Quick answer

Replacing the Bissell PowerForce 2191 pre-motor filter is a DIY job of about 10 minutes. Compatible pre-motor filters currently start at $9.77 (genuine Bissell OEM from $13.99). Replace it Every 3 months under normal use. Full step-by-step below.

The PowerForce 2191 pre-motor foam filter sits by the dust tank and is fully washable — the same 1608225 part fits many PowerForce Helix models (2190, 2254, 2256, 1700). Replace it when the foam tears or won't rinse back to clean; a clogged pre-motor filter is the usual reason a PowerForce loses suction.

Compatible Pre-Motor Filter for the Bissell PowerForce 2191

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

PartTypePriceRating
BISSELL Febreze Style 1214 Cleanview & PowerGlide Pet Replacement Filter - 12141 OEM $13.99 4.75★ (17,923) 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
1008 Vacuum Filters 2 + 2 Pack by Blutoget-Fit for Bissell 1008 CleanView Upright 9595A 1819 1822 1825 1831 1330 1332- Compare to Part 2032663 1601502(2 Pre-Motor Foam & 2 Post-Motor Filters 1 brush) Aftermarket $9.77
$4.88/ea
4.75★ (592) Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change; the live price is shown on Amazon.

About the Bissell PowerForce 2191

The Bissell PowerForce Helix 2191 is a budget bagless upright. It uses two washable filters: a pre-motor foam filter (Bissell part 1608225) that guards the motor, and a post-motor filter (1608234). This page covers the pre-motor foam — the one that clogs first and matters most for suction.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Bissell PowerForce 2191 Pre-Motor Filter

1
Power off and unplug
Switch off and unplug the PowerForce 2191 before removing the dust tank.
2
Remove the dust tank
Release and lift out the dirt tank to expose the pre-motor foam filter behind/beneath it.
3
Take out the foam filter
Pull the foam pre-motor filter (1608225) from its holder. Check the post-motor filter too while you're in there.
4
Fit new (or washed, dry) foam
Seat the new foam filter in the holder. If reusing, be sure it is fully dry after a cool-water rinse.
5
Reassemble and test
Refit the dust tank, plug in and confirm suction is back.

⚠ Common mistakes on the PowerForce 2191

The common 2191 mistake is washing the pre-motor foam but never touching the post-motor filter (1608234) behind the motor — both need cleaning. The second is reassembling with a damp foam filter; Bissell says rinse with cool water and air-dry completely first.

✓ OEM vs aftermarket for the PowerForce 2191

Because 1608225 is generic across the PowerForce Helix range, aftermarket foam multi-packs are very cheap and functionally identical to the Bissell part — just confirm the listing lists 2191. Grab the post-motor 1608234 at the same time so both stages are fresh.

🔁 How often to replace

The Bissell PowerForce 2191 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 PowerForce 2191 specifically; the compatible-part list is pulled from our parts database and price-checked against Amazon. Last verified September 2026.