How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum

I happen to currently own and use not one, but two Dyson vacuums. My husband and I managed perfectly well for many years with our beloved upright Dyson Ball vacuum. It wasn’t until our first son became an active toddler that we caved and invested in a Dyson cordless stick vacuum. No regrets! We often joke that a quality cordless vacuum should be at the top of every expecting parent’s baby registry list.

We use our vacuum(s) multiple times every single day to keep up with crumbs and dirt and whatever else gets tracked in and around our home. If you can relate, then learning how to clean a Dyson vacuum filter, hose, and attachments is wildly important. You need to learn how to clean a Dyson vacuum so it can continue cleaning for you. Below, I’m sharing the exact steps to take!

How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum

DISCLAIMER: Before you get started, I highly recommend taking a peak at your specific machine’s manufacturer instructions. The last thing you want to do is accidentally void a warranty! The cleaning steps detailed below are based on Dyson’s recommendations and have been tested on my Dyson vacuums multiple times with great success. With that said, you can find more tips for your specific model at Dyson’s Support Site.

Helpful Tools and Materials

• Air Compressor or Reusable Air Duster
• Scissors
• Water
• Small Scrub Brush or Sponge
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
• Flathead Screwdriver or Quarter (depending on your vacuum model)

STEP 1: Empty and Clean the Vacuum Canister

Once the vacuum is turned off and unplugged, remove the vacuum bin or canister from the machine. Most Dyson vacuum models include a red “bin release” button to make this job easy. Carry it over to your trash can (or compost bin!) and press the button on your dust canister to release the contents. 

Maintenance Tip: Never let your vacuum canister fill above halfway before emptying it. This habit will help your vacuum maintain good suction power.

Next, separate the canister from the cyclone. If you notice that dirt or debris have gotten stuck in the holes of your vacuum’s cyclone, you’ll want to grab an air compressor. Take the cyclone outside if possible (this will be messy!) and use the air compressor to loosen and release the debris. 

Don’t own an air compressor? You can try using the cold setting on your hairdryer to blow away some of the debris. This will of course be less effective than an air compressor but better than nothing!

Next grab a damp microfiber cloth. Use the microfiber cloth to wipe any remaining dust and debris from the inside of the canister and around the cyclone.  

With most models, you can rinse the canister under cold water and use a brush or sponge to clean. Check the manufacturer instructions for your vacuum before rinsing your cyclone with water.

Note: Dyson does not recommend the use of any detergents while cleaning. 

STEP 2: Remove and Clean the Vacuum Filter

This step is incredibly simple. The hardest part is locating and removing your vacuum filter. Most Dyson vacuum filters are located near the cyclone. They are usually a purple color, and once you locate it you can easily lift it out in order to clean it.

Keep in mind, some Dyson vacuum models have two filters, one near the cyclone and another within the ball or side housing of the vacuum. 

All you have to do to clean your vacuum filter is rinse it under water. Dyson recommends avoiding any sort of cleaning detergent or soap when cleaning your vacuum filter. Simply rinse it under water until the water runs clear.

Let your vacuum filter dry completely for 24 hours in a warm area before reinserting it back into your vacuum. Do NOT put the filter in a dryer or try any other drying technique as that can damage your filter.

Regardless of how often you clean the rest of your vacuum, Dyson recommends cleaning your vacuum filter every 1-3 months depending on your model. 

STEP 3: Untangle and Clean the Vacuum Brush Bar

To keep your vacuum brush bar in the best shape possible, you’ll want to regularly untangle hair or string or other substances that have wrapped around the bar. Your vacuum brush does an important job of grabbing all of the dirt and debris from your hard floors and carpet. In order for it to do the best job possible, it’s best to eliminate anything that could get in the way!

To remove the Dyson vacuum brush, you will need either a flathead screwdriver or a coin (I use a quarter) depending on your model. Detach and remove the vacuum brush.

Grab your scissors and use them to cut away any hair or debris that has wrapped itself around the vacuum brush. 

Next, grab a soft cleaning brush or a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the vacuum brush bar clean. Make sure it has ample time to air dry before you place it back on your vacuum. This is also a good time to disinfect your vacuum’s soleplate, wheels, or other parts that touch the floor when vacuuming. This is important to prevent your vacuum from spreading bacteria or grime throughout the rest of your house when cleaning.

STEP 4: Clean Vacuum Attachments

If your Dyson vacuum came with multiple attachments, now is a good time to clean those as well. You will want to follow a similar process as you did with the vacuum brush bar.

Use your fingers to release any hair or other debris stuck to the vacuum attachment. Check for any blockages inside of the vacuum attachment and remove those with your fingers. Use a damp microfiber cloth or soft cleaning brush to wipe away any remaining dust or dirt from the attachment. Avoid the use of detergents or soaps per Dyson’s recommendations.

Allow each clean attachment ample time to air dry before storing it away again. 

STEP 5: Unclog the Hose

Once your vacuum brush grabs debris, it will get sucked into your vacuum hose. If the hose is clogged even slightly, it will affect the suction power of your vacuum. It’s a simple process to check for hose blockages.

Check your manufacturer instructions to determine how and if you can remove the vacuum hose. Once removed, visually check if there are any blockages that could be clogging the hose inside.

If you notice debris inside of your vacuum hose that can’t be easily removed by hand, try pushing it out using a broomstick or similar tool. Once clear, you can follow up by pushing a very small, damp cleaning cloth through the hose with the same broomstick. The cloth will grab on to dirt and dust that’s stuck to the walls of your vacuum hose. 

Be very careful to let your vacuum hose dry completely before reattaching to your vacuum. The last thing you want is for mold to start developing in your vacuum hose!  

STEP 6: Clean the Vacuum Exterior

Now that you have properly cleaned every part of your vacuum’s interior, it’s time to pay attention to the exterior! All you should need is a damp microfiber cloth or a magic eraser to get the job done.

I would also recommend regularly disinfecting your vacuum handle (or any points of regular contact in your home – door knobs, light switches, etc.). 

How Often Should You Clean Your Vacuum

Depends on how often you use it! We use our Dyson V8 cordless vacuum multiple times a day for small jobs around the house so I clean the vacuum filter at least once a month. I make time to give our vacuum a deeper clean around 4 times a year.

Dyson does recommend cleaning your vacuum filter between once a month and every three months depending on your model. Now that you know how to clean a Dyson vacuum filter, this should be no problem!

So long as you’re regularly emptying the canister, checking the vacuum hose for blockages, and removing hair or debris from your vacuum brush bar, you could probably get away with less frequent deep cleanings of your Dyson vacuum. With that said, now that you know how to clean a Dyson vacuum, doing so doesn’t have to be so intimidating!

Top Rated Dyson Vacuums

If you’re in the market for a new vacuum, here are the top rated options currently available via Amazon. My personal opinion? Go for the cordless stick vacuum model. ESPECIALLY if you have kids. Like I mentioned earlier, I always joke that a cordless vacuum should be at the top of every expecting mother’s baby registry list! It’s THAT valuable.