Dyson Dc40 How To Clean Filters

The Dyson DC40 and the Dyson DC41 have a washable pre-motor filter. If your DC40 or DC41 isn't picking up very well, chances are that the filter is blocked.

The photos below are from the Dyson DC41, but the DC40 is identical in this respect (also be aware if buying replacement filters, that the filters are not the same, the DC40 is a slightly smaller machine that has a slightly smaller filter).

The washable pre-motor filter is the most important component of your machine in many ways. If it is blocked, it is not covered by warranty because it is a user serviceable part. If it is blocked, your machine will be less effective and may even cut out if the motor overheats. If you run a Dyson with a blocked filter for an extensive period of time, it can even blow the motor up. Therefore, the pre-motor washable filter on your Dyson DC40 or DC41 is something you need to know where it is, how to access it, how to wash and dry it, and how to refit it.

Accessing it is a very simple process.

First, remove the cyclone unit using the button indicated by the arrow below.

Dyson DC41 Washable Filter

Having done that, you need to open the top of the cyclone unit. To do that, you use the clip located here:

DC40 Washable Filter

The cyclone opens up as you can see in the picture below. The arrow is pointing to the filter that you must remove:

Dyson DC41 Filters

You simply pull that filter out like so:

Dyson DC40 Filters

You can now see the long cylindrical filter. This is the one you need to wash.

Here is Dyson's advice on washing filters:

Soak both filters in cold water for at least 5 minutes. (Please do not use detergent, wash in a dishwasher or washing machine).

After 5 minutes rinse both filters under cold running water and squeeze gently, repeating until the water runs clear.

Leave the filters to dry in a warm place for at least 12 hours or until completely dry.

Do not dry the filters in a tumble dryer, microwave, oven or near a naked flame.

The filters should be washed at least once every 3-6 months.

That's all very well, but in our experience, after doing that, the filter will still be dirty.

In our opinion, it does them no harm at all to put them in the washing machine with some detergent on a low temperature short wash.

When it comes out, it will be properly clean and smell great!

As Dyson suggest, it must then be put in a warm place to dry properly.

It is imperative that your filter is completely dry before refitting to the machine.

Refitting is simply a reverse of removal: Slide the filter back in narrow end first, close the cyclone lid and clip the cyclone back on the machine.

Your DC40 or DC41 should now run much better!

This entry was posted on Friday, April 20th, 2012 at 10:15 pm and is filed under Dyson DC40, Dyson DC41. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.