Hi Bryan. Keep it simple and gentle. Unplug the vacuum and take out the cup and then remove the foam and felt pieces. Go outside and tap them to shake off the loose stuff. Rinse each one under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. No soap and no twisting. Just squeeze them like a sponge to push the water out, then lay them flat on a towel to air dry. Give them the night, longer if your home is humid, and never put them back damp.
While they dry, pull hair off the brush and the intake screen, and run a finger around the seals to wipe dust away. If your vacuum has a HEPA cartridge, only rinse it if your manual says washable. Otherwise give it a gentle tap to shed surface dust or replace it once or twice a year. Works great.
