the first time I use my new bissell it work great - it pick up all the hair and dirt that my cheapie old vac could not handle ... but the first time I have to empty it I just figure it be because it pick up so much dirt my old one miss I do not think it would be so dirty to empty it - just take out the main filter cause dust and hair to fly out of the compartment and all around you - then the foam filter on the bottom be coat with a fine dirt so I wash it ... now everytime I vacuumn it smell like wet dog - I try put a dryer sheet in the bottom filter but it only work after you have vacummn for about 5 minute & then its time to empty the filter again ... its disgusting and a huge process that you basically have to vacuumn again to clean up the mess of empty so just think I would warn anyone who be think of purchase that I do not know if its because I have a dog and cat or that it just suck but I waste my money cause I have to go get a new one - any recomendation ??