You know that feeling when your Dyson stick vacuum just doesn’t suck like it used to? You try to clean your floor, but it’s still dusty or full of crumbs. That's super annoying! The real reason could be that your vacuum is dirty inside. Yes, even the best vacuums like Dyson need a good cleaning to work well. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to clean Dyson stick vacuum easily at home.
Unplug and Take Apart the Dyson Stick Vacuum
Before you begin cleaning, the very first thing to do is make sure your Dyson stick vacuum is turned off and unplugged (if it has a cord for charging). This is very important because it keeps you safe from electric shocks or turning it on by mistake. If your vacuum is battery-powered, make sure to remove the battery or make sure it is not charging.
Now, you need to take apart your Dyson stick vacuum. Don't worry—it's easier than it sounds. Start by removing the dustbin or the main canister. Most Dyson stick vacuums, like the V6, V7, V8, V10, and V11, have a button or latch that lets you open and take out the dustbin easily.
Next, take off the wand (the long pipe part) by pressing the red button where it connects to the vacuum body. You can also remove the cleaner head from the bottom. All parts should come apart easily if you press the buttons the right way. Look for small arrows or colored buttons—Dyson makes it easy to understand where to press.
You should also take off any other removable parts like filters, attachments, or soft rollers. If your vacuum has a brush head or motorized tool, those can often be taken apart too. Look for small screws or clips that hold the brush in place.
Once you have all the parts taken apart, place them on a towel or clean surface so they don’t get lost. Taking a photo of the vacuum before taking it apart can help you remember how to put it back together later.
Doing this part with care will make the rest of the cleaning much easier. Don't try to rush it. If you're unsure about a part, check the manual or visit the Dyson website for your model.
- Unplug the vacuum before doing anything
- Remove the dustbin or main canister
- Take off the wand by pressing the red button
- Remove the cleaner head and other attachments
- Lay all parts on a towel or clean area
- Take a photo for easy reassembly
Empty and Clean the Dustbin
After taking out the dustbin, the next thing to do is empty all the dust and dirt inside. Most Dyson stick vacuums have a lever or red button you can pull to open the bottom of the dustbin. Make sure to do this over a trash can because the dirt may fall out quickly.
Once it’s empty, you'll see that there's still some dust stuck to the sides. Use a dry cloth or an old soft brush to wipe out the inside. If it's very dirty, you can wash the bin with warm water. Do not use soap or strong cleaning sprays. Just warm water is enough. Dyson says not to wash the cyclone part (the area with many little holes and tubes), only the clear bin part.
If you choose to wash it, make sure the bin is completely dry before putting it back into the vacuum. This may take a few hours, so be patient. Using a wet bin can damage the vacuum.
Also check the little rubber seals or flaps inside the dustbin. Sometimes hair or dust gets stuck there. Wipe them gently with a cloth.
Keeping the dustbin clean helps keep airflow strong. If the bin is too full or blocked, your vacuum won't work well. Try to empty the bin after every use so dirt doesn't build up too much.
- Empty the dustbin over a trash can
- Wipe out stuck dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush
- Wash with warm water only, no soap
- Do not wash the cyclone part
- Let the bin dry fully before reusing
- Clean rubber seals and flaps carefully
Wash and Dry the Filters Properly
Filters are super important for keeping the air clean and letting the vacuum work properly. If your filters are dirty, your vacuum can lose suction or even overheat. Most Dyson stick vacuums have one or two filters. One is usually on top of the main body, and the second one (if there is one) is near the back or in the ball part.
Take the filters out by pulling them gently. They are usually purple in color and made of soft sponge-like material. Once you remove them, rinse them under cold running water. Squeeze gently to get the dirt out, but don't use soap or any cleaner.
You should keep rinsing and squeezing until the water runs clear. This may take a few minutes, depending on how dirty they are. Do not twist or stretch the filters because they can tear easily.
Once cleaned, shake off as much water as you can. Then let the filters dry naturally for at least 24 hours. Place them in a warm dry place, like near a window or heater (but not directly on it). Do not use a hair dryer or put them in a dryer, as too much heat can ruin the filters.
Make sure the filters are completely dry before putting them back into the vacuum. Even a little moisture can damage the motor.
- Find and remove the filters
- Rinse under cold water only
- Do not use soap or cleaner
- Squeeze gently until water runs clear
- Let dry for 24 hours in a warm place
- Do not use heat tools to dry
- Make sure they are fully dry before use
Clean the Brush Bar and Cleaner Head
The brush bar at the bottom of your Dyson vacuum is great at picking up hair, dirt, and dust. But over time, hair and string can get wrapped around it and slow it down. This is a big reason why your vacuum might not clean well.
To clean it, remove the cleaner head from the wand. Turn it over to see the brush bar. You'll usually find a cap or a small lock that you can turn with a coin or screwdriver. Once open, you can slide out the brush bar.
Use scissors or a blade to carefully cut away hair or string wrapped around the brush. Do this slowly so you don't cut the bristles. Pull out all the loose dirt. If needed, wipe the brush with a damp cloth.
You should also clean inside the cleaner head itself. Use a soft cloth or small brush to wipe out any dirt or debris. Look inside the air pathways to make sure nothing is blocking it.
For models with a soft roller, take it out and rinse it with cold water. Let it dry completely before putting it back. Always read your model’s manual to know which parts can be washed.
Keeping the brush bar clean helps the vacuum pick up dirt better and keeps the motor from working too hard.
- Remove the cleaner head and turn it over
- Unlock and take out the brush bar
- Cut and remove hair or strings carefully
- Wipe with a damp cloth if needed
- Clean inside the cleaner head
- Rinse soft rollers if your model has them
- Let everything dry fully before using again
Check for Blockages in Tubes and Attachments
Even after cleaning the main parts, your Dyson may still have weak suction if there’s a blockage. Dirt, hair, or large crumbs can get stuck in the tubes or tools. So it’s very important to check for any blockages.
Start by looking inside the wand (long pipe). Hold it up to a light and check if you can see through it. If you can't, there's something stuck inside. Use a long stick or straight coat hanger to push the dirt out gently. Do not use sharp tools that can damage the inside.
Next, check the vacuum body itself. Look inside where the wand connects. Use a flashlight to see clearly. If you find dust or a clog, use your fingers or a soft brush to clean it.
Now check all the attachments like the crevice tool or mini brush. Make sure nothing is stuck in them. If they're washable, rinse them under warm water and let them dry before use.
Also check the air inlets and outlets. These are the small holes where air goes in and out. If they are blocked, your vacuum won't work right.
- Look through the wand for clogs
- Push out blockages gently
- Use light to check the main body
- Clean all attachments and tools
- Rinse washable parts and dry well
- Check air inlets and outlets
Reassemble and Test the Vacuum
Once every part is clean and dry, it’s time to put everything back together. Look at the photo you took earlier (if you did) to help remember how the parts fit.
Start with the filter. Slide it back into its place. Make sure it fits snugly. Then attach the dustbin. You should hear a click when it locks in. Attach the wand and cleaner head next. Check each part to make sure it’s locked in place.
If your vacuum has soft rollers or brush bars, slide them back into the cleaner head and close the locks. Make sure nothing feels loose or wobbly.
Now it's time to test. Turn the vacuum on and check how strong the suction is. Move it over a carpet or hard floor and see how it picks up dirt. If you hear any strange sounds or it still feels weak, go back and check if something was put in the wrong way.
Testing your vacuum helps you know if the cleaning was successful. Most times, a deep clean will fix any suction problems.
- Put the filters back in place
- Attach the dustbin securely
- Reconnect the wand and cleaner head
- Lock in brush bars or rollers
- Test the vacuum for suction
- Check for noise or weak airflow
- Fix any loose or wrong parts
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Dyson stick vacuum may take some time, but it’s totally worth it. When you clean each part carefully, your vacuum works like new again. You don't have to buy a new one just because it’s not picking up dirt. A full deep clean can solve that. Try to clean your vacuum at least once a month to keep it strong. You'll notice better suction, longer battery life, and cleaner floors. With a little effort, your Dyson can last for years. So take care of it and it will take care of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to wash the filters with soap?
No, it is not okay to use soap on Dyson filters. Dyson says clearly that you should only rinse the filters with cold water. Soap can leave behind residue that blocks airflow and damages the filter. Even if the filter looks clean, soap may get stuck in the fibers and cause problems later. Always squeeze the filter gently and rinse until the water runs clear. Let it air dry completely for at least 24 hours. Using soap might also cancel your warranty if the filter gets damaged.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry the filter?
No, you should never use a hair dryer or any heat tool to dry Dyson filters. High heat can damage the filter material. The filter may lose its shape or not work the same way again. Instead, shake off extra water and let it air dry in a warm, dry place. You can place it near a sunny window or heater, but not directly on it. Give it a full 24 hours to dry completely. Using a hair dryer might make the filter dry faster, but it risks ruining it.
Do I need to clean the Dyson vacuum every time I use it?
You do not need to clean the whole vacuum every time, but you should empty the dustbin after each use. This helps keep it from getting too full and stops dust from going back into the air. You can wipe the outside with a cloth if it’s dusty. A deep clean of the filters, brush bar, and attachments is good to do once a month. If you use the vacuum a lot or have pets, you may need to clean it more often. Regular cleaning helps your vacuum last longer.
Is it safe to wash the dustbin with water?
Yes, it is safe to wash the clear dustbin with warm water only. Do not use any soap or harsh cleaner. Make sure you do not wash the cyclone part that stays attached to the vacuum. That part should only be wiped with a dry cloth. After washing, dry the dustbin completely before using it again. Water left inside the vacuum can harm the motor or cause smells. Always wait several hours or overnight to make sure it's fully dry before reassembling.
Can blockages cause the vacuum to stop working?
Yes, blockages can cause your Dyson stick vacuum to stop working or lose suction. If something is stuck in the wand, tubes, or cleaner head, air cannot move through properly. The vacuum may shut off to protect the motor. Common blockages are caused by pet hair, large crumbs, or dirt balls. Check all parts if your vacuum feels weak. A clear airflow is important for strong suction. Cleaning out blockages is often the fastest way to fix vacuum problems.
Do I have to take the vacuum fully apart to clean it?
You don't have to take every little piece apart, but it's best to remove the main parts like the dustbin, filter, wand, and cleaner head. These are the parts that collect the most dirt and are easiest to clean. Taking them apart helps you reach spots where dust hides. If you leave everything attached, you may not get rid of all the dirt inside. Taking it apart may sound hard, but Dyson vacuums are designed to come apart easily. Just follow the buttons and take your time.
Is it bad to put the filter back when it's still wet?
Yes, it is very bad to put the filter back while it’s still wet. A wet filter can block airflow, damage the motor, and even cause mold inside the vacuum. That's why Dyson always says to let it dry fully for at least 24 hours. Even if it feels just a little damp, wait longer. If you're in a hurry, use a spare filter if you have one. Never take a chance with a wet filter—it can lead to costly damage.
Can I use other brand filters in a Dyson vacuum?
It's possible to use filters from other brands, but it's not always a good idea. Some off-brand filters are cheaper, but they may not fit right or work as well. A poor-quality filter can block airflow or let dust back into the air. Dyson filters are made to match the design of your vacuum exactly. If you use other filters, it may also void your warranty. If you must use a different brand, make sure it is marked as fully compatible with your Dyson model.