If you’ve never cleaned your stick vacuum’s filters, it might not be working at it’s best – a fact many people discovered after cleaning influencer Kait @acleanbee took to Instagram to share the importance of cleaning Dyson filters. “If your vacuum sounds like this … the solution might be as simple as cleaning the filter,” she says. The sound Kait is referring to is the Dyson vacuum turning on and off quickly while you’re trying to use it.
Although it’s your vacuum’s job to do all the cleaning in your home, turns out your vacuum, specifically the filter, needs some TLC every now and again, too. The video has been liked over 9000 times – with many fans responding that they thought their vacuum was broken.
“We were about to throw our Dyson OUT! Cleaned the top filter, and boom, works like new,” one person wrote.
Another added: “This is so helpful. My Dyson has been doing this a lot lately! Thank you for sharing!”
“I had the same problem. I don’t know why, but I decided to wash that filter, and it worked fine. Been doing it ever since,” revealed another.
Why you need to clean your Dyson’s filter
When particles collected in your vacuum build up in the filter, it blocks the appliance’s airflow. Dyson’s website says, “The filter captures microscopic dust, which can accumulate and affect performance.”
3 signs that you need to clean your Dyson filter
- The vacuum is turning on and off quickly as you’re trying to use it
- You’ve noticed suction has decreased
- Some Dyson models have a light that indicates the filter needs to be cleaned. Check your product’s user manual or the troubleshooting section of Dyson’s website to find out whether the filter could be the problem.
How often should you clean a Dyson filter?
Dyson recommend cleaning your filters once a month.
“Help maintain suction by washing the filter at least once a month, or more frequently if used heavily,” Dyson states.

How to clean Dyson filters in your vacuum cleaner
While the filters may look different depending on the Dyson vacuum cleaner model you have, you’ll typically be able to use these steps to clean them.
1. Take out the Dyson filters
Remove filter A from the top of the vacuum and twist off the second filter at the back of your Dyson machine.
2. Eliminate excess dust
Lightly tap the filters to dislodge any loose dust or debris.
3. Clean the top filter
Remove the long purple filter from the top of your machine. Hold it under running water, gently squeezing it until it clears. Squeeze and twist the filter to remove excess water.
4. Clean the back filter
Another filter can be found at the back of the vacuum. Remove and run under cold water, repeating until the water runs clear. Shake the filter vigorously until no water remains.
5. Allow filters to dry for 24+ hours
Place the filters in a well-ventilated, warm space for at least 24 hours to ensure they are completely dry. To prevent motor damage, the filters must be thoroughly dry before reinserting them into the machine.
6. Reattach the filters
Push the first filter back into the top of the machine. Screw the second filter clockwise onto the back of your Dyson machine.
If you need more assistance, step-by-step instructions with images can be found on the Dyson website.
How often should you replace your Dyson filter?
While Dyson doesn’t offer any specific advice on how often you should replace your vacuum cleaner’s filters, some Reddit users have reported replacing their vacuum filter at least once a year improves the appliance’s airflow and suction. If you use your machine less frequently, you may not need to replace it as often. Obvious signs of wear to the filter include fraying, fading and visible holes. Other users report keeping an extra filter on hand to use when the other one is in the wash (or drying).