Is your Dyson not sucking as well as it used to? Find out how to clean a Dyson so it really sucks. It's easy to clean Dyson vacuum.
Has your Dyson really started sucking? 😉 Maybe your vacuum is so dirty you don't feel like it has the same sucking power it had when you first bought it. Giving your vacuum a good cleaning will help make a major difference in how well it cleans.
I started to notice my Dyson wasn't working as well about two years after I bought it. I had washed the filters plenty of times, but still didn't feel like that made a difference.
Finally, I got brave and took that puppy apart to clean it. I got tired of my Dyson not sucking and gave it a deep clean.
While all models of Dyson vacuums are a little different, most of the components are the same.
Some recommend cleaning with products, but today I am going to show you how to make your Dyson shine using only a towel and water!
Once you are finished, you can see how I clean our dry vent, the easiest way to clean a front load washer, and my genius trick for cleaning blinds!
Table of contents
What You'll Need
- Microfiber towel (these cloths from Amazon are my favorites!)
- Water
- New filter - depending on the condition you may or may not need to replace the filter. (I just grab mine from Amazon)
How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum Step by Step
Step 1: Start by removing the bin from the vacuum. You will want to empty the bin in a trash can before you start to clean it.
Step 2: Then take the bin to a sink. I recommend using a laundry sink if you have it. It can be a very dirty job, so I like to contain the mess to my already dirty laundry room. On the back part of the bin will be a small button that you can use to remove the clear part of the bin.
Step 3: Run water into the clear part to remove any dirt or grime. You can scrub with a microfiber cloth if you need to. Once clean, set it to the side.
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Step 4: Next, you will want to remove the filter from the vacuum. Just pull up on the section labeled filter.
Step 5:Remove the filter from the unit. The filter will have two sections. There is the yellow and white section and a blue foamy section.
Step 6: Wash both of them out well. You can squeeze the water out of the blue foam and set both to the side. If the blue foam section is looking very worn, you can purchase more here. I usually replace mine about every 6 months.
Step 7: Now on to the dirtiest part of the Dyson. This one is caked with dirt and grime. It's no wonder that it isn't sucking well. I use the spray hose from my sink and just blast it with water. Spray from all sides until the water is running clear.
Step 8: Once the water is running clear you can move on to the inside of the bin. Mine is always caked with tons of dirt and dust.
Again, I just use the sprayer until the water runs clear.
Step 9: Once you are done cleaning the Dyson vacuum set out a large towel or blanket in a sunny area and allow the parts to completely dry. This usually takes most of a day.
Step 10: When the parts are all dry you can reassemble them and get back to vacuuming.
Deep Cleaning a Dyson
Maybe your vacuum is past the point of just needing the filter and canister cleaned out. Use these other tips to deep clean your Dyson so it's like brand new again!
Brush Bar - If your bar has a ton of hair and debris built up, it's time to take care of it. Gently cut the hair off the roller using scissors. Different models may have a soleplate that needs to be removed to reach the roller. If the plate needs removing you will have to use a flathead screwdriver.
Brush compartment - Use the damp microfiber to wipe out the area where the roller sits.
Hose - Sometimes you may have a small blockage, but it's easy to clean. Take the hose off and dump any debris in the trash. If you know there is a blockage but cannot see it, run warm water through the hose until it's dislodged. Allow the hose to dry completely on its own before reassembling.
Attachments - These little pieces get dirty too! Simply wipe those with a towel and allow them to dry.
Helpful Tips
- Allow the parts (including the filter) to dry naturally. Never place them in the dryer, dishwasher (to wash and dry), or the microwave.
- Leftover moisture in any of the parts could cause harm to the motor.
- Avoid washing any of the cyclones with water.
- Regular maintenance of your Dyson will extend it's life, cut down on the need of replacement filters, and reduce clogs and blockages.
- If you have a newer Dyson vacuum cleaner, we recommend reading over the manufacturer's guide so you understand all the parts, what the warranty covers, and if there are any special notes about your model.
Common FAQs
We recommend swapping them out every 6 months, but at a minimum 1 time per year. If you are vacuuming finer dust, they will need cleaning more often.
Absolutely! The only exception is too use water only. Avoid using any type of detergents or vinegar.
It doesn't take much time to really clean your vacuum. Now that you know how to clean a Dyson you can clean it every 6 months or so. With just a small amount of work, you can notice a huge difference in the cleaning power of your Dyson. Your vacuum can stop sucking and really start sucking up dirt.
D Mitchell says
I am new to pinterest & your blog, but love everything that I have seen.
Keep up the good work.
Doris
Julie says
So glad you like it!
D Mitchell says
How can I send this article from pinterest to my computer so that I can print it to keep forever.
All comments appreciated.
Doris
Julie says
If you have Microsoft Word on your computer you might be able to copy from Pinterest and paste in Microsoft word?
Rhonda says
I have found that I also have to watch for hair build up on the rotating brushes. I have a hairy dog and the brushes get stuck like string around them.
Julie says
Yes, I have the same problem. I usually just cut the hairs with a scissors and pull them off.
Patricia Cowan says
Do you know anything about the rug beater bar? My Dyson will vacuum hard floors but not carpet. It sounds like a grinding noise when on carpet cleaning. I've taken it apart but could not find anything stuck in it. It's 6 yrs. old and the warranty if up so I need to find someone who might know how to fix it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Julie says
I have had problems with the rug beater bar, but usually I find dental floss or a long string caught in it. Is the belt still in good shape? That is the only other thing I can think of to check. I have had other vacuums make noise when the belt that spins the brush bar is either breaking or has something stuck in it.
Melissa Loya says
Don't forget to replace your post filter, aka hepa filter, every few years. It's the one that is housed under the bin and you have to remove the cap for the housing by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver. ( you can also flip your dyson over and CAREFULLY cut away the lovely layers of hair/string/dental floss 🙂 that has wrapped around the brush with very sharp scissors) There are several YouTube videos out there on how to remove the hepa filter correctly since the cap is a bit brittle. The filter itself is encased in a purple plastic and the whole thing must be replaced, it cannot be washed. Essentially, this filter catches all of the SUPER TINY particles that the pre filter may miss, like dust mite feces... gross, I know. You can order a new one, or both filters, pretty easily on Dyson's website or Amazon. I was in complete shock/disgust when I went to order a new one and it was WHITE! My 6 old filter was JET BLACK!!!! Lesson learned, take apart every piece you possibly can!
Robyn says
The part of the vacuum you call - the dirtiest part- is there any electrical components inside that section of the vacuum ?
Julie says
No, there are no electrical components in the Dyson ball anyway. If you have a different Dyson you will want to make sure there aren't electrical components before you get them wet.
Sara says
What about the filter in the ball? I clean it too. Also have to be careful that you get that one back in right.
Jane says
This is really great. But I have the long neck one where you unclip from the bottom to use for furniture I gave no idea how it keeps stopping it has to be blocked somewhere cleaned the connections. ... Can u help ?
Julie says
Sorry, I don't know how to clean any of the other models. If you think it is clogged in a hose you can always try running somethings through the hose like a unbent hanger. Be very gentle so you don't push the hanger through the side of the hose. I am always surprised about what can get stuck in the hoses and tubes.
Digimom3boys says
I use my lint remover from the dryer - you know the long handle thing you clean out the dryer lint trap with. Works great!
Diana Klingenberg says
Blow air through it with a shop vac blowing the air out.
Gina says
Thanks for sharing on the #ShareTheWealthSunday link up
Ashley H says
Thanks for the tips, I needed this for my Dyson. I'm sharing this post with my FB fans. Stopping by from Share the Wealth Sunday.
The Frugal Ginger
Julie says
Your welcome! Love your blog name. 🙂
lorraine williamson says
love the title vacuums need to be cleaned constantly to work really well I've found thanks for sharing the tutorial on cleaning the dyson have a great weekend