How to Clean Dyson Filter for Peak Performance, Your Effortless Guide

Learn how to clean Dyson Filter correctly with our step-by-step guide. Ensuring your Dyson is operating efficiently and effectively.

Here at Cleanco Commercial Cleaning, we see and value the use of stick vacuum cleaners, not so much for our commercial cleaning sites, but we do see them used more so in NDIS cleaning, childcare centre cleaning and DVA cleaning where the surface area is smaller.

Recognising the Signs Your Dyson Filter Needs Attention…

• A thick layer of residue on the Dyson filter can restrict air flow and consequently impair the vacuum’s suction power and overall performance.
• Common indications of a filter needing attention include power pulsing, automatic shut-offs, and on-handle alerts specific to certain Dyson models.
• Some Dyson models feature an LCD screen with filter alerts, or like the Dyson V11, communicate directly to users when the filter requires maintenance

Preparing to Wash Your Dyson Filter

• To prepare for washing a Dyson filter, start by carefully removing the filter from the vacuum.
• Before rinsing the filter, tap it lightly to dislodge any loose dust or debris that may be clinging to the filter’s surface.

Gather Your Supplies

• To clean a Dyson filter, you will need a bowl and cold water.

Safety First

• Never dry a Dyson filter using heat-intensive appliances or methods that can degrade the filter material.
• Avoid using a tumble dryer, microwave, or exposing the Dyson filter to a naked flame when drying.
• Do not attempt to speed up the drying process of the Dyson filter by using a microwave, tumble dryer, or placing it near an open flame for very obvious reasons.
• Clean the Dyson filter without the use of detergents or dishwashers to avoid damaging the filter’s material.

The Correct Way to Remove Your Dyson Filter

• Before removal, identify which filters should be washed based on your specific Dyson model and check if any require a pre-soak.
• To remove the filter, start by opening the vacuum and, if applicable, pressing the filter housing’s release button and separating the filter from its housing without causing damage to the machine.
• Ensure that all filters are removed as recommended for models with multiple filtration systems.
• For Dyson V11 and V10 models, twist to remove the filter which is located at the base of the machine.

Washing the Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Before washing, tap the filter gently against a surface to dislodge any loose dust.
• Wash the filter with cold tap water, using hands to gently rub and remove trapped debris, avoiding the use of any detergents.
• After washing, shake the filter firmly to remove excess water.
• For particularly dirty filters, repeat filling the filter with water, covering the ends, shaking, and performing gentle hand washing until water runs clear.

Rinse with Cold Running Water

• Submerge the filter in cold water and allow it to soak for a minimum of five minutes before rinsing.
• Use cold tap water to thoroughly rinse the filter without the addition of any detergents.
• While rinsing, gently rub the filter with your hands to ensure all trapped dust is washed away

Gently Rub Away Trapped Dust

• Handling the filter with a gentle touch is crucial to avoid damage to the filter fibers and maintain its performance.
• Start by lightly tapping the filter to dislodge loose dust particles before further cleaning.
• After tapping, gently rub the filter to remove trapped dust, ensuring that the fibers are not harmed in the process.
• Maintain a gentle approach throughout the entire cleaning process to prevent damaging the filter.

Shake Firmly to Remove Excess Water

• Shaking the filter further helps to remove excess water remaining after squeezing, promoting faster drying and preventing potential damage from water being left inside.
• To effectively shake the water out of the filter, hold it firmly and shake it in a manner similar to shaking a thermometer, using a quick flick of the wrist.
• During the shaking process, make sure not to hit the filter against any hard surfaces or shake it too vigorously, as this could damage the filter material.
• After shaking, place the filter on its side to air-dry, ensuring no water pools inside which may impede drying and possibly cause mold growth.

Drying the Filter Correctly

• The filter must be completely dry before being reinstalled into the vacuum to prevent motor damage and to ensure vacuum efficiency.
• Allow the filter to air dry for a minimum of 24 hours in an environment that has plenty of airflow, such as beside an open window or a fan.
• To prevent a smelly filter and to facilitate thorough drying, place the filter in a well-ventilated space and occasionally rotate and shake the filter.
• Lay the filter on its side to dry and avoid placing the filter near heat sources to maintain the integrity of the filter material.

Air-Dry Near an Open Window

• Ensuring proper airflow is crucial when drying the Dyson filter to prevent mold growth and maintain vacuum efficiency.
• The filter should be dried in a well-ventilated area, such as near an open window, allowing it to become completely dry.

Avoid Heat Sources

• Avoid drying the Dyson filter using any heat-based methods, such as a tumble dryer, microwave, or near an open flame as these can degrade the filter material

Reassembling Your Dyson After Cleaning the Filter

• Before reassembling your Dyson vacuum, ensure the filter has dried for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated space.
• Once the filter is completely dry, reinsert it into the cyclone assembly or attach it to the back of the machine, which varies based on your Dyson model.

Maintaining Optimal Filter Performance

• Dyson recommends washing the filter at least once per month for optimal performance.
• Routine maintenance, including filter cleaning, is essential for keeping the Dyson vacuum functioning at its best.
• Keeping the filter clean maintains the Dyson vacuum’s ability to capture 99.99% of microscopic particles, which directly affects the suction power of the machine.

When to Replace Your Dyson Filter

• Dyson vacuum filters should be replaced approximately every 12 months, although this can vary based on frequency of use and the level of dirt on the floors.
• Dyson machines are designed to signal for a filter replacement after 12 months, assuming 12 hours of usage per day; however, the filter may need to be replaced more frequently with heavier usage.
• Consider buying a replacement filter available on Dyson’s website if the smell of a Dyson filter persists after optimising the drying process.

Dyson Cleaning Professional Advice

When the question is, how to clean a Dyson filter correctly, we strongly suggest taking every precaution not to damage the filtration system by being too heavy handed. Dysons are known for being a great tool for office chair cleaning and with the right precautions in place could even be used for other tasks such as keyboard cleaning and deep cleaning tasks.

For further questions regarding how to clean your Dyson filter, please contact the manufacturer of your unit, or try giving the team an email at Cleanco Commercial Cleaning.