How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum Filter to Make It Smell Better

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A complete guide to keeping your vacuum cleaner fresh and odor-free

Co-authored by Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil. Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: January 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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Cleaning the Filter

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What causes a smelly filter?

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Signs of a Dirty Filter

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Preventing Odors

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FAQs

Have you recently noticed a bad smell coming from your Dyson vacuum filter? Turns out, this is actually a common issue and we're here to help you fix it. Read on for a complete guide on how to remove the smell, plus what causes the filter to stink, when to clean it, and how to prevent odors so your vacuum stays fresh.

How to Remove the Smell From a Dyson Filter

Remove the filter from the vacuum and tap it to shake loose the dust and debris. Then, rinse it with cool water until the water runs clear. Let the filter air dry completely (about 24 hours) before reinstalling it. Avoid using any detergents to clean the filter. If the smell remains, replace the Dyson filter with a new one.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Clean a Dyson Filter to Remove the Smell

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Press the red tab on the top of the canister to remove it from the vacuum cleaner. Hold the canister over a trash bin and click the bottom tab to open the canister and empty it out.^{[1]
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Remove the Dyson filter. How to remove the filter depends on the model of the Dyson vacuum cleaner you have. Use the guide below to properly remove the filter so you can clean it.
- Dyson V6, V7, V8: Unscrew the filter on the top of the vacuum cleaner.^{[2]
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- Dyson V10, V11, V12, V15, Gen5, Gen5 Outsize, Outsize, Submarine: Remove the filter by twisting counter-clockwise while gently pulling toward you.^{[3]
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- Dyson Cyclone: Push the red trigger near the handle so both the filter and canister detach.^{[4]
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- Dyson Ball & Animal Vacuums: Lay the vacuum on its side and push the red trigger to remove the canister and filter.^{[5]
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Hold the dirty filter over a trash bin and shake out the dust. This prevents additional dirt particles from clumping during the cleaning process.^{[6]
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Rinse the filter under cold water. Hold the filter upright under running water. Gently rub the filter with your hands to release trapped dust. Fill it with water, use your hands to cover the openings, and shake the filter. Repeat until the water runs clear.^{[7]
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- Dyson recommends using cold water, but other users have found that using warm (not hot) water is better at killing bacteria. However, using hot water to clean the filter can warp the seals.^{[8]
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- Avoid using any detergents to clean the filter.
While not officially recommended by Dyson, some users recommend using a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the filter and kill odors. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on a dry filter and let it sit for up to 24 hours to remove smells, then rinse it under running water to remove all the baking soda.
For best results, set the filter out in the sun to dry and deodorize. Avoid placing it directly over a heat source. Once it's completely dry, replace the filter.^{[9]
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Section 2 of 5:

Why does your Dyson filter smell?

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Bacteria and water are the leading causes of odors. When you vacuum anything damp or slightly wet, moisture can enter the filter and cause bacteria to form, which can create a musty, mildewy, or wet dog smell. Vacuuming damp pet hair or reinstalling a filter before it's completely dry, for instance, can easily cause your Dyson filter to smell bad.^{[10]
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- Additionally, debris, dust, and anything else that you vacuum up can cause an unpleasant smell.
- Using the vacuum frequently, using "boost" mode, and even the fact that Dyson vacuums are bagless can all contribute to an odor as the filter spins at a high speed like a centrifuge to separate the heavy dust particles without releasing them back into the air.^{[11]
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Section 3 of 5:

Signs That a Dyson Filter Needs Cleaning

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If your vacuum cleaner won’t pick up dirt at all or picks up very little, it’s a sign of a dirty filter. After running the vacuum over the area, you may notice dirt and grime left on the floor or rug. It’s also possible to see a small gathering of dirt that gets pushed as you vacuum without getting picked up.
When your Dyson filter is dirty, the vacuum cleaner can experience problems with the power source. The power may pulse on and off erratically or automatically turn off altogether. If this occurs, unplug your Dyson vacuum and remove the filter to examine it.^{[12]
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Some Dyson models, including V11, V12, and V15 of the Dyson cordless vacuum, feature an LCD screen that indicates when your filter needs to be cleaned or changed.^{[13]
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Research source} For older models like the Dyson V6, you may see an image of a filter, a message that says “airways blocked,” or an indicator on the vacuum handle.

Section 4 of 5:

How to Prevent Filter Odors

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Any material that builds up in the vacuum is less likely to smell if you dump out the debris each time you vacuum or when the dirt reaches the “max” marker on the canister.^{[14]
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Cleaning expert Regina DeCorte notes that “filters need to be cleaned on a regular, monthly schedule.”^{[15]
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Regina DeCorte
Residential Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} Follow the steps above to clean the filter so the vacuum will remove the maximum amount of dirt and debris each time you use it.
Decorte goes on to say, “Even well-cared-for filters will need to be replaced on an annual basis.”^{[16]
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Regina DeCorte
Residential Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} Filters eventually wear down, begin to lose their shape, and may have loose threads or pilling on the surface. All of these are signs to replace your Dyson filter.^{[17]
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Separate the vacuum stick from the head and the base, then clean out any trapped hair or debris lodged in the brush roller and vacuum head. Be sure to check the vacuum opening and any channels of the vacuum for excess debris. Finish by wiping these areas down with a clean cloth and multipurpose spray.^{[18]
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Section 5 of 5:

Dyson Vacuum Filter Cleaning FAQs

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Sometimes, your Dyson filter can retain a musty smell even after washing it out. This is typically due to bacteria that build up in the filter, which is a sign that the filter needs to be replaced.^{[19]
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A wet dog smell in your Dyson vacuum filter may occur when water gets into the machine. This happens more for those who have a Dyson wet and dry vacuum. The dirty water that flows inside the vacuum is more likely to leave moisture behind. Regular cleaning your Dyson filter can help get rid of or at least keep the smell to a minimum.^{[20]
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Start by unplugging your Dyson air purifier. Remove the circular filter and vacuum it thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Then, wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any remaining dust. Dyson doesn’t recommend washing the air filter with water. In addition to regular cleaning, change your air filter every 12 months.^{[21]
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