Quick answer

Replacing the Bissell CrossWave 1785 pre-motor filter is a DIY job of about 10 minutes. Compatible pre-motor filters currently start at $8.99 (genuine Bissell OEM from $16.99). Replace it Every 3 months under normal use. Full step-by-step below.

The CrossWave 1785 filter sits in the dirty-water tank lid/strainer area and is washable. Rinse it after cleans; replace it when it tears, deforms, or stays clogged. A blocked tank filter is a common cause of weak suction or the machine not picking up water.

Compatible Pre-Motor Filter for the Bissell CrossWave 1785

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

PartTypePriceRating
Bissell CrossWave Replacement Vacuum Filter, New Genuine OEM Part, 1866 OEM $16.99 4.85★ (10,044) Buy on Amazon
6 Pack 1866 Filters Compatible with Bissell Crosswave 3888A 1785 2210 2211 2304 2306 2551 2554 2590 2593 2596 CrossWave Cordless Max All in One Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner, Compare to Part # 1608684 Aftermarket $16.99
$2.83/ea
4.85★ (449) Buy on Amazon
8 Pack 1866 Replacement Filters Compatible with Bissell Crosswave 1785 2306 2551 & 2554 CrossWave Cordless Max All in One Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner, Compare to Part # 1608684 Aftermarket $16.99
$2.12/ea
4.85★ (431) Buy on Amazon
Replacement Filters Compatible with Bissell Crosswave 2210 2210V 2211 3888A 1785 2554 2306A 2551 2304 2305 2306 2590 CrossWave Cordless Max All in One Wet-Dry Vacuum,Replace Part # 1608684 Aftermarket $8.99 4.85★ (72) Buy on Amazon

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About the Bissell CrossWave 1785

The Bissell CrossWave 1785 wet-dry cleaner has a filter on the dirty-water tank that traps debris before the air path, keeping suction strong and the motor protected. It's the filter owners most often overlook because it's inside the tank assembly.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Bissell CrossWave 1785 Pre-Motor Filter

1
Power off and unplug
Switch off and unplug the CrossWave 1785.
2
Remove the dirty-water tank
Lift out the dirty-water tank and open its lid/strainer assembly.
3
Remove the old filter
Take out the tank filter/strainer and clear trapped debris.
4
Fit new (or washed, dry) filter
Seat the new filter in the tank assembly; if reusing, confirm it's dry.
5
Reassemble and test
Refit the tank, run briefly to confirm strong pickup.

⚠ Common mistakes on the CrossWave 1785

The CrossWave mistake is emptying the dirty tank but never rinsing the filter/strainer, so it clogs and suction fades. The second is refitting it damp inside a sealed tank, which traps odour — let it air-dry.

✓ OEM vs aftermarket for the CrossWave 1785

CrossWave tank filters are inexpensive; genuine or aftermarket both work when the listing names the 1785. Keep a spare so the machine is never down waiting for one to dry.

🔁 How often to replace

The Bissell CrossWave 1785 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 CrossWave 1785 specifically; the compatible-part list is pulled from our parts database and price-checked against Amazon. Last verified September 2026.