Well, it turns out you are supposed to wash them!
My poor little dyson has been pretty off colour recently and I couldn't see any blockages, so I went on this voyage of discovery and I am pretty sure that these dark grey, coated surfaces are why it won't suck.
I have tried to wash them according to the instructions but I think they might be past help.
So - trying to buy replacements. One of them listed as out of stock on the dyson website. The other is not even on there.
WHY do things go obsolete?
what do other people do in this situation? Surely I can't be expected to throw my vacuum cleaner away because dyson have invented some new ones. HUFF.
(I went to a stately home recently and in their "period" below stairs kitchen they had on display the model of hoover I remember from my childhood. I think my mum and I have the same tendencies to try to make things last for ever. Well they bloody would, if you treat them properly, except for things like this!)
come and talk to me about what I can do
Maybe there is a community of historical reenactors who can train me to hand-fashion the consumables of the early 21st century.