You can clean a Dyson vacuum HEPA filter in just 5 easy steps. Firstly, detach the filters to remove them from the vacuum. Then, shake away any loose dust particles. Next, rinse the filter in warm water before shaking those vacuum filters to wash their insides. Lastly, air-dry the filter for at least 24 hours to remove all remaining moisture.
Dyson vacuum cleaners have several components that make them such high-quality appliances. Among them is the HEPA filter, or ‘high-efficiency particulate absorbing filter’ that catches even the tiniest of dust particles. Still, you must know how to clean the filter to make it last as long as possible.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about cleaning your Dyson vacuum HEPA filter. On top of that, you’ll also learn how often to do it and when you might need to replace the filter entirely.
Let’s get started!
Why Should You Clean a Dyson Filter?
To emphasize the importance of washing a Dyson filter, we need to list the potential problems that may arise if it is not cleaned regularly. Cleaning a Dyson vacuum cleaner goes beyond just emptying the dust container.
Here are the possible problems that you may face:
- The Dyson vacuum cleaner might unexpectedly become noisy.
- The filter is not effectively filtering, causing an increase in dust emissions.
- You may not be able to vacuum effectively if the suction power decreases.
- The battery life of a Dyson vacuum can get significantly short.
How Do You Clean A Dyson Vacuum HEPA Filter? Cleaning Dyson V8, V10, V11 or V15 filter
Cleaning the HEPA filter on your Dyson vacuum is a very straightforward process that’ll cost you nothing at all.
Here are the 5 steps you must follow to clean the filter so it can work optimally again:
Step 1: Detach Filters
Firstly, start by detaching the HEPA filter on your Dyson vacuum. Be mindful of your particular vacuum model, as some designs have two filters instead of just one.
It’s also an excellent idea to perform this task outside of your home or somewhere you wouldn’t mind getting a bit dirty. That’s because the filters will drop some dust when you remove them from the appliance.
Typically, you can remove the filter by gently twisting it counterclockwise. Once the filter is loose, remove it from the vacuum body and inspect it for clogs and dust buildups.
Suppose you’re not sure of how many filters your vacuum model has or where they’re located. In that case, the user manual is your best reference, as it’ll demonstrate where those filters are.
Step 2: Shake Loose Dust
Once you’ve removed the HEPA filter, take it to your nearest trash can and shake it for a few moments. Doing so will help to remove any loose dust particles from the filter’s surface.
Thankfully, larger and newer dust particles aren’t too sticky. That means they’re much easier to clean compared to more stubborn dust buildups deeper inside the filter.
Step 3: Rinse Filters
Next, it’s time to rinse the HEPA filter in your sink.
Please remember only to wash filters and use warm water at low pressure for this step. The warm water is more than enough to clean the filter thoroughly, and the low pressure will prevent damaging the HEPA filter material.
You can rub the filter gently as you rinse it to remove more stubborn sections of dirt.
Step 4: Shake Filters
At this point in the process, you would’ve cleaned the HEPA filter’s external side thoroughly. Now, it’s time to give the internal side a good clean as well.
To do this, fill the filter with warm water and cover its open ends with your hands. Then, shake the filter vigorously to wash its insides with that water.
You should repeat this step a few times until the water coming out post motor filter is clear. That will signal to you that the filter’s inside is now clean.
Step 5: Dry For 24 Hours
The final step of this process is to air-dry the HEPA filter for at least 24 hours. That might sound like a lot of time, but it’s necessary to ensure no remaining moisture in the filter.
As a result, airflow through the filter’s material will be optimal, and you can enjoy a highly-efficient vacuuming experience when you reinstall it in your appliance.
Here, it’s important to remember never to rush the drying process by using a hairdryer or anything similar. Unfortunately, the focused blast of air can damage the filter in the process.
How Often Should You Clean A Dyson Vacuum Filter?
Typically, you only need to clean the HEPA filter in your Dyson vacuum once a month. That will work well for most people to ensure their vacuum is working as efficiently as possible.
However, you’ll want to clean it more often if you’re a heavy-duty user. HEPA filters get dirty a lot quicker if you’re vacuuming very often or if the space you’re cleaning is exceptionally dusty.
One way you’ll know it’s time to clean the filter is when your vacuum starts pulsating. That pulsating action is designed in all Dyson vacuums as a way to warn you that there’s something restricting the vacuum’s airflow.
In most cases, that means the filter is already too dirty and requires immediate cleaning. You should check our guide on cleaning a Dyson Vacuum Filter, Hose, And Attachments to get a better idea of what other attachments and parts of Dyson vacuum need regular cleaning.
Can You Use Detergents Or Chemicals To Clean A HEPA Filter?
No, you must never use detergents or any cleaning chemicals when washing your Dyson vacuum’s HEPA filter. Detergents and cleaning chemicals can be very harsh, potentially damaging the HEPA filter material.
If that happens, you’ll be forced to spend your hard-earned money to purchase a replacement filter.
Remember: always use plain, warm water to wash your HEPA filter. Then, use only air-drying for at least 24 hours to remove all moisture from the filter before you reinstall it in your vacuum cleaner.
When Should You Replace A Dyson Vacuum HEPA Filter?
Cleaning the HEPA filter in your Dyson vacuum will maximize its performance and lifespan. Still, there will come a time when cleaning is no longer effective, and you must replace the filter entirely.
For the average Dyson vacuum user, a replacement HEPA filter is only necessary once a year. However, you might find yourself needing a replacement sooner if you use the vacuum very often and in dusty environments.
When the time comes to buy a replacement, be sure to only purchase a compatible replacement directly from Dyson. That way, you won’t have any problems fitting the filter into your vacuum unit.
Are Dyson HEPA filters reusable?
Yes, the Dyson HEPA filters are reusable and can be washed with warm, soapy water.
To ensure that your filter is clean and functioning correctly, it should be replaced every 3 to 6 months depending on usage.
The washable Dyson HEPA filters should also be dried completely before re-installing them in the air purifier. This ensures the new filter used is free of any bacteria or other contaminants that may affect air quality.
Can I clean my Dyson HEPA filter?
Yes, you can clean your Dyson HEPA filter. The best way to clean these filters is by using a brush or vacuum with a crevice tool attachment and removing any dust or debris that is visible on the surface of the filter.
How often should I change my Dyson HEPA filter?
This is an important question to answer as the HEPA filter is a key component in your Dyson vacuum’s ability to remove dirt, dust, and allergens from the air.
Generally, Dyson recommends to change the filter every 6-12 months depending on how often you use your vacuum and any special environmental conditions like allergies or pet fur.
To help you remember, it’s a good idea to mark the date of your last filter change on the inside of your vacuum cleaner’s dustbin lid. That way, you can easily keep track of and replace the filter at regular intervals.
Where is the HEPA filter on a Dyson vacuum?
The HEPA filter on a Dyson vacuum is typically located inside the dust bin. When you open the dust bin, the filter should be clearly visible in one of the compartments.
It is important to regularly clean or replace your HEPA filter as it helps capture and remove microscopic particles from the air that can cause allergies and other respiratory issues.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from the guide above, cleaning a Dyson vacuum HEPA filter isn’t challenging at all. You can get it done in just a few minutes before drying the filter overnight. However, the more challenging part is remembering to clean it regularly.
Remember to wash your washable filters at least once a month. Not only will that keep your Dyson machine functioning optimally, but it’ll also maximize the filter’s lifespan! That way, you won’t have to replace it more often than the recommended once a year.