How to Clean the Dyson Airwrap Filter — Monthly Maintenance Guide
A clogged filter starves the V9 motor and shortens its life. Here's how to clean the Dyson Airwrap filter in under two minutes — and why monthly is the right cadence.
Every Airwrap pulls air through a cylindrical filter at the base of the handle. Hair, dust and product residue clog that mesh over weeks. A blocked filter triggers an overheat warning (red light) and shortens motor life — clean it monthly.
How do I know my Airwrap filter needs cleaning?
Three signs: (1) airflow feels weaker than when new, (2) the unit runs hot to the touch faster than usual, (3) a red LED appears or flashes during use. Don't wait for the red light — clean monthly as a habit.
How do I clean the Dyson Airwrap filter?
Step 1: unplug the unit. Step 2: hold the handle vertically, turn the filter cage at the base counter-clockwise, pull straight off. Step 3: use the included cleaning brush to sweep the mesh from the outside in — both the cage and the inner cylinder. Step 4: for stubborn buildup, run cool water through the cage (not the inner cylinder), shake off, and let air-dry 30 minutes. Step 5: reattach by aligning the marks and turning clockwise until it clicks.
Can I use water on the filter?
Yes for the outer filter cage — cool water only, no soap. The inner cylinder contains the motor inlet; never wet that part. After rinsing, dry the cage completely (30+ min air-dry) before reassembling.
How often should I clean it?
Monthly for daily users, every 6–8 weeks for occasional users. If you use heavy product (mousse, oils) more often. The filter mesh shows visible buildup after a month of daily use.
What happens if I never clean the filter?
Three stages: (1) airflow drops 20–30%, your styles take longer; (2) the motor runs hotter and the unit auto-shuts down with the red light; (3) sustained high-temp operation reduces motor bearings life — long-term you may need a service or replacement.
Where is the filter on the Airwrap?
On the bottom of the handle — the perforated cylindrical cap below the on/off switch. It twists off counter-clockwise. Some older units have a similar filter at the top inside the attachment-mount; the bottom-handle filter is the only user-cleanable one on current models.
Can I buy a replacement filter cage?
Yes — Dyson sells filter replacement parts for the Airwrap. If yours is damaged or won't come clean, order a replacement from us and we'll ship one with your locale's plug type.
External sources
- Dyson Ltd. — official site — manufacturer specs and warranty terms.
- Coandă effect — Wikipedia — physics behind air-flow hair styling.
- Hair-protein damage thresholds (NCBI) — published research on heat-induced keratin damage.