How To Clean Dyson Cordless Vacuum

Keeping your Dyson cordless vacuum clean is essential for maintaining its powerful suction and long battery life. If you’re wondering how to clean Dyson cordless vacuum models, you’ve come to the right place. A regular cleaning routine prevents clogs, keeps your floors spotless, and ensures your machine lasts for years. This guide covers everything from the quick weekly checks to the deep-clean your vacuum needs every few months.

This main process involves disassembling the key parts of your vacuum. You’ll focus on the bin, cyclone, filters, and brush bar. Each of these components plays a vital role in your vacuum’s performance, and keeping them free of dust and debris is the secret to that “like-new” power. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

What You’ll Need

Gathering a few simple supplies before you start makes the job much easier. You won’t need any special chemicals.

Your Dyson cordless vacuum (make sure it’s turned off and removed from the charger)
A soft, dry cloth or microfiber towel
A small, soft-bristled brush (a clean paintbrush works great)
Lukewarm water
A sink or basin
A pair of scissors (for cutting hair and threads)
A coin (for some model’s filter housing)

Step 1: Emptying the Bin

This should be done after every use, or at least when the bin is full. Don’t let debris sit in there for weeks.

Hold your vacuum over a trash can.
Press the red bin release button or slide the mechanism to detach the bin from the main body.
Point the opening downward into the trash and push the clear bottom slider up. This will eject all the dirt.
Give it a few taps to dislodge any fine dust stuck to the sides.

Step 2: Cleaning the Bin and Cyclone

Fine dust loves to cling to the inside of the clear bin and the cyclone shroud. A monthly clean here makes a huge difference.

With the bin removed, check your manual to see if the cyclone unit can be detached. On many models, you can push a button to seperate it from the bin.
Use your soft-bristled brush to gently dislodge dust from the cyclone’s small openings. Be thorough but careful not to damage the plastic fins.
Wipe the inside of the clear bin with a dry cloth. Avoid using water on the bin/cyclone assembly unless the instructions specifically say you can rinse it. Moisture here can cause problems.

Step 3: Washing the Filters

This is the most important step for maintaining suction power. Most Dyson cordless vacuums have two filters: one at the top of the main body and sometimes one near the bin. You should wash them every 1-3 months.

Refer to your manual to locate both filters. The main filter is usually twist-and-pull or has a simple release button.
Gently tap the filter over a trash can to remove loose dust.
Rinse the filter under cold or lukewarm running water. Use your fingers to gently rub the pleats. Never use soap, detergent, or hot water.
Keep rinsing until the water runs completely clear. This can take a few minutes.
Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not twist or wring the filter, as this can damage the material.
Let the filter dry completely for at least 24 hours in a warm, well-ventilated place. Do not put it near a heater or in direct sunlight. Never reassemble a damp filter.

Step 4: Clearing the Brush Bar

Hair, string, and carpet fibers wrap around the brush bar, slowing it down and straining the motor.

Lay the cleaner head flat on the floor.
Look for the fasteners on the bottom—these usually require a coin to turn and unlock.
Remove the soleplate (the bottom cover) to expose the brush bar.
Use your scissors to carefully cut through and remove all wound-up hair and threads. Pull them away.
Check the ends of the brush bar for any obstructions and clear them with your fingers or the scissors.
Wipe the inside of the soleplate and the brush bar housing with a dry cloth.
Snap the soleplate back on and lock it with the coin.

Step 5: Checking Other Attachments

Don’t forget the tools you use regularly. The crevice tool and soft dusting brush can collect dust in their interiors.

Detach any tools you use often.
Run water through hollow tools if possible, or use your soft brush to clean inside them.
Wipe down the exterior of all attachments with a damp cloth and let them air dry.

Step 6: Final Wipe Down and Reassembly

Once everything is clean and bone-dry, you can put your vacuum back together.

Wipe the entire main body of the vacuum with a slightly damp cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. Avoid getting moisture in any openings.
Make absolutely sure the filters are 100% dry. This is critical.
Reinsert the filters correctly, following the arrows or markings on the housing.
Click the bin and cyclone assembly back onto the main body until you hear a secure click.
Attach a clean tool to the end of the vacuum.

Maintenance Schedule Quick Reference

After Every Use: Empty the bin.
Weekly: Check the brush bar for hair and give the bin a quick wipe.
Monthly: Do a full bin and cyclone clean with the brush.
Every 1-3 Months: Wash both filters (more often if you have pets or allergies).

Troubleshooting Common Issues After Cleaning

If your vacuum isn’t working right after a clean, here’s what to check.

Loss of Suction

Wet Filter: This is the number one cause. Remove the filters and let them dry for another full day.
Blockage: Check the bin opening, the cyclone, the wand, and the cleaner head for a clog you might have missed.
Incorrect Reassembly: Ensure every part is clicked into place securely. A loose bin or filter housing can break the seal and kill suction.

Brush Bar Not Spinning

Make sure the cleaner head is attached correctly to the wand.
Check for a new hair wrap or obstruction you might of missed.
Ensure the soleplate is locked back on properly.

Battery Not Charging

If you got the main body wet during cleaning, moisture could be in the contacts. Ensure everything is completely dry before placing it on the charger. If problems persist, contact Dyson support.

Special Considerations for Different Models

While the core principles are the same, some models have small differences.

Dyson V7, V8, V10, V11, V12, V15

The filter washing process is largely identical. The main difference is the bin release mechanism and the design of the cyclone. Always consult your quick-start guide for the exact location of release buttons.

Dyson Outsize

The process is the same, just on a larger scale. The bin is bigger, so take extra care to support it when removing.

Dyson Animal Models

If you have pets, you’ll need to clean the brush bar and wash the filters more frequently—potentially every two weeks for filters. Pet hair and dander clogs things faster.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Dyson

Avoiding these mistakes will protect your investment.

Do not immerse the main body, battery, or charger in water.
Do not use detergents, solvents, or polishes on any part.
Do not put any part in a dishwasher or washing machine.
Do not dry filters with a hair dryer, oven, or microwave.
Do not operate the vacuum without all filters installed and dry.

When to Contact Dyson Support

Sometimes, a professional touch is needed. Reach out if:

You hear unusual rattling or grinding noises from the motor.
The battery will not hold a charge even after proper drying and charging attempts.
There is visible damage to the casing, battery, or charger.
You’ve followed all cleaning steps and suction is still very weak.

FAQ Section

How often should I clean my Dyson cordless vacuum filter?

You should wash the filters every 1 to 3 months. If you vacuum daily, have pets, or suffer from allergies, aim for the shorter end of that range—about once a month. The manual actually recommends washing it at least once a month for best performance.

Can I use soap to wash my Dyson filters?

No, you should not use any soap or cleaning chemicals. Just use cold or lukewarm water and gently massage the filter material until the water runs clear. Soap can leave a residue that actually attracts more dust and could damage the filter fibers.

Why does my Dyson smell bad after cleaning?

A bad smell is almost always caused by a filter that was reassembled while still damp. Moisture inside the machine allows mildew to grow. Immediately turn off the vacuum, remove the filters, and let them and the main body air dry completely for at least 24-48 hours. Running a damp vacuum can also damage the motor.

How do I clean the Dyson vacuum brush roll?

You need to remove the soleplate (usually with a coin) to access the brush bar. Carefully cut all wrapped hair and threads with scissors and pull them away. Wipe the bar and the housing with a dry cloth before reassembling. Do this every few weeks to prevent strain on the motor.

Is it safe to clean the Dyson vacuum bin with water?

It depends on your model. For most, you should only wipe the inside with a dry cloth. Some newer models allow you to rinse the bin and cyclone under the tap, but you must let it dry completely for 24 hours before reusing. Always check your user manual first to be certain, as putting water where it shouldn’t be can cause serious damage.

A clean Dyson cordless vacuum is a powerful and reliable one. By following this simple, regular maintenance routine, you’ll protect your machine from common issues and ensure it picks up everything from crumbs to pet hair for years to come. Just remember the golden rules: empty the bin often, keep the brush bar clear, and always, always let your filters dry completely. That’s really all there is too it.