A Dyson vacuum cleaner is a big investment, but well worth the cost. In our experience, they suck up all the dirt inside a house — even dirt you didn’t know existed.
These machines last a good, long time, but they need regular cleaning to keep them in good working condition. A dirty vacuum sucks the fun (ha!) out of chores, and could even lead to clogging or damage.
To clean your Dyson, all you need is plain water and microfibre cloths. Rinse the filters and brush bars under running water, then use a soft cloth to wipe the vacuum parts clean.
Grab a face mask — it’s time to get down and dirty (or dusty?) with your Dyson vacuum cleaner.
How Often to Clean | Cleaning After Use | Before Deep Cleaning | How to Deep Clean | Cleaning a Dyson That Smells Bad
Do You Really Need to Clean a Dyson Vacuum?
Yes, you do need to clean your vacuum cleaner! Even if you regularly empty the bin, dust and debris can build up in the vacuum head, canister, cyclone, and other parts.
If you don’t clean out that debris, it could impede your vacuum’s performance. You might see decreased suction power and efficiency, meaning the vac won’t get all the dirt on your floors.
That build-up can also damage your Dyson — and no one wants that.
Anything trapped in the brush bar could also damage your floors, especially timber flooring.
A well-maintained vacuum cleaner makes it easier for you — or your regular house cleaner — to tidy up your floors… and walls, carpets, couches, you name it!
How Often to Clean a Dyson Vacuum
Dyson recommends you clean the vacuum filter and dust canister once a month for “optimal performance.”
Keep in mind that you’ll need to let the filter and brush bar dry for 24 hours after washing.
For people who use the vacuum very often or hoover up lots of dirt (like pet fur), you may need to clean more frequently.
Some newer models have an LCD screen that tells you when the filter needs some TLC. Keep an eye out for that alert — you may need to clean the vacuum filter sooner than you think!
How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum After Use
Keep your vacuum cleaner fresh between deep cleaning by regularly emptying the bin and clearing the vacuum head of debris.
Empty the dustbin
Always empty the canister or dustbin when it reaches the MAX line — although you can empty it before that, especially if you vacuumed food debris.
To empty a Dyson vacuum cleaner, disconnect the dustbin and then turn it upside down. Press the release lever to empty the canister into the rubbish bin.
Gently tap the side of the canister to dislodge any remaining debris. Once empty, wipe the inside of the dustbin with a damp cloth.
Do not use any cleaning products (not even soap) or pour any water into the canister.
Leave the dustbin open for an hour or two so it can air dry. Afterwards, reattach it to the base — and be sure you hear it click into place!
Clean the bar and vacuum head
Quickly check the vacuum head for any trapped debris, such as strands of hair or bits of food. Carefully remove any large debris with your fingers.
For tangled hair, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to remove the brush bar. Untangle or cut off the hair (mind the brush bristles!) and any other debris, then reattach the bar.
Wipe the vacuum head with a dry cloth, then store the machine in a cool, dry space.
Before Deep Cleaning a Dyson Vacuum
Always work with your Dyson vacuum switched off and disconnected from the charger or charging port.
Before you start cleaning, wear a face mask so you don’t inhale any dust. Use rubber gloves as well if necessary.
Empty the dustbin and give it a little tap or shake to dislodge any debris.
For Dyson vacuum cleaning, you’ll need:
- Microfibre cloths
- Warm running water
- Compressed air can
- Flathead screwdriver or small coin
How to Deep Clean a Dyson Vacuum
Proper maintenance keeps your Dyson vacuum cleaner in good working condition! Remember, a clean vac means clean floors.
Remove and wash the filter
The vacuum filter does the heavy lifting — it traps all the fine dust and dirt so you don’t accidentally release it back into the air.
Refer to the owner’s manual for how to access the dust filter. It’s usually inside the dustbin or near the motor.
To clean a Dyson vacuum filter, take out the filter and carefully tap it over your rubbish bin to remove any loose dirt. You can also use a soft brush on the exterior surfaces.
Rinse the filter under warm water, then fill it up partway. Cover both ends with your hands and shake the filter back and forth to dislodge the remaining debris inside.
Empty the filter, then repeat the process until the water runs clear.
Shake out the excess moisture before leaving the filter to air dry in a well-ventilated space for 24 hours. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, which could degrade the material.
Rinse the brush bar
Before you do anything, check the user manual. Some Dyson models have brush bars that are not washable — if that’s the case, skip this step.
If your model has a soft roller bar, that’s usually washable!
Push the end cap so you can remove the brush bar (or bars). If your Dyson has a soleplate, remove the screws with a screwdriver or small coin. Set them aside so you don’t lose them.
Carefully remove or untangle any hair, fibres, and other debris from the bar. Then rinse it under running water — only water.
Gently squeeze out or blot any excess water, then stand the bar upright in a well-ventilated space for 24 hours so it can completely dry.
Clean the vacuum head
Take a moment to clean the Dyson vacuum head with a dry microfibre cloth. Wipe all the surfaces, paying special attention to the brush bar housing.
Use a toothpick or old toothbrush to remove trapped dirt from the crevices.
Clean the canister
While the filter and brush bar are drying, clean the vacuum dustbin!
After you’ve emptied your Dyson’s canister, use a compressed air can to blow out any dirt hiding in the crevices. Then wipe all the surfaces clean with a damp microfibre cloth.
For Cyclone models, use a soft-bristled brush or a compressed air device to remove fine particles from the cyclone. Go over the surfaces with a dry cloth — do not introduce any moisture.
Leave the dustbin to dry in a well-ventilated spot.
Check the hose
Inspect the hose and any attachments for any blockages! Trapped debris can prevent your vacuum cleaner from working properly.
If anything’s stuck inside the hose, use a straightened clothes hanger or a long, thin stick to push out the blockage. Then give it a blast of compressed air to remove any lingering dust.
For the attachments, wipe them clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn dirt, you can wash the attachment in mild dish soap and water, then dry them thoroughly.
Wipe the vacuum and reassemble
Go over all the remaining surfaces with a dry cloth to remove lingering dust and dirt. Pay special attention to the handle and display, which are high-contact areas.
For very dirty surfaces, lightly dampen a cloth with some rubbing alcohol and wipe your Dyson clean. Don’t spray the vacuum cleaner directly!
Once all the parts — especially the filters and bars — are dry, reassemble your Dyson vacuum. Give it a quick test to make sure everything works, and you’re good to go.
How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum That Smells Bad
Sometimes we switch on the vacuum cleaner only for it to release a funky smell from the vent.
A Dyson vacuum may develop an unpleasant odour for several reasons:
- Frequently vacuuming pet fur
- Not washing the filter regularly
- Not emptying food debris ASAP
You may find that your Dyson smells a bit off even with regular cleaning. That’s usually due to dirt accumulating inside the dustbin (or the cyclone), which is difficult to clean fully without taking it apart.
Follow the instructions to disassemble the canister so you can get dust out of all the nooks and crannies. Use a compressed air device to blow out any dirt.
As a quick fix to remove the unpleasant smell, place some dry, coarse coffee grounds or laundry pellets inside the canister and leave overnight. Empty the bin afterwards.
If that doesn’t get rid of the smell, you may need to have the internal filter replaced.
NOTE: Do not use baking soda or any fine powder to absorb odours inside the vacuum canister. The powder can get into the internal mechanisms and lead to clogs or damage.
Additionally, do not put any essential oils on the filter, as the oils can make the filter less effective or get into the motor and cause damage.
FAQs About Cleaning a Dyson
Here are a few more tips and answers to common questions about Dyson vacuum maintenance.
Can I wash the cyclone on my Dyson vacuum?
No, you should never wash the cyclone part or introduce any moisture. Only use a dry microfibre cloth to clean the cyclone on your Dyson vacuum.
The only parts of a Dyson you can wash are the filters and brush bar.
Can I use soap to clean a Dyson?
Do not use soap when cleaning your Dyson vacuum! Soaps and detergents can leave a residue or damage the filter, making the vac less effective or damaging the dustbin seals.
Stick to plain water when cleaning.
When do I replace my Dyson filter?
The vacuum cleaner uses a washable filter, so proper maintenance will keep it in good condition for the lifetime of your machine.
You should only need to replace the filter if you notice the vac losing suction even after cleaning, or if there’s visible wear and damage.
