Is your Dyson losing suction? Does it smell a bit like a wet dog? If you haven’t cleaned your vacuum recently, it is likely choked with dust and debris.
Before you panic and buy a replacement, your machine probably just needs a spa day.
We are all guilty of skipping this chore. However, knowing how to clean a Dyson vacuum is critical. It protects your investment, restores suction power, and keeps your home cleaner.
Key Takeaways
- Routine maintenance: Clean filters and bins monthly to prevent motor strain.
- Wash correctly: Rinse filters with cold water only; never put them in the dishwasher or dryer.
- Clear blockages: Check hoses, wands, and brush bars for tangled hair or stuck debris.
- Dry thoroughly: Allow all washable parts to dry for at least 24 hours before reassembling.
How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum
Cleaning your Dyson vacuum is easier than it looks. You should follow this guide every month to keep the machine running like new.
- Time: 45 minutes (plus drying time)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you start:
- Microfiber cloths
- Compressed air (optional)
- Sink or basin
- Scissors or seam ripper
- Screwdriver (flat head or Phillips)
- Coin (for twist locks)
1. Unplug Your Dyson
Safety comes first. Make sure you unplug the machine from the wall outlet. If you have a cordless model like the V8 or V15, disconnect it from the charger. This prevents accidental startups while you have your fingers near the brush roll.
2. Empty and Scrub the Dust Canister
Since all Dysons are bagless, the bin is the first place grime accumulates.
Locate the “bin release” button. On older uprights or canisters, it is usually near the handle. On cordless stick vacuums like the Dyson V6 or newer, it is a red lever or slide mechanism.
Release the dirt into your trash can. Shake it vigorously to dislodge stubborn dust bunnies.
Next, remove the clear bin completely from the cyclone unit (the colorful top part). Most models allow you to separate these two parts.
Wipe the inside of the clear dust canister with a damp microfiber cloth. Microfiber grabs dust particles without scratching the plastic (1).
Warning: Do not submerge the cyclone unit (the part with the little holes) in water unless your specific manual says so. Water can get trapped inside the tiny air channels and damage the motor later.
Instead, use compressed air to blast dust out of the cyclone assembly.
If you wash the clear plastic bin with water, dry it completely. Any moisture left inside can lead to mold growth or unpleasant smells (2).
3. Remove and Wash the Filters
The filter is the lungs of your vacuum. It traps pollen, bacteria, and fine dust. When it gets clogged, suction drops instantly.
Most Dysons have at least one washable filter. It is usually purple and located near the handle or inside the cyclone top. Some uprights have a second filter inside the “ball” or near the exhaust.
Here is the proper way to clean Dyson filters:
- Remove: Lift the filters out of the machine.
- Rinse: Run them under cold tap water. Do not use soap or detergents.
- Squeeze: Gently squeeze the water out. Repeat this until the water runs clear.
- Dry: Lay them flat in a warm, ventilated area for at least 24 hours.
Never put filters in the dishwasher, washing machine, or tumble dryer. The heat will destroy them.
Dyson suggests washing filters every three months. However, if you have pets or vacuum daily, check them monthly. If the filter looks gray or dusty, wash it immediately.
4. Untangle the Brush Bar
The brush bar (or roller) wraps tightly with hair and string. This friction burns out the motor and scratches your floors.
Flip the vacuum head over. You may need a flat-head screwdriver or a coin to unlock the fasteners holding the soleplate in place.
Once the bar is exposed or removed, use scissors to cut along the groove of the brush bar. Pull away the cut hair and trash.
Check the bearing caps on the ends of the roller; hair loves to hide there. Wipe the brush housing with a damp cloth to remove fine dust buildup. Ensure the brush is totally dry before clicking it back into place.
5. Unclog the Hose and Wand
Loss of suction often comes from a hidden clog in the hose or wand. Detach the hose from the vacuum body and the wand from the floor head.
Look through the tube. If you cannot see light at the other end, you have a blockage. Use a broom handle or a long stick to gently push the debris out. Be careful not to puncture the flexible material.
Can you wash the hose?
Technically, yes, but proceed with caution. Some hoses contain electrical connections for the bin or tools. If your hose has metal pins or wires, do not soak it.
If it is a purely plastic hose, you can rinse it with warm water to remove odors. Avoid vinegar or harsh chemicals, as they can degrade rubber seals over time. Let the hose hang vertically to dry for 24 hours before reattaching it.
6. Wipe Down the Body
Finish up by wiping the outer casing of the vacuum. A damp microfiber cloth works best here.
Pay attention to the wheels and the base of the floor head. These areas drag across dirty surfaces and collect grime.
Avoid spraying cleaning solutions directly onto the machine. Liquid could seep into the motor vents. Just stick to a damp cloth and a little elbow grease.
FAQs
Where Does the Dust Go In a Dyson Vacuum?
Dust enters through the cleaning head and travels up the wand or hose. Centrifugal force spins the debris inside the clear bin, pushing heavy dirt to the bottom while the metal shroud screens out larger items. Fine dust passes through to the pre-motor and post-motor filters.
How Do You Take Apart a Dyson Vacuum to Clean It?
Unplug the vacuum first. Press the release button to remove the bin, then separate the clear canister from the cyclone unit. Twist or unclip the filters to remove them. Use a coin or screwdriver to unlock the soleplate on the cleaner head to access the brush bar.
How Do I Get My Dyson to Stop Smelling of Dog?
A “doggy” smell usually comes from a dirty filter or pet hair rotting inside the bin. Wash the filters with cold water and let them dry for 24 hours. Wipe the bin interior with a damp cloth. If the smell persists, you may need to buy a brand-new HEPA filter.
Can I Wash the Cyclone Part of My Dyson?
No, generally you should not wash the cyclone component (the colorful top part with holes) under water. Water can get trapped in the small air cones and damage the motor. Only wash the clear plastic bin and the filters unless your specific user manual states otherwise.
Clean Vacuum, Clean House
Cleaning your Dyson takes less than an hour, but it makes a massive difference. You should aim to do this at least once a month for peak performance.
Always unplug the unit first. focus on the “big three”: the bin, the filters, and the brush bar.
If you keep those clear of hair and dust, your machine will last for years. Let everything dry completely, snap it back together, and enjoy that brand-new suction power.
