From filter to attachments: keep your Dyson styling appliances in tip-top shape with these care tips

You look after what you love – at least that’s what you’d think. But extra love in the form of cleaning usually comes up short with my Dyson appliances. Way too short. Partly out of laziness, partly ignorance (until now). In the long run, showing them some TLC would make sense given my investment (because my Dyson hair tools are definitely worth it, price-wise). I asked Martina Meyer what I need to look out for when cleaning, caring for and storing the Supersonic, Airwrap, Airstrait and Corrale. She’s Training Manager at Dyson and regularly shares her product knowledge with retailers.

Cleaning the filter

Why do you even need to?
The Supersonic hairdryer, the Airwrap Multistyler and the Airstrait hairdryer work using airflow and therefore have a filter you should clean regularly. «Especially if you use hair care products that get into the air,» says Martina. Spray products such as leave-in conditioner and hairspray gather in the room with fine dust and skin particles and end up getting into the filter, where they then settle.

«Remember coronavirus times when we all wore masks. The tighter the mask fitted, the more difficult it was to breathe. It’s similar with the filter. You get to a stage where it doesn’t let enough air into the appliance. Then the device switches off to protect the motor.» Incidentally, this also happens if you place your hand directly over the filter when styling, as it restricts air flow.

How often do you need to clean the filter?
«It depends a bit on how often you use the device and how many care products you apply. But once a month is certainly a good rule of thumb,» explains Martina. It’s helpful to know that if the white light above the filter cover on the Airwrap goes on, it’s time to clean the filter. If it turns red, it’s urgent.

How do you clean the filter properly?
You’ll find a grey, cylindrical, perforated filter protector with mesh insert directly above the cable attachment. You can take this off. Simply pull the cover towards the cable. With the Airwrap and Airstrait, it can be removed completely thanks to a magnetic, lengthwise opening.

However, with the Supersonic, you have to turn the cover slightly and then pull it down towards the cable. Unfortunately, you can’t detach it from the device or cable completely, which makes it a bit more cumbersome to handle.

«You also get a ring-shaped brush with your device. Use it to clean both the removed filter protector and the exposed filter on the appliance. Simply thread it in, put it on and brush it with rotating movements.»

«As a final step, I like to wipe the filter with an antistatic cloth,» adds Martina. If the brush alone doesn’t remove the residue from the filter protector, you can soak it in lukewarm water overnight and then leave it to dry. However, due to the design, this option only works with the Airwrap and Airstrait, as on these it can be removed completely. «If you’ve misplaced the brush, a soft toothbrush will do. Or you can write to our customer service department and ask for a replacement.»

Cleaning the attachments and contact surfaces on the Airstrait, Corrale and Airwrap

If available, a clean filter is half the battle. But how do you keep the Airwrap attachments, Airstrait wings and Corrale heating plates in good condition? After all, they come into direct contact with everything I put on my hair.

«With the Airstrait, all you need to do is wipe it with a tea towel. You can also remove the two diffuser nozzles, as a lot can gather there as well. The Airwrap attachments can get slightly sticky after prolonged use. I recommend rinsing thoroughly with a bit of lukewarm soapy water and leaving to dry. But you don’t need to submerge them in water.» Martina warns against using disinfectant wipes. «They contain a lot of alcohol, which can attack the finish.»

If you straightens your hair with the Dyson Corrale, you’re (hopefully) diligent with your heat protector. «You can remove residue like this from the copper-manganese plates using a damp cloth. It’s best to do this regularly to avoid product residue build-up. You don’t normally need to use soap, but in small quantities it’s perfectly fine. But I wouldn’t use disinfectant here either,» explains Martina.

Can you store your Dyson hair products in a damp bathroom?

According to Martina, these appliances are designed specifically for use in the bathroom. «So it doesn’t matter whether you store the products in a dry room or in there.»

Still unsure? No need to tear your hair out – help is at hand

Martina Meyer explains that your first port of call is the MyDyson app, where you can register your device after buying it. This is where you’ll find maintenance videos for every product manufactured by the company and where everything is explained in detail. The app also sends you product care reminders, such as when it’s time to clean the filter again. You can also view a product-specific playlist on their YouTube channel that’s focused on care and support.