I remember a rainy Monday morning when my cleaning routine came to a halt. I was pushing my Bissell across the rug, but it felt light and weak. I looked down and saw the problem right away. The brush was not moving at all. As someone who tests tools for a living, I knew I had to fix it myself.
If your Bissell vacuum cleaner brush is not spinning, do not panic. You do not need a new machine or a pro repair shop. Most of the time, the fix is quick and very cheap. I found that a few simple steps can get your vacuum back to work in less than ten minutes.
The Most Common Reason: A Broken Drive Belt
The most likely cause for a brush that won’t turn is a broken belt. This is a small rubber loop that connects the motor to the brush roll. Over time, heat and friction make the rubber weak. Eventually, the belt will stretch or snap.
When I checked my vacuum that day, I smelled burnt rubber. That scent is a huge clue that the belt has failed. If the motor spins but the brush stays still, the belt is the culprit. You just need a screwdriver to open the bottom and see for yourself.
Quick Guide to Belt Issues
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Easy Solution |
| Smells like burnt rubber | Belt is slipping or stuck | Replace with a new belt |
| Brush spins only in the air | Belt is stretched out | Install a tight new belt |
| Motor hums but no movement | Belt is snapped or jammed | Clear the path and swap belts |
To fix this, I took out the screws on the bottom plate. I pulled the old, broken belt out and wiped the motor shaft clean. I looped the new belt over the motor first. Then, I pulled it over the end of the brush. It took a little bit of muscle, but it fit perfectly.
Dealing With Hair and String Jams
Sometimes the belt is fine, but the brush is just stuck. This happens a lot if you have pets or long hair in the house. Hair and carpet fibers wrap around the ends of the brush roll. This creates so much drag that the motor simply cannot turn the brush.
I once found a long piece of yarn wrapped so tight that it looked like part of the machine. This kind of jam puts a lot of stress on your vacuum. If you don’t clear it, you might burn out the motor or melt the plastic parts. It is a good habit to check this area once a week.
How to Clean Your Brush Roll
- Unplug the vacuum to stay safe before you start.
- Turn the vacuum over and remove the bottom cover.
- Use sharp scissors to snip the hair along the brush.
- Pull the debris out with your fingers or a pair of pliers.
- Spin the brush by hand to make sure it moves freely.
When I cleaned mine, I made sure to check the end caps. These are the small parts at the ends of the roll. Dust and hair like to hide inside them. A clean brush roll should spin with a light flick of your finger. If it feels stiff, keep cleaning until it is smooth.
Checking the Safety Reset Button
Many newer Bissell models have a built-in safety switch. If the brush hits a rug corner or a sock, the power cuts off. This is a great feature because it saves your motor from burning out. It is like a tiny circuit breaker just for your brush roll.
If your Bissell vacuum cleaner brush is not spinning, look for a small red or black button. It is usually on the side or the back of the vacuum foot. If the button has popped out, just push it back in. This simple click might be all you need to get back to cleaning.
Understanding Vacuum Sensors
| Feature | What It Does | How to Use It |
| Reset Button | Cuts power during a jam | Clear the jam and press to reset |
| Recline Sensor | Stops brush when upright | Lean the vacuum back to start brush |
| Height Knob | Adjusts for rug thickness | Set higher for thick or plush rugs |
I also found that many people forget about the recline lock. Most Bissell uprights will not spin the brush if the handle is locked straight up. This keeps you from burning a hole in your floor while you use the hose. Always lean the vacuum back before you check if the brush is working.
Final Tips for a Healthy Vacuum
Keeping your tools in top shape saves you money and time. I now flip my vacuum over once a month just to check the belt. I spend two minutes cutting off any new hair I see. This small task keeps my Bissell running like it is brand new.
Repairing your own gear is a great skill to have. It feels good to fix a problem with your own two hands. The next time your brush stops, do not be frustrated. Just grab your tools and follow these steps. You will be back to your chores in no time at all.
FAQs: Bissell Vacuum Cleaner Brush Not Spinning
Why does my Bissell vacuum smell like it is burning?
A burning smell usually means your drive belt is slipping or stuck. The motor friction heats the rubber and creates a sharp odor. You should replace the belt to fix this.
Can I fix a Bissell vacuum cleaner brush not spinning without tools?
You can clear hair jams with just a pair of scissors. However, you will need a Phillips screwdriver to open the base for belt repairs. It is a very simple DIY task.
Where is the reset button on my Bissell vacuum foot?
Most Bissell models have a small red or black button on the side of the brush head. If the brush hits a rug, this button pops out to save the motor. Just press it back in.