Clean your Dyson V8 every month to keep suction strong and motor life long
A Dyson V8 loses suction when the filter clogs, the bin fills past the line, or hair wraps the brush bar. You do not need special tools or parts — just warm water, a soft brush, and about 15 minutes. Cleaning the filter monthly and the brush bar every two weeks will keep the vacuum working at full power and prevent the motor from working harder than it needs to.
The V8 has three main areas that need regular attention: the filter, the dust bin, and the brush bar. Each one is quick to access and straightforward to clean by hand. Dyson does not recommend running any of these parts through the dishwasher, and the motor head should never be washed.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the filter over a bin once a month to dislodge dust, then rinse it under warm water until the water runs clear.
- Empty the dust bin every time it reaches the full line, and wash the bin itself with warm soapy water weekly.
- Remove hair from the brush bar every two weeks by sliding the release catch and pulling the bar out, then cutting away wrapped hair with scissors.
- Let the filter air-dry completely — at least four hours, or overnight — before putting it back in the vacuum.
- Never wash the motor head, and never use a dishwasher or washing machine on any V8 part.
How to clean the filter in five steps
The filter is the part that clogs fastest and causes the most noticeable loss of suction. It sits inside the motor head at the top of the vacuum. To reach it, hold the motor head in one hand and press the red release button on the side with your thumb. The head will come free from the wand.
Once the head is off, look at the top. You will see a circular filter with a red button in the center. Press that button and twist the filter counterclockwise — it will come out in your hand. Tap it gently over a trash bin to shake out loose dust. Do this even if the filter looks clean; dust settles inside the pleats.
Rinse the filter under warm running water. Hold it so water flows from the top down through the pleats. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and you see no more dust coming out. This usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. Do not use hot water, and do not scrub the filter with a brush — the pleats are delicate and can tear.
Shake off excess water and stand the filter upright on a clean cloth or paper towel. Let it air-dry completely before you put it back. Dyson recommends at least four hours, but overnight is safer. A damp filter will not seal properly and will let dust into the motor. Once it is dry, twist it clockwise back into the motor head until you hear a click.
Emptying and washing the dust bin
Empty the bin every time it reaches the full line — do not wait until it is completely full. A full bin reduces suction and makes the motor work harder. To empty it, hold the vacuum over a trash can and press the red release button on the back of the bin. The bottom will open and dust will fall out. Tap the bin a few times to shake out any remaining dust.
Once a week, wash the bin itself with warm soapy water. Detach it from the vacuum by pressing the release button, then rinse the inside and outside under running water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any dust that stuck to the walls. Rinse until the water runs clear. Shake out excess water and let it air-dry before you snap it back onto the vacuum.
The bin has a small mesh screen at the bottom. If you see dust caked on it, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub it clean. Do not poke at the mesh with sharp objects — it can tear, and then dust will reach the motor.
Removing hair from the brush bar
Hair wraps around the brush bar and stops it from spinning. Check the brush bar every two weeks, or more often if you have pets or long hair in your home. To access it, flip the vacuum over so you are looking at the bottom. You will see a long rectangular opening with a brush bar running across it.
On one side of the opening, you will see a red release catch. Slide it toward the center of the vacuum. The brush bar will pop up slightly. Grab it and pull it straight out toward you. Hair will usually come away with it.
If hair is still wrapped tightly, use small scissors to cut it away. Cut parallel to the bar, not across it, so you do not cut the bristles. Work slowly and pull the hair away as you cut. Once the bar is clear, slide it back into the slot and push the release catch back to lock it in place. You should hear a click.
Cleaning the wand and hose
The wand and hose can collect dust and pet hair inside. Once a month, detach the wand from the motor head by twisting it counterclockwise. Hold it up to a light and look through it — if you see dust or blockages, you need to clear it.
Run warm water through the wand from the top end. If water does not flow freely, use a straightened wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake to push the blockage out. Work gently so you do not puncture the plastic. Once water flows through, shake out excess water and stand the wand upright to air-dry.
The hose that connects the wand to the bin can also clog. Detach it by twisting the ends counterclockwise. Run warm water through it and use a snake or hanger to clear any blockages. Shake it dry and reattach it by twisting clockwise until snug.
What not to do when cleaning your V8
Never wash the motor head itself — only the filter that sits inside it. Water inside the motor will damage the electronics and the motor will not work. If the motor head gets dusty on the outside, wipe it with a dry cloth.
Do not use a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer on any V8 part. Do not soak parts in water for more than a few minutes. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals — warm water and mild dish soap are all you need. Do not scrub the filter with a brush or cloth; rinsing is enough.
Do not put the filter back in the vacuum while it is still damp. A wet filter will not seal and dust will reach the motor, which can shorten its life. Always wait until the filter is completely dry.
How often to clean each part
The filter should be tapped and rinsed once a month. If you use the vacuum daily or have pets, do it every two weeks instead. The brush bar needs hair removed every two weeks, or weekly if you have long hair or multiple pets. The dust bin should be emptied every time it hits the full line and washed with soap and water once a week. The wand and hose should be checked monthly for blockages.
If you notice suction dropping suddenly between your regular cleaning schedule, do not wait — check the filter and brush bar right away. A clogged filter or wrapped brush bar is almost always the cause. A quick clean usually restores full suction within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash the motor head?
No. Only the filter inside the motor head can be washed. The motor head itself contains electronics and should never touch water. If dust builds up on the outside, wipe it with a dry cloth.
How do I know if the filter is dry enough to use?
Wait at least four hours after rinsing, or overnight to be safe. You can test it by touching the center of the filter — it should feel completely dry, not cool or damp. A damp filter will not seal properly and will let dust into the motor.
What if water does not run clear when I rinse the filter?
Keep rinsing. Some filters take a minute or two of running water before the water clears completely. If you have rinsed for several minutes and water is still brown, the filter may be very clogged. Let it soak in warm water for 15 minutes, then rinse again.
Can I use hot water to clean the filter?
Use warm water, not hot. Hot water can damage the filter material and the plastic parts. Warm water is hot enough to rinse away dust and is safer for the vacuum.
What should I do if the brush bar will not spin after I put it back?
Make sure the release catch is fully locked — you should hear a click. If it still will not spin, remove the bar again and check that no hair or debris is caught underneath it. Also make sure the bar is sitting all the way down in the slot before you lock the catch.