How To Clean Dyson Vacuum and Filter So It’s Brand New Again

Dyson vacuums are a lifesaver. They are quality equipment that gets up some of the hardest messes. But most of them don’t come cheap. That’s why taking care of a Dyson vacuum and giving it a good clean is key to a life of longevity. Cleaning vacuums is often overlooked by many people as they assume that the tool itself is responsible for cleaning up messes.

But taking care of the filter and getting the dust up regularly can help keep the power of its suction strong. Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! This is your ultimate guide on how to clean a Dyson vacuum. 

How To Clean Dyson Vacuum

There are many different versions of Dyson vacuums on the market. We will go over the most common models so you feel confident you are doing that job right. The cleaning process is similar for most of the models.

Let’s get started! 

The Basic Steps For Dyson Vacuums

Let’s start with a general step-by-step instruction and then individually address any differentiations in models. The differences between models are usually noticeable but it’s worth talking about after this section. 

What You Need:

• A bucket of water
• Microfiber cloth
• A sponge on a handle to reach hard places
• Light cleaning solutions such as a mild dish detergent

Step By Step

1. Start by unplugging your vacuum. Having it on could stir up dust, or if it comes into contact with water, it poses a safety issue. 
2. Since Dyons are bagless, you will empty the canister no differently than you do when it’s full. Empty it outside or safely in the trash to avoid dust particles flying everywhere. Keep in mind that different types of models have different methods (we will address that in each section below.) If you are unsure because it is your first time, refer to the manual. 
3. Once the canister is empty, go ahead and mix your light detergent with your bucket of water. The water should be mild or slightly warm but not hot, as you don’t want to melt any of the plastic or materials. Warm is better than cold as it kills bacteria. 

Tip: Here is our DIY natural cleaning solution. Simply mix  white distilled vinegar and water! You can use this to clean bathrooms, glass, and more!

1. Take your sponge and squeeze out excess water. You don’t need to load up the inside with too much wetness or soap. Give it a good wipe down, and then use a non-shedding microfiber to give it a second wipe down. 
2. Set aside your canister to dry completely while we work on the filter. 

How do I clean my Dyson hose head?

If you are wondering how to clean a Dyson vacuum cleaner hose, then you’ve come to the right place. This part is one of the more simple steps in the process. Simply take a microfiber cloth and wipe down the exterior. You don’t need to worry too much about cleaning the inside of the hose because it gets a lot of air from the motor of the vacuum to move along particles. 

The only reason to be concerned about major blockages is if you were vacuuming up things that were not meant to be vacuumed, such as change or larger objects. Your manual will explain that pet hair, dust, and debris are the only things that you should be vacuuming, while larger items should be picked up by hand. You should never use a vacuum to clean up issues like bed bugs. 

However, you can use it to clean up messes in your car or things like car seats! 

How to clean the Dyson vacuum filter

The filter for your Dyson vacuum is arguably the most important part, so let’s start with that after addressing your canister. Filters can get clogged up if you don’t take care of them, which can do a number on your power and motor. They are responsible for keeping particles from going back into their air. Too much build-up, however, is no good. 

What You Need:

• A sink
• Non-shedding microfiber cloth

How do I clean my Dyson canister filter?

1. We will differentiate the filters below for different models. Note that some models may have the filter in different places or have two filters. Regardless of instruction, always double-check with your manual to ensure you remove it properly. 
2. Head outside with the filter alone and gently shake or tape it to remove dust. You won’t be able to get all the dust off, but getting the loose particles out is important. 
3. Next, you want to bring it back inside and run it under cool water. Don’t use hot water. You also don’t need to worry about using soap. These filters almost look like cheese graters and have fine holes to stop dirt and debris. A simple rinse will help get the rest. You can use your hand to manipulate any noticeable blocks softly. Avoid pressing too hard with your hands anywhere.
4. Before setting it aside to dry, you can fill the filter with water (some of it will seep out) and give it a little shake for the last step in getting the debris out. 
5. Let it air dry on top of a microfiber cloth. Be sure to place it safely so it won’t fall and dent. Any dents will end up in a needed replacement as it won’t function properly. 

What is the best way to clean a Dyson vacuum head?

This may be one of the more unpleasant parts of cleaning your Dyson vacuum. But it’s a must, as things can get tangled up. 

What You Need:

• Nail scissors
• Screwdriver
• Microfiber cloth

Step By Step

1. Flip the vacuum over and carefully clip any hairs that are entangled. It’s important not to pull them out by hand beforehand, as you can ruin the vacuum. 
2. It’s also crucial to be careful that you don’t cut into the bristles of the brush. This will result in a full replacement. 
3. Some models may require you to use a screwdriver and lift the protector plate to get to the brush roll. It’s not as complicated as it may look, but referring to the manual is not a bad idea. 
4. If you do detach the sole plate, give it a wipe-down with a microfiber cloth. 

Voila! That is how you clean your Dyson vacuum. It’s not a bad idea to take a cloth and give the entire outside perimeter a wipe-down as well! But let’s dive into some of the models. 

How to clean cordless Dyson vacuum

Cordless Dyson vacuums differentiate by having the filter of the vacuum near the end of the handle rather than the bottom. Some of the upright models have two filters, one at the top of the stick and one at the bottom. This is primarily the difference in how to clean Dyson stick vacuums. 

If you are wondering:

• How to clean a Dyson V8 Vacuum Cleaner
• How to clean a Dyson V11 Vacuum Cleaner

You can follow the same instructions for this section. They are also slightly different models of cordless vacuums. Their differences are in the features and not necessarily in the cleaning process. 

How to clean Dyson Cyclone

The Dyson Cyclone is another cordless Dyson vacuum. But here, instead of having to take out the filter manually, it has a red trigger near the handle that you can push for the filter and canister to detach. Be sure to press this when you are ready for it to detach, as doing so unexpectedly can result in the vacuum falling. 

How to clean Dyson Vacuum v7

While the V7 is also a cordless Dyson, the filter looks a little different. The motorhead is a bit thicker, and the filter sits on the head. It sits in the middle of the head and is likely purple. You can just pull it out with your hand, and it looks almost like an elongated ice cream cone. 

How to clean a Dyson Ball Vacuum

How to clean a Dyson Ball Vacuum and how to clean a Dyson animal vacuum cleaner follow the same steps. The best way to approach cleaning these vacuums is to lay them on their side as you follow the steps above. All red attachments and knobs are indicators that you can pull that attachment off for an easier clean. The filter on the animal vacuums looks more like a circular disk than the stick vacuums. 

FAQ

How often to clean a Dyson

Dyson recommends cleaning the filters at least every three months. For homes that collect a lot of fine dust, they recommend doing it even more frequently. If you don’t clean your Dyson vacuum frequently enough, then the motor can end up burning out a lot faster. 

Dysons are meant to have batteries that last up to 10 years which is why they are a great investment. In some cases, they can last many years past that if they are taken care of properly. 

Can I wash the inside of my Dyson?

Yes, but you should never spray or put water directly into the Dyson, except when the canister and filter are detached. Otherwise, you should always use a damp microfiber cloth or a sponge.

You should never use water, near the brush roll, or near any wires or buttons. This can cause malfunctions and break your Dyson. It can also void the warranty. You can register your Dyson online to view your warranty. 

You should also never place any of the parts back together before they are dry. Allowing a full 24 hours to dry (especially for your filter) is critical. This means cleaning the vacuum a few hours after use is the best time to do it. 

Where to buy Dyson vacuum cleaner filters?

You can order directly from Dyson or find the exact match on Amazon. It’s best to order from Dyson to avoid ordering the wrong filter. Forcing the wrong filter into the wrong model can result in permanent damage to your Dyson. The good news is that it is usually very clear that a filter is not a fit for a particular model based on the variety of shapes that they use.