Is your Dyson vacuum cleaner's filter consistently flashing a white or red LED light while you're tidying up your home? This often indicates that the filter is clogged with tiny dust particles, which can significantly reduce the suction power of your Dyson. To maintain optimal suction performance, it's essential to understand the proper way to clean the Dyson filter.
The key to ensuring your Dyson vacuum operates at peak efficiency is simple: thoroughly clean the filter every month and replace it when it shows signs of wear. Regardless of whether your model has one or two filters, you will find the cleaning process straightforward and efficient.
To facilitate the cleaning of both the pre-filter and post-filter, Dyson has streamlined the disassembly and reassembly procedure. No matter which Dyson vacuum model you own, simply rotate the post-filter counterclockwise, then pull it off and lift out the pre-filter to begin the cleaning process.
How to Clean Your Dyson Filter
While Dyson recommends cleaning the filter monthly, the frequency may vary based on the size of your cleaning space and the rate at which dust accumulates. Therefore, it's wise to assess how quickly your Dyson filter gets clogged and adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly.
When cleaning the filter, all you need is some running water and a warm, dry area for it to dry thoroughly. Doesn’t this make maintaining your Dyson vacuum cleaner easy and cost-effective?
Follow these steps to wash the filter and keep your vacuum’s cyclone system running efficiently.
Step 1: Unplug Your Vacuum
Before you begin cleaning the Dyson filter, ensure that the machine is unplugged from the charging port. Turn off your vacuum and disconnect the charging cable to prevent any risk of electrical shock.
Step 2: Remove the Pre-Filter
The pre-filter is the purple cone-shaped filter located at the top of the cyclone. Twist it to release, and then lift it out of the assembly. While larger particles are collected in the Dyson bin, the pre-filter effectively traps smaller dust particles and bacteria within its paper material housed in a plastic frame.
There may also be dirt trapped between the paper and the plastic holder, which can only be accessed by removing the paper filter from its holder.
Step 3: Detach the Paper Filter from the Plastic Holder
With the right tools, separating the paper filter from the plastic holder can be accomplished in under a minute. You’ll need a wedge knife or a screwdriver to loosen the three catches. Insert the screwdriver into the gap between the plastic holder and the paper filter, where the catches are secured.
Once all the catches are loosened, lift the holder to discover accumulated dirt at the bottom.
Step 4: Remove the Post-Filter
Keeping the post-filter clean is crucial, as it serves as the final barrier trapping any dust that manages to escape the cyclone system, including particles from the rotating carbon-brushed motor.
To detach the post-filter, rotate it counterclockwise until the two black dots align, then pull it away from the machine.
Step 5: Shake Out Dust from the Filter
Before rinsing the filters under running water, gently knock the plastic holder and filters against a bench or bin to dislodge any compacted dust. While holding the pre-filter upside down, lightly tap it against the sink to encourage most dust to fall away, leaving behind only the debris trapped in the mesh paper.
If available, use a small brush to clean the plastic holder as well.
Step 6: Wash the Filters with Water
With the tap running, rinse the outside of the paper filter under the water, and gently tap while shaking it to remove dislodged dirt. Next, twist and squeeze the filter with both hands to eliminate excess water.
For the post-filter, run water into the open side while rotating it in a circular motion. Like the pre-filter, tap and shake the post-filter to free larger dust particles stuck within its walls. Afterward, rinse the outer surface again to ensure any remaining debris is washed away.
To expedite the drying process, tap the filter to shake off any lingering water droplets.
While it's acceptable to use items such as vinegar, steer clear of any detergents when cleaning Dyson filters, and always use cold water.
Step 7: Dry the Filters
Avoid using a microwave, tumble dryer, or open flames to dry Dyson vacuum filters. Instead, place the filters in a well-ventilated area, such as near a window or a fan, for at least 24 hours.
Never reattach the filters until they are completely dry, as doing so could damage the motor. To check for moisture, simply touch the filters to see if they feel damp.
Step 8: Reattach the Filters to the Machine
Begin by reinserting the pre-filter back into the cyclone assembly. Secure the paper filter into the plastic holder, pressing down until the catches lock into place. Next, twist the pre-filter back onto the cyclone head, applying a slight torque to ensure it tightens properly.
Finally, reattach the post-filter by rotating it clockwise until the black dot on the filter aligns with the empty circle on the machine.
Conclusion
When cleaning your Dyson filter, remember to detach the paper filter from the plastic holder and wash both thoroughly with clean, cold water. If running water isn’t available, you can submerge the filters and holder in a basin filled with 2–3 liters of water, swishing them three times and tapping them after each round to dislodge debris.
Allow your filters to dry in a breezy location until they are fully dry, which typically takes around 24 hours. Refitting wet filters can lead to a short circuit in the motor and cause lasting damage.
The process of removing and reattaching a Dyson filter can vary depending on the model you own, with different steps for a single-filter system compared to a two-filter model.
