The Right Way to Clean Your Dyson Vacuum Filter

If you share your home with furry family members like me, you will understand the importance of having a powerful vacuum cleaner. Dyson models are famed for their strong suction, flexibility and high-tech features. However, you’ll need to learn how to clean Dyson vacuum filters to maintain peak performance. It’s not a tricky task, but doing it wrong can reduce the filter’s effectiveness or even damage your vacuum.

We spoke to a Dyson engineer and a cleaning expert to get their top tips on preventing clogging or filters with funky odors.

What Makes a Dyson Vacuum Different?

Dyson vacuum cleaners are famed for their advanced engineering and ease of use. Nathan Lawson McLean, Senior Design Manager at Dyson, explains that company engineers have been fine-tuning their vacuum filtration systems for over 30 years. “Dyson’s latest vacuums feature our most advanced, multi-stage filtration technologies,” he says.

The filter in your vacuum traps particles and prevents them from reentering the air in your homereducing the need to invest in a home air purifier. Lawson McLean explains that Dyson filters utilize unique multi-cyclone technology. “Up to 18 cyclones are configured to provide optimal performance,” he says. “The diameter of each cyclone is carefully balanced with the space between them to maintain the velocity required to remove fine dust from the airflow.”

How to Clean the Dyson Vacuum Filter

“Even though the filters for a Dyson cordless vacuum and Dyson corded vacuum may look different, they should be cared for and maintained the same way,” Lawson McLean explains. Mastering how to clean Dyson vacuum filters is simple and quick. It requires no special supplies or tools. “All you need is clean, running water,” Lawson McLean says.

1. Remove the filter from your Dyson vacuum

While Dyson vacuums are designed to make filter removal straightforward, the filters’ location, size and removal technique vary depending on the model. If this isn’t obvious, check the user manual.

2. Dislodge excess debris

Get rid of loose debris before washing the filter. You can do this by tapping the filter lightly on the sink or trash can edge.

3. Rinse the filter

“Run the vacuum filter under warm water to remove dust and debris,” Lawson McLean says. You can gently rub the filter with your hands to speed along the process.

4. Fill the filter with water and shake

Filling your filter with warm tap water, covering the ends with your hands and shaking it can help dislodge any stubborn debris. Do this until the water runs clear.

5. Dry out the filter

Shake the filter to remove any excess water and lay it out somewhere with good ventilation for at least 24 hours to allow it to dry out fully. “This is an important step to ensure water does not enter the machine and damage the motor,” Lawson McLean says.

What NOT To Do When Cleaning the Dyson Vacuum Filter

Learning how to clean Dyson vacuum filters isn’t complicated, but there are some things to avoid if you want this part to work effectively. “You should not use soap or cleaning solution as it can potentially damage the filter or machine,” Lawson McLean says.

“One of the biggest issues I see is when people don’t let the filter dry completely,” Galia Ivanova, founder and CEO of Cleaning Estimate, says. “I’ve had more than a few calls about ‘mildewy’ smells that turned out to be from damp filters.”

Never put your Dyson filter into the tumble dryer or microwave to speed up the drying process. Instead, consider buying a spare filter to use your vacuum before the main filter is dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash a Dyson vacuum filter?

Lawson McLean doesn’t recommend putting a Dyson vacuum filter in the dishwasher. “The heat could damage the filter,” he says. Stick to simply rinsing with warm water.

How often should you change a Dyson vacuum filter?

Some Dyson vacuum models alert you with a digital message when the filter requires cleaning. Both Lawson McLean and Ivanova recommend cleaning the filter at least once a month. “Pet hair and dust bunnies can hide in there and mess with the vacuum’s suction,” Ivanova says.

About the Experts

• Nathan Lawson McLean is a Senior Design Manager at Dyson, where he has worked for over 8 years; email interview, Jan. 7, 2025.

• Galia Ivanova is the founder and CEO of Cleaning Estimate, a company dedicated to providing exceptional cleaning services to homes and businesses in the greater London area; email interview, 30. Dec, 2025.

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