A cute African American female with fine hair just dried her curls with a Supersonic hair dryer professional model.

Those of us who own a Dyson supersonic hair dryer know that they seem almost magical in their ability to give our hair an extra bit of volume and bounce.

Over time, styling products build up inside the filter, and they start overheating and cutting out more frequently. Cleaning a Dyson hairdryer filter is a straightforward process, and by following these tips, you will soon be back to uninterrupted fabulous styling.

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1 How To Clean a Dyson Hair Dryer Filter: 10 Easy Steps

For those of us who love to look good, Dyson supersonics are investments. The filter of these hairdryers must be cleaned regularly to keep them operating perfectly. Follow these simple steps to keep this invaluable piece of equipment in tip-top condition.

How To Clean a Dyson Hair Dryer Filter: 10 Easy Steps

How to clean your Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer Professional's in-line filter

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Even if your Dyson hasn’t started cutting out because of overheating, it is good practice to check and wash the filter every few weeks.

Hairspray and styling products work their way into the filter, which blocks airflow to the motor which, then overheats. That is what causes the unit to cut out, regular filter maintenance is important to increase the longevity of your device.

Another sign that you may need to clean the filter on your Dyson hairdryer is the red and white lights on the front of the machine may start flashing. This indicates that the filter may be blocked, and you should clean it before you continue using the hairdryer.

If the red light stays on continuously even after you have cleaned the filter, this may indicate another problem, and you should contact the Dyson helpline for further support.

A word of caution before we start. Don’t ever be tempted to run the hairdryer without the protective filter cage. The motor would be completely unprotected, and sticky hair styling products will quickly cause irreparable damage to the inside mechanism.

Dyson hairdryers come with an extra filter cage, so you can use the spare cage (and filter mesh) while cleaning the one you have removed from the dryer.

Photo of the Dyson airwrap dryer where you can see the flashing white light location and mains electricity supply.

Let’s get started! Follow these 10 steps to clean out your Dyson Supersonic hairdryer effectively, and you will be back to uninterrupted styling in no time.

Step 1: Unplug and Let the Dryer Cool Down

Begin by unplugging the dryer and waiting for it to cool down completely before proceeding.

If your dryer cuts out from overheating, you might be tempted to immediately start trying to disassemble the unit to solve the problem.

This is not a good idea as the internal parts below the filter cage may be very hot. Allow the hairdryer to cool off before you remove the filter cage.

Step 2: Release the Filter Cage

You will notice an external filter cage that encircles the base of your Dyson dryer handle. You can remove it by gently pulling it downwards towards the cable. It is set in place with a magnetic mechanism, so it doesn’t need more than a firm tug to release it.

Step 3: Slide the Filter Towards the Cable

Once the filter cage has been released, slide it down over the cable. The side opening mechanism is designed only to open wide enough to allow the thin cable to slip through, so it is important to slide the cage down over the cable.

Step 4: Gently Pull Open the Filter Cage To Remove the Cable

To get the filter cage open so you can release it from the cable, gently slip open the side and slide it over the cable. It has a side-opening mechanism that opens easily. Now that the filter cage is free let the cleaning begin!

Step 5: Wipe Down the Dryer Filter Mechanism

Now that the inside of your Dyson hairdryer is exposed without the filter cage cover, wipe it down with a clean, lint-free cloth.

This is the area that the filter cage is protecting, so ensuring that it is in mint condition before you replace the clean cage will go a long way to ensuring that your hairdryer will live up to its supersonic name.

Step 6: Soak the Filter Cage for 30 Minutes

Use a bowl of warm soapy water deep enough to immerse the filter cage unit completely. Let the unit soak in the solution to dissolve any stubborn or sticky residues that might be present. The solution can be with dish soap or mild conditioning shampoo.

Dyson's website is where you can find more information and helpful tutorials.

Step 7: Use the Dyson Filter Cleaning Brush

Provided Every Dyson dryer comes with a specific cleaning brush tool that fits the filter cage perfectly. Use the brush to scrub all parts vigorously.

If you have mislaid your Dyson filter cleaning brush, you can use an old toothbrush to loosen and remove dirt residues that may have been lifted during the soaking process.

Step 8: Rinse the Filter Cage in Clean Water

Once you have scrubbed the filter cage, rinse it thoroughly under a running tap to ensure that all loose debris is washed out. Hold the filter cage up to the light and if you can still see small blockages, scrub it again and rinse.

Step 9: Dry the Filter Cage

Once the hairdryer filter cage is clean, shake it vigorously to remove all excess water. A wet filter cage should never be put back onto the hairdryer. Fortunately, these parts dry quickly, especially if also wiped with a dry towel.

Step 10: Replace the Clean Filter Cage Unit

Open the side of the cage to snap it back over the cord. Then slide the unit onto the handle of the hairdryer and snap it back into place. The hairdryer filter is now spotless, and air can flow through it easily.

Dyson supersonic hairdryers have filters that catch residue and buildup from styling products. These filters must be cleaned regularly to keep the machine from overheating. The process is simple, and keeping the filter clean will add years to the life of your hairdryer.

Learn How To Clean a Dyson Hair Dryer Filter: DIY Step-by-Step