Ever grabbed your vacuum, ready to clean up the mess… only for it to stop working? Yep, super frustrating. Bissell vacuums are pretty solid machines, but like anything with buttons and moving parts, they can hit a bump now and then.
The good news? Most of these issues aren’t as scary as they seem. You don’t need to be a technician or a repair wizard. With a little bit of patience (and maybe a flashlight), you can get your vacuum back in action.
It’s Not Turning On – What Gives?
Let’s start with the most basic (but also the most annoying) problem: your vacuum just won’t turn on. No lights. No hum. Nothing. Before you panic, try this checklist:
- Check the plug: It sounds silly, but is it fully plugged into the wall? Try another outlet just in case.
- Examine the cord: Look for any frays or damage. If the cord is twisted or worn out, it might be cutting the power.
- Find the reset button: Some Bissell models have a small red reset button near the power cord. Press it and see if that helps.
- Check your breaker: If nothing’s working, your outlet could be the issue. A blown fuse or tripped breaker can stop your vacuum cold.
If none of these fix the issue, it might be something inside the vacuum like a faulty motor or wiring problem. That’s when it’s time to think about calling support.
The Suction Power Is Weak – Like, Really Weak
So it turns on, but now it barely picks up crumbs. Ugh. A vacuum without suction is basically just a loud floor decoration. Here’s what might be going on:
- Full dustbin: Is the canister or bag full? Empty it out and give it a little shake. Dust can get stuck around the edges.
- Clogged filters: Your vacuum probably has more than one filter. If they’re full of dust, air can’t flow through. Rinse washable filters with cold water and let them dry completely.
- Blocked hose: Something stuck in the hose? Disconnect it and look through one end toward the light. If you can’t see the other side, it’s blocked.
- Dirty brush roll: Flip the vacuum over. Is the brush covered in hair or string? Use scissors to carefully cut it loose.
Once those are clear, your suction should be back in business. If it’s still weak, there could be a leak in the hose or a seal that’s worn out.
It’s Making Weird Noises (And It’s Freaking Me Out)
You turn it on and suddenly it sounds like it’s about to take off. Or maybe it rattles, clicks, or squeals. Not normal. But it doesn’t always mean it’s broken forever.
- Rattling: Could be a coin, rock, or LEGO stuck in the hose or spinning around inside the dustbin.
- Squealing: Might be a worn-out belt or brush roll bearing. Time to inspect those parts.
- Humming with no suction: That usually means there’s a major clog somewhere and the motor is struggling.
Turn it off and give it a good once-over. Listen closely next time you start it and try to tell where the sound is coming from.
Brush Roll Not Spinning – Just Sitting There
The brush is the part that helps lift dirt and crumbs from your carpet. If it’s not spinning, the vacuum can still suck — but not very well on rugs or carpets.
- Belt is broken: This is super common. If the belt snaps or slips off, the brush stops turning. Replacements are cheap and pretty easy to install.
- Tangled brush: Hair, string, even carpet fibers can wrap around the roll. Clean it with scissors and tweezers if needed.
- Wrong setting: Make sure the vacuum is set to “carpet” and not “hard floor.” Some models only spin the brush on carpet mode.
If the motor’s fine and the brush is clean but it still won’t spin, it could be the brush motor itself — time to talk to Bissell.
Vacuum Smells Bad – Like, Really Bad
You vacuum one room and suddenly it smells like something’s burning. Or maybe like… old socks? Not great. Here’s what might be going on:
- Dirty filters: Over time, filters trap dust, hair, and gunk. If they’re not cleaned or replaced, they start to smell.
- Mold or mildew: If you sucked up anything wet, it might be rotting inside. Ew, right?
- Full bag or bin: It’s not just about performance — leaving dirt inside can cause funky odors too.
Try washing the filters, emptying everything, and even sprinkling a little baking soda in the bin. Some folks also add a dryer sheet inside (carefully) to freshen things up.
It Shuts Off Suddenly – What’s Going On?
Nothing like the vacuum just giving up halfway through the job. If it turns off on its own, don’t panic just yet.
- Overheating: Vacuums have built-in safety features that shut them off when they get too hot.
- Clogs or blockages: These make the motor work harder. If airflow is blocked, it can overheat fast.
- Dirty filters: Again — a super common cause of overheating. Check and clean them.
Give the vacuum 30 minutes to cool down. Meanwhile, check the hose, bin, and filters. It should restart once it’s cooled off and clear.
Lights Are Flashing – What Do They Mean?
Some newer Bissell models come with little lights or blinking indicators. Great idea… unless you don’t know what they mean.
- Flashing red: Usually means there’s a clog or the brush roll is jammed.
- Flashing blue or green: Often a sign it’s charging or in standby mode (for cordless models).
- Constant blinking: Could be an error message. Check the manual or search your model on Bissell’s website for the exact meaning.
Don’t ignore those lights. They’re basically the vacuum’s way of yelling, “Hey! I need attention!”
When to Call It Quits (and Call Support)
You’ve checked the hose. You’ve cleaned every filter. You even gave it a pep talk. Still no luck? It might be time to ask for help.
- Check your warranty: Many Bissell vacuums come with 2–5 year warranties. If it’s still covered, you might get a repair or replacement.
- Contact customer service: They can walk you through deeper troubleshooting steps or recommend a repair shop near you.
- Replacement parts: Sometimes, you don’t need a whole new vacuum. A new brush roll, hose, or filter might be enough.
It’s okay to ask for help. We all need it sometimes — even your vacuum.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Clean, Keep It Running
Vacuum problems can feel like the worst kind of surprise — right when you’re trying to clean, something else gets added to your to-do list. But honestly, most Bissell vacuum issues are small and fixable with a little know-how and patience.
Keep the filters clean. Check the brush for tangles. Empty the bin regularly. And don’t forget to give your vacuum a little TLC every now and then. Treat it right, and it’ll keep your floors crumb-free for years to come.
Now go tackle those dust bunnies. You got this.