Is your Dyson cordless not sucking like it once did? The filters may need to be cleaned to restore its cleaning performance.
Dyson produce excellent cordless vacuums that are low maintenance and easy to use. With that said, all vacuums require maintenance to function effectively – and Dysons are no exception.
A blocked filter is one of the most common causes of a drop in suction. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean the filters of the Dyson V7, Dyson V8, Dyson V10, Dyson V11, and Dyson V15 series.
Important: Only ever use cold water when cleaning a Dyson cordless filter. Soap or bleach could damage the filter. Always make sure the filter is fully dry before refitting it, as a damp filter could damage your motor. You may also want to read our guide to deep cleaning Dyson cordless vacuums.
How to Clean Dyson V7 Filters
Dyson V7 vacuums have two filters: a pre-motor filter and a post-motor filter.
Unlike other Dyson cordless vacuums, only the pre-motor filter can be washed on the V7. You shouldn’t wash the post-motor filter. If the post-motor filter has become clogged with dirt, the only option is to replace it.
- Step 1: Unplug the vacuum and make sure you’re not holding down the trigger.
- Step 2: Remove the pre-motor filter by lifting it out of the top of the main body.
- Step 3: Rinse the pre-motor filter in cold water until the water runs clear, then tap out any loose dirt. Never use hot water or a washing machine for this step.
- Step 4: Gently squeeze out excess water by twisting the filter to speed up the drying time.
- Step 5: Allow the filter to completely dry for at least 24 hours before replacing it back into the machine.
As a general rule, you should clean the pre-motor filter of the Dyson V7 at least once per month. You may need to clean it more frequently if you’re vacuuming a lot of fine dust.
How to Clean Dyson V8 Filters
The Dyson V8 series has two filters. Unlike the Dyson V7 series, both of these can (and should) be washed.
- Step 1: Unplug the vacuum cleaner and make sure it’s switched off.
- Step 2: Lift out the pre-motor filter from the top of the main body. Then remove the post-motor filter by rotating it anti-clockwise until it can be pulled off the back of the vacuum.
- Step 3: Rinse the pre filter with cold water until the water isn’t murky. Tap out loose debris, then rotate and squeeze out the excess water.
- Step 4: Place the open side of the post filter under cold running water, then tap off water and loose dirt. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
- Step 5: Allow both filters to dry for at least 24 hours. Then re-attach them to the device.
As with the Dyson V7, you should wash the Dyson V8’s filters at least once per month.
How to Clean Dyson V10 Filters
The Dyson Cyclone V10 was the first Dyson cordless to have a redesigned bin system. This aligned the bin with the wand, leading to stronger and more efficient suction. The redesign also meant that the V10 only has one washable filter.
- Step 1: The filter is located on the back of the main body. Remove it by twisting it anti-clockwise until it can be gently pulled off the back of the machine.
- Step 2: Tap off excess dust and other debris into a bin.
- Step 3: Fill the filter with cold water (open side up,) then gently rotate the filter to agitate any caught debris before tipping away the water. Do not use hot water.
- Step 4: Once again fill the filter with cold water, then put your hand over the top and gently shake. Tip away the water.
- Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the water runs clear. Then tap off excess water.
- Step 6: Allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours. Make sure it’s completely dry before refitting.
Dyson recommends cleaning the V10’s filters at least once each month. There is also a filter warning light that lets you know when the filter needs to be cleaned, although we don’t recommend relying on this alone.
How to Clean Dyson V11 and V15 Filters
The Dyson V11 and Dyson V15 have the same process for cleaning the filter. You should wash the filters once per month, unless the display shows a “Filter Needs Cleaning” warning.
- Step 1: As with the Dyson V10, you can remove the filter from the back of the device by twisting it in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Step 2: Tap off loose dust into a bin. If you suffer from allergies, you should do this outside.
- Step 3: Angle the foam part of the filter downwards, then rinse the pleated paper section with cold water until the water isn’t murky.
- Step 4: Next, hold the filter horizontally and rinse the foam part of the filter. While rinsing, gently squeeze the foam from the inside to remove more dirt.
- Step 5: With the foam element facing upwards, fill with water and put your hand over the top. Then gently shake the filter to agitate dirt and other debris, before pouring away the water. Repeat the process until the water runs clear.
- Step 6: Tap off excess water and allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours. Make sure the filter is completely dry before using it again.
Summary
It’s important to keep your Dyson vacuum cleaner filters clean and unblocked. This helps to ensure that your vacuum maintains its suction power and cleaning performance. It also prevents your Dyson from cutting out or pulsing.
Fortunately, Dyson filters are usually easy to clean. The downside is that you’ll need to wait at least 24 hours to dry after each cleaning session. If you don’t want to be without your vacuum during this time, you’ll need to purchase an extra set of filters.
Do you have any questions about cleaning a Dyson cordless filter? Please let us know in the comments section below. You may also want to read our guide to cleaning a vacuum cleaner and how to empty a Dyson vacuum.