How to Clean a Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
I will guide you through how to clean your Dyson vacuum cleaner, using quick methods which will provide better performance and results, contributing to a longer lifespan for your Dyson.
Cleaning your vacuum is one of those jobs that can easily get missed; it’s hard enough to get the motivation to hoover, never mind clean it!
Why should you clean your Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner?
Grime and dust can build up within the walls of your Dyson vacuum cleaner. If you don’t regularly clean it, this will lose suction which will essentially reduce the lifespan of your vacuum.
Cleaning the filters, brush bar and hose will all contribute to a better-performing vacuum cleaner. A clean vacuum = a clean home.
With the rising costs of electricity, it seems like a no-brainer to make the best effort possible to reduce electricity consumption. Using a dirty vacuum can use more electricity!
We simply don’t have money to throw around on replacement vacuum cleaners, so looking after the one you have is the only choice! Replacement vacuums can be very expensive, and regularly cleaning and maintenance checks can alleviate that expense.
The brushes are a magnet for hair, which can get tangled within the head and brushes of the vacuum, decreasing the suction power that can affect the battery life and increase the cleaning time and energy consumption.
Don’t just put it back in the cupboard, clean it! Adding a sticky note to your vacuum cylinder is a great way to remind yourself. (Empty me)
How do I know if my vacuum cleaner needs cleaning?
A few indications that your vacuum may need cleaning are the following:
- Cutting out – Remove and wash filters.
- Not picking up – Check the brushes for tangled hair or blockage in the hose.
- Smelling bad – Wash out the hose and clean the dust canister.
- The suction decreases – Making it harder to clean, always check the filters.
- Unusually noisy – Check the cylinder and hoses for any objects.
- Overheating – Unplug from the socket, and check and empty the dust canister.
A maintenance service is sometimes recommended for a Dyson that is showing regular issues. These appliances are built to withstand many issues, but it’s not always necessary to replace them with new ones.
It may simply just be a new part that is needed, that has been overused.
How often should you clean a Dyson vacuum cleaner?
Regular deep cleans are recommended – this will save time and money on unnecessary repairs.
How frequently you use your vacuum cleaner will determine how often this will need to be cleaned; a busy house with children and pets will need a monthly clean, whilst a smaller household may require a quarterly clean.
Below I have created a simple checklist of daily maintenance and monthly deep cleans to help make cleaning your Dyson Vacuum cleaner a breeze.
| Dust Cylinder | After every use |
| Filters | Monthly deep clean |
| Brush roller | Monthly |
Can I clean the inside of my Dyson V8 vacuum?
I recommend cleaning the inside of Dyson at least once a month; this is easy to do.
- Firstly, remove the dust from the canister as usual over a bin.
- Wipe the inside with a damp microfiber cloth (I usually add a couple of drops of scented disinfectant, which leaves a lovely aroma).
- Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove any residue from the canister.
- Allow drying thoroughly for 24 hours.
- Replace the dust canister and off you go!
Emptying the dust canister is recommended after every use.
The hose will also need to be cleaned. This can get clogged with hair and dust; the Dyson V8 has a removable hose which makes cleaning this extremely easy.
Tip – If your vacuum is losing suction, this could be an indication the hose is blocked. (See below guidance on how to clean your hose)
What to use when cleaning a vacuum cleaner
Warm soapy water (washing liquid base) is the best to use on vacuum cleaners. These are safe products to use and will still remove dirt and grime without the need for harsh cleaning products.
I like to use a splash of scented disinfectant to clean the internal cylinder as this can hold stale odours, especially if you have pets.
Cleaning products and materials needed:
- Warm soapy water (washing liquid base)
- Rubber gloves
- 2 x microfibre cloths (1 to dry)
- Scented disinfectant
- Scissors (to remove hair from the brushes)
How to clean a vacuum cleaner filter
Cleaning the filters on a Dyson V8 is very important if you want to maintain its efficiency.
A monthly deep clean washing of the filters is best to maintain the suction power.
- Remove the filter
- Shake over a bin to remove excess dust
- Rinse under warm water
- Allow drying for 24 hours
- Replace filter
How to clean vacuum brushes
Brush rollers are very easy to clean with the correct equipment. There is no need to purchase any special gadget, a simple pair of scissors works wonders.
Hair can get trapped in the brushes and cause the vacuum cleaner to lose suction.
Following this quick and simple guide will have your vacuum cleaner back up and running in a flash.
- Use a pair of scissors to cut the hair in a horizontal line (avoiding cutting the bristles)
- Gentle roll the brushes
- Pull the cut hair away from you to avoid the dust particles
- Wipe over the brushes and roller with warm soapy water
- Allow drying for 24 hours
How to clean vacuum hose
The hose is one the main culprits for loss of suction power and can also contribute to lingering odours in your vacuum. The vacuum hose is really easy to clean and you will notice an improvement in the vacuum’s efficiency straight away.
Cleaning supplies and materials needed:
- Bowl of warm soapy water
- Long bamboo stick
- Microfibre cloth
This simple and effective step-by-step guide will help eliminate odours and improve the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner.
- Remove the hose attachment from the base – there will be hair and dust so be prepared.
2 . Wrap a microfibre cloth around the tip on the bamboo stick
3. Place the tip bamboo stick inside the middle of the cloth at the opening of the hose.
4. Push the cloth through the hose using the bamboo stick
Your hose will now be dust and hair free and operating more efficiently.
Tip – Add a splash of scented disinfectant to your cloth for an extra fresh smell.
How to clean a bad smelling Dyson vacuum cleaner
Smells can be consumed within your Dyson Vacuum cleaner, so ensure you keep your machine clean and dust free.
Firstly, routine. Having a routine is so important, even with your vacuum!
- Empty your dust cylinder after every use. This cylinder is a holder for odour!
Secondly, remember your hose, or it won’t be pleasant on your nose.
- Clean your hose
This is usually one that gets left behind. The hose will hold on to dust particles on the inner tube, which will in time lead to built-in grime creating very unpleasant smells.
Gather up your cleaning essentials:
Let’s get cracking!
- Empty cylinder or bag
- Remove all attachments
- Clean brushes (See above on how to)
- Clean hose (See above on how to)
- Wash all attachments
- Allow drying for 24 hrs
- Replace all filters and attachments
Following this cleaning regime monthly will keep your vacuum like new and operating at maximum efficiency and smelling like freshly cut flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dyson hoover keep cutting out?
This could indicate an issue with your battery life. If your vacuum is under 2 years old, contact Dyson and they will happily replace your battery.
Occasionally, this could also happen when the hose or filters are blocked; your hoover might start making an unusual noise and then immediately cut out.
Follow my guide above on how to clean the hose and filters before having your battery replaced.
Always check first:
- Check for blockages
- Change the power adapter
- Check that it’s fully charged
- Disconnect the docking station
- Clean the filters and hoses
How many years do Dyson batteries last?
The average amount of years for a Dyson Cordless V8 Animal battery is around 4 years.
Dyson has a 2-year warranty for its batteries. Around the 2-year mark, you may notice a decrease in the battery life by around 10 to 20% depending on how frequently you use your vacuum – a busy household may experience battery reduction earlier.
On average, the battery shouldn’t deplete for around 4 years.
Replacement batteries can be purchased for V8 models direct from Dyson and are easily replaced without the need to send your vacuum off to be repaired.
Why is my Dyson pulsing?
If you have thoroughly checked for blockages and followed all the above cleaning steps and let it dry for 24 hours and you are still experiencing pulsing, then you probably need to replace the Dyson filter.
These filters are washable and usually, this does fix any pulsing issues. Occasionally overuse and under-cleaning can result in the need for a replacement filter.
Why is my Dyson vacuum not charging?
There are several reasons why your Dyson may be failing to charge.
I’ve put together a list of several possible explanations that may help you investigate the problem.
- Faulty wall socket – Test another appliance on this wall socket
- Damaged A/C adapter charger – Unplug your adapter, and thoroughly check for any damage. If there is an indication of damage, do not use it, buy a replacement adapter immediately and discard the charger.
- Check the fuse is working properly – Unplug your adapter and check the fuse, replace the fuse if necessary.
- Check cyclone and bin – Check the cyclone is correctly fitted and the bin/dust cylinder is closed firmly.
