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

To clean a Dyson vacuum, unplug it (or detach the battery on cordless models), then empty the bin, rinse the filter under cold water with no detergent, and clear hair and debris from the brush roll. Wipe the bin and exterior with a damp microfiber cloth — never submerge the bin or wash it with soap — and let every part, especially the filter, air-dry completely (a full 24 hours) before reassembling. Wash the filter at least every month or so to keep suction strong and protect the motor. Here’s the full guide, including notes for specific models.

How to clean a Dyson vacuum

There are many Dyson models, but the cleaning process is similar across most of them. We’ll start with the general steps, then note the differences between models.

The basic steps

What you need

• A microfiber cloth
• A damp sponge or cloth on a handle for hard-to-reach spots
• Access to a cold-water tap (for the filter)

Step by step

1. Unplug the vacuum (or remove the battery on a cordless model). Cleaning it while powered could stir up dust or create a safety hazard if water is involved.
2. Since Dysons are bagless, empty the bin as you normally would — outside or directly into the trash to keep dust from flying everywhere. Emptying methods vary by model (covered below); check your manual if it’s your first time.
3. Wipe the inside of the clear bin with a damp microfiber cloth. You generally don’t need detergent here — in fact, Dyson advises against washing the bin with soap or submerging it, since residue and trapped moisture can cause problems. If you do rinse a washable bin per your manual, use water only.
4. Wipe the bin dry, then set it aside to air-dry completely while you work on the filter.

Tip: For the exterior and surfaces around your home (bathrooms, glass, and more), a simple mix of white distilled vinegar and water makes a good DIY cleaner — just keep it off the vacuum’s electrical parts and brush roll.

How to clean the Dyson hose

This is one of the simpler steps — just wipe down the exterior of the hose with a microfiber cloth. You don’t need to clean the inside, since airflow from the motor keeps particles moving through it.

The main reason to check for blockages is if you’ve vacuumed up something that shouldn’t have gone in, like coins or larger objects. Stick to what the manual recommends — pet hair, dust, and debris — and pick up larger items by hand. Never use a vacuum to deal with bed bugs. You can, however, use it for messes in your car or on car seats.

How to clean the Dyson filter

The filter is arguably the most important part. It keeps particles from blowing back into the air, and if it clogs up it strains the motor and weakens suction.

What you need

• A sink
• A non-shedding microfiber cloth

Steps

1. Locate and remove the filter (some models have the filter in a different spot, or have two filters). Always double-check your manual to remove it properly.
2. Take the filter outside and gently tap or shake it to knock off loose dust. You won’t get it all, but clearing the loose particles first helps.
3. Rinse it under cold water only — never hot — and don’t use soap or detergent (Dyson is explicit about this; detergent can damage the filter). Gently work the water through the pleats, and use your hand to massage out any visible blockages without pressing hard.
4. Fill the filter with cold water, cover the openings, and give it a gentle shake to flush out remaining debris, then pour it out. Repeat until the water runs clear.
5. Lay the filter on a microfiber cloth and let it air-dry completely — at least 24 hours. Never put a damp filter back in, and never dry it with heat (a dryer, microwave, or open flame). Place it where it won’t fall and dent, since a damaged filter won’t seal properly and will need replacing.

How to clean the Dyson brush head

This is the less pleasant part, but important — hair and fibers get tangled in the brush roll over time.

What you need

• Small scissors
• A screwdriver (for some models)
• A microfiber cloth

Step by step

1. Flip the vacuum over and carefully clip tangled hair free. Cutting it loose rather than yanking it out by hand protects the brush bar.
2. Be careful not to cut into the brush’s own bristles, which would mean a full replacement.
3. Some models let you remove a soleplate with a screwdriver (often a coin-release latch) to reach the brush bar. It’s simpler than it looks — check the manual.
4. If you remove the soleplate or brush bar, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Keep water away from the brush roll and any electrical parts.

Finish by wiping down the whole exterior with a cloth, and your Dyson is clean. Now let’s look at a few specific models.

How to clean a cordless Dyson vacuum

Cordless Dyson vacuums have the filter near the end of the handle rather than at the bottom; some upright/stick models have two filters, one at the top of the stick and one lower down. Detach the battery before cleaning where possible.

The same instructions cover the Dyson V7, V8, and V11 stick vacuums — their differences are in features, not the cleaning process.

Dyson Cyclone

The Cyclone is a cordless model with a red trigger near the handle that detaches the filter and bin — press it only when you’re ready and supporting the vacuum, so it doesn’t drop.

Dyson V7

On the V7, the motorhead is a bit thicker and the (often purple) filter sits on the head; you can pull it out by hand. It’s shaped a little like an elongated cone.

Dyson Ball and Animal

The Dyson Ball and the Animal models clean the same way — lay them on their side and follow the steps above. Red attachments and knobs indicate parts you can pull off for easier cleaning. The filter on the Animal models looks more like a circular disk than the stick-vacuum filters.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you clean a Dyson?

Dyson recommends washing the filter at least once a month (and at minimum every three months). Homes with lots of fine dust may need it more often. Skipping filter cleaning makes the motor work harder and can shorten its life.

Can I wash the inside of my Dyson?

Only the removable, washable parts — and with water only. Never spray or pour water directly into the vacuum body; clean it with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge instead. Keep water away from the brush roll, wires, and buttons, as moisture there can cause malfunctions and may void the warranty. You can register your Dyson online to check your warranty.

Never reassemble any parts before they’re fully dry — allow a full 24 hours, especially for the filter. Cleaning a few hours after use gives everything time to dry overnight.

Where can I buy Dyson filters?

Order directly from Dyson, or find the exact match elsewhere — but buying from Dyson helps avoid getting the wrong filter. Forcing the wrong filter into a model can cause permanent damage, though mismatched filters are usually obvious from their shape.