to clean this vacuum out , you need to empty a large cup which be easy . but you frequently also need to clean the cylindrical foam filter underneath the cup , and the trap above the cup . the foam filter get really plug up and the best way I have figure to clean it be to use my shop vac in the garage . so you have two take out three component . the cup be easy to clean but I have yet to clean all three area without dump some of the dust back on the floor or get a puff in my face . I feel foolish cleaning one vacuum with another . I be go back to a bagged design .