We have a confession to make: Seeing all that dust, dirt and hair filling up the little clear bin of our vacuum cleaner is incredibly satisfying. Who would think that such a small machine could pick up all that dust!
While vacuuming certainly isn’t our favourite thing in the world to do, it’s a task that needs to get done. Between the millions of skin cells, hair, bacteria, allergens, dander, dust and pollen (should we go on…), it’s a chore that isn’t going away any time soon. Plus, emptying a full bin of dirt *almost* makes it worth it.
So while vacuuming in itself is an important task for house cleaning, so is actually keeping the vacuum cleaner, well, clean. Here, we share our top tips on how to clean your Dyson vacuum cleaner filter for best results.
What happens when your Dyson filter is dirty?
Like with anything, using something over time is going to need some maintenance. When you use a wet or dry vacuum cleaner on a regular basis, it’s very common for the filter to become clogged and dirty with a build-up of dust, dirt and grime.
When this happens, this can impact the performance of the vacuum cleaner, resulting in a less powerful suction AKA not picking up dirt as well as it could be.
A dirty filter on your vacuum cleaner could also potentially release the very same dust you’re trying to suck up from re-entering air, and can leave your space smelling musty and stale.
Can Dyson filters be washed and reused?
Yes, they certainly can! In fact it’s highly encouraged, too. Washing and reusing your vacuum cleaner filters will prolong its life, and will save you from purchasing new filters every time they get dirty.
How often should you wash Dyson filters?
According to the official people at Dyson, they recommend cleaning out the filters of your cordless vacuum cleaner once a month. Of course this number could vary depending on what your situation at home is like. If you own a Dyson V11 model, a message will appear on the screen warning you the filter needs cleaning which is super handy.
If you’re accident prone, own pets, are dealing with messy kids (or kids at heart), you may want to wash your filter more often. If you’re less likely to pull out the vacuum cleaner, then you could probably get away with cleaning the filter once every few months.
What is the best way to clean a Dyson filter?
To clean the filter of your Dyson vacuum cleaner, follow these steps:
Step 1
Locate the filter of your vacuum cleaner. Depending on the model of your Dyson, it will either be located at the base of the machine for models V11 and V10, or on top of the vacuum for models V8, V7 and V6. If you’re not sure where it is, take a look at your model’s user manual to find the exact location
Step 2
Remove the filter. Twist to remove from V11 and V10 models, and pull to remove from V8, V7 and V6 models. These models also feature a second filter at the base
Step 3
Remove loose debris by gently tapping the filter against a hard surface
Step 4
Clean the filter by liberally spraying Universal Cleaner all over the surface
Step 5
Wait 1-2 minutes before rinsing under running water. Use your hands to gently rub against the mesh of the filter to remove any stubborn debris. You can also fill the filter with water, cup your hands on either end and shake for a more thorough clean
Step 6
If your filter is particularly dirty, repeat steps 4 and 5 until you can no longer see any loose dirt or grime
Step 7
Let the filter dry before returning it to your vacuum cleaner
Tips and tricks for cleaning a Dyson filter
- Be sure to turn off your machine and unplug it from the wall
- Only use cold water
- Avoid throwing the filter in the dishwasher or washing machine for a quick clean
- You’ll know the filter is clean when water runs clear after washing it under a tap
- Firmly shake the filter to quickly remove excess water once it’s clean
- It’s important to remember to allow the filter to dry completely. Drying time can take several hours or even overnight (Dyson actually recommends at least 24 hours)
- Don’t dry the filters in a tumble dryer
Why use Koh cleaning products for a Dyson
Universal Cleaner’s powerful solution is ideal for making quick work of tough tasks like your Dyson filter. But at the same time, it’s also eco-certified to the GECA cleaning standard and recommended by the National Asthma Council Australia's Sensitive Choice™ program which means it’s gentle enough for your family.
When working with something like a vacuum cleaner which can quite literally touch every single room of your house, it’s super important you’re using a product that actually works.
