How To Clean A Dyson Filter (Step-by-Step Guide)
Dyson makes quality vacuum cleaners. To keep them working, you need to do proper maintenance, such as cleaning the filter out. We’re going to show you how to clean a Dyson filter, the easy way.
To clean a Dyson filter, first, look up the model number to get the exact filter. Next, take the pieces of the vacuum apart. Locate and remove the filter, by pressing the release button. Run the filter under the cold water in the sink, until it runs clear. Finally, lay the filter on the side, and let it dry for 24 hours.
Having a vacuum cleaner that cleans well, is essential for a large household, or families. You need to be able to rely on your cleaning equipment. The Dyson makes a quality cleaner, with an easy to clean filter. We’ve put together this guide, to show you all of the steps involved, in cleaning your Dyson vacuum filter.
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Research Your Filter First
Your filter may be too dirty to clean. The very first thing you should do is look for the model number, of your Dyson vacuum. Once you have the model number, you can figure out which filter you are working with. This information will also let you know the specifics for cleaning your filter.
Not every Dyson product uses the same filter. It can be a pain, finding the right filter, if you do not have the model number of your product. Avoid getting stuck in the store, not knowing what you have, by researching it first. If you cannot locate the model number on the vacuum, look at the manual.
Materials Needed To Clean Filter
You need a few items, to clean your filter. You may not need all of these items, depending on the type of Dyson Vacuum you have. Check your user manual for any special instructions.
What you need:
- Sink with water
- Scizzors
- A dry surface
You will need a sink with running water, to clean your Dyson filter. You will also need a good dry area, to let you filter dry, for up to 24 hours. You may need scissors, to help pull hair and other debris from the filter or the vacuum extensions.
Vacuums pick up all kinds of fibers, the filter can get clogged with fibers and dirt. Be careful when using scissors to pull hair and fibers out of the filter. You do not want to damage the filter, trying to remove hair.
How Often Should you Clean a Dyson Filter?
The answer to this depends on what type of vacuum you have. A regular Dyson vacuum filter should be cleaned every 12-18 months. You may need to clean it sooner, if you use it often, or professionally.
If you have a bagless, Dyson vacuum, then you should clean it every day, or once a week, depending on how often you use it. Make sure to empty the vacuum bag when it gets half or three-quarters full. This will help keep the filter from getting clogged.
Keeping your Dyson vacuum maintained will ensure that it lasts for years. The better you treat your vacuum, the longer it will last. You will thank yourself down the road. A good vacuum can be extremely expensive, and if you treat them right, they will be there, when you need them.
How to Clean Dyson Vacuum Filter
Now that you know how to identify your vacuum, let’s look at the steps involved in cleaning the filter. This process is pretty easy and doesn’t take too long. However, drying the filter can take up to 24 hours.
Step 1: Locate Manufacturer Recommendations
Find the model number, to get the correct filter information for your vacuum. Once you have the model number, you can check the manufacturer’s recommendations. This can have special information about your model.
Step 2: Unplug the Vacuum
Unplug your vacuum from the wall. Switch the vacuum to the off position. You do not want to clean the filter with your vacuum plugged in, or with the switch on.
Step 3: Remove the Filter
Remove the filter from your vacuum cleaner. Open up your vacuum, and locate the filter housing release button. This will allow the filter to come out.
Step 4: Soak
Fill a bowl with cold water, and soak the filter. Do not add any detergent, only use cold water. Let the filter soak for around 5 minutes, fully submerged.
Step 5: Rinse
Rinse the filter under cold water, at the sink. You can softly squeeze the filter as you rinse, releasing some of the dirty water. Rinse it, until the water that runs out of it is clear.
Step 6: Dry
Finally, you will dry your filter. Set the filter in a sunny, or dry place. Set it down on its side, horizontally. Make sure that the filter fully dries, before putting it back in. Sometimes this can take up to 24 hours.
How to Dry Dyson Filter Quickly
We suggest letting your filter air dry. You can speed up this process, by putting it out in the sun. You can also point a fan at it, to help it dry quicker. As long as the filter is completely dry, it is ready to go back into the vacuum.
You may also be able to use a hairdryer, on low, to help it dry. Gently wave it back and forth, never getting to close to the filter. You can dry it in about 20 minutes this way. A breezy location can also help speed it up.
It could take as long as 24 hours, to completely dry your filter. If you try these methods to speed it up, but it is still not completely dry, refrain from using it. Make sure that it is completely dry before you use it, or it could damage the vacuum.
How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum Animal Cyclone Component
Some Dyson vacuums, come with components, such as the animal cyclone. These can be great tools when it comes to getting dirty fibers out of the carpet. However, they can also get hair and other long fibers stuck in them. This can be a pain to get out.
Remove the clear bin from the cyclone, and empty it. Separate it from the vacuum, and set it to the side. Bring the component to the sink, and run water over the filtering holes. Spin it around as you flush it out until the water runs clear.
Fill the main hole with some water, and then shake the water around in the unit, to clean any stuck on pieces of dirt inside of it. Pour it out, and repeat the process, until the water runs clear.
Can You Put Dyson Parts in the Dishwasher
Some people may be tempted to clean their Dyson filter in a dishwasher, but you should avoid this. Do not use a dishwasher, or washing machine to clean these filters. You should also avoid drying them in a dryer.
You need to wash this filter by hand, in the sink, not in the dishwasher. Hot water can be bad for the filters, and you need to be gentle with it. Use cold water, and avoid using any cleaning solutions. If you have a Dyson product, that has dishwasher safe parts, make sure you read the instructions carefully.
Tips for Cleaning Your Dyson Filter
We have some tips, for cleaning your Dyson filter, that may help you speed up the process a little bit, and make it easier. These are some best practices to follow.
Do not use hot water. Always use cold water, when you are cleaning your Dyson filter. Hot water can damage the filter, and cause problems inside of the vacuum cleaner.
Pick a sunny spot to dry it. If you can, pick a sunny area to dry your filter. This will speed up the dry time considerably. You can use other methods to speed it up, but this works best.
Be gentle with the filter. When you are washing the filter, you can squeeze it gently. Do not apply to much pressure. This will help get the dirty water out, as long are you are extra careful during the process.
Final Tip – Read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Each vacuum model has a set of recommendations for cleaning and maintenance. Read this to find out if there are any special circumstances. Not every filter has the same cleaning process, so save time and avoid accidents, by double-checking.
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Related Questions
Can you use soap on Dyson filters?
You should not use soap on these filters. Use cold water only, to flush out the filter, and then rinse it with water, until it runs clear. Soap and other cleaning products can damage the filter and the vacuum.
Do Dyson vacuum filters need to be replaced?
Dyson vacuum filters last a long while, as long as you keep up with cleaning them. However, they do not last forever. Eventually, you will have to replace the filter on your Dyson vacuum. You should only have to replace the filter, once, every couple of years.
I'm a writer that is passionate about home improvements, remodeling, and renovating. I enjoy learning new skills and techniques and sharing them with others.
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