How To Completely Clean A Dyson V6/V7/V8 Filter 

Thank you for this! I too had no idea you could open it up and clean inside. I always found it weird that the instructional videos would tell me to just rinse over the outside, I felt like the majority of the dirt would be inside and that I was only doing a small part of the cleaning. I also liked some of the tips in the comments, such as using canned air to get the last bits really out and washing with dish soap and an old toothbrush. Thanks Honest Dad! You’ve cast away the doubts I’d been having for 2 years and saved me money! 👍

Thank You SO MUCH! I haven't been able to run mine on max in over a year. On regular mode it would start pulsating every 3 or 4 mins. I was emptying the canister, and tapping dust out of this filter 3 times every use. I can't believe how packed full of hair was. It's working like new again!

You saved the day! I knew about rinsing out the filter, but had no idea the filter itself could be removed from the plastic holder. I discovered a solid 2" clog of dirt inside, not to mention a pile of dust. No wonder we had trouble! My husband just yanked the filter off, but now I read from another's comments that you can just squeeze the top of the filter, twist it, then pull if off. Wish we'd known this before.

Thanks a lot from Germany. After three years of usage the filter at first did not want to get off but according to your video I knew it had to (after half an hour of hard work). So without your help Dyson would have won the game. Great work.

Great video, I have 3 V8 's , one for over 4 years. I use canned Air every time when I empty them outside so it cleans most of the remaining dust after the dumping the chamber. It is also a good idea to use Distilled water in the final rinse.This way you will lesson the deposit of minerals that may be present in tap water. Never had a problem with lose of power .

Just ordered a Dyson and now I'm all set to keep it super clean! Thanks heaps for the tip.

Thank you! My Dyson was cutting out when pressure was applied. I did this and pretty much had lumps of concrete come out. Now I wait for it to dry and I think it'll be good as new!

Great informative video, I’ve just taken my filter top off no problem and removed a fair amount of solidified dust, it took me under ten minutes to complete, job done.

I just tried this, was convinced that mine wouldnt come off but I persisted and it worked! It did turn some of the purple plastic a bit white-ish (ie stretched it) so possibly can only do it once or twice before breaking it. No hair in mine, just a bit more dust washed out of the material. This is because when I have my daughter's two spaniels to stay I always stick to the faithful old Henry hoover which is far better for picking up hair without clogging the machine! The Dyson is ok but would never replace my bigger corded vacuum. Thanks for posting this informative video - without generous people like you we'd all be spending more money unnecessarily.

I am blown away!!! I could not believe the amount of stuff inside the filter!!! Thank you so much for sharing

You're the first person who's showed me how to disconnect these darned filters, by pushing down on those little clips around the top. Not easy but it did happen and there was about an inch of gunk at the bottom of the filter. So thanks for that. Now to deal with the rest of the nightmare of taking the other bits off to clean.

Thanks for the close up steps and easy to follow instructions. I couldn't believe how dirty the filter was. I haven't taken it apart before.

I can verify this works 100%. When I removed the plastic inside the filter, there was a huge build up of gunk blocking the airflow; which was causing the vacuum to pulse. A lot of other vids don’t mention that step. I had to figure it out on my own. I wish I found this video first. I did want to find one and verify that it works. 5 minutes after cleaning out that buildup, I was back in business. This absolutely works. No need to buy a new filter just yet.

Thank you! I had bought replacement filters because, despite cleaning the cone, the vacuum still smelled terrible every time it was used. We have two beagles who shed enough fur every day to make up a whole new dog each week! I decided to fully strip the machine down and clean it thoroughly. Rather than throwing the old cone filter away I thought I'd try one last time to salvage it. That's when I found your video. OMG! The thick wad of matted fur that was stuck to the bottom of the internal frame was disgusting! Now it's no longer around to stink up the house every time I turn on the vacuum.

Thank you, I've done this before when my Dyson pulsed on and off, but I'd forgotten so I looked and found this video. Glad it's still here 4 years later.

I just did mine and oh it was so gross. Keeping in mind I had wet mine previously in the day than my mum recommended this video to me so it was wet gross mess. I feel so satisfied knowing I have cleaned it out now. Thanks for the helpful video

Thanks for showing! Bought a v6 second hand... Seemed clean - gave the filter a wash like dyson suggests, waited a day for it to "dry", then got the worst smell possible coming out after using the vacuum. Obviously something deep inside was still a bit damp. Started to open it but was far too shocked to continue all the way. Now waiting for a cheap 3rd party to replace it! Can't believe dyson says a rinse under water is ok to clean it!

The Dyson suction is unbeatable but I couldn’t get past whatever was making that odd smell... I can’t thank you enough!

Perfect. My vacuum was losing power and would actually pulse on Max. I cleaned everything else but didn’t know about this one. Good as new now! Cheers!

I really like the Dyson V6 but was having issues with it. I thought that I had been cleaning the filter following Dyson's instructions but when I took it apart it was packed full! The vacuum is now working great. Thanks for the insight!

Thanks for the tip. I just cleaned my V6 filter like you instructed and finally the filter has no smell.

I took my Dyson apart and then went down to my husband’s shed and used his big compressor to blow it down! Worked a treat.

Thanks. I washed mine but still got pulsing. So I saw this, took the filter apart and was amazed how much dirt was inside even after washing the outside. Now it is properly clean.

Thanks so much for making this video to share the tip. Had a starting/stopping issue with my handheld Dyson and couldn't figure out why after cleaning it. I thought I'd cleaned the filter enough with washing it plenty but following your tip it was possible to clean it a lot more thoroughly and the problem went away after that. :)

I have been using the v8 for 4yrs now and cleaned the outside of the filter frequently. Today it smelled funky.. saw ur video and have cleaned it thouroughly. Thank you so much for this.

Very helpful! The other tutorials dont mention that you can do this, Thanks!

Thanks! I've watched other basic cleaning V6 filters, but I've never deep cleaned it. When I thought I got all the dustballs out, more came out. I will try to be better at maintaining my V6 machine.

Wow! My Dyson stopped running after a minute or so. Took it apart a couple times to clean and was looking through you-tube for other suggestions. Came across your video . What came out was disgusting. Thank you for the tip. Who would have thought? Runs great now.

Just found this video, works brilliantly. I was looking for a video to see how to dry the filter quickly, primarily to see if it would microwave dry. Anyway after cleaning and washing I used a hair dryer, that did the trick.

The best video on RU-vid regarding this issue! I bought a Dyson V6 refurbished from Amazon 6 years ago for $208! One heck of a deal we'll never see again! This vacuum retailed for $599! I came across your video 3 years ago with this same issue I had today, and your video completely solved my issue. My refurbished Dyson V6 has been a workhorse! After using your video, my Dyson works perfectly once again. After a while, this filter gets so dusty and clogged, that the vacuum causes the intermittent suction issue many have faced. I was also amazed at how much dust and debris was inside this filter. Once again, problem solved and thanks again for this great video! Have a great day!

Thank you for making this Video. It is appreciated, when the manual isn’t available!.

Thanks for the tip, exactly what I needed and had similar findings as you did. Much appreciated!!

Hoover was pulsing so I googled the problem and found your video. Wow, like you my filter was packed solid, I’m amazed it was picking up anything at all! I will wait for the filter to dry, pop and back and see what happens. Thank you for posting.

Amazing! I’ve rinsed the filter many times in the 2+ years I’ve owned the vac. Took it apart for the first time after watching your video. It was so filthy. Mostly pet hair and dirt. Can’t wait for it to dry so I can try out my spankin’ clean cordless vac. Thank you!!

Awesome. I didn't feel like my filter was really getting clean, but this did the trick!!!

Best video yet. Apparently V7’s are different all over the world, ours has not been looked at since new, 3 years ago. It was full of dust.

This video helped me a lot, I had no clue that you can take apart the filter in my V6. Thanks for making this video great help.

thanks for this! ive rinsed out my filter s hundred times and my dyson was still pulsing. so frustrating. so i was very excited to see your video. i pulled the levers down but it almost seemed stuck at the bottom so i let it soak for a minute in hot water before trying to pull it out again. OH MY GOD. so much dog hair had solidified at the bottom, practically gluing it to the filter 🤢🤢 thanks for this video!

Thanks for the video mate, my filter wasn't as bad as yours after a couple of years use but it's nice and clean now.

Exact video I was looking for. THANK YOU!!!

OMG... thank you so so much !!!!! I just did this and I have 2 dogs and 1 cat so you can imagine what I found !!!! Thank you again !!!! The only issues is that I had already had rinse mine but I was able to take out all the hair that was in there !!!

Thank you so much! I have been trying figure out how to clean this filter!

THANK YOU. I watched another video that showed the filter being taken apart but, showing the butter knife helped me. even after rinsing, there was nasty stuff at the bottom. Fingers crossed for no more smelly vacuuming.

Thanks for this, like a new vacuum again, big difference in the suction!

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge- I just did this and mine had lots of stinky dog hair in it. Now I gotta see what to do with the other filter to make it smell fresh . Thanks again!!

Thanks for the video, just cleaned mine out. Omg cant believe how much gunk was inside 👍🏼

thank you for making the video, my parts were filthy but all clean now and drying 🤗

This is what makes RU-vid great. I now have a clean filter and a clean, sweet smelling, non pulsing Dyson handheld. Cost = $0. Thank you.

Never knew about this---. So I did it and the innards were not too bad. Rather than using a kitchen dining knife, I slipped on a sturdy leather glove on the left hand and used a flathead 3/8 inch screwdriver. I pushed and twisted the screwdriver and it popped ! I really enjoyed doing this !!

Thank you so much🙏 very helpful. Honestly thought I would need to buy a new vacuum filter.

I live in Australia. I pulled apart and washed my V8 tonight before I went to bed, got curious and found your video- went back into the kitchen and did this after 2 years of not knowing it was possible! Unfortunately filer was already wet so will shake the dust out tomorrow but a big chunk of crap in the middle. Thanks for sharing! X

Thank you, glad I stumbled upon this video. I had no idea you could do this to the filter, I always thought giving it a rinse wasn’t enough.

Did as described and washed,surprised at amount of dirt, even though had just been washed prior to taking apart, thanks for informative video

I've had good results from running the filter under hot water while scrubbing out the inside with dish detergent and an old toothbrush.

Easy instructions to follow. Found built up dirt that would not dissolve using water. Saved me buying a new filter

This is the only time ive seen this in 2 years of having my dyson. An incredible amount of gunk was in there. Maybe this will solve its constant stalling/stopping. We shall see tomorrow when it dries.

Good job explaining things. Mostly I just needed to know how to pop it off without damaging the clip. I’ve been cleaning our filter by sucking it in reverse using the shop vac. So after 2 years of use we only had a little bit of hair inside. But glad to know how to remove the filter bag. Thanks

Very helpful thank you, got lots of crud out of there once opened, so thick it was still damp in the middle of all the hairs and dust from last wash!

Great video! I just cleaned my filter!

Yaay! Thank you. I just washed mine out, and after two days of drying, the vacuum still pulses. I was never convinced that running it under water was the way to clean it, but Dyson would rather turn the filter into a "consumable" and sell more of them. And this from the company that marketed them as "no bags to buy, no loss of pressure!" [facepalm]

Brilliant. Thank you from Australia.

Wow thankyou I never knew. Had my Dyson for years , just been rinsing under the tap....you wouldn't believe the filth in my filter. Was like muddy dog hair!!!!

Well I opened it up. It was a lot harder to do for me lol but after a small scratch or two on my hands, I got it. I did have some built up at the bottom like yours and I gave it a good cleaning which was nice. We don’t have animals but I’ve noticed a stale order or musty type odor while vacuuming even after cleaning the filter in the past, so hopefully this clears that completely.

Thank you so much. It’s like I have a new vacuum again. I have shared it with others so hopefully they will view the video and get the same results.

Thank you so much....you are a star in the Vacuum Universe!

Thanks this really helped me fix the issue with my dyson vacuum

Wow, i never opened this filter, always only washed it with water. This will fix the pulsing for sure. Thanks!

Thankyou. Going to go and pull mine apart right now... so excited!

Just done this. Was half full and smelly. All clean now. Thanks

I am very happy to see this video. I never did this and now I believe all smell disappear . thanks a lot

Thanks for the video! I pried my filter apart just now, and the bottom of the plastic frame had hair in it (just as yours did in the video). The inside of the filter was full of dirt, too--the first time I squeezed the filter after rinsing it, the water came out gray.. This should improve the performance of my V7!

After 3 years just figured this out. Have just rinse and dumping best I could. Thanks

Thanks. I tried it and it solved the problem for a short while, but after some time, it still happened regardless of how much I cleaned the filter. I reckon there were fine cat fur stuck between the two layers which just wouldn't come out. I ended up buying a new filter and it works fine after that. It cost me around US $7.

Thank you much appreciated. I thought I could undo it via those clips but I wanted to make sure in case I broke something. Thanks again!

Thank you for the easiest way to clear my filter but I found you a little bit late but it’s good to know how to do it again the right way

Thanks for video. Did exactly as in the video. Worked great.

We got this for the toddler room ru-vid.comUgkxdzUap46p9ViXhKZf5mK_bXOb89EHxTqq because of the bladeless feature. Actually has a lot more power than I thought it would. Can still feel the air moving well 6 feet away, which is farther than I would expect from a desk fan. My daughter dropped twice and still works. I haven't checked out how long it lasts on a charge yet, but the air output was still good for the few minutes it was unplugged. My daughter also likes the color lights feature, but I don't really care for it and can be annoying to go through all the options before it turns off. Overall, happy with the purchase, especially for the price

Awesome! Thank you! Listening from Reading, UK

This worked wonders, Thank you soooooooo much my Dyson works like the first day I bought it now👍

Thanks for showing me how to clean the filter. You know the new part from Amazon is 13 dollars. We are not just saving money we save the world from pollution.

Thank you!! Just opened mine and it was FILLED with crap!!

Gonna try this! Thanks for the tip!

same problem with mine, i never knew that filter came apart thanks.

Great vid took it apart the dirt was half way up the filter thanks for the help

Thank you!! I took mine apart (it was a lot harder to do than your one) and had to really pull on the filter. Oh. My. God. The crud in the middle was rock hard and came more than half way up the plastic frame. It's now washed and drying out.

Whew, saved a broke college student some time and money! Completely did the trick. Full of pet hair and dirt. Nothin a little soap and water couldn’t fix

I'll try it, thank you for posting

The key to unlocking the plastic tabs without harming your hands is to use a dull knife or screwdriver to pry the tabs down, while SIMULTANEOUSLY squeezing the top of the filter, the wide part. This makes it much easier to pop the tabs. Also, if you have hard water, use purified or distilled water on the final rinse to avoid mineral buildup in the filter. Don't use soap, and don't use hot water!

They call that a Spicket symbol down heeeeere in the sooooouth! Yes I am picking on the southern draaaaawl. Thx for sharing mine has a funky smell

Hi...I had a some problem ....bought new motor and battery ,still the same.....Thanks to you and your video all is OK now....Thanks again

Thanx a million Was about to buy a new cordless Til I tried this right now GOOD AS NEW NO MORE PULSATING 👍👍👍👍💋💋💋💋

Thanks for your help! 😊

worked like a dream.

Thanks Dad! I've had my V8 3 years now and never cleaned it. But I will now.

Great video sir. But when I opened mine there was literally nothing in it 😂

Thanks! worked like a charm!

Thanks. that worked. Saved myself from geting a new filter.

Thanks for that mate, I got a ton of crap out of it !! Much better now 👍

very helpful. I used a butter knife which was a little easier for me. Thanks for the tip!

Thank you. Worked like a charm