9 Easy Steps To Clean Your Roomba Filter (How-To Guide)

“I’ve already emptied the dustbin. Why would I need to clean the filter?”

The filter is separate from the dustbin. And of course, it has its own function and need for maintenance.

More than the dustbin, the filter is more likely to have dirt and dust stuck on it.

And when these dirt and dust pile up, it can prevent your Roomba from working properly. Making it not pick up anymore debris from your home floors.

Good news is, cleaning the Roomba filter is easy-peasy.

You just have to follow our easy and simple instructions, and you’re good to go!

Read on to learn:

9 easy steps to clean a Roomba filter.
Why filters shouldn’t be washed with water.
Where the Roomba filter is located based on its series.
How to properly remove and reinsert filters from the dustbin.
And a lot more…

How to clean roomba filter – 9 easy steps

#1: Press the bin release tab button

All Roomba filters are located inside the dustbin.

That said, you should remove the dustbin from the unit first to be able to clean the filter.

First thing you have to do is to locate the bin release tab.

Check the backside of your Roomba and look for the bin () icon.

Note: Only some of the series has an actual bin icon. Usually, the most recently released series.

Depending on the Roomba series you use, here’s where the bin release tab is located:

For s series: at the middle-top surface of the Roomba unit.
For e, i, and j series: at the side surface of the back of the Roomba unit.
For 600, 700, 800, and series: at the top surface of the back of the Roomba unit.

You should hear a “click” sound, upon pressing the bin release button.

#2: Take off the dustbin from the unit

Next, you should pull off the Roomba dustbin from the unit.

Again, depending on the series you use, here’s how you should take off the Roomba dustbin:

For s series: by pulling it upwards.
For e, i, and j series: by pulling it sidewards.
For 600, 700, 800, and 900 series: by pulling it sidewards.

Health tip: Whether you have allergic rhinitis or not, wear a face mask. As the dirt, dust, and allergen collected in the dustbin might trigger your allergy. Wearing a pair of hand gloves will help as well.

#3: Open either the dustbin or filter door

For this step, read carefully to know which step applies to you.

Some filters are located inside the dustbin. While some is placed only at the sides.

For e, i, and j series, the filter is placed at the right side of the dustbin (facing the dustbin door). So, you won’t have to open anything. You can skip this step!

Roomba Series s, 600, 700, 800, and 900 all have their filters inside.

Here’s how you can access their Roomba filters:

For s, 800, and 900 series: open the filter door located at the top.
For 600 and 700 series: open the dustbin door located at the right side.

#4: Remove the filter from the dustbin

For the fourth step, you should remove the filter from the dustbin.

Roomba filters come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the series.

For instance, s, 800, and 900 series filters are designed as rectangular blocks. While e, i, and j series filters are designed as smaller but chunkier rectangular blocks.

700 series filters also come as small rectangular blocks, only that it comes as a smaller pair of two. Attached to the left and right inner-top of the dustbin.

However, 600 series filters are shaped as an almost half-circle. Attached at the inner-top of the dustbin.

Depending on the Roomba series you use, here’s how you can remove its filter:

For 800 and 900 series: grab the yellow tab and pull it upwards.
For 600 and 700 series: grab the sides of the filter and pull it forward.
For s series: grab the tab at the middle of the filter and pull it upwards.
For e, i, and j series: grab the top and bottom of the filter and slide it to the right.

Removing the filter from the dustbin may require some strength. But make sure to pull it as gently as you can to not break or damage the Roomba filter.

You may also wonder: Are Roomba bags reusable?

#5: Shake off dirt and dust

Go to the nearest dustbin and remove dust and dirt stuck on the filter. Do it by simply shaking off or tapping the filter to the edge of the bin.

Important note: Filters are not designed to be washed or get in contact with any type of liquid. So, never attempt to wash your Roomba filters or even wipe it using a damp cloth.

Washing it with cold or warm water can wash off its filtering properties. Decreasing its filtering efficacy.

If there is dirt or dust stuck on the filter, try removing it using only a tweezer or any similar object. Careful not to touch the filter’s mesh fibers as much as possible.

If you notice your Roomba filter getting “dark,” take it as an obvious sign to replace your filter.

Overused filters are less effective. As its mesh fibers are most likely damaged. Making it not able to effectively filter out dirt, dust, allergens, and more.

#6: Wash the dustbin using warm water

Important note: This is optional. And not all Roomba dustbins are washable. Make sure to review your user manual.

Some of the Roomba series with washable dustbins are e, i, j, and s series.

If you have a washable dustbin, you can wash it to remove any excess dirt left on it. Especially on the inner corners and lids.

However, you must remember that a washable dustbin should only be washed by hand. Avoid putting it in a dishwasher to wash.

Things to remember when washing a washable Roomba dustbin:

You must only use warm water.
Air-dry it. Don’t use a hand blower.
Remove the filter out and put it aside.
Open all the lids to access the inner corners.

Learn how to properly wash the washable dustbin through this video:

#7: Reinsert the filter to the dustbin

Once the dustbin is dry and the filter is all clean, reinsert the filter back to its proper place.

Depending on the Roomba series you use, here’s how you can reinsert its filter:

For 800 and 900 series: grab the top of the filter and put it back on its filter compartment.
For s series: grab the tab at the middle of the filter and put it back on its filter compartment.
For 600 and 700 series: grab the sides of the filter and attach it back to the inner-top of the dustbin.
For e, i, and j series: grab the top and bottom of the filter and slide it back to the right side of the dustbin (facing the dustbin door).

If you hear a “click” sound, that means that the filter is properly and correctly placed.

#8: Close either the dustbin or filter door

If the Roomba filter is already secured in its place, close the dustbin or filter door.

For e, i, and j series, you won’t have to close anything. Since its filter is only attached at the right side of the dustbin. So, you can skip this step!

For other series, here’s what you should do:

For 600 and 700 series: close the dustbin door by pushing it forward.
For s, 800, and 900 series: close the filter door by pushing it downwards.

Again, you should hear a “click” sound upon closing the dustbin or filter door successfully.

If it doesn’t close, that means that the filter is incorrectly placed. Try to remove and reinsert the Roomba filter once more.

#9: Return the dustbin back to the Roomba unit

Finally, secure the dustbin to its Roomba compartment.

Depending on the Roomba series you use, here’s how you should secure the dustbin:

For s series: place the dustbin at the empty compartment located at the very top-middle of the Roomba unit.
For e, i, j, 600, 700, 800, and 900 series: place the dustbin at the empty compartment located at the side surface of the back of the Roomba unit.

If you’re not using it, let your Roomba robot vacuum dock on its Home Base.

Or if your Roomba is in the middle of its cleaning session, place the unit back on its previous location. And let it continue its cleaning phase.

9 Easy Steps To Clean Your Roomba Filter (How-To Guide)