How to clean a Dyson cordless vacuum and its filters

What to clean and how often

Most of the care is quick. Emptying the bin takes seconds and keeps airflow strong. Filter washing is the main monthly job. The cyclone and brush bar need attention when you see dust build up or hair wrap round the bristles. The table below is a general guide. Your manual may give a different interval, and homes with pets or lots of fine dust may need to clean more often.

How to empty the bin on a Dyson V8, V15 or Gen5

On most Dyson cordless models you empty the bin with the wand removed or pointed straight down into a bin. On the V8 you pull the red bin release lever upwards, which slides the cyclone up and opens the bin base. On the V11, V15 and later models, many versions use a point and shoot release: you push the bin lever along the wand direction and the dirt drops out. The exact lever differs by generation, so look for the red release on your machine.

Empty it outdoors or deep inside a bin bag to stop dust drifting back. If dirt sticks to the inside, you can usually remove the bin fully and wipe it with a damp cloth, then let it dry completely before refitting. Your manual shows whether your bin detaches and how.

1. 1

   Remove the wand or point the cleaner head straight down into a bin.

2. 2

   Press or pull the red bin release as your model requires.

3. 3

   Let the dirt fall out, then shake gently.

4. 4

   Close the bin base until it clicks shut.

5. 5

   If you washed the bin, let it dry fully before using the vacuum again.

How to wash a Dyson filter

Dyson commonly advises washing the filter at least once a month in cold water only, with no detergent, and never in a dishwasher or washing machine. Warm water and soap can damage the filter media. After rinsing, tap or shake out the water and leave the filter to dry fully, typically for at least 24 hours, somewhere warm and airy but not on a radiator or near a naked flame. A filter refitted while still damp can cause musty smells and reduced suction.

On the V8, there are usually two filters: a pre-filter that lifts out of the top of the cyclone and a post-motor filter at the back of the motor. On the V10, V11 and V15, there is normally one filter unit that twists off the end of the cyclone. On the Gen5 models the filter also lifts out of the machine. Your manual shows where yours is and whether any part should not get wet. If you want to compare filter types across ranges, see our cordless vacuums with HEPA filters guide.

1. 1

   Take the battery off the charger, or unplug the dock, before you start.

2. 2

   Remove the filter as your manual shows.

3. 3

   Tap off loose dust over a bin.

4. 4

   Rinse under cold running water, turning and gently squeezing until the water runs clear.

5. 5

   Shake out excess water and leave it to dry fully, typically for at least 24 hours.

6. 6

   Refit only when the filter is completely dry.

Note:Unplug the charger before any maintenance and never use the vacuum with the filter removed or wet. If the battery pack looks damaged or swollen, stop using it and contact Dyson or a qualified repairer.

Clearing the cyclone, wand and brush bar

The cyclone shroud, the mesh around the cyclones, can collect fine dust. Dyson typically advises wiping it with a dry cloth or brushing it clean rather than washing it. Do not put the cyclone unit under a tap unless your manual says it is safe, as it sits close to the electrics on many models.

Next, check the wand and the inlet at the bottom of the bin. Remove the wand and look through it towards a light. Clear anything stuck with a long, blunt object such as a broom handle, taking care not to scratch the inside. Then check the cleaner head. On most Dyson heads you can undo an end cap with a coin and slide the brush bar out. Pull or cut wrapped hair away, wipe the bar, and refit it. Heads with de-tangling combs, like the High Torque head on the V15 Detect Animal, still need an occasional check.

• Use a dry cloth or soft brush on the cyclone shroud.
• Look through the wand for socks, hair balls or grit.
• Check the inlet where the wand meets the bin.
• Remove the brush bar with a coin if your head has an end cap.
• Never run the head with the end cap missing.

Model notes: V8, V10, V11, V15 and Gen5

The basic routine works across the range, but each generation has its own layout. The V8 bin uses an upward pull lever and has a separate post-motor filter. The V10 moved to an inline layout with a single combined filter. The V11 and V15 add an LCD screen, which on many models shows a reminder when the filter needs cleaning or is not fitted correctly. Detect models with the piezo sensor can show a message if a blockage is detected. Gen5 models follow a similar inline design. Because details change between versions and over time, always check the manual that came with your machine or the Dyson support page for your model number. Our Dyson cordless vacuums compared guide explains how the generations differ.

Compare the Dyson range →

When cleaning does not fix the problem

If suction is still weak after a full clean, or the machine pulses on and off, the cause is usually a blockage you have not found yet, or a filter that is not fully dry or seated. Our guide to Dyson pulsing walks through where to look. If the vacuum stops after a few minutes even with clean filters, the battery may be worn, which is common on older machines. See why a cordless vacuum keeps cutting out for the checks.

Replacement filters and batteries should come from Dyson or a reputable supplier that lists your exact model. Old lithium batteries must go to a battery recycling point, never in household waste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Dyson filter take to dry? Dyson commonly advises leaving it to dry fully, typically for at least 24 hours, in a warm, airy spot. Do not use a hairdryer, tumble dryer or radiator, and do not refit it until it is completely dry. Check your manual for your model.

Can I wash a Dyson filter with washing up liquid? No. Dyson commonly advises cold water only, with no detergent. Soap can damage the filter and leave residue that affects airflow. Rinse until the water runs clear instead.

How do I empty a Dyson V8 dust bin? Point the vacuum into a bin, then pull the red bin release lever upwards. The cyclone slides up and the bin base opens. Close the base until it clicks before you use it again.

Can I use my Dyson while the filter dries? No. Running it without a filter, or with a damp one, risks damage to the motor. If you need to clean during that time, a spare genuine filter for your model is the simple answer.