How to clean your Dyson vacuum

Why clean your Dyson vacuum

A properly maintained vacuum cleaner delivers superior performance. Whether you have a cordless vacuum cleaner, a robot vacuum cleaner, or a wet and dry vacuum, regularly cleaning your machine can extend its operational lifespan and deliver more hygienic and effective cleaning for your home.

When to clean Dyson filters and parts

Clean your Dyson vacuum filter at least once a month to maintain optimal performance. How frequently you clean the other parts depends on how much you use your vacuum cleaner. For example, if you use your Dyson vacuum daily, you may need to empty the bin more often than if you use it once a week.

Dyson cordless vacuums with LCD displays such as the Dyson V16 Piston Animal eliminate the guesswork by telling you when it’s time for filter maintenance. The LCD display alerts you when it’s time to wash the filter, clear blockages, or empty the bin. It also shows you scientific proof of a deep clean and display your remaining run time. It also connects to the MyDyson app where owners will receive step-by-step guidance on how to care for and get the most out of their Dyson vacuum, including real time maintenance alerts and when and how to clean the filter.

Which parts of your Dyson vacuum should you clean

When it's time to clean your Dyson vacuum, focus your efforts on components that directly capture dirt and dust:

• Filters
• Brushes and brush bars
• Nozzles and accessories
• Bin

Do not attempt to clean the cyclone assembly or any electrical components at home.

Tools needed to clean your Dyson vacuum

Before beginning your Dyson maintenance, power off and unplug your machine. If it feels warm, let it cool down completely and gather these essential tools:

• Microfibre cloth
• Flathead screwdriver (or a coin)
• Running water
• Rubbish bin

How to empty a Dyson vacuum cleaner

Dyson vacuums have transparent bins so that you can monitor dust and dirt levels precisely and know when to empty them. Empty the bin when the contents reach the MAX line to maintain optimal suction performance.

You should also clean your Dyson vacuum bin when needed:

1. Position the Dyson bin over a rubbish bin and pull the red lever to release the contents.
2. Locate the second red button on the bottom of the bin and press to detach the container from the device.
3. Wipe the inside with a damp, microfibre cloth (avoid using detergents, submerging in water, or cleaning your Dyson bin in the dishwasher, as these can damage the container).
4. Allow to dry completely before reattaching, making sure the bin clicks securely into place.

How to clean your Dyson vacuum filter

The filter has the important task of capturing microscopic particles, preventing them from recirculating into your home. Monthly cleaning helps your vacuum to work at maximum efficiency:

1. Remove the Dyson filter by turning counterclockwise.
2. Tap gently against the side of the container to dislodge loose dust and debris.
3. Rinse the filter under cold running water until it runs clear.
4. Remove excess water and allow to dry completely in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours.

For immediate use of your Dyson vacuum, consider purchasing a replacement filter to use while the original dries.

How to clean Dyson heads and attachments

Dyson cleaner heads, floor tools and attachments are your vacuum’s primary point of contact with dust and debris. They require regular cleaning for maximum efficiency.

To clean your Dyson cleaner head, first open the brush cover. On many Dyson cleaner heads, you can do this using a coin. Some newer cleaner heads – such as the All Floor Cones^TM Sense cleaner head on the Dyson V16 Piston Animal and Fluffy Optic^TM cleaner heads – are designed to be tool-free, so the cover can be opened and the roller removed without any tools. Then, clean any debris off the brushes. Dyson hair tools are engineered to collect hair directly, including long hair and pet hair, so no hair should gather on the head.

For the brush bars, rinse under cold water, squeeze out the excess and stand the bar upright to dry completely.

Some Dyson attachments can be cleaned with water or have washable components, but others are not suitable for water cleaning.

How to clean the outside of a Dyson vacuum

Maintaining your Dyson vacuum involves cleaning the wand and adapters. Remove them completely and wipe the exterior with a damp, microfibre cloth to clear any dirt or dust and allow at least 24 hours to dry completely before reassembling.

How to clean Dyson wet floor cleaners

Dyson wet floor cleaners also require specific maintenance to preserve hygiene and performance.

The Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene wet floor cleaner features an automatic self-clean function that runs while the machine charges. After completing a clean, simply place your machine on the docking station and start the self-clean cycle where it saturates the roller with clean water, flushing the entire system to remove any remnant dirt and debris. It then automatically activates a 30-minute, 85°C hot-air drying cycle, ensuring your machine is clean and ready for your next clean.

To maintain optimal cleaning performance, Dyson engineers still recommend routine manual care. Empty both the clean and dirty water tanks and the debris tray after every clean and wipe external surfaces with a microfibre cloth. In addition, manually washing the rollers every two weeks helps keep the machine performing at its best over time.

How to clean a Dyson robot vacuum

The Dyson Spot+Scrub^TM Ai robot vacuum is designed for hassle-free care and low maintenance. The docking station automatically self-empties dry debris into a high capacity- bin that uses root cyclone dust separation, holding up to 100 days of dust and debris before it needs emptying. It also washes and dries the wet roller after each use, minimising hands-on maintenance and keeping performance consistent across cleans. Dyson engineers also recommend

How to clean your Dyson robot vacuum dock

Unlike cordless vacuums, the Dyson Spot+Scrub^TM Ai robot vacuum automatically empties into the docking station’s dry bin that holds up to 100 days of dust and debris before you need to empty it.

1. Press the bin-removal catch on top of the dock’s bin and lift it out using the handle.
2. Position the Dyson bin over a rubbish bin and slide the release to release the contents.
3. Locate the second red button on the bottom of the bin and press to detach the clear outer bin casing.
4. Wipe the inside with a damp, microfibre cloth (avoid using detergents, submerging in water, or cleaning your Dyson bin in the dishwasher, as these can damage the container).
5. Allow to dry completely before reattaching, making sure the bin clicks securely into place.

Periodically wash the dock’s clean and dirty water tanks with mild, soapy water, then rinse and dry completely. 

How to clean your Dyson robot vacuum filter

The filter has the important task of capturing microscopic particles, preventing them from recirculating into your home. Monthly cleaning helps your vacuum to work at maximum efficiency:

1. Remove the Dyson robot filter by pressing the central bin and filter assembly on the top of your robot, open the side panel, and pull out the filter tray.
2. Remove the docking station bin and pull on the black tab to pull out the filter and unclip it from the casing.
3. Tap both filters gently against the side of the container to dislodge loose dust and debris.
4. Rinse the filters under cold running water until it runs clear.
5. Remove excess water and allow to dry completely in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours.

For immediate use of your Dyson robot vacuum, consider purchasing replacement filters to use while the original ones dry.

How to clean your Dyson robot vacuum rollers

To maintain strong debris pick‑up and effective hard‑floor washing, clean your Dyson robot vacuum’s brush bar and wet roller monthly; this quick routine helps the Spot+Scrub Ai maintain on‑floor performance.

1. Turn the robot over on a soft surface. Lift the red tab to open the dry brush‑bar cover and remove the brush bar; then press/slide the red button on the wet‑roller end cap, rotate, and slide the roller out.
2. Remove threads, hair and dust from the brush bar, the wet roller, and their recesses – especially around rotating parts.
3. Rinse the wet roller under cold water and squeeze along its length to remove excess; it can be refitted once surface‑dry. If you wash the brush bar, stand it upright and air‑dry for at least 24 hours or until completely dry before refitting.

How to clean the camera lens and sensors

Regularly, at least once a month, wipe the front camera lens and sensor array with a soft, dry, lint‑free cloth, avoiding liquids or sprays. Then place the robot on a soft surface and wipe the underside sensors in the same way to keep navigation accurate.

You can also find step-by-step video and animated guides on how to care and maintain your Dyson Spot+Scrub^TM Ai robot vacuum on Dyson.com.

Maximising your Dyson vacuum cleaner performance

Regularly maintaining your Dyson vacuum helps deliver optimal cleaning performance and can extend your machine’s operational life. Remember to clean the bin, nozzles, wand, attachments and filter monthly using dry or damp microfibre cloths and water – never chemical cleaners – and completely dry components before reassembling.