How to Wash and Fully Dry the Filters on a Dyson SV10

Both filters need a cold rinse and a full dry

Dyson identifies the machine in this title as a V8 with a top filter that lifts out and a rear filter that twists off. If your machine has a different filter layout, Dyson’s cordless parts selector (opens in a new tab) distinguishes the filter styles. Dust caught in the filters can weaken pickup. Washing removes that dust, but moisture left inside a filter means the vacuum has to stay unused while it dries.

We’d finish any vacuuming you need to do before washing the filters, because each needs at least 24 hours of drying time. Set them out where you can leave them undisturbed, and judge dryness by touch as well as by the clock.

Find the top filter and the rear filter

On this two-filter layout, filter A lifts out of the top of the cyclone. Filter B sits at the rear of the motor housing and twists off.

Look for both filter openings before you start. The different locations matter because A is rinsed from the outside, while B is rinsed through its inside opening. Dyson’s filter removal and refitting instructions (opens in a new tab) show the motions for this layout.

If you find only one removable filter, stop before washing it. These removal and rinse motions belong to the two-filter layout. Identify the machine and its filter arrangement before cleaning, since the other layout needs different instructions.

1. With dry hands, disconnect the machine from its charger. Set it down so you can hold it without touching the trigger.
2. Grip filter A at the top of the cyclone and lift it straight out. Its opening is now clear.
3. Turn filter B at the rear counterclockwise to its open position, then pull it away. You should have two separate filters ready to wash.

Keep the machine body out of the sink. Dry your hands before touching the machine or charger again; only the detached filters go under running water.

Rinse A outside and B inside

Use cold running water and your hands. Leave detergent out of the wash. Keep the filters out of the dishwasher and washing machine.

1. Hold filter A under the cold tap with water running over its outside. Rotate it as needed and keep rinsing while dirty water comes off; the runoff should become clear.
2. Gently squeeze and twist A with both hands to push out excess water. If that brings out more dirty water, rinse its outside again until the water runs clear.
3. Run cold water through filter B’s inside opening. Rotate B so water reaches the pleats all the way around.
4. Gently tap B against the side of the sink to release loosened debris. Repeat the inside rinse and gentle tapping about four or five times, continuing if loose debris still comes out.
5. Tap or shake excess water from B. Washing is finished when another rinse and tap releases no loose debris.

Leave both out until every part is dry

Set A on a clean drying surface in a place with good airflow. Stand B upright with its top facing up. That position lets water leave B after you’ve tapped out what you can.

A nearby fan or naturally moving room air can help both filters dry, but they still need the minimum wait. Moisture can remain in pleats and recessed areas after the outer surfaces feel dry. If you find any, leave the filter out and test it again later.

1. Leave both filters to air-dry for at least 24 hours. Keep them away from an open flame.
2. After that minimum wait, look into B’s pleats and the recessed areas of both filters for visible moisture. Feel those areas and the outer surfaces with dry fingers.
3. If any part feels damp or you can see moisture, leave that filter out longer. Repeat the look-and-touch test before putting it back.

Don’t use an oven, tumble dryer or microwave to hurry the job, and keep the filters away from flame. Leave the machine itself away from a stove or another hot surface while the filters dry.

Refit the filters or get a damaged fitting repaired

Start refitting only when both filters have passed the look-and-touch test. A goes straight back into the top opening. B has to begin in its open position so its fitting can turn into the locked position.

1. Lower dry filter A straight into the top opening. Press it into place until it sits securely rather than riding up in the opening.
2. Set dry filter B to its open position and place it against the rear fitting. Turn it clockwise until you hear or feel a click; it should stay attached when you release it.
3. If either filter resists, lift or turn it back off. Look for cracked plastic or a torn filter, then align the intact filter and try the normal seating motion once more without forcing it.
4. Before using the vacuum, confirm A is seated, B has clicked into place, and the clear bin is fitted. Keep the vacuum off if either required filter is missing, damp or unsecured.

Replace a filter with torn material or damaged plastic instead of trying to wash or force it into place. For a torn rear filter, choose a replacement post-filter matched to this machine’s two-filter layout. Find the serial number behind the clear bin and use it to confirm fit before ordering, since some V8 listings name 967478-01. Fit the dry replacement using the same seating checks. A correctly fitting dry replacement can take the place of a washed filter while that filter continues drying.

If the machine-side mount is cracked, a correctly matched dry filter still will not secure after that careful retry, or the vacuum behaves abnormally with both dry filters installed, the owner job is over. Call Dyson US support or an authorized service provider with the machine’s serial number, the damaged part, and your purchase details. Request a written parts-and-labor quote after inspection.

If inspection finds that the broken machine-side fitting requires a compatible main-body assembly, the genuine part is $100 before tax and shipping. An independent basic repair that covers assessment and fitting runs $150 to $300, built from that $100 part and a $50 to $200 service charge. The shop must confirm that the assembly fits and that its basic repair fee covers the job.

A new US Dyson cordless vacuum has a two-year limited warranty subject to its terms. A third-party replacement filter does not, by itself, void a US consumer warranty, though damage caused by that part may be excluded. The Federal Trade Commission’s warranty rule (opens in a new tab) explains the parts requirement; describe the damaged part and your purchase when seeking a coverage decision.

Questions while the filters are drying