Quick answer

Replacing the Dyson Ball Animal 2 pre-motor filter is a DIY job of about 10 minutes. Replace it Every 3 months under normal use. Full step-by-step below.

The Ball Animal 2 pre-motor filter is washable foam-and-fleece. Replace it only when rinsing no longer restores it — grey after washing, torn, or limp. Pet dust clogs it faster, so it shows as weaker suction sooner than on a non-pet model.

Compatible Pre-Motor Filter for the Dyson Ball Animal 2

“OEM” is a genuine Dyson part; the rest are tested aftermarket options.

PartType
Lemige 2 Pack Post Filters & 2 Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Animal, Multi Floor and Ball Vacuum Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3, Compare to Part 920769-01&920640-01 Aftermarket Buy on Amazon
Filter Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Hepa Post-Motor Filter & Pre-Motor Filter, Multi Floor, Animal and Ball Vacuums Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3. Part#920769-01 & 920640-01 Aftermarket Buy on Amazon
3Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson - Vacuum Filter Compatible with Dyson V6 V7 V8 DC59 DC58 Replaces Part 965661 01 (3 Pack) Aftermarket Buy on Amazon
Replacement Filter for Dyson DC40 UP16 UP19, Post-Motor Filter and Pre-Motor Filter for Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Vacuum Light/Slim Ball Animal Vacuum, Part# 923587-02 & 922676-01 Aftermarket Buy on Amazon
Filter Replacements for Dyson DC41, DC65, DC66, UP13, UP20 Multi Floor, Ball and Animal Vacuum, 2 Post Filters & 2 Pre Filters, Replaces Part # 920769-01 & 920640-01 Aftermarket Buy on Amazon
Replacement Filters for Dyson DC41, DC65, DC66, UP13, UP20, UP30, 2 Post-Motor Filters and 2 Pre-Motor Filters for Dyson Ball Animal 2, Ball Animal 3 Vacuum, Replaces Parts# 920769-01 & 920640-01 Aftermarket Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change; the live price is shown on Amazon.

About the Dyson Ball Animal 2

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a corded upright built for pet homes. Its pre-motor filter is the washable purple unit at the top of the machine — the filter that guards the motor and needs the most frequent attention with pets.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Pre-Motor Filter

1
Power off and unplug
Disconnect the Ball Animal 2 before opening the filter lid.
2
Open the filter lid
Lift the lid on top of the machine to reveal the purple pre-motor filter.
3
Remove the old filter
Lift the purple filter out, tipping it away so dust doesn't fall back in.
4
Insert the new (dry) filter
Seat the new filter flat; if reusing a washed one, confirm it's completely dry.
5
Close and test
Click the lid shut, plug in and check suction.

⚠ Common mistakes on the Ball Animal 2

The Ball Animal 2 mistake that harms the motor is refitting the filter damp — Dyson specifies 24 hours of air-drying. The second is confusing it with the separate post-motor HEPA; they're different parts.

✓ OEM vs aftermarket for the Ball Animal 2

Genuine Dyson gives a guaranteed seal; aftermarket purple filters are cheap and fine when the listing names the Ball Animal 2. A spare keeps you cleaning while one dries.

🔁 How often to replace

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 pre-motor filter should be replaced Every 3 months under normal use — sooner with pets or daily heavy use. Signs it's due: Reduced suction.

How we made this page: the steps are written for the Dyson Ball Animal 2 specifically; the compatible-part list comes from our own compatibility data for this model. We are not showing prices at the moment — check the current price on Amazon.