You know how it feels when your Dyson vacuum isn’t working like it used to. You push it around, but it doesn’t suck up dirt as well, or it might make strange noises. You want to keep it clean and working perfectly, but maybe you don’t know how. Cleaning a Dyson vacuum can be simple and quick if you know what to do. In this article, you’ll learn easy steps to clean your Dyson vacuum, so it stays strong and lasts a long time. Let’s get your vacuum back to its best!
How to Clean Dyson Vacuum: The Full Guide
Cleaning your Dyson vacuum well is important to keep it working like new. Dirt, dust, and hair can get stuck inside and stop it from working. You can clean many parts of your vacuum without any tools, and it only takes a little time. Here’s how to clean the main parts step by step.
Clean the Bin and Empty It Often
The bin is where all the dust and dirt go when you vacuum. It fills up fast, and if you don’t empty it, the vacuum loses power. First, take the bin off your vacuum by pressing the button near the handle. Hold it over the trash can and press the release to open the bottom. All the dust and dirt will fall out. Sometimes, some bits stick inside, so use a small brush or cloth to wipe the inside clean.
If your bin is very dirty, rinse it with water. But remember, let it dry completely before putting it back. Never put the bin in a dishwasher because that can break it.
Clean or Wash the Filters
Dyson vacuums have one or two filters that catch tiny dust particles. These filters need cleaning every month or two, depending on how often you use the vacuum. Usually, the filters are easy to find inside the vacuum. Take them out and tap them gently to remove dust.
For a deeper clean, wash the filters with cold water. Don’t use any soap or detergent because it can damage the filter. Rinse the filter until the water runs clear. After washing, squeeze out the extra water but don’t twist or wring it. Let it dry in a warm place for 24 hours or more before you put it back. Never put the filter in the vacuum if it is still wet.
Check and Clean the Brush Bar
The brush bar is the long, spinning part at the bottom of your vacuum that helps pick up dirt from carpets and floors. Over time, hair, string, and threads get wrapped around it. This stops it from spinning well. To clean it, first turn off the vacuum and unplug it if it has a cord.
Most Dyson vacuums let you open the brush bar by pressing clips or screws on the bottom. Take the brush bar out and use scissors or your fingers to cut and pull off any hair or string. Be careful not to damage the bristles. After cleaning, put the brush bar back and close the cover.
Clean the Hose and Attachments
Your Dyson vacuum has a hose and different attachments for corners and stairs. Sometimes dirt can get stuck inside these. Detach the hose and attachments from the vacuum and look inside. If you see dirt or hair, use a long, flexible brush or a broomstick to push the dirt out.
You can also rinse some attachments with water if the dirt is hard to remove. Let them dry fully before putting them back. Clean attachments help your vacuum work better and last longer.
Wipe the Outside of the Vacuum
Don’t forget to clean the outside of your vacuum. Use a damp cloth to wipe the body, handle, and buttons. This keeps your vacuum looking nice and stops dust from building up on the outside. Avoid using strong cleaners or spraying water directly on the vacuum.
How to Keep Your Dyson Vacuum Clean Longer
Once your vacuum is clean, you want to keep it that way as long as possible. Small habits can help your vacuum stay powerful and work better without needing deep cleaning every time.
Empty the Bin After Every Use
If you vacuum often, try to empty the bin after every use. This keeps the dirt from building up and helps the vacuum work well. A full bin makes the motor work harder, which can cause damage.
Check the Brush Bar Regularly
Look at the brush bar at least once a week if you use the vacuum a lot. Remove hair or threads as soon as you see them. This stops the brush from getting stuck and saves time cleaning later.
Clean Filters Often
Even if your vacuum feels fine, check the filters every month. A dirty filter makes the vacuum lose suction power. Washing or tapping the filters keeps the air flowing and your vacuum strong.
Avoid Vacuuming Large or Sharp Objects
Your Dyson is made for dust, dirt, and small debris. Avoid sucking up things like rocks, large pieces of paper, or sharp objects. These can block or damage the vacuum parts and make cleaning harder.
Store Your Vacuum Properly
When not in use, keep your vacuum in a clean, dry place. Avoid places with high heat or moisture because these can damage the vacuum parts. Proper storage helps keep your vacuum in good shape.
How to Fix Common Dyson Vacuum Problems by Cleaning
Sometimes, your Dyson vacuum may stop working well or show error lights. Many problems happen because the vacuum needs cleaning. Here’s how you can fix some common problems by cleaning.
Vacuum Has Low Suction
If your vacuum isn’t sucking up dirt like before, check the bin. Is it full? Empty it if it is. Then check the filters; dirty filters block airflow and lower suction. Wash or clean the filters and let them dry. Also, check the hose and attachments for blockages. Remove anything stuck inside. After cleaning, your vacuum should work stronger.
Vacuum Makes Strange Noises
Loud or strange noises can mean the brush bar is tangled or blocked. Remove the brush bar and clean all hair and dirt wrapped around it. Also, check if the brush bar spins freely. If not, clean the bearings and make sure nothing blocks it.
Vacuum Stops Suddenly
If your vacuum turns off while using, it might be overheating. Overheating often happens when the filters or bin are clogged. Empty the bin, clean the filters, and check for blockages. Let the vacuum cool down for an hour before using again.
Brush Bar Not Spinning
If the brush bar doesn’t spin, check if it is tangled or blocked. Clean the brush bar and check if the belt (if your model has one) is broken or loose. Some newer Dyson models don’t have belts, but older ones do. If you find a broken belt, you may need to replace it or get help from a technician.
Vacuum Shows Error Lights
Dyson vacuums sometimes show lights when there is a problem. Usually, this means the vacuum needs cleaning or has a blockage. Follow the cleaning steps for the bin, filters, brush bar, and hose. After cleaning, restart the vacuum and see if the light goes off.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Dyson vacuum might seem like a lot, but it’s easy once you know what to do. Empty the bin, clean the filters, and check the brush bar regularly. Doing this keeps your vacuum working well and helps it last for many years. When your vacuum is clean, you get a cleaner home with less effort. Take care of your Dyson, and it will take care of your floors every day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to wash the Dyson vacuum filter with soap?
It is not okay to use soap on your Dyson vacuum filter. Dyson filters are made to be rinsed with water only. Soap or detergent can damage the filter material and make it less effective. To clean your filter, just rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Then squeeze out the extra water gently and let it dry completely for at least 24 hours before putting it back. Using soap might cause the filter to break down faster, so it’s best to avoid it.
Can I vacuum wet spills with my Dyson vacuum?
No, you should never vacuum wet spills with your Dyson vacuum. Dyson vacuums are made for dry dirt and dust only. Vacuuming wet spills can damage the motor and electrical parts inside. If you have a wet mess, it’s better to clean it up with a mop or towel first. Some special vacuums are designed for wet cleaning, but Dyson regular models are not. Using your vacuum on wet dirt can cause a short circuit or permanent damage.
Do I need to clean the brush bar often?
Yes, you should clean the brush bar often, especially if you have pets or long hair in your home. Hair and threads can wrap around the brush bar quickly and stop it from spinning. If the brush bar doesn’t spin, your vacuum won’t pick up dirt well. Cleaning it every week or two keeps your vacuum working well. Use scissors to carefully cut hair wrapped around and pull it off.
Is it necessary to empty the bin after every use?
It is a good habit to empty the bin after every use if you want your Dyson vacuum to work best. A full bin makes it harder for the vacuum to suck up dirt because there is no space for more dust. Emptying the bin also stops dirt from building up inside and clogging the vacuum. If you vacuum a lot or have a big mess, emptying it every time saves you from deep cleaning later.
Can clogged filters cause the vacuum to stop working?
Yes, clogged filters can make your Dyson vacuum stop working or lose power. Filters block dust and stop it from reaching the motor, but when they get too dirty, air can’t pass through properly. This causes the vacuum to overheat or stop. Cleaning or washing the filters regularly helps keep the vacuum running smoothly and prevents damage.
Do I need to dry the filters before putting them back?
Yes, always dry your Dyson filters completely before putting them back in the vacuum. Wet filters can damage the motor and cause mold to grow inside the vacuum. After washing the filters, leave them in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours. Don’t use a hair dryer or heater to dry them because that can damage the filter. Only put the filter back when it is fully dry.
Is it safe to use water to clean the vacuum bin?
Yes, it is safe to rinse your Dyson vacuum bin with water to remove stuck dirt. Just make sure you let the bin dry fully before putting it back in the vacuum. Never put the bin in a dishwasher or use harsh chemicals. Washing the bin helps keep your vacuum clean and stops dust from sticking inside.
Can I clean the hose if it is blocked?
Yes, if the hose on your Dyson vacuum is blocked, cleaning it can fix the problem. Detach the hose and check inside for dirt, hair, or other objects stuck inside. Use a long, flexible brush or a broomstick to push out the blockage. Sometimes, shaking the hose gently helps remove dirt too. Keeping the hose clear helps your vacuum work better and stops the motor from overworking.