How to Deep Clean A Dyson Vacuum. Learn how to clean a Dyson vacuum, plus the filters and canisters. Also, learn general maintenance tips for keeping your vacuum running.
I am so thankful for modern conveniences like dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and vacuums. They make cleaning so much easier. But even these machines that are designed to clean need a little cleaning themselves from time to time. Today I am going to show you how to clean a Dyson vacuum for general maintenance, and how to deep clean it, including the filters and canister.
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How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum
Supplies needed:
- Dyson Vacuum
- Microfiber Cloths
- Mild Detergent
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Seam Ripper or Small Scissors
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Magic Eraser
- Air Compressor or Compressed Air
Disclaimer: Please read all the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your particular vacuum. Not following instructions can possibly void the warranty for your vacuum. I have done all the below steps without any harm to my vacuum but follow these instructions at your own risk. You can find helpful tips for your particular Dyson at https://www.dyson.com/support.
General Maintenance for Dyson Vacuum
I perform all these general maintenance cleaning tips every 3 months.
First things first. Always start by unplugging your machine. In the picture, my vacuum doesn’t look too dirty, but as we take it apart you will see inside it is pretty gross.
Empty the canister into the trash can.
Note: Personally, I always try to empty the canister when it gets about half full.
Next, remove the canister from the cyclone. Mine has a little button to push near the top.
Clean out any dirt, dust, hair, or debris that is on the cyclone and dispose of in the trash.
Rinse the canister in cold water.
Note: I use some Basic H and a microfiber cloth to wash mine out when I do my deep cleaning. Dyson does say not to use any kind of detergent on the canister, but I haven’t found any problems with doing this.
How to Clean a Dyson Filter
Remove all the filters on your vacuum. I have a filter A and a filter B. Filter A is in the side housing. You simply remove the housing and pop out the filter.
Filter B is located under where the canister sits. Open the lid and take out the filter.
Note: Filters should be washed every 3 months according to my manual. Only use cold water.
Filter A consists of two parts – a soft filter and another filter with a plastic housing. For the soft filter simply wash under cold water until it runs clear. It helps to run it under the cold water, squeeze it out, and repeat this process on both sides of the filter.
For the other part of the filter – rinse under cold water, turn it over and shake it out. Do this until the water runs clear.
How to Clean Dyson Canister Filter
For Filter B, you need to run it under cold water, turn it over, and tap out the water. Repeat this 10 times.
Allow everything to dry for at least 24 hours. I usually place everything out in the sun on my back porch. If you live in a humid climate you may want to allow 48 hours for all the filters to dry. If you don’t dry everything thoroughly you will end up with a mildew smell in your machine.
Wipe down the outside of your vacuum with a damp microfiber cloth.
Once everything is thoroughly dry, replace the filters and canister to their original positions.
Deep Cleaning a Dyson Vacuum
About every 6 months to a year I give my Dyson a thorough deep cleaning. Start by following all the steps above for general maintenance.
Next, we are going to go a little further and take apart more of the vacuum. Remove the wand from the hose. Mine has a little button to push on the side.
Then, remove the hose from the machine. Again, there is a spot on my vacuum where I can push a little lever in to release the hose.
I rinse these out with cold water in the tub or shower. Mine has a little piece at the bottom on the side where the u-bend connects. Take this part out.
Also, remove the plastic u-bend.
I wash these pieces with cold water and a microfiber cloth in the sink.
Also, wash any attachments you may have for your vacuum. I use a bit of mild detergent and a microfiber cloth to scrub them off. Be sure to remove any excess hair or strings before washing.
Turn the vacuum over and using a flat-head screwdriver remove the soleplate covering the brushbar. Use a seam ripper or pair of small scissors to remove any hair or strings that are wrapped around the brushbar. This is a good time to inspect your belt for any signs of wear. Wipe off the brushbar with a damp microfiber cloth and replace the soleplate.
Any part that touches the floor – the soleplate, the wheels, and any other parts of the vacuum on the bottom get wiped down with rubbing alcohol to sanitize them.
How to Clean the Dyson Cyclone
The next part should be done outside. We have an air compressor, so this was the easiest way to clean out the cyclone part of the vacuum. If you don’t have a compressor, you can use a hairdryer or a can of compressed air. Blow out all the dust and dirt.
Wipe off the outside of the cyclone with a damp microfiber cloth.
I usually try to get off any extra scuff marks on the outside of the vacuum as well. A Magic Eraser is the perfect tool for the job. This is purely cosmetic, but since I only do this once or twice a year, I like to do this extra little step.
Once everything is completely dry – again wait at least 24 -48 hours – put everything back on your vacuum, making sure everything is seated correctly.
Washing the filters regularly and doing a yearly deep clean will keep your machine running at top performance for years to come. I have had my Dyson for at least 4 years and it works just as well as the day we bought it.
Now that you have deep cleaned your vacuum, check out how to deep clean your entire home in only 31 days!
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Pam B. says
First, love your blog!
Second, I wanted to post my experience & tips, so it may help someone else. We have a DC33 that was purchased in early 2012, and I’m ashamed to admit, never cleaned. We have 3 indoor cats, and we’ve had a loss of suction and odors to the point that we were about to purchase a new vacuum.
I completely disassembled the vacuum – all of the filters, the 2 “traps,” the canister, even taking the top off the cyclone portion, the hose, everything. Wiped the entire vacuum (everything I could not take off) with Clorox wipes. Pine Sol, Simple Green, or some other cleaning solution on a rag would also work. Removed hair off beater bar with scissors & wiped it down thoroughly as well as the area around the bar. Rinsed out the filters until clean. Washed every single removable part with hot water & a mild soapy bleach solution. This includes the canister, attachments, plastic traps & anything else I could take off & wash by hand. I sprayed out the cyclone portion with hot water so the holes were clear – it was filthy & this took probably 15 minutes. (Note: Dyson does not recommend using water on the cyclone portion, but mine is out of warranty, and it is only plastic inside once you remove the upper hinged cover – there is a thin paper-type filter in that area. So long as you let it dry thoroughly, it will be fine.) I also removed the hose & let it soak in hot, soapy bleach water for 6-8 hours. If you have a stinky Dyson, especially from pets, this is absolutely key! The hose will hold a LOT of odor. I just submerged mine in the sink with hot tap water, Dawn dish soap, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bleach, & let it soak all day while I was at work. Rinse & hang dry for at least 48 hours. (Use the blowdryer on low heat or cool shot through it for a few minutes before reinstalling to ensure it is completely dry.) I let everything dry for several days in our hot Texas garage. You MUST make sure everything is completely, 150% dry, or you can end up with odors or worse yet, suck up damp dust which will ruin your motor. I would suggest a bare minimum 48 hours dry time. I disassembled mine on Saturday & did not reassemble until the following Saturday, so several days of dry time. After all of this, our machine not only runs like new, but looks & smells great!
If you still have odor issues or are particularly concerned, you can also use a few of those Downy Unstoppables in the canister for fragrance.
Laura Silva says
It is amazing what cleaning your vacuum can do to make it work more efficiently!
Best Pet Vacuum says
Thank you very much for these cleaning tips
Nice work. Really appreciated.
Steve Walker says
Struggling cleaning the brushroll can be challenging ) However thanks to your nice tips it could be done easily.
Thanks for sharing!
Laura Silva says
Steve,
Have a wonderful New Year!
Laura
Sylvia says
Hi Laura, thank you for the info.
Do you happen to have any tips for cleaning scuffs marks on the wand of my Dyson cordless? Dyson only recommends a damp cloth which hasn’t made any difference.
Thank you!
Laura Silva says
Sylvia,
I have had good luck using a Magic Eraser to clean off scuff marks from my Dyson (and pretty much any tool or appliance). Hope that helps!
xo,
Laura