How to Clean Dyson Vacuum Guide

Whether you need a lightweight cordless vacuum, a model with a huge dustbin for cleaning multiple rooms without stopping, or a device for trapping 99.9% of dust, dirt, and other airborne debris that enters its HEPA filter for noticeably cleaner air, there is a Dyson vacuum cleaner for your home cleaning needs. 

Even the most advanced vacuum cleaners on the market need to be maintained properly to sustain their powerful suction and work as intended, and attempting to clean one the wrong way may end up damaging your it. It’s worth taking a few minutes to learn the best cleaning techniques for keeping your Dyson running at peak performance. Before getting started, it’s important to know what you’ll need. Be sure to have plenty of water, several microfiber cloths, paper towels, and a fan.

Step by step guide to cleaning your Dyson vacuum

Step 1: Unplug the vacuum

Safety first! Before you disassemble and clean your Dyson vacuum cleaner, double check that it is unplugged and turned off.

Step 2: Dust canister

All Dyson vacuum cleaners are bagless, so you will need to clean and maintain your model’s dust canister periodically. Remove and empty its contents into a waste bin or a disposable bag. Consider emptying it outside to prevent dust and debris escaping into your home.

Take a moment to check the valve that empties contents into the dust container for obstructions, and wipe down the interior of the bin with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any lingering particles stuck inside.

Never attempt to clean the interior of the bin with soap, detergents, or water. Doing so may cause debris to stick like glue inside this compartment, and damage the unit.

Step 3: Clean the filter

Please refer to the expanded section below for a detailed guide to properly clean your Dyson vacuum’s filter.

Step 4: Brush bar and attachments

Long hair, pet fur, and stringy debris can become tangled up in your vacuum’s brush bar which will result in a reduced overall cleaning performance at best, or stop rotating entirely at worst. Remove the brush bar and manually pull out hair and debris caught in it.

Give your most-used attachments a look-over as well; remove dust bunnies and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.

Step 5: Exterior and reassembly

Wipe down the exterior of your Dyson vacuum cleaner with a damp microfiber cloth. Some key points to note include the handle you continuously touch while cleaning and the wheels that roll throughout your home.

Once everything is dry, reassemble any parts you may have taken apart to clean, and you’re good to go!

How to clean a Dyson vacuum filter

Step 1: Remove its filter

Turn off your Dyson before attempting to remove its filter, and note that some Dyson filters lift straight out of the vacuum, while others (mostly their cordless vacuum cleaners) need to be unscrewed by hand first.

Step 2: Shake out excess dust

Lightly tap the filter on the rim of your trash can to dislodge some of the debris from the filter’s surface. I recommend holding the dirty filter over a paper towel so you don’t track dust from the vacuum to the trash can.

Step 3: Rinse

Lightly rinse the filter in a sink with cool water to wash away particles from its surface. Run your hands over the filter to help remove even more caked-on dust and grime.

Do not wash it with soap, as this is likely to damage the filter.

Step 4: Shake

Fill the filter with warm water, cover the open end with the palm of your hand, and shake the filter to dislodge particulates stuck inside. Continue doing this until the water running out of the filter appears clean. Lightly shake the filter to remove any leftover water.

Step 5: Drying

Place the filter in an open space for at least 24 hours to dry. Setting the wet filter under a fan or in an open window will help speed up the drying process. Do not reinstall the filter until it is completely dry, as this may damage the vacuum cleaner’s motor.

How often should I clean my Dyson vacuum?

While Dyson recommends that their vacuums should be cleaned once a month for top performance, users may need to clean it more or less frequently depending on how often the vacuum is used and how much filth it sucks up between cleanings.

Keep in mind that it’s important to regularly clean your Dyson vacuum to keep suction power strong and to keep the device in good working condition.

How often should I clean my Dyson vacuum filter?

Dyson also strongly advises customers to clean their vacuum’s filter once a month. Rinsing away the build up lodged in the filter will help improve the vacuum’s suction power.

What causes a Dyson to lose suction?

There are a few common reasons why a Dyson vacuum’s suction drops off, including:

Dirty filter

A vacuum cleaner’s suction power drops off significantly if its filter is clogged with dust, debris, and other types of nasty particulates.

Full dust bin 

A Dyson vacuum’s dust container is clearly marked with a black line. It’s important to stop cleaning and empty the bin as soon as debris reaches this maximum fill line to prevent clogs, reduced suction, and extend the lifespan of your machine.

Obstructions

Even the most well-maintained Dyson vacuums can get the occasional blockage. If the vacuum suddenly loses suction while you are cleaning, turn the unit off and check the hose, brush bar for severe tangles or clogs, and other components of the device to find the source of the obstruction.

Mechanical failure

Although Dyson vacuums are built to last, parts break and motors wear out over time. Refer to its manual and check to see if the vacuum is covered under a warranty before having it professionally repaired.

Tips for keeping your Dyson vacuum clean longer

Pre-vacuuming cleanup

Look around your space for big pieces of debris that may cause your Dyson vacuum cleaner to clog, avoid vacuuming wet floors, and pick up any small hard objects that may damage the machine if sucked up.

Monthly cleaning 

A monthly washing of its filter and the vacuum itself will help to keep the unit cleaner for longer.

Routinely emptying the dust container

Depending on how dirty the area is, you may need to empty the dustbin multiple times before you are finished, but always clean out the debris container before putting the vacuum away to maintain a cleaner unit.