After using my Dreame V11 vacuum for about two years, I started noticing a significant drop in suction power. I tried washing both the filter and the brush, but it didn’t seem to make much of a difference. Since the battery still felt healthy, I figured the issue might lie in the components themselves.
The Choice: Genuine vs. Compatible
I checked the official Mi Home store and found that a single genuine filter costs around 25,000 KRW (approx. $19 USD). Feeling that was a bit steep, I headed over to AliExpress to look for alternatives.
I ended up purchasing a bundle that included one roller brush and four filters for just 14,000 KRW (approx. $10.50 USD). The package arrived in about a week.
Dreame V11 Compatible Filter & Brush Aliexpress Link
First Impressions & Unboxing
When the package arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find that each item was individually packaged inside the mailer bag.
Regarding the filters:
- Quality: I was worried the compatible filters might skip the internal sponge layer shown in the photos, but they came fully equipped.
- Fit: They fit the Dreame V11 perfectly.
- Aesthetics: The only downside is that they lack the “Dreame” branded top cap, and the color is a bit different from the original.
Tip: I tried removing the cap from the original filter to swap it onto the new one, but it wasn’t easy, so I gave up. However, I’ve heard that the genuine caps can be removed and reattached to compatible filters if you want to maintain the original look.
Roller Brush Comparison
Comparing the genuine brush to the compatible one:
- Size: They are identical in size.
- Texture: The bristles feel very soft and high-quality.
- Installation: It snapped into the vacuum head perfectly without any compatibility issues.
The Result: Does it work?
The Verdict: Yes! It turns out the filter was indeed the culprit. Even though the original filter is “washable,” it seems I didn’t clean it frequently enough over the past two years, leading to a permanent loss in airflow. After switching to the compatible filter, the suction power returned to its original “like-new” state.
One Small Catch: The compatible brush makes a slight rubbing noise against the vacuum head. It doesn’t seem to be damaging the unit, and the seller mentioned the sound should disappear after a bit of “break-in” use. I’ll be keeping an eye on it. For now, I’ve cleaned and stored the original brush as a backup.
Summary
If your Dreame V11 is losing suction, I highly recommend a filter replacement. While the genuine parts are great, these AliExpress compatible sets offer incredible value for the price.