Today, we will learn how to clean Dyson canister filters.
Dyson has been leading the pack in the vacuum industry for decades now, a feat achieved by engineering some of the most mind blowing (or should we say sucking) hoover technology the world has ever seen.
However, for these awesome machines to work to the best of their abilities, they need a little help from us, their owners.
Thankfully, this usually only involves giving the canister filter a thorough cleaning — phew! But how exactly are you to do so?
The last thing you want is to inadvertently destroy your filter, thereby reducing your Dyson’s performance by an even further degree.
Not to worry though, friend — we’ve got your back with this comprehensive canister filter cleaning guide. Stick with us, and your Dyson will be bringing its A-game again in no time!
What You’ll Need To Clean Dyson Canister Filters
One of the best things about Dyson’s canister filters is that you need very little in order to revive even a particularly clogged specimen. You won’t need any special soaps, sponges, or even hot water!
All you’ll need is…
– A tap with running cold water
– Your soiled filter
– Your hands
– A warm place for it to dry
With that out of the way, let’s get started with the cleaning process, shall we?
How To Clean Dyson Canister Filters: A Step-By-Step Guide
There are only four steps involved in cleaning Dyson canister filters, and three of those are incredibly short, so you can expect to have your hoover back up in running fairly sharpish.
Let’s begin.
Turning Off Your Hoover
Okay, so I know this is sort of a given, but we said “a comprehensive guide”, and we meant it. So, make sure your vacuum is switched off and uncoupled from the charger (if it’s a cordless unit).
If you own one of the corded floor units that use canister filters, be sure that the wall outlet is switched off, or better yet, unplug the vacuum.
Removing Your Canister Filter(s)
Next on the agenda, we have to extract the filtration medium from the main enclosure of the Dyson so we can take it for a sink shower.
Unfortunately, there is no one method for all Dyson hoovers with canister filters, rather, each style of Dyson will have a slightly different extraction method.
Here, we’ll be covering the V7, V8, V10, V11, and V15 cordless stick style hoovers.
If you have a different unit, we recommend visiting the Dyson website or reading your user manual for detailed instructions on how to remove your filter(s).
Removing The Filters From V7 & V8 Dyson Vacuums
The V7 and V8 utilize both a post filter and a pre filter to prevent cycling contaminated air back into your room.
First, you’ll need to remove the pre filter simply by pulling it free from the enclosure. You can find the filter at the very top of the main canister. Tug on the plastic protrusion, and it should slide right out. Pop it down somewhere safe and move on to the primary filter.
The primary filter is built into the rounded section of the enclosure above the handle of the unit.
You’ll notice two pairs of dots, one on the filter body, and one on the main body of the vacuum. Alignment of these dots tells you the filter is secured in place.
To uncouple it from the body of the vacuum, twist it anticlockwise and pull it away from the machine.
Removing The Filter From V10, V11, & V15 Dyson Vacuums
The vacuums on the more powerful end of the V-model spectrum only have one filter — but it’s one hell of a filter!
To remove it, follow the same method for removing the post filter of the lower power models — Turn it clockwise and pull it away from the unit.
Washing The Filters
To clean pre filters, first, tap them on a hard surface or against the rim of your sink to dislodge as much debris as possible before starting in earnest.
Next, rinse the filter with running cold water, making sure to tap against the edge of your sink at intervals.
Continue this process until the water starts running clear from the filter. At this point, grab the central soft section of the pre filter and wring it out.
For the post filters and HEPA filters of the V-model series, you can use the exact same techniques without wringing at the end.
These filters do not have soft components, so one last gentle tapping session against your sink will suffice once the water runs clear.
Drying The Filters
This is the longer step in the process we mentioned earlier. Dyson recommends placing both filter types in a warm location with quality airflow and leaving them to air dry for no less than 24 hours.
Once they’re completely dry, you’re free to reassemble your vacuum and give your floors some TLC.
When Will My Dyson Canister Filter Need Replacing?
Cleaning your filters will extend their service life and keep your Dyson performing, but after a while, a quick rinse in the sink is no longer enough to optimize suction and air purification.
At this point, usually around the 12-month mark, it’s best that you purchase some replacements.
– For pre filters, we can’t speak highly enough of these from Hechuang.
– For post filters, we recommend these KeeTidy designs.
– For V 10 models, take a look at these Leadaybetter filters.
– And for V 11 & 15, our top pick is this filter, again, from the folks at Leadaybetter.
In order to avoid periods of inactivity, we advise you to purchase some replacement filters ahead of time.
That way, you can instantly make the change when you need to, and you won’t be waiting around for your new filters to arrive at your doorstep.
Final Thoughts
That about covers all bases, we feel. If you follow the above steps to the word, providing your filters have been in use for under 12 months, they should be primed and ready to help your vacuum reach its impressive potential — Pet hair, dust, and debris beware!!!