Bissell vacuums are renowned for their powerful cleaning performance, helping to keep homes spotless. However, to ensure your Bissell vacuum continues to work at its best, proper maintenance of its filters is crucial. Dirty filters can reduce suction power, affect air quality, and even lead to premature wear and tear of the vacuum’s motor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of filters found in Bissell vacuums and provide step – by – step instructions on how to clean them effectively.
Types of Filters in Bissell Vacuums
Dust Bags
Many Bissell upright and canister vacuums use dust bags to trap dirt, dust, and debris. These bags are designed to be a convenient way to collect dirt, as they can be easily replaced when full. However, some Bissell models with dust bags also have additional pre – motor or post – motor filters that need to be cleaned regularly.
Dust Cups and Cyclonic Filters
Bagless Bissell vacuums, such as some upright, stick, and handheld models, feature dust cups. These cups collect dirt and debris, and often have cyclonic filtration systems. Cyclonic filters use centrifugal force to separate dirt from the air, and they can be highly effective. But like all filters, they require cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
HEPA Filters
High – Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a common feature in many Bissell vacuums, especially those marketed for allergy sufferers. HEPA filters are designed to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Keeping these filters clean is essential for maintaining good air quality in your home.
Foam Filters
Some Bissell vacuums use foam filters, which are often used in combination with other types of filters. Foam filters help to trap larger particles and prevent them from reaching more delicate components of the vacuum, such as the motor.
Cleaning Frequency
The frequency of cleaning your Bissell vacuum filters depends on several factors, including how often you use the vacuum, the size of your home, and whether you have pets or allergies.
Regular Use: If you use your Bissell vacuum once or twice a week, it’s a good idea to check and clean the filters every month.
Heavy Use or Pet Owners: Homes with pets shed a lot of hair and dander, or those with a lot of foot traffic, may require filter cleaning every two weeks. Pet hair can quickly clog filters, reducing suction power.
Allergy Sufferers: If you or someone in your household has allergies, cleaning the filters every week can help to ensure that the vacuum is effectively removing allergens from the air.
Step – by – Step Cleaning Instructions
Cleaning Dust Bags (if applicable)
Check for Replaceable Bags: If your Bissell vacuum uses disposable dust bags, simply replace the bag when it is full. Most Bissell vacuums with dust bags have an indicator on the bag or the vacuum itself to show when it’s time for a replacement.
Pre – Motor Filters: These filters are located before the motor and help to protect it from dirt and debris. To clean a pre – motor filter, first, unplug the vacuum. Remove the filter from its housing. If it’s a foam filter, gently wash it with mild soap and warm water. Squeeze out the excess water gently, being careful not to damage the foam. Let it air dry completely before reinstalling. If it’s a different type of pre – motor filter, such as a mesh or fabric filter, you can use a soft – bristle brush to gently remove the dirt.
Post – Motor Filters: These filters are located after the motor and help to clean the air that is expelled from the vacuum. Cleaning a post – motor filter is similar to cleaning a pre – motor filter. Unplug the vacuum, remove the filter, and clean it according to its type. HEPA post – motor filters should be handled with care. In most cases, you can gently tap the filter to remove loose dirt, but avoid washing a HEPA filter unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is washable.
Cleaning Dust Cups and Cyclonic Filters
Empty the Dust Cup: First, unplug the vacuum. Locate the dust cup release button or mechanism on your Bissell vacuum. For example, in many Bissell stick vacuums, there is a red button on the dust cup that you press to release it. Empty the dust cup into a trash can, shaking it gently to remove all the dirt and debris.
Clean the Dust Cup: Wash the dust cup with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any stubborn dirt. Rinse the dust cup thoroughly and let it air dry completely before reinstalling.
Clean the Cyclonic Filter: Cyclonic filters are often located inside the dust cup or in a separate housing. To clean a cyclonic filter, remove it from its housing. Some cyclonic filters can be washed with warm, soapy water. Gently scrub the filter to remove any dirt or debris. If the filter is not washable, use a soft – bristle brush to clean it. Make sure to remove all the dirt from the filter’s fins and crevices, as dirt buildup in these areas can reduce the cyclonic action and suction power. Let the cyclonic filter air dry completely before reinstalling it.
Cleaning HEPA Filters
Check if it’s Washable: Not all HEPA filters are washable. Check the user manual of your Bissell vacuum to determine if your HEPA filter can be cleaned with water. If it is washable, proceed to the next steps. If it’s not, follow the non – washable HEPA filter cleaning instructions.
Washable HEPA Filters: Unplug the vacuum and carefully remove the HEPA filter from its housing. Place the filter under running warm water, gently rubbing it with your fingers to remove the dirt. Be careful not to damage the filter’s delicate structure. You can also use a very mild detergent if there are stubborn stains, but make sure to rinse the filter thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent. Let the filter air dry completely. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the humidity in your area. Do not use a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry the filter, as this can damage the filter.
Non – Washable HEPA Filters: For non – washable HEPA filters, gently tap the filter over a trash can to remove loose dirt. You can also use a soft – bristle brush to carefully brush away any remaining dirt. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions on non – washable HEPA filters, as this can damage the filter and reduce its effectiveness.
Cleaning Foam Filters
Remove the Foam Filter: Unplug the vacuum and locate the foam filter. In some Bissell vacuums, the foam filter is located in the dust cup, while in others, it may be in a separate filter housing. Remove the filter from its housing.
Clean the Foam Filter: Wash the foam filter with mild soap and warm water. Gently squeeze the filter to remove the dirt, but be careful not to twist or wring it too hard, as this can damage the foam. Rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water.
Dry the Foam Filter: After cleaning, gently squeeze out the excess water from the foam filter. Let it air dry completely. You can also pat it dry with a clean towel, but make sure there is no lint left on the filter. Once dry, reinstall the foam filter in its housing.
Tips for Effective Filter Cleaning
Use the Right Tools
Having the right tools can make the filter – cleaning process much easier. A soft – bristle brush, such as a paintbrush or a specialized filter – cleaning brush, is great for removing dirt from filters that cannot be washed. A mild detergent and a soft sponge or cloth are essential for cleaning washable filters.
Let Filters Dry Completely
Moisture left in filters can lead to mold growth, which can not only affect the performance of the vacuum but also cause unpleasant odors. Always make sure that filters are completely dry before reinstalling them in the vacuum.
Replace Filters When Necessary
Even with regular cleaning, filters will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Check the user manual of your Bissell vacuum for the recommended replacement interval for each type of filter. If you notice that the filter is damaged, has holes, or is no longer effectively trapping dirt, it’s time to replace it.
Keep Track of Cleaning and Replacement
Maintaining a record of when you clean and replace your Bissell vacuum filters can help you stay on top of maintenance. You can use a calendar app on your phone or a simple notebook to jot down the dates of filter cleaning and replacement.
Conclusion
Cleaning the filters in your Bissell vacuum is an essential part of maintaining its performance and ensuring good air quality in your home. By understanding the different types of filters, knowing how often to clean them, and following the proper cleaning procedures, you can keep your Bissell vacuum running smoothly for years to come. Regular filter maintenance not only extends the life of your vacuum but also helps it to clean more efficiently, making your home – cleaning tasks easier and more effective. So, make filter cleaning a regular part of your vacuum maintenance routine and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home environment.
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