Model 1561i cannot clean the filter - Electrolux Central Vacuum

It's hard to answer not knowing your make or model. Some filters can be cleaned with water, some can only be blown out to clean. All should be cleaned very frequently and replaced frequently, most at least once per year. Washing some filters can actually clog them up and make them worse.

Some (not all) of them have a wire or switch that the filter must press back between the filter and the back of the vacuum. It prevents the vacuum from running unless the filter is installed correctly (they never tell customers about this)

must be a blockage
also check micro filter is not blocked.
if you do not know what or where this is then google dyson cleaning micro filter {whatever your model number is}
or go to dyson website
http://www.dyson.com.au/supportv4.aspx?mkwid=skGSqCBV4_dc&pcrid=51598771556&pkw=www%20dyson%20com&pmt=e&gclid=CMiznc6jltECFQxwvAodKE8MQQ

Try cleaning the Flow Indicator Filter. Turn the Flow Indicator Cap counter-clockwise to remove, lift rotor and filter. Clean filter and replace in reverse order. Bissell's Consumer Care # 1-800-237-7691

Pull the blower out from the lid. flip it over and your should see 3 or 4 screws that hold the filter cover on. remove those screws, remove the filter cover, then remove the filter. It is a dirty job. Most often the filter can be beaten clean. Some are washable. Clean or replace then reinstall. Good luck!

"You should change your furnace filter once a month in the winter season and your central air filter once a month during summer months.
If you run your heat or air every day and night, have pets, or your home collects a large amount of dust, you may need to change your filter more often during very hot and very cold months.
If you use disposable filters, it's really not worth vacuuming them to reuse them. They are inexpensive enough that you should replace them instead.
Disposable filters don't work as well after only being vacuumed and they are usually in a cardboard frame and therefore don't wash well.

Before you take out the filter, however, vacuum the outside and around the filter encasement. After you remove the filter, you should vacuum behind it, too, to catch any stray dust and particles.
Replace disposable filters with new ones."

(http://www.mrscleanusa.com/en/cleaning-tips/tip/cleaning-air-filters.html)

Hi There, I actually posted a blog about this on my website so rather than re-write it (and its long) click on the link How to clean your DC05 or DC08 filters Hope this helps you out

Generic problem for all Vacuums
How do I clean the
How do I clean the filters?
Comment by Avonb, posted on Apr 22, 2008 I have a Bagless twin clean, thought I was cleaning the filters but apparently not, the manual is very vague

I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure.
Not knowing the Model # or Brand name, it is a good idea that you can vacuum of the filters, if you have a blower – you can blow off the dirt from the filters, some filters are washable and you can clean them by washing them and letting them dry completely before you re-install the filters. Idea? If you have an old paint brush, that is ideal to clean off HEPA filters or cartridge filters or use a blower to clean off the dirt. You need to be the best judge on how to clean the filters. You can check the company’s website for the brand name such as:
http://www.hoover.com ---- example given
Don – The Vac Man