How To Troubleshoot A Dyson Vacuum Cleaner That Is Not Sucking
Tip
If none of the above measures restore suction to your Dyson, telephone support is available on a toll-free helpline. At the time of publication, the number on the Dyson website is 1-866-MY-DYSON (866-693-9766). The helpline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.
Warning
Never attempt to work on your Dyson without first ensuring it is disconnected from your home's electricity supply.
Since their arrival on the domestic cleaning market, the main selling point of Dyson vacuum cleaners has been the company's claim they do not lose suction as their dust containers fill up. This, the manufacturer says, is because Dyson's patented Root Cyclone technology "doesn't rely on a bag. Instead, it spins the air so fast that centrifugal forces, up to 100,000 times the force of gravity, fling dust and dirt out of the air and straight into the clear bin." If your Dyson does suffer a reduction in the power of its suction, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem.
Step 1
Ascertain whether the suction failure is being caused by a blockage in your Dyson vacuum cleaner. In the case of a canister, remove the suction hose from the inlet and check the suction at this point. If the inlet suction is strong, the blockage lies somewhere within the suction hose or the extension wand.
Take the extension wand off and hold it up to the light. Look inside the wand. If your view of the light is partially or totally obstructed, this is where the blockage lies. If you can see the light clearly, the blockage lies within the suction hose. Check along the length of the hose for obstructions. You can hook obstructions with a wire clothes hangar and pull them out of the wand or hose.
Step 2
Remove the clear bin, if your Dyson is an upright model. Place your hand over the exhaust. Switch the cleaner on. If the suction is stronger at this point than at the floor cleaning head, or you are using a nozzle in conjunction with the wand and hose, check the floor cleaning head, extension wand and cleaning tool you are using for obstructions. Once again, remove any blockage you find.
Step 3
Check handheld Dysons for blockages in the cleaning nozzle being used. In the case of the DC35, ensure there is no blockage in the extension wand used for cleaning floors.
Step 4
Check the clear bin on your Dyson if the suction fails to function. Remove the clear bin and empty it, whether your Dyson is an upright, canister or handheld. Ensure also that each filter is clean. Remove them, soak them in cold water, and rinse them under clean water until the water runs clear. Do not use any detergent. The filters should be allowed to dry in a warm area for 24 hours before you place them back on the vacuum cleaner.