Bissell Powerforce Helix Not Picking Up [SOLVED!]

Is your Bissell Powerforce Helix not picking up dirt?

Don’t worry, I am here to help you solve the issue!

I have been there before, especially when I used to own one of these vacuums.

There are several reasons why your vacuum might not be picking up dirt, and most of them can be easily fixed.

Let’s take a look together 🙂

Bissell Powerforce Helix Not Picking Up – In a Nutshell

Your Bissell Powerforce Helix vacuum might not be picking up dirt is because of a full dustbin, or due to a clogged filter, hose, brush roll, or suction path. It may also be due to using the wrong height settings. If addressing these issues does not result in better suction, there may be a more serious underlying problem. Contact Bissell for further assistance.

But before you contact Bissell, let’s go trough each troubleshooting step to try and solve the issue:

Empty The Vacuum Dustbin

If your Bissell Powerforce Helix is not picking up dirt, it could be because the dustbin is full. To empty the dustbin, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the power source.
2. Press the release button on the top of the handle to remove the dustbin from the vacuum.
3. Hold the dustbin over a trash can and press the release button on the back of the dustbin to empty the contents.
4. If necessary, you can remove the separator from the dustbin by pulling it out. You can wash the dustbin and separator with warm water and mild detergent if needed.
5. Once the dustbin and separator are dry, reassemble them by inserting the separator back into the dustbin and snapping the dustbin back into place on the vacuum.

It is important to empty the dustbin regularly to prevent it from becoming too full and reducing the suction power of the vacuum. Bissell recommends emptying the dustbin after every use or when it reaches the “Max Fill” line.

If your vacuum is still not picking up dirt after emptying the dustbin, there may be other issues causing the problem. Refer to the other sections in this article for troubleshooting tips.

Check the Brush Roll

If you’re experiencing issues with your Bissell PowerForce Helix not picking up dirt and debris, one possible cause could be a malfunctioning brush roll. Here are some steps you can take to inspect and clean your brush roll:

Inspect the Brush Roll for Clogs

The first step in checking your brush roll is to make sure it’s free of any clogs. To do this, turn off and unplug your vacuum, and then flip it over so you can access the brush roll. Look for any visible debris, such as hair or string, that might be wrapped around the brush roll. If you see any, use a pair of scissors or a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove the debris.

Next, use your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pull out any debris that might be caught in the brush roll bristles. Be sure to remove as much debris as possible, as any remaining debris could cause the brush roll to malfunction and prevent your vacuum from picking up dirt and debris effectively.

Remove Debris from the Brush Roll

After inspecting your brush roll for clogs, the next step is to remove any remaining debris. To do this, use a stiff-bristled brush or a toothbrush to gently scrub the brush roll and remove any dirt or debris that might be stuck in the bristles. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the brush roll and remove any remaining debris.

Once you’ve removed all the debris, replace the brush roll cover and secure it in place with the screws. Plug in your vacuum and turn it on to test the brush roll. If it’s still not working properly, you may need to replace the brush roll or take your vacuum to a professional for repairs.

Clean the Filters

If your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum is not picking up dirt or debris, it may be due to dirty filters. Cleaning the filters regularly can improve the suction power of your vacuum and help it work more efficiently. Here are the steps to clean the foam filter and pleated filter of your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum.

Clean the Foam Filter

The foam filter is located inside the dirt container of your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum. To clean the foam filter, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your vacuum.
2. Remove the dirt container from your vacuum.
3. Remove the foam filter from the dirt container.
4. Rinse the foam filter under running water until the water runs clear.
5. Squeeze the excess water out of the foam filter.
6. Let the foam filter air dry completely before reinstalling it in your vacuum.

Clean the Pleated Filter

The pleated filter is located behind the dirt container of your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum. To clean the pleated filter, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your vacuum.
2. Remove the dirt container from your vacuum.
3. Remove the pleated filter from the vacuum.
4. Tap the pleated filter gently to remove loose dirt and debris.
5. Rinse the pleated filter under running water until the water runs clear.
6. Squeeze the excess water out of the pleated filter.
7. Let the pleated filter air dry completely before reinstalling it in your vacuum.

Cleaning the filters of your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum regularly can help it work more efficiently and improve suction power. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions and recommended maintenance schedules.

Check the Hose

If your Bissell Powerforce Helix is not picking up dirt, the hose might be clogged or damaged. Checking the hose is an important step in troubleshooting your vacuum cleaner. Follow these steps to check the hose:

Remove Clogs from the Hose

The hose can become clogged with dirt, debris, or pet hair. If your vacuum cleaner is not picking up dirt, it might be because the hose is clogged. To remove clogs from the hose, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your Bissell Powerforce Helix and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove the hose from the back of the vacuum by twisting it to the left.
3. Check the hose for any visible clogs. If you see any clogs, remove them using a long, thin object like a coat hanger or a broomstick.
4. Run water through the hose to remove any remaining debris.
5. Let the hose dry completely before reattaching it to the vacuum.

Replace the Hose

If your Bissell Powerforce Helix hose is damaged or torn, it might be time to replace it. A damaged hose can cause your vacuum cleaner to lose suction power, making it difficult to pick up dirt. To replace the hose, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your Bissell Powerforce Helix and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove the hose from the back of the vacuum by twisting it to the left.
3. Disconnect the hose from the base of the vacuum by unscrewing the clamp that holds it in place.
4. Remove the damaged hose and replace it with a new one.
5. Reattach the hose to the base of the vacuum and secure it with the clamp.
6. Reattach the hose to the back of the vacuum by twisting it to the right.

Check the Suction Path

If you are experiencing poor suction or your Bissell PowerForce Helix is not picking up dirt and debris, it is possible that there is a blockage in the suction path. In this section, we will guide you through the steps to inspect and remove any blockages in the suction path.

Inspect the Suction Path for Blockages

The first step in resolving poor suction is to check for blockages in the suction path. Start by turning off and unplugging your vacuum cleaner. Remove the dirt container and empty it. Inspect the dirt container and the filter for any debris or clogs. If you find any debris or clogs, remove them.

Next, check the suction path for blockages. This includes the hose, the wand, and the nozzle. Check for any visible blockages or clogs. If you find any blockages, use a long, thin object such as a coat hanger or a broomstick to remove them. Be careful not to damage the suction path while removing the blockages.

Remove Debris from the Suction Path

If you have checked the suction path and still experience poor suction, it is possible that there is debris stuck in the suction path. To remove debris from the suction path, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your vacuum cleaner.
2. Remove the dirt container and empty it.
3. Remove the hose from the wand and the nozzle.
4. Use a long, thin object such as a coat hanger or a broomstick to remove any debris from the hose, wand, and nozzle.
5. Reattach the hose to the wand and the nozzle.
6. Turn on your vacuum cleaner and test the suction.

If you still experience poor suction after following these steps, it is possible that there is a problem with the motor or the belt. In this case, it is recommended that you contact Bissell customer support for further assistance.

Check the Height Adjustment

If your Bissell PowerForce Helix is not picking up dirt and debris, the height adjustment may be incorrect. This can cause the vacuum to push debris around instead of picking it up. Follow these steps to check and adjust the height setting.

Adjust the Height Setting

First, turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the power outlet. Then, locate the height adjustment knob on the vacuum’s base. The knob is usually located near the front of the vacuum, just above the brush roll.

Next, turn the knob to adjust the height setting. If you are vacuuming on a carpeted surface, turn the knob to a higher setting. If you are vacuuming on a hard floor surface, turn the knob to a lower setting. Make sure to adjust the height setting to match the surface you are cleaning.

If the knob is difficult to turn, tilt the vacuum back slightly to take some of the weight off the foot while you adjust the knob. This will make it easier to turn the knob and adjust the height setting.

Once you have adjusted the height setting, turn the vacuum back on and test it on the surface you are cleaning. If it still does not pick up dirt and debris, you may need to adjust the height setting again or check for other issues such as a clogged filter or brush roll.

Contact Bissell

If you are having issues with your Bissell PowerForce Helix not picking up dirt and debris, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. However, if these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be time to contact Bissell for further assistance.

Warranty Information

If your Bissell PowerForce Helix is still under warranty, you may be able to have it repaired or replaced free of charge. Bissell offers a limited warranty on their products, which varies depending on the model and the country in which it was purchased.

To determine if your product is still under warranty, you can visit the Bissell website and enter your product information. If your product is still under warranty, you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed with the repair or replacement process.

If your product is no longer under warranty, you can still contact Bissell for assistance. They may be able to provide you with troubleshooting tips or recommend a repair center in your area.

Conclusion

As you can see, if your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum cleaner is not picking up dirt, there could be a number of reasons why.

It could be due to a clogged filter, a faulty brush roll, or a blockage in the hose or nozzle, and more.

Remember to regularly clean or replace the filters, brush roll, and other components of your vacuum cleaner to prevent future issues.

It is also important to use the correct attachments and settings for the type of flooring or surface you are cleaning.

If you are still experiencing problems with your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum cleaner, contact Bissell for further assistance.