I've had a Dyson for about 8 years, I've never washed a washable filter (I kinda didn't know of its existence) but it smelled . Pooh! I took everything apart and when I washed the filter it was broken, it never got its shape back so I couldn't use it. I also tried washing the plastic cyclone part but it still smelled awful and there were parts inside I couldn't clean. I looked at the cost of replacing the filter and decided to spend the extra money buying all of these new cyclone parts that included the new filter. I hesitated but wow! It's like having a brand new Dyson! The seller was Revain so I can't say this part will be of the same quality as another seller. I am very happy with my purchase!