, sound and air treatment across the Solved section. Having worked for Future PLC since July 2023, Dan was previously the Features Editor for Top Ten Reviews and looked after the wide variety of home and outdoor content across the site, but their writing about homes, gardens, tech and products started back in 2021 on brands like BBC Science Focus, YourHomeStyle and Gardens Illustrated.

They have spent more than 200 hours testing and reviewing vacuums for Homes & Gardens, and have even visited Dyson's engineering labs for the full low-down of the ins and outs of our trusty cleaners.

Dan has a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Magazine Journalism. Outside of work, you'll find them at gigs and art galleries, cycling somewhere scenic, or cooking up something good in the kitchen.

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My Bissell pet vacuum was struggling until I cleaned the filter – here's how to do it in three quick steps