How To Clean Dyson Airwrap Filter

If your Dyson Airwrap doesn't feel as powerful as it used to, the filter is probably the culprit. Knowing how to clean Dyson Airwrap filter is one of those maintenance tasks that makes a real difference. It takes about five minutes and costs nothing.

Skip it too long, and you will notice the difference.

Per Dyson's official guidance, the filter should be cleaned at least once a month. That frequency climbs higher in homes with pets or in dusty environments. We will walk you through exactly what to do so you can keep your styler running like new.

Quick Answer

Unplug the Airwrap and let it cool. Locate the filter cap at the base of the handle. Twist the release mechanism and slide the cover off.

Tap out loose dust over a trash can. Gently brush the mesh with the Dyson cleaning brush. Reattach the cover until it clicks.

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Why Cleaning the Filter Actually Matters

The Dyson Airwrap pulls in room air to feed its digital motor. That air carries dust, lint, hairspray residue, and pet dander. Over weeks of use, those particles build up on the mesh filter inside the handle.

The motor has to work harder to pull air through the clogged screen.

A dirty filter does more than reduce suction. It forces the motor to run hotter. Aggregate user feedback reports that the most common warning sign is the device suddenly shutting off mid-style.

That is the thermal cutout kicking in to prevent damage. It is a safety feature, not a defect. But it is also a clear signal you waited too long to clean the filter.

Here is what happens in order when the filter clogs:

• Airflow drops noticeably. Styles take longer and curls hold less heat.
• The motor labors harder, producing extra heat inside the handle.
• The thermal fuse trips and the styler powers down completely.
• Repeated shutdowns can stress the motor over time.

None of this is permanent. A clean filter restores full performance immediately. As of 2026, Dyson still does not sell replacement filters for the Airwrap.

That means cleaning is the only option. It is not difficult, but it is non-negotiable if you want the styler to last.

Think of it like changing the oil in a car. Skip it and the engine suffers. Stay on top of it and the device performs the same five years later.

What You Will Need

You do not need any special chemicals or tools. Dyson includes a flat nylon brush with every Airwrap. That is the safest tool for the job.

If you have misplaced it, a soft toothbrush works just as well. The bristles must be soft. Stiff brushes can damage the fine mesh.

Here is the full list of what to gather:

• Dyson cleaning brush or a soft toothbrush
• A dry cotton swab
• A dry lint-free cloth
• An empty trash can for tapping

That is it. No soap. No water.

No compressed air. No rubbing alcohol. The filter is never rinsed because the motor sits directly behind the mesh.

Any moisture that reaches the electronics can cause corrosion, short circuits, or complete failure. Dyson's official support documentation explicitly warns against using water on the filter.

Resist the urge to use a vacuum cleaner nozzle. The suction can deform the delicate mesh or pull it loose from its frame. The same goes for sharp objects like tweezers, paperclips, or a butter knife.

If you push something through the mesh, you puncture it. A torn filter lets unfiltered air into the motor, which accelerates dust buildup inside the machine.

Keep it simple. A brush and a gentle hand are all you need.

Step-by-Step Visual Guide

This process works for every Airwrap variant. The filter location and removal method are identical across the Complete Long, Complete Curls, and other models.

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Step 1: Unplug and let it cool. The motor and barrel can stay warm for several minutes after use. Give it ten minutes to return to room temperature.

Step 2: Find the filter cap. Hold the styler with the interchangeable barrel facing up. Look at the base of the handle near the cord. You will see a small cylindrical cap.

It is slightly wider than the handle itself.

Step 3: Twist and remove. Grip the filter cap firmly. Twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. You should feel a small click.

Pull the cap straight off. Set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the foam ring. Behind the cap you will find a thin white foam or felt ring. Slide it off gently. This ring catches larger particles before they reach the fine mesh.

It may look clean or slightly grey. Either way, brush it lightly before returning it.

Step 5: Tap and brush the mesh. Turn the handle so the exposed filter faces downward. Tap the handle against the inside of a trash can. You will see fine dust fall out.

Take the Dyson brush or soft toothbrush and sweep across the mesh in one direction. Brush the full circumference. Do not scrub back and forth.

Step 6: Clean the housing. Use a dry cotton swab to wipe the inside of the filter cap and the cavity where the filter sits. A dry cloth works for broader surfaces. Do not push the swab deeper than the visible area.

Step 7: Reassemble. Slide the foam ring back over the mesh. Align the tabs on the filter cap with the slots on the handle. Push the cap on until it seats fully.

Twist clockwise until it locks with a click.

Step 8: Test the airflow. Plug the styler back in and turn it on at a medium speed setting. Place your palm near the filter cap. You should feel steady suction pulling air through.

If airflow feels weak, repeat the brushing step.

The One Mistake That Ruins a Dyson Airwrap Filter

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Water is the enemy of this device. It sounds logical to rinse a filter. Every other household appliance with a filter seems to require a good wash.

But the Dyson Airwrap filter is dry-clean only. Manufacturer specifications confirm that the mesh sits directly in front of the motor chamber. There is no waterproof barrier between the filter and the electronics.

Here is what happens when water touches the filter:

• The moist mesh traps dust more efficiently. The first use after a wet cleaning often packs the filter tighter than before.
• Water seeps through the mesh and reaches the motor contacts.
• Corrosion begins within hours even if the device appears to dry on the surface.
• A short circuit can brick the styler permanently.

Beyond water, users make two other common mistakes. The first is brushing too aggressively. Pressing hard with a stiff brush can stretch the mesh.

Stretched spots let dust bypass the filter and accumulate inside the handle. Cleaning becomes a losing battle after that.

The second mistake is reattaching the cap without the foam ring. The ring catches the largest debris and protects the fine mesh from premature clogging. Run without it and the mesh loads up faster.

You will need to clean it more often.

If you think you might have already gotten the filter wet, do not turn on the device. Remove the cap and the foam ring. Let everything air dry for 48 hours in a warm, low-humidity room.

Do not use a blow dryer. Do not place it on a radiator. Just let time do the work.

Then proceed with the dry cleaning steps.

How Often Should You Really Do This?

Dyson recommends cleaning the filter at least once a month. Our research across user communities and high-usage reports suggests a more tailored schedule works better.

Trust your eyes. If you can see a visible layer of dust through the clear filter cap, clean it regardless of the calendar. The same goes if you notice any drop in suction or hear the motor pitch change during use.

A quick check takes ten seconds. Hold the styler up to a bright light and look through the clear cap. A clean filter looks mostly transparent with a faint grey tint.

A dirty filter shows a distinct dark grey or brown layer of packed dust.

Make cleaning the filter part of your regular routine. Pair it with another monthly task like changing your pillowcases or refreshing your bedding. That makes it harder to forget.

The whole process takes less time than scrolling through a social media feed.

Your Dyson Warranty and the Filter

Cleaning the filter is required maintenance under the Dyson warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects. It does not cover damage caused by neglect or improper cleaning.

That includes water damage from rinsing the filter.

Dyson's official support website outlines what voids coverage. Using water on any part of the motor assembly is explicitly listed as misuse. So is operating the device with a damaged or missing filter.

If the filter is torn or the foam ring is lost, contact Dyson support directly. They may offer a replacement under warranty or at a nominal cost.

Keep your proof of purchase accessible. The standard Dyson warranty lasts two years from the date of purchase. Some regions and retailers offer extended coverage.

Check your specific terms.

If your Airwrap stops working and the filter is clean and dry, the issue likely lies elsewhere. Do not attempt to disassemble the unit yourself. The internal components are not user-serviceable.

Opening the case voids the warranty immediately. Contact Dyson support for repair options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use compressed air to clean the filter?

No. Compressed air can force dust deeper into the mesh or damage the delicate fibers. It can also push debris past the filter and into the motor chamber.

Stick to tapping and gentle brushing.

What if the filter cap does not twist off?

Check that you are turning counterclockwise. Apply firm, even pressure. If it still sticks, the cap may have debris lodged in the thread.

Wipe the seam with a dry cloth and try again. Do not use tools to pry it off.

Will cleaning the filter fix weak airflow?

Yes, in most cases. A clogged filter is the number one cause of reduced suction. If airflow remains weak after cleaning, check that the cap is fully seated.

If the problem persists, contact Dyson support.

Can I buy a replacement filter for the Airwrap?

Dyson does not sell replacement filters for the Airwrap as a standalone part. The filter is designed to last the life of the device with regular cleaning. If the mesh is damaged, you may need a full unit replacement depending on warranty coverage.

Does the cleaning process differ for Airwrap models?

No. The filter location and removal mechanism are identical across all Airwrap variants. The Complete Long, Complete Curls, and other models all use the same twist-off cap and mesh design.

The steps above apply to every version.