How To Clean Dyson Filter - The Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Dyson Filter

If you're a first-time user, this task might sound intimidating. Fret not! I'll share a few quick tips and tricks with you so you know how to clean a Dyson filter in just a few simple steps.

1. Dyson Cordless Filter Cleaning

Dyson recommends cleaning the Dyson filter at least once a month to ensure its optimal performance. However, this is just a general guideline from the manufacturer. How frequently you should clean its filter will largely depend on how often you vacuum your floors.

Additionally, how many pets you have and how large your house is will also decide how often you should clean it. I usually clean my Dyson vacuum filter when the filter light illuminates.

As a rule of thumb for all pet owners, you should clean the Dyson filter after several vacuuming sessions. This is because ground-in pet hair in the carpet fiber and on your sofa can easily accumulate in your filters, resulting in inconsistent performance. That said, it's best to take good care of your machine's filters so that they can stay with you for years to come.

If this is your first attempt to carry out this task, you might be wondering how to remove the Dyson filter first. Read on as I take you through this process. Dyson filter cleaning shouldn't be too difficult if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn off and unplug the vacuum

First and foremost, switch it off. If you're using a corded Dyson vacuum, you'll need to disconnect it before thinking of how to clean Dyson filter. As obvious as it might seem, users are always advised to keep themselves from all potential incidents of electrocuting themselves by not turning off or unplugging the tool.

Step 2: Remove the filter(s)

Some Dyson vacuums have more than one filter. That said, you'll need to clean them all to keep your machine operating at its best. Most Dyson filters are located near the cyclone and colored in purple so that you can spot them easily.

Dyson V-series pre-filters are easy to remove Via: Amazon

The Dyson V6 filter cleaning should be easy, and so is its sibling - the V7. They’re both cord-free sticks with minimalistic design, so removing their filters is easy as a breeze. Both pre-filter and post-filter of these two models are located near the handle.

Simply pull the pre-filter out of the cyclone assembly, then rotate the post-filter anti-clockwise and remove it from the back of the machine.

Step 3: Wash the filter(s)

Gently tap the pre-filter upside down to remove any debris, then run  the inside and outside under cold water. Tap it again and shake it off to expel any remaining debris. You might need to repeat this process several times until the water runs clear. Now, squeeze it with both hands to remove excess water.

For the post-filter, run water to its open side, then you'll also need to tap and shake it to remove any debris trapped inside. After washing Dyson filters, leave them to dry for 24 hours before refitting them back in.

The V-series post-filters are also easy to remove

Now, for those who are asking how to clean a Dyson filter for the V8, you don't have to look around for other guides or instructions, as the filters of the V6, V7, and V8 are quite similar. So just follow the above steps to clean them out.

However, if you are wondering how to clean a Dyson filter for the V10 or how to clean a Dyson V11 filter, then I have a few tips here for you: The post-filter of the Dyson V10 and V11 is somewhat different from the V6, V7, and V8 models. It is slightly larger with an inside, and outside part, so it might take a little more time to wash.

Dyson V10 and V11’s post filters are slightly different from their older siblings Via: Amazon

Having said that, I would wash the inside of the filter unit first by holding it upright under the cold tap water, then agitate using a rotating motion. Wash the outside of the filter unit by placing your hand over the open end and shake it gently. Repeat this process under the faucet a few more times until the water runs clear.

Step 4: Refit your filter(s)

Once they're both dry, refit the pre-filter back into the cyclone assembly. For the post-filter, align the two solid black dots, then rotate them clockwise until these dots line up properly with the empty circle.

If you’ve reached this section of this how-to article, you’re probably asking if Dyson HEPA filter cleaning is also easy, as guided above. For your information, the post-motor filter of Dyson vacuums is the HEPA filter, so you only need to follow the step-by-step guides shared above for removing, washing, and reinstalling the post filter.

One important note here is that you should never dry your Dyson vacuum filters in a tumble dryer, microwave, or place it near an open flame. Otherwise, you might risk damaging your filters and will have to replace them.

So you can see that Dyson vacuum filter cleaning is pretty straightforward. It takes only a few minutes to keep it clean, and I can't stress enough how important it is to maintain it periodically to extend the lifespan of your vacuum. 

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2. Dyson Animal Filters - How to clean them?

Dyson vacuum cleaner filters vary, depending on the models you use. Some of them come in a lightweight and portable design, suitable for apartments or small homes. Others are designed for pet owners with multiple functions and packed with powerful suction to pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair in larger dwellings.

Dyson Ball Animal 2 is such a machine. So how do you clean its filter? Is it just as easy as cleaning the filters of the V6 and V7, as shown above? These are common questions that many Dyson Ball owners usually ask.

A majority of Dyson Ball Animal 2 users are pet owners, so keeping the filters of their vacuums clean is a must to ensure their machine’s efficiency. In this how-to article of “how to clean a Dyson filter," I'll share with you tips on how to clean the filters of this pet-specific vacuum.

The Dyson Ball filter or the Dyson canister filter is slightly different from filters of the V-series, but this doesn't make it a challenge to clean. There are also two filters to take care of, and you can follow the following steps to clean them out:

Step 1: Turn off the vacuum
 

• Switch off and unplug the vacuum.
• Press the red button on the carry handle to remove the cyclone and bin.
• Lay the machine down on a solid surface (ideally your floor).
   

Step 2: Remove the filters
 

• Turn the blue locking dial anti-clockwise until its cover is released.
• Turn the post-filter one-quarter anti-clockwise to release.
• Press all three catches on the post-filter to remove it from the baffle (you won't need to wash this baffle).
• Unclip the front part of the carry handle to remove the pre-filter.
   

Step 3: Wash the filters
 

• Wash both filters under cold water.
• For the pre-filter: run water through its open end and its sides. Do this again until the water runs clear. The pre-filter of the Dyson Ball Animal is similar to that of the V-series, so squeeze its water out after washing.
• For the post-filter: the post-filter of Dyson Ball vacuums is bigger than that of the V-series, but you’ll also need to run it slowly under the water to clear out all of the dirt and debris.
• Tap both filters on the edge of your sink so that all excess water is removed. However, note that you can only tap on the plastic rim of the post-filter, not the filter side, to avoid damage.
• Leave them to dry for 24 hours before putting them back in (this applies to all vacuum filters).

The Dyson Ball’s post filter has a unique design Via: Amazon

Step 4: Install them back in
 

• For the post-filter: align the arrow on the baffle with the arrow on the filter, then press firmly until all three catches click properly into place. Next, refit it into the ball and secure the filter firmly by turning it clockwise so the arrows align. Now you can locate the cover back onto the side of the machine, then twist the blue locking dial clockwise until it clicks in.
• For the pre-motor filter: refit it in and fasten the carry handle shut. Place the bin and cyclone back onto the machine, and ensure it clicks in securely.

If you’re using a Dyson DC50 and not sure if Dyson DC50 cleaning is doable at home, then don't worry. Dyson DC50 is just another name for the Dyson Small Ball, a more compact version of the Dyson Ball Animal 2. So if you need to clean its filter, just follow the steps shown in the above section. However, if you'd like to know how to clean the whole machine, read on as I explore more in the next section.

3. How to clean a Dyson vacuum

Maintaining periodic filter cleaning is crucial for the consistent performance of your Dyson vacuum. However, if you see that your machine starts to smell weird or there's a loss of suction, you'll probably need to deep clean it.

Although it might sound like a challenging task, it doesn't take much time and effort. In this how-to guide, I'll take you through a few simple steps to clean your vacuum. So let's dive right in!

3.1. Switch it off

Even though it is a must to switch off your machine and unplug it before doing any maintenance tasks, some people still forget this step. So it's worth a reminder here as the first step. Switching it off and unplugging it will ensure that your job will be much safer.

Remember to unplug before working on any maintenance and repair tasks

3.2. Empty and clean the canister

After several uses, the canister is usually full, so it's best to start with cleaning the canister. This step is likely to be messy, so you might want to wear a mask and a pair of gloves.

In almost all Dyson models, the canister is right below the cyclones. In V-series models, there is a red bin release button that you can find near the base. Simply press that button to release the dust canister from its body, then empty the debris into the trash bin.

You might want to shake it well to clear out all of the dirt and debris. Next, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the inside of your dust canister. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use any chemicals or detergent to wash the dirt chamber.

Note that washing the cyclones is not recommended. So if you find dirt or debris stuck in any parts of the cyclones, use compressed air instead. Remember to put the cyclones over a deep trash can. In doing so, you can blast away the debris from the inside of the cyclones right onto the trashcan without creating a huge mess.

After cleaning the canister, make sure you keep it dry to avoid the growth of mold.

3.3. Remove and wash the filter(s)

As mentioned above, the filters play a crucial role in keeping the operating efficiency of your machine. They trap dust, bacteria, and dirt particles, ensuring your house is fresh and clean. Unfortunately, after intensive use, they tend to easily get clogged, which can severely impact the suction and lifespan of your vacuum. Therefore, keeping your Dyson filter clean will maintain the efficiency of your vacuum.

Now, how do you clean a Dyson filter? Are all Dyson filters the same? Section 1 and 2 of this how-to article have provided detailed guidelines to help you clean out the filters of cordless Dyson vacuums and Dyson Ball Animal. You should scroll up and follow those steps to keep your vacuum filters clean before moving ahead to the next steps.

3.4. Clean the brush roll

Brush rolls are designed with bristles that rotate continuously at high speed to pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair hidden deep in the carpet fiber. They also have other names like roller brush, beater bar, or agitator.

The built-up debris can easily get stuck and reduce its efficiency. If you're using a Dyson model with a tangle-free brush roll, the trapped debris is minimized. However, in most cases, you can still find some trapped hair in your vacuum's brush rolls. You will need a pair of scissors for this step!

Dyson’s brush roll can easily get tangled with hair Via: Amazon

First, remove the soleplate to clean the brush roll. In some models, you can use a coin to unscrew it, but in others, you’ll need the help of a screwdriver. Next, pull out the brush and cut away any twisted hair, then clean out the compartment of the brush bar by using a microfibre cloth.

3.5. Unclog the hose

A tangled brush roll affects suction power and so does a clogged hose. Thoroughly cleaning your hose is the critical next step. You’ll first need to detach the hose from the wand, then check inside the hose. I usually use a mop handle and gently push it through to clear out any debris.

Instead of using harsh chemicals or detergents to clean the hose, I would use a household cleaner made from vinegar to get rid of any hidden germs and bacteria. You can fill up a bucket with warm water, then add one cup of vinegar. Next, submerge the hose in this mixture for about 5-10 minutes to clear it out, then wipe out the excess water and hang it up for drying.

3.6. Wipe the vacuum down

This step is probably the easiest one, as you only need to use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the outer parts of your vacuum. Don't forget to wipe off the cyclones. There are many tiny holes in the cyclones that can easily trap dust.

3.7. Leave all components to dry

This step is just as obvious as the first step, but I reckon that I still need to stress its importance here. All parts that were washed under the faucet or cleaned with a damp cloth need to be completely dry. Before installing them back in, check carefully to make sure that they’re all dry.

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The bottom line:

I hope you’ve found some useful guidelines in this “how to clean Dyson filters” article. Dyson vacuums are well-made with simple and modern design, so removing its filters for cleaning and then reinstalling them back in has never been a challenge, even for first-time users. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below. We’ll be in touch shortly!