Quick answer

Replacing the Bissell BigGreen 86T3 pre-motor filter is a DIY job of about 10 minutes. Compatible pre-motor filters currently start at $9.99. Replace it Every 3 months under normal use. Full step-by-step below.

The 86T3 filter sits in the recovery-tank assembly and is washable. Rinse it after cleans; replace it when it tears, deforms, or stays clogged. A blocked recovery filter is a common cause of weak water pickup on the Big Green.

Compatible Pre-Motor Filter for the Bissell BigGreen 86T3

Prices pulled from Amazon and verified September 2026. “OEM” is a genuine Bissell part; the rest are tested aftermarket options.

PartTypePriceRating
Lemige 2 + 2 Pack 1008 Vacuum Filters for Bissell CleanView 1819, 1822, 1825, 1831, 1330, 1332,9595A Vacuums Replacement Filters Kit, Compare to Part # 2032663 & 1601502 Aftermarket $9.99
$5.00/ea
4.85★ (2,683) Buy on Amazon
6 Pack Filter Replacement for Bissell Cleanview Compact Turbo 3508 3437F Powerforce Compact Lightweight Upright 2112 1520 for Bissel Turbo Bagless 2690 Vacuum, Parts #1604896/160-4896 Aftermarket $12.99
$2.17/ea
4.85★ (833) Buy on Amazon
2 Pack Replacement for Bissell 81l2w Filter Bissell 81l2A Filter Bissell 54a2 Filter Bissell PowerEdge Hard Floor Stick Vac 81L2 81L22 81L28 81L2T Pet Hardfloor Vac 81L2A Hard Floor Expert Stick Vac Aftermarket $11.99
$6.00/ea
4.85★ (237) Buy on Amazon
2998 Filter Replacement Kit Compatible with Bissell 2998 Multiclean Lift-Off Pet Vacuum, Fit for Bissell 2998 2999 2849 3000 3057 28492 31259 3399 2852 31269 3125W Vacuum, Part 1625641 (3+6 Pack) Aftermarket $16.98
$2.83/ea
4.85★ (216) Buy on Amazon

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About the Bissell BigGreen 86T3

The Bissell Big Green 86T3 deep cleaner has a filter/screen in its recovery (dirty-water) path that traps debris before the air and pump, keeping suction strong. Because it runs wet, this filter needs regular rinsing.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Bissell BigGreen 86T3 Pre-Motor Filter

1
Power off and unplug
Switch off, unplug and empty the recovery tank.
2
Access the filter
Open the recovery-tank assembly to reach the washable filter/screen.
3
Remove the old filter
Take out the filter and clear trapped debris.
4
Fit new (or washed, dry) filter
Seat the new filter; if reusing, confirm it's dry.
5
Reassemble and test
Refit the tank, run briefly to confirm strong pickup.

⚠ Common mistakes on the BigGreen 86T3

The 86T3 mistake is emptying the recovery tank but never rinsing the filter/screen, so pickup fades. The second is refitting it damp into a sealed tank, which traps odour.

✓ OEM vs aftermarket for the BigGreen 86T3

Big Green 86T3 filters are inexpensive; genuine or aftermarket both work when the listing names the 86T3. Keep a spare so the machine isn't down waiting for one to dry.

🔁 How often to replace

The Bissell BigGreen 86T3 pre-motor filter should be replaced Every 3 months under normal use — sooner with pets or daily heavy use. Signs it's due: Reduced suction.

How we made this page: the steps are written for the Bissell BigGreen 86T3 specifically; the compatible-part list is pulled from our parts database and price-checked against Amazon. Last verified September 2026.