Replacing the “permanent” filter on a Dyson DC18
My Dyson DC18 vacuum is 5 years old and has started to stink up the house whenever I run it. After some research I discovered the cause: a filthy permanent filter. Turns out it isn’t as permanent as Dyson claims, and many people replace it every few years.
The first step is to buy a replacement filter. I got a genuine Dyson filter on Amazon for $34. Considering refurbished DC18s are $200+, I think $34 is pretty reasonable.
Next, get a T10 screwdriver and remove the bottom cord wrap bracket (see picture). Once this is removed it is very straightforward to rotate the filter’s casing slightly clockwise, then it just comes right off. Carefully remove the old filter and replace it with the new clean filter. Replace the filter and casing, rotate slightly counterclockwise, and replace the bracket. If the filter casing is in the right place then the bracket will easily go back on, so don’t force it.
The before and after of the permanent filter is pretty disgusting. I hate to think what was being tossed into the air every time I vacuumed.
I also took apart the cyclone assembly (pretty straightforward.. if you can’t figure it out on your own, you probably shouldn’t be messing with your vacuum..) and blasted it clean with my hose. It was nasty. Took a few days to air dry because of all its nooks and crannies, but now it is shiny and just like new.
And the result? No more stinky vacuum! I’m in love with my Dyson again!
Nice but don’t have $34. Can I wash it like the other one or bang it on the side of the house? Thanks!
Retired in Texas
Sorry, definitely not washable. I don’t think banging it would do much good either.
Is that the reason the vacuum doesn’t have any suction
Most likely you have something clogging one of the hoses.
Thank you for this article. I bought a Dyson Cyclone at Goodwill for $9.99 and was disappointed when it didn’t suck properly, despite it looking like it was in great shape. I pinpointed the loss of suctioning to the permanent filter. Your article helped me figure out how to remove and replace the filter.
Thank you. I tried and tried to remove this filter! Never did dawn on me to remove the cord winder thing. Da!