I’ll forgo the guilt trip about how much time has passed since you last cleaned your Dyson stick vacuum—not merely emptying the dust bin, but giving it a proper clean.
Unless you’re an overzealous cleaner, this tedious and filthy chore often gets postponed for “future me.” However, taking care of your appliance is the ideal method to prolong its lifespan. A cordless Dyson vacuum might not be showcased in the r/buyitforlife subreddit, yet Dyson asserts that a cordless stick vacuum can endure for up to five years with appropriate maintenance.
I’m currently in my third year with my Dyson V12 Detect Slim, experiencing no operational issues (only a few paint chips).
Good news: Dyson vacuums are simple to clean.
There are just a few components that influence suction efficiency and motor lifespan, and everything snaps apart easily without tools or complicated maneuvers. The dust bin needs to be emptied more frequently than a self-emptying robot vacuum, but other cleaning tasks can be conducted monthly.
Here’s my detailed guide on how to clean your Dyson stick vacuum. Step 1: Wear gloves and prepare yourself. It’s unsightly but worthwhile.
How to clean a Dyson filter
Loss of suction is a frequent issue among Dyson users. If your Dyson is ejecting debris or leaving behind fur, the filter may be obstructed.
Dyson stick vacuums are equipped with HEPA filters that capture airborne particles such as dust, pet dander, bacteria, and mold, stopping odors and allergens from disseminating. Yet, Dyson filters aren’t everlasting, and the particles caught don’t disappear. Dust and hair accumulate over time, particularly with pets, eventually suffocating the filter. A full filter restricts airflow and diminishes suction power.
To clean a Dyson stick vacuum filter, find the colorful end of the handheld portion (likely purple or turquoise) and twist it off. I’m always astonished by how filthy my Dyson’s filter is, even with periodic washing. First, remove larger debris—pull clumps of pet hair off and tap it into the trash can to eliminate loose dust. Then, rinse the filter under cool running water and gently scrub the mesh with your hands.
After cleaning, Dyson filters should dry for no less than 24 hours, preferably two days. A damp filter could interfere with the battery, as various Reddit users have noted, and moisture may encourage mold growth. I would be concerned about not vacuuming for that duration if it weren’t for my robot vacuum, but having a spare filter is another option.
How to clean Dyson cleaning heads
The cleaning head on your Dyson touches the dirty floor, resulting in it becoming dirty. The primary cleaning heads from Dyson, the Motorbar and Fluffy Optic laser head, can be disassembled for cleaning. The brush rolls within can be extracted via the unlocking mechanism at one end. Flip them over and get to work.
Hair accumulating at both ends of the brush roll is inevitable, even if the brush roll prevents tangling in the middle. It’s mostly my long hair, not pet hair. The hair becomes tightly wound and can be difficult to remove by hand. The most effective way to clear tangled hair from a Dyson brush roll is to utilize small, sharp eyebrow scissors to cut it out.
Dismantling the cleaning head also allows for the removal of stuck items. Cordless Dyson vacuums with a display might indicate an “Airways blocked” error, but you can often hear airflow issues. My cats shred brown packing paper from the mail, which I frequently extract from my Dyson’s cleaning head.
For owners of the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, V15 Detect, Gen5Outsize, or Gen5Detect, the soft brush inside the laser head requires washing similar to the filter. When the transparent plastic casing on the cleaning head becomes cloudy and the previously golden stripes on the brush roll turn gray, it’s time for a wash. Release the fluffy brush roll from the side and slide it off. While it’s out, clean the inside of the plastic casing.
Scrub the brush roll with soap and water until its vibrant Dyson colors are restored. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
Don’t overlook deep cleaning the dust bin
From time to time, the dust bin of your Dyson stick vacuum requires more than just emptying. After disposing of the debris, use a damp rag or paper towel to wipe down the interior of the dust bin.
Why does my Dyson emit a bad odor?
A filthy filter or brush roll is likely the culprit for a smelly Dyson vacuum. If your Dyson has a dog-like smell, keep in mind that your pet’s shedding and dander remain in your Dyson’s dust bin and filter for weeks. When the filter is too saturated to capture further odors, the smell wafts out each time you vacuum.
Refrain from pushing your Dyson stick vacuum over liquids. The Motorhead bristles or the soft material of the laser head will absorb it, resulting in a musty smell reminiscent of damp towels. Besides soap and water, hypochlorous acid spray is a pet-safe disinfectant that neutralizes odors related to pets and moisture.