How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum

Yes, your vacuum needs cleaning, too

By
Tai Massimilian
Tai Massimilian Highland Park Housekeeping
Tai Massimilian

Tai Massimilian is the Marketing and Creative Director at Texas's premier luxury housekeeping company, Highland Park Housekeeping.

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Updated on 11/15/22
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Katie Berry
Reviewed by Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Closeup of a Dyson vacuum

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0

Dyson is a well-known vacuum brand that offers powerful and innovative products. Dyson vacuums are specially engineered to pick up and capture microscopic particles, ridding your home of dust, dirt, and dander. However, these tiny particles do add up, and after a while, your Dyson vacuum filter will become dirty, causing a reduction in the vacuum's overall performance.

If you invested in a Dyson vacuum, you'll want to be sure you can use it for years to come. Dyson vacuums require special care and cleaning in order to keep them running properly. Luckily, Dyson vacuums are as easy to use and clean as they are effective. We're sharing some simple tips on how to clean your Dyson vacuum so that it stays in top condition.

How Often Should I Clean My Dyson Vacuum?

Everyone's vacuum maintenance schedule varies depending on how often you use your vacuum and how severe your messes are. According to the Dyson website, you should clean your Dyson filter at least once a month to keep your machine running at maximum efficiency.

If you begin to notice that your Dyson vacuum is not running as well, the suction has depleted, or it's taking more effort on your end to get your vacuuming done, that may be a sign that it's time to clean your Dyson vacuum filter.

Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 Dyson vacuum

Materials

  • 1 warm water
  • 1 mild soap

Instructions

Materials needed to clean a Dyson vacuum

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum

  1. Remove the Filter From the Dyson Vacuum

    Depending on what version of the Dyson vacuum you have, this looks slightly different on every machine. In general, you'll press a release button, then twist the end of the filter and pull it out.

    If you are struggling to figure out how to remove the filter on your specific machine, there are hundreds of helpful videos on YouTube and diagrams for reference on the Dyson website, dyson.com.

    Unscrewing the filter on the Dyson vacuum

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  2. Remove Excess Dust From the Filter

    Hold your filter over a sink or trash can and gently shake it to remove any loose dust and debris. Tapping the filter on the side of the sink or bin can also help to dislodge any particles that are stubbornly stuck.

    Emptying out the Dyson filter over a trashcan

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  3. Rinse the Filter With Water Only

    Once you've cleared out any excess dust, rinse the filter with cold water (tap water works just fine). You'll want to gently rub it with your hands to ensure it gets completely clean. Do not use any soap or detergent on the filter as it may corrode or damage the system.

    Rinsing a Dyson filter with water

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  4. Fill the Filter With Warm Water and Shake

    After rinsing, fill up the filter with warm tap water. Cover the openings on either end of the filter and shake it firmly to remove any residual dirt. Pour the water out and check it. Is it clear? If so, you're ready to move on. Still dirty? Repeat the process. Once the water runs clear, shake the filter firmly to rid it of any excess water.

    Shaking the Dyson filter over the sink

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  5. Leave Filter to Dry for at Least 24 Hours

    Now that you're done washing your filter, place it near a fan, an open window, or any other area with plenty of airflow. Leave it to air dry for at least 24 hours. Make sure your filter is completely dry before putting it back into your Dyson vacuum, as any moisture could potentially damage the motor. A simple touch test is sufficient for seeing if your filter is dry enough to put back into your machine.

    Warning

    Never ever dry your Dyson filter using a hair dryer, tumble dryer, microwave, open flame, or any other heating device. Room temperature air is all your need.

    Letting the Dyson filter air dry

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Tips for Keeping Your Dyson Vacuum Filter Clean Longer

  • If you can, try to use high power mode sparingly. Dyson vacuums are made to run on auto or normal mode on a daily basis and on high power as needed. Running your vacuum on high power too often will overwork the machine and increase the chances of the filter being clogged.
  • Pick up and throw out any large debris that you can before running a vacuum over it.
  • Remember that the more you clean your filter, the less work it will be when you have to! Try to clean it on a regular basis to minimize the amount of effort you have to put into maintenance.
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