How To Clean Dyson Vacuum Filter (Maintain Its Peak Performance)

You bought a Dyson for that legendary suction power. Whether you’re pushing a Ball Animal upright or zipping around with a V15 Detect cordless, the machine is a beast. But even the best engineering has a weakness: dust.

When that fine dust clogs the airways, your vacuum loses performance. To keep your machine running like new, you need to know how to clean a Dyson vacuum filter properly. It is the single most important maintenance task you can do to protect your investment.

Key Takeaways

• Frequency: Wash your Dyson filters at least once a month to prevent motor pulsing and suction loss.
• Method: Rinse with cold water only; never use soap, detergents, or the dishwasher.
• Drying: Allow filters to air dry for a minimum of 24 hours (48 is better) before reinstalling.
• Replacement: Buy new filters every 12 months to avoid lingering odors and maintain HEPA filtration.

In This Article

• Dyson Filter Washing Frequency
• Cleaning a Dyson Filter: Step-by-Step
• Mistakes to Avoid
• Dyson Filter Replacement Time
• Buying Dyson Filters
• FAQs

How Often Should You Wash a Dyson Filter?

Dyson officially recommends washing your filters once a month. This cadence keeps the airflow unobstructed and prevents the motor from overheating. However, “once a month” is a baseline. You should clean them more frequently if:

• You have shedding pets.
• You have fine dust (like drywall or fireplace ash).
• You use the vacuum daily.

The “Pulsing” Warning Sign

Modern Dyson cordless models (like the V10, V11, and V15) have a built-in safety feature. If the airflow is restricted, the motor will “pulse” (cut in and out) several times and then stop. If you hear this sound, check your filter immediately.

How to Clean a Dyson Filter (Step-by-Step)

The process is similar across most models, though the filter location may vary.

• Time: 15 minutes (plus 24 hours drying time)
• Difficulty: Beginner

Supplies Needed

• Access to a sink with cold water
• A dry, well-ventilated area

1. Locate and Remove the Filters

First, ensure the machine is unplugged or the battery is disconnected. Never dismantle a live machine.

Your specific model determines where the filters live:

• Cordless Sticks (V10, V11, V15): These usually have one large purple filter unit screwed onto the back of the handheld portion. Twist it counter-clockwise to unlock.
• Older Cordless (V6, V7, V8): These often have two filters. The “pre-filter” pulls out of the center cyclone (looks like a cone). The “post-filter” twists off the back of the unit. Wash both.
• Uprights (Ball, Animal, Multi Floor): These typically have a pre-filter inside the cyclone canister (lift the handle) and a post-filter inside the ball itself (unscrew the side of the wheel).

2. Tap Out Excess Dust

Before getting water involved, remove as much loose debris as possible. Hold the filter over your trash can and tap the plastic rim firmly against the side. This prevents the filter from turning into a muddy mess immediately.

3. Rinse With Cold Water

Run cold tap water over the filter. Do not use hot water, and never use soap. Detergents can clog the microscopic pores of the HEPA material and degrade the filter fabric.

• For Cone Filters: Run water through the open end until it flows clear out the sides.
• For HEPA Units: Rinse the pleated fabric gently. You can gently rub the mesh with your fingers to dislodge stubborn dust.

Repeat this process until the water running off the filter is completely clear.

4. Shake It Out

Once clean, you need to get the water out. Shake the filter vigorously over the sink. Squeeze the foam parts gently (if applicable) to wring out moisture. The less water remains, the faster it will dry.

5. The Critical Drying Phase

This is where most people make mistakes. Place the filter in a warm, well-ventilated spot with good airflow.

• Minimum Time: 24 hours.
• Ideal Time: 48 hours.

Warning Damp Filters Kill Motors

Never put a damp filter back into your Dyson. Moisture will be sucked into the motor, causing permanent damage or short-circuiting the electronics. If your filter smells like mildew, it wasn’t dry enough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Dyson filters are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Avoid these common cleaning errors to keep your warranty intact.

• No Heat Sources: Do not put filters in the microwave, clothes dryer, or near an open flame. High heat warps the plastic and ruins the fit.
• No Dishwashers: The high heat and harsh detergents in a dishwasher will destroy the filter material.
• No Soaps: Soap leaves a residue that attracts dust faster, clogging the machine almost immediately after you wash it.

When to Replace a Dyson Filter

Filters do not last forever. Over time, the microscopic pores get impacted with fine dust that water cannot rinse away.

• Timeline: Replace your filters once every 12 months.
• Signs you need a new one: The vacuum emits a dusty/musty smell even after washing, or the suction power remains weak despite a clean filter.

Where to Buy New Dyson Filters

Stick to genuine parts or highly-rated third-party options to ensure a proper airtight seal. You can find replacements like the Dyson V10 Filter at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and directly from Dyson support.

FAQs

How Long Do Dyson Filters Last?

Dyson engineers recommend replacing filters every 12 months. However, if you have multiple pets or a large home, you may need to replace them every 6 to 9 months to maintain peak suction power.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Dyson Filters?

Ignoring the filter leads to blocked airflow. This causes the vacuum to lose suction, overheat, and eventually cut power to protect the motor. Long-term neglect can burn out the motor entirely.

Why Does My Dyson Filter Smell After Washing?

A “wet dog” or musty smell usually means you reinstalled the filter while it was still damp. Remove it and let it air dry for another 24 hours. If the smell persists, mold may have grown in the fibers, and you should buy a replacement filter.

How Do I Deep Clean My Dyson Vacuum?

Beyond the filter, you should wipe down the bin with a damp cloth (no detergents), remove hair from the brush bar using scissors, and check the hose for blockages. You can wash the wand and tools with warm water, but ensure they are bone-dry before reattaching.

Can I Use a Hair Dryer to Dry My Dyson Filter?

No, you should never use a hair dryer, radiator, or microwave to dry the filter. The intense heat can warp the plastic frame and damage the delicate filter fibers. Air drying is the only safe method. Feedback: Was This Article Helpful? 👍 👎 Thank You For Your Feedback! Share Pin Thank You For Your Feedback! What Did You Like? Informative Easy to Understand Engaging Submit What Went Wrong? Inaccurate Missing Information Outdated Submit