The Dreame vacuum cleaners, part of the Xiaomi Mi Home ecosystem, are famous for their high traction and sophisticated filtration system. However, even the most advanced technology requires regular maintenance, and the key element here is an air purification system. If you notice that the device has become worse at sucking dust, making extraneous sounds or the application reports a filter error, then it's time to replace consumables. Ignoring this process can lead to overheating the engine and failure of expensive components.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at how to change the filter in different models of Dreame robot vacuum cleaners, such as the L10 Pro, Z10 Pro, D9 and others. You will learn not only about mechanical replacement of the cartridge, but also about software nuances, including resetting the resource timer, which is critical for the correct operation of smart device algorithms. Proper maintenance ensures that your gadget will last for many years without losing performance.
Diagnosis: When replacements are needed
Understand that HEPA-The filter has run out of resources, not only by the app, but also by visual inspection and analysis of the behavior of the technology, it often gives a more accurate picture of the current state of the system. If the robot starts to move around the room randomly or return to the base ahead of time, this is the first signal of problems with airflow).
The main sign of pollution is a decrease in suction force. Even when you set maximum power in Settings β Device settings β Suction settings, the robot can leave dust on the carpets. This is because the clogged filter pores create resistance that the motor cannot overcome. Also, if warm air starts to come out of the exhaust hole with a smell of dust, it means that the filtration is disrupted and dirt returns to the room.
There are several types of indicators that can signal a problem:
- π΄ Voice message "Replace the filter" or "Filter needs to be replaced" when enabled.
- π± Push notification in Mi Home or Dreamehome with filter icon.
- π¨ Reduced battery life due to increased engine load.
- π«οΈ The appearance of dust or engine hum immediately after start-up.
It is important to distinguish between types of contaminants. If the filter is just dusty, you can try to clean it (although manufacturers do not recommend washing HEPA). But if the surface shows traces of mold, greasy spots or material has begun to break down, you need to immediately replace the cartridge. Use of a damaged filter element is unacceptable, because fine dust will enter the turbine of the motor, causing its abrasive wear.
Preparation for replacement: selection of components and tools
Before you start the replacement procedure, you need to make sure that you have the right components on hand. Dreame vacuum cleaners use different filter form factors depending on the series. L10 and Z10 often used in combination HEPA-cylindrical filters, while older models D9 or D9 Pros can have flat rectangular cassettes. Buying an incompatible element will cause the system to leak out.
When choosing a new filter, look for labeling. The original Xiaomi and Dreame filters usually have a protective mesh and a clear structure of corrugated paper. Cheap counterparts may not have a sealing gum around the perimeter, allowing untreated air to pass the filter element, which will negate all the work of cleaning the air in the room.
π‘
Buy activated carbon filters if you have pets β they are better at neutralizing odors than standard white filters. HEPA-filter.
You don't need any complicated tools to do this, the whole process takes a few minutes and is done manually, but if you're planning to do a preventive cleaning of the main container, you may need to:
- π§Ή Soft brush to remove dust from hard-to-reach places.
- π§ Wet wipe made of microfiber for wiping sensors.
- βοΈ Scissors (only for opening the packaging of the new filter).
βοΈ Pre-replacement checks
It's critical to make sure that the robot vacuum cleaner is completely off. Although most models have accidental power protection, it's best to be safe. Turn the device over, find the power button and hold it for a few seconds until the lights go out. If the robot is on base, disconnect it from the charger to avoid short circuits when dealing with electronic contacts of the dust collector.
Step-by-step: Removing the old filter
The process of dismantling the old filter can vary slightly depending on the design of the dust collector. Most modern Dreame models (L10 Pro, Z10 Pro, F9) use a rapid cartridge change system. First, you need to remove the dust container itself. To do this, flip the robot, press the latches on the sides or behind the container and pull it up. Act carefully, trying not to sprinkle the contents.
Once the tank is removed, find the filter compartment. Depending on the model, it is accessed differently. In some devices, the filter cover is located on top of the container and opens by pressing the lock button. In other models, the filter is part of the internal partition. Do not use excessive force: if the element is not removed easily, check the instructions for your specific modification, as improper exposure can break the plastic guides.
What to do if the filter is stuck?
When removing an old filter, be careful not to let the dust cloud get into the airways. It is recommended that this operation be performed over the trash can or on the balcony. If the filter is heavily inflated or deformed, this indicates prolonged use in conditions of high dust content. Visually assess the condition of the sealing gum - it is responsible for tightness. If the rubber is dry or lost elasticity, this confirms the need for urgent replacement.
The table below will help you identify the filter type by appearance and compatibility with popular models:
| Type of filter | Appearance | Compatible Dreame models | Resource (mo.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical HEPA | Pipe with a grid, height ~10-12 cm | L10 Pro, Z10 Pro, L20 Ultra | 6-12 |
| Flat cassette | Rectangular frame with corrugated | D9, D9 Pro, F9, W10 | 6 |
| Combined (E11+HEPA) | Two-layer structure | V10, V11, V12 (manual) | 3-6 |
| HEPA with coal layer | Gray or black layer of paper | All models with washing option | 6 |
Installation of a new element and assembly of the system
Installing a new filter is a reverse-disassembly process, but it requires attention to detail. Before inserting a new cartridge into the compartment, make sure that there are no foreign objects, lumps of wool or debris inside the dust container that could get there when you remove the old element. Any small thing that falls under the sealing gum of the new filter will violate the tightness of the system.
Insert the new filter strictly according to the guides. Pay attention to the Airflow marking or arrows indicating the direction of air flow if they are present on the cartridge body. Usually the filter is inserted before the characteristic click or tight fit to the walls of the compartment. Make sure that the compartment cover (if any) is closed tightly and the lock is in the initial position.
β οΈ Warning: Never run a robot vacuum cleaner without a filter installed! getting large dust and debris directly into the engine will cause irreversible damage to the turbine and loss of warranty.
Once the filter is installed, put the dust container back in place in the robot body. Put it all the way to the end until you hear the click of the locking mechanisms. Make sure the container sits flat, without skewing. If the robot is equipped with an automatic base emptying system (self-cleaning station), check that the dust exit pipe on the container is also clean and not blocked.
π‘
The density of the filter fit is more important than its novelty - a poorly inserted original filter works worse than a perfectly inserted counterpart.
Software resetting of the filter resource timer
Many users make the mistake of thinking that mechanical replacement is enough. Smart robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi and Dreame keep track of the engineβs running hours and calculate the approximate wear of the filter. If you donβt reset the timer, the robot will continue to βthinkβ that the filter is old, and will periodically issue false notifications or, worse, artificially limit the suction power, believing that the filter is clogged.
To reset the indicator, you need to use a mobile application. Open the Mi Home or Dreamehome app, select your device and go to the settings menu. The path can look like: Settings β Service β Reset the filter (or similar item depending on the firmware version). Press the confirmation button.
If the app doesnβt have an explicit reset button for your model, try the following algorithm:
- Open the robot control page.
- Click on the icon with three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select the item "Device settings".
- Find the "Care" or "Consumables" section.
- Click on the filter icon and select Reset or move the slider to the New position.
In some cases, especially on older versions of firmware, it may be necessary to completely reconnect the device or upgrade firmware. Make sure the robot is connected to Wi-Fi at the time of reset so that the status is updated in the cloud. If the error does not disappear after reset, try turning off and turn on the robot through the power button on the case.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even after the correct replacement, users can run into problems. One of the most common is that the robot continues to report a filter error. This may be because the channel pressure sensor is dusty. The sensor is usually located in the airflow channel inside the robot body (not in the container).
Another problem is the appearance of a whistling sound, which indicates that air passes through a narrow hole, probably due to a loosely closed filter cap or damage to the sealer. Disassemble the structure and check the integrity of the rubber cuffs. Also, a whistle can occur if you (used) a filter from another model that has a smaller filtration area.
β οΈ Warning: Don't try to wash HEPA-water filters unless the package clearly states "Washable." Wet paper loses its properties when drying and becomes an impermeable plug, causing the engine to overheat.
If the robot is jerking and constantly changing its suction power, check if the output valve is locked. In models with a self-cleaning base, sometimes the bag in the base is full and the robot can't blow out its filter, in which case replacing the filter inside the robot won't help, you need to change the bag in the station.
The secret to extending the life of the filter
Recommendations for care and prevention
To ensure that the new filter lasts as long as possible, it is important to maintain the maintenance regime: during periods of high dust (spring, repairs at neighbors), conduct a visual inspection of the filter every two weeks, shaking the dust container after each cleaning is a mandatory procedure that prevents secondary air pollution and reduces the load on the filter element.
Keep the spare filters in a dry place, in the original packaging. Humidity is the main enemy. HEPA-If the filter becomes damp during storage, it can multiply bacteria, which, when the robot is first launched, will spread throughout the apartment.
Regularly changing the filter is not just a formality, but an investment in the health of your family and the durability of your equipment. Clean air in the house and a serviceable robot vacuum cleaner are worth it. Follow the instructions, use original or certified counterparts, and your Dreame will delight you with clean work for many years to come.