I have a V11 absolute model that’s 4 years old.  Every once in a while I notice the frequency that the “filter needs washing” alert comes out increases to the point where even after a rinse/wash and complete dry, it comes on during the first vacuum session.  The last time this happened over a year ago, I brought it for deep cleaning.  The frequency reduced.  Now, over a year later, it’s happening again and after just washing/drying the filter, the alert came on after 15 min of use.

I’m thinking of doing my own deep clean, i.e. soaking the filter in water (no soap, just water) for an hour or so, and then go through the normal rinsing process.  Would that help or hurt the filter?