Bissell vacuums are available in handheld, canister and upright models and come in both traditional formats with a dust bag or with cyclone technology that does not use a bag. If your Bissell vacuum begins to lose suction, there are a few troubleshooting steps that may help resolve the issue.
Turn off and unplug the Bissell vacuum.
Remove the dust cup from the main vacuum compartment and empty it over a waste bin. Then put it back in the vacuum.
Locate the pre-motor filter under the canister. Pull the filter tray and wash it with cold water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Rinse and dry it completely before replacing it in the unit.
Remove the HEPA filter, if applicable, from the side of the vacuum inside the filter grill. Shake the HEPA filter over a waste bin, then put it back in the vacuum. Do not wash the HEPA filter, as this may damage it.
Check the vacuum hoses and nozzles for potential obstructions and clear as necessary. If the blockage is located at the other end of the hose, use a broomstick to gently push the object out of the hose. The object will exit near the brushroll on the bottom of the vacuum.
Look at the clear diverter, located on the back of the vacuum under the hose wand. The diverter should be in the up position. If an obstruction is visible, remove the diverter cover and remove the blockage. Do not move or remove the gasket inside the diverter. Restore the cover.
Contact Bissell if the above steps do not resolve the problem.