How to Clean a Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum Cleaner - Washing the Filters and Cleaning the Canisters

This shows the process for disassembling and cleaning the filters and canisters for a Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum Cleaner. It also works for other Dyson Ball vacuums. I wash the filter bag and rotary filter for the ball. After drying, I reassemble and then demo how it works.

[@bunnymomjulie6719]

My whole adult life I have killed more vacuums by them getting choked up with dirt. The fact that we can wash out vacuum cleaners now is mind blowing and life changing. Especially when you have 3 dogs. Thank you for this.

[@lholody102]

Tony, your video was far superior to what the manufacturer offered. Especially, the fact that water could be run through the additional component with mesh. I waited far too long to do this cleaning because I didn't want to be w/o my vacuum, so what I just did was order extra filters so I won't have any wait for the dry time the next time I do this; it's justifiable when you consider paper filters would eventually cost this much.

[@tonyleeglenn]

Very smart Linda.

[@davidemerson1233]

Been so lazy, almost 2 years and I finally decided to clean it. Was surprised that the filter wasn’t nearly dirty as yours. Thx for the video

[@EmEms_101]

Literally same he must actually vacuum every day cuz I vacuum like once a week 😂😂😭 the rest of my vacuum was more dirty than the filters

[@SDR.13]

Awesome video! Easy to understand and the speed of presentation was perfect. I followed it step by step. After all these years, I didn’t realize until your video that there was a filter on the ball of the machine. Thank you very much!

[@tonyleeglenn]

Very happy this video helped you my friend.

[@wotan10950]

Very helpful. I wasn’t aware that the part at 1:58 could be cleaned with water. I used another vacuum to get at the dust, but there’s still too much dust remaining behind the mesh. To be honest, the old bagged models were much easier.

[@Pikminization]

I was about to do the same thing 😅

[@martinmccabe177]

Best video on KZbin on this subject. I searched and watched other videos and many of them were a total joke. The others had either bad camera views or poor instructions. Yours is excellent. Thanks for taking the time and effort to do this video. I for one, appreciate it.

[@tonyleeglenn]

Sure appreciate your nice comment Martin. Thanks for watching.

[@ritamicciche3340]

Thank you so VERY much for taking the time to make this video. Your instructions are so clear and easy to follow. Yesterday I purchased the Dyson Animal 2 and promised my husband I will clean it regularly as I killed our first Dyson by neglect (it still lasted 10+ years). I then purchased a cheaper model my sister swore by and I killed that one in a year. Note to self: Save this tutorial to your favorites and put bimonthly cleaning on the calendar!

[@spartan456]

I've never had a fancy vacuum cleaner like these Dyson ones, always had the $50 or $60 ones, which have frankly always been huge PITAs to maintain. ESPECIALLY when the brush gets loaded with hair and other crap, they are SO HARD to take care of. A good friend of mine moved away recently, and she gave me her Dyson upright since she couldn't fit it in the car. My friend unfortunately did not take very good care of this vacuum cleaner --- the filters were beyond dirty, the spinning brush head had enough of her hair in it to make a wig, and so much gunk came out of the bagless system, I had to run water through it 6 or 7 times until it started coming out clean. I always thought the $300+ price tag for these vacuum cleaners was a huge ripoff, but when I saw how sensibly these things were built, and how almost every piece of it is meant to be user-disassembled further for cleaning and maintenance, I was thoroughly sold. I understand why these things are so expensive, you're paying for the ability to actually maintain the product, down to parts you otherwise wouldn't be able to remove on cheaper vacuum cleaners. I was thoroughly impressed that I could _easily_ dismantle the cleaning head all the way to the spinning brush piece! That made cleaning it SO MUCH easier.

[@nannungesser-gale2289]

Thank you for showing step by step total cleaning for the Dyson Animal 2, Great job!

[@TheCleaningLady1]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have 2 Dyson vacuums that I use for my business. They get so dirty!!! Your verbal and visual instructions were great and easy to follow.

[@tonyleeglenn]

Really appreciate that Lynette. Thanks so much or watching.

[@GoldsGymLisa]

Great tutorial! Having a dog and 2 cats has really made my vacuum develop that “Pet Smell”. Thank you!

[@lsmiranda1420]

Thank you! My new Dyson is a bit different than my old, so I needed a little guidance. Great step by step - thank you!

[@dragonflyy920]

Thank you! I was so frustrated and didnt know the other parts of the vacuum needed to be cleaned. Clean now!

[@VeloAng]

1:58. Excellent. You saved me time. Couldn't figure out how to take clear plastic off and clean filthy, clogged inside hard plastic (purple) filter. Appreciate 👍

[@frikynikkid]

I recently got the Animal pro version, and im happy to find your video on cleaning tutorials. Thank you kind sir for a thorough instructional video.

[@virabadrasana]

Thanks, good video! There is an important additional part which can be disassembled. It's the foot of the machine, the flat part which contains the brush roller. That's usually got a ton of dirt and hair wrapped around it. This is what blocks up my Dyson. I recommend unclipping the two levers on the bottom of the foot and then pulling back the red lever underneath the machine to release the foot entirely. It needs a lot of gentle wiggling. You will then be able to remove all of the gunk.

[@notsure1248]

I have super long hair. I suggest people with long hair cleaning that roller every or every other time you clean the filters. I just had to cut all the hair off my roller. Took about 15min total on the roller. It was a very easy job.

[@Pikminization]

Long hair girl here too! Yes, this part, cleaning the roller is super important and I clean it kinda often , like every two or three weeks

[@bunnymomjulie6719]

Mine had a silver grey C clip holding the foot part onto the stick/ball part. I got the bottom off of the foot and got all the hair and dirt off the roller, but there is a lot of dirt and gunk above the roller that you can see through the clear top part of the foot. Also a lot of hair inside. I can see that this is an electrical component, so I won't get it wet, unless I can get a damp rag in under there.

[@liliconway3026]

Thank you!!! I was unsure if I could rinse the cyclone part out, and your video confirmed it can be done!

[@delicious619]

The instructions from Dyson say only to clean the actual filters. Cleaning the plastic out is not recommended by Dyson, but obviously can be done.

[@delicious619]

It is not recommended by Dyson, only the filters are designed to be washed.

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

Thank you for your help and efficient directions. I really hate reading instruction manuals with their eeensie-tiny directions which I long ago filed and misplaced! But I don't need that stuff thanks to your friendly and informative video. Cheers Tonly Lee!

[@tonyleeglenn]

Really glad this video helped John. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@wendywaddellhardy8820]

Thank you! Your video was MOST helpful! Just cleaned mine and cannot wait for the filter to dry. No DOUBT it will work 1000X BETTER without all the gross stuff in the way!

[@tonyleeglenn]

Thanks for the nice comment Wendy. Just remember that it takes a good while to dry out thoroughly. I've cleaned mine probably 4 additional times since doing this video and it always takes longer to dry out than I expect. Definitely worth doing to keep the house smelling fresh.

[@richalpatel]

My canister stinks after washing, I have tried drying it for days

[@exoticus_gaming]

Wow, I literally thought there was one filter. Just discovered the top one and holy cow it was CAKED... Eager to see the difference once dry.

[@MrEunuch]

Thanks for posting. Very helpful mid clean how to take the final unit apart!

[@buckeye1981]

This is the best video! Anyone else thinks he sounds like Bob Ross? Super calming voice!

[@tonyleeglenn]

Really appreciate your comment and you watching the video. Don’t know if I sound like Bob Ross but it’s still very cool that you weren’t put off by my voice.

[@michelleburdiss325]

​@@tonyleeglennI like your voice. Thanks for making this video!

[@ArtDonna84]

Thank you for your video. It was very easy to follow and helped me clean my vacuum quickly.

[@impulse60]

Great vid! I'm glad I stumbled upon this, as it was much more helpful that Dyson resources. Remember, you can also click off the rotating agitator brush assembly, and give it a nice bath, too!

[@Javainthebox]

Great and thorough video. Thanks for your time making this. Super helpful!

[@Lifeloverforsure]

Excellent video! I was able to take it apart and put back together easily thanks to you!

[@MountainGardenGirl]

Thank you as you have probably heard many times. Instructions were thorough and helpful. Love the vacuum but not so much all instructions.

[@pickledpixel]

ooooh.. my bad! I have had my Dyson for around 5 years and I have never washed it, I didn't ever think about putting parts under a tap Now I feel a right 'Twonk!' I have been using a hand brush to try sweep out the dust. Thank you for doing this video - you're a Gem.

[@vpher]

Just what I needed to see. Thanks for being thorough.

[@laniwilson]

Awesome video! Super helpful! I didn’t realize how stinky my Dyson was until today. PU!! Thanks for the guidance.

[@cjtzioumis686]

Thank you so much, great video, excellent instruction and descriptions. My Dyson is drying as we speak 😊

[@jeanqueen1799]

Your video helped me to clean my Dyson Vacuum 👏🏻 Thank you so much 💜

[@yorkiesrule4ever]

We used the air compressor to gently blow the filters out that really helped the the speed of the drying of filters.Thanks for the tips

[@Mrfearknowone]

Good job with your video straight to the point

[@naliniamore-broccoli2425]

Thank you Tony! This was excellent! I will be cleaning out ours tomorrow!! 1st time since we bought it in 2015 or 2016!!!

[@ArayahIru]

Glad to see someone else washes their cyclones. Since its all plastic and no electronics in there. I washed my cyclone too, but I knew a disinfectant was needed because odor is caused by organic growth inside. Got a 5 gallon bucket, filled it with cold water and lysol disinfectant, dunked it and and then rinsed with clean water. Set it out in the sun shine and filters cleaned separately, used antibacterial hand soap on cyclone filter only, rinsed again in cold water, set it out in the sun. The ball filter just needed a quick rinse of water, didn't have an odor. Sun baked everything real good and put it back together and boom clear and clean vacuum. Don't forget to do your roller and canister too. Only do this if no electronic components are present in the parts.

[@dingbat19]

Thank you for a very helpful and clear video

[@evayesenia5066]

Thank you, love the visual. Will do this today

[@hannahtryon794]

Thank you for this video!!! It’s my project for this weekend. Btw I love your accent ❤

[@tonyleeglenn]

Really appreciate you watching and commenting Hannah!

[@RyanCrest5]

Appreciative of the detail. Very helpful thanks!

[@shelbybenson7476]

Also found your video super helpful. Thank-you for taking the time!! :) ♡

[@shelbybenson7476]

Thanks for this! My second time around using your great guidance.

[@Pikminization]

Thank for this video😊!! I didn’t know I can wash the parts with water! This will make the job so much easier. I was so afraid to ruin such an expensive vacuum

[@tonyleeglenn]

Just remember to use cool or lukewarm water

[@Pikminization]

@@tonyleeglenn thanks! Will do!

[@JamesRhodes1941]

Thanks, I was too lazy to try and find the owner's manual. I am concerned that I was not supposed to get the "cyclone" part wet but too late lol.

[@deandoxtator7137]

Yes you are correct you are not supposed to run water through the cyclone part. I am surprised this guy did that.

[@jujifrogge5605]

Thank you! Very easy to follow your instructions.

[@jennywang1858]

Very helpful video. Thank you👍

[@joannecarncross3431]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@mdbrenna]

Excellent work. Thank you!

[@nawtn]

Thank you, you confirm we can't take apart the purple screen area and have to wash it out to clean

[@laniwilson]

2:05 Just finished cleaning mine, waited 24 hours, and put it back together. Sidenote: I had to clean the inner part (purple part that he’s talking about at 2:05) three times because mine was super stinky. The first time, I used to just water. It still stunk. The second time, I used up using vinegar & lightly scrubbed the screen with an extra-soft toothbrush. It still smelled, so the third time I used dish soap, again lightly scrubbing the filter/screen area where it smelled. Now, it doesn’t stink at all. I’ll be better about cleaning from now on. Thanks!

[@ilgazkuruyazici4477]

Tony Hi, thanks for the video. and I should share my respect for the beauties hanging on the wall :)

[@user-du1rk2fg3c]

Excellent video! Thanks so much:)

[@skitzochik]

OHHH MYYY GAWWWD YUCK...IVE NEVER DONE MINE AND WHOA IT WAS AWWWFUL. Thank you kindly Sir.

[@lokismum]

Thank you so much for the best tutorial I found for my problem. I’ve done everything you said and just waiting for it all to dry. Only problem is that beneath the mesh on the cylinder is a load of called on dust in patches. I’ve rinsed and rinsed and rinsed and got plenty of dusty water out but can’t get it all. Is there any way of getting the mesh off?

[@thorned10]

Thank you I couldn’t figure out how to get the canister open! And now I feel silly

[@delicious619]

FYI Dyson only recommends cleaning the actual filters every 2 or 3 months or after heavy cleaning. They warn against rinsing anything other than the filters as the vacuum is not designed for liquid. There should be two, one in the wheel and one from the canister top. Rinsing the actual canister parts can be done as shown in this video, but is not recommended. I would assume this would void a warranty as the Dyson manual states to never put any liquids inside the vacuum. If you do decide to rinse out the plastic, not just the filters, I would make sure it is bone dry before putting it back together. I would guess this could damage the vacuum if there is excess liquid and could result in damage, shock, fire, etc. Nice video overall, but wash canisters at your own risk!

[@tonyleeglenn]

FYI - I have done it four times so far, and no adverse issues at all. I think it's pretty important to rinse the canisters if you want to best eliminate odors. You are quite right about letting everything fully dry. I always let everything dry out for nearly 3 days before reassembling. I find that the filters take longer to dry than the Dyson recommendations. Best to be safe in that regard.

[@lyndalou2892]

@@tonyleeglenn Whew! Thanks for clarifying this !

[@JWhyte123]

Very helpful.

[@curiouslystrongsinging]

I took mine apart to get out some leaves BUT I've lost the C clip and the joint that attaches to the hose! I don't know how or where it's gone - I found the C clip on amazon, but I don't know what the other part is called so I can get a replacement part.

[@BrenQ99]

Teasing that dining room Tele!

[@samiamiiiii]

thanks now i can do my chores

[@giannaangelillo488]

Can you share how to clean the suction bottom part of the vacuum?

[@sixtoseven7563]

How to access roller brush ?

[@christophercave4442]

I knew all that what about the attachment screen and bottom?

[@katekimber2483]

I have a much older ball vacuum. I don’t have the filter on the ball like this one. It opens inside the bracket that holds the ball. I don’t want to break it or mess it up. Any suggestions?

[@tonyleeglenn]

Sure wish I could help Kate. I had one of the old 1st generation ball vacs, but I gave to my brother-in-law, so I don't have one to look at for comparison these days. Maybe someone else here in the thread can speak to that. Sorry.

[@royalhflinflon532]

great video but i have one question. if not cleaned as good as you did, does suction get effected or compromised?

[@tonyleeglenn]

No just stink mor

[@Starfish2145]

Thank you, will you do mine next? Lol

[@PoLenChos]

Just bought one at Goodwill but it smells like dog and the filters were nasty, full of dog hair, can I leave the canister and the purple thing that goes inside the canister soaking in vinegar or chlorine or something?? What do you advise? Thank you for your video

[@tonyleeglenn]

I've never tried vinegar or bleach/chlorine. I've just used warm or cool water so far. You're right though it greatly reduces, but doesn't 100% eliminate the dog smell. Maybe I'll try that next cleaning.

[@gweedomurray9923]

I would spray 409 on those filter and container components to speed dirt removal and to get the film off.

[@eodnavigator]

Thanks!

[@tonyleeglenn]

Wow - super appreciate that my friend!

[@saschavest]

so I can actually wash that part without damaging the turbines?

[@tonyleeglenn]

yes no problems. Just let it sufficiently dry afterwards

[@anniegibson5092]

My Dyson stopped sucking. Will this help?

[@wotan10950]

I have the same problem with my Dyson and my wife.

[@georgialiacopoulos2017]

Is that safe to run under water

[@tonyleeglenn]

It has never hurt my vacuum. If you don’t want to doi it, just don’t,

[@georgialiacopoulos2017]

@@tonyleeglenn thanks

[@debbieking9917]

The latches are not easy to push

[@WeezieV]

I thought he was going to pop open the dirty compartment all over the floor 🤪

[@allenwhite9729]

Mr.Glenn I’ve completely cleaned the whole vacuum.Still no suction when I put the suction pole in the hose.Please help if you can.Thank you

[@sdarms111doug9]

In Dyson's defense.. you do sound like you are from a more "humid" area of the country lol

[@parakidd]

Been sitting here for 10 minutes and didn’t see the purple button until now.

[@Nikolasto77]

These Dysons seem like a pain to maintain/clean

[@tonyleeglenn]

Not really. You might choose to clean one only once a year or so. The new Dyson Ball Animal 3 is even easier to clean. I personally like to clean the filters about every 90 days, but not required.

[@user-dx2bs8en7n]

Uh your not supposed to run water through that cyclone. All dyson websites tell you that.

[@tonyleeglenn]

Uh - I've done it like 8 times and all is still working like a charm. Just don't use "hot" water. Keep it cool and no harm, no foul.

[@cynthiapatrick5426]

Ok I did it 😅Hopefully I won’t have any problems 😅 Thank you!

[@mdbritton9424]

That interior thing is disgusting. It gets clogged with impossible to remove rank dirt .