Do you have a Dyson vacuum that isn’t suctioning as well as it used to? Are you frustrated and not sure what to do?
Dyson is one of the best brands out there for vacuums. Dyson offers a wide variety of high-quality vacuum cleaners, each with its own set of advantages. Whether you opt for handheld or cordless, for as long as you have a strong suction, your dirty floors will be in excellent hands.
It’s incredibly annoying when your Dyson vacuum suddenly stops sucking. Fortunately, there are some common reasons this happens and some easy ways to fix the problem.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons your Dyson might not be suctioning properly and how you can fix the problem.
Reasons Why a Dyson Might Lose Suction Power
There can be several reasons why your Dyson vacuum has lost suction power. Here are some of the most common reasons:
?The Canister Is Full
If there is a loss of suction, this is where you should start looking. The airflow in a vacuum is designed to be continuous. With the help of the suction head, the air is sucked into the canister (or bagless container). The dirty air is drawn into the canister and stays there, unable to circulate.
Inadequate airflow will result from a clogged filter due to excessive dirt and debris in the canister. Sometimes all it takes to restore suction is a bag change or an empty bag.
Another common issue is a crack or tears in the bag. A vacuum cleaner seeks to produce a vacuum so that air may circulate. The presence of a tear indicates that there is an imbalance of pressure. If the bag isn’t filled, it could be because of a hole or tear.
?The Vacuum’s Filters Are Dirty
If the canister isn’t full and there aren’t any tears in the bag, then it’s probably time to check the vacuum filters. Over time, dust and dirt will inevitably build up on the filter, reducing suction power.
Most Dyson vacuum cleaners include at least one filter. A filter will likely be before the motor to keep dust and grime out. A filter at the bag’s outlet might similarly let air through but keep dust and debris inside. If a filter becomes too dirty, it will not enable air to flow easily.
?The Hose Is Kinked or Blocked
Most of the time, when a Dyson vacuum cleaner stops working, it’s because the hose is kinked or blocked. This can happen if you’re vacuuming over something sharp or accidentally suck up something too big for the vacuum.
One way to tell if the hose is kinked is by feeling for any kinks or blockages. Another way to tell is by looking for any bends in the hose. If you see any, try to straighten them out.
?The Brush Roll Is Clogged or Not Spinning
If your vacuum has a brush roll, it’s possible that it’s clogged or not spinning. A brush roll is a rotating brush that helps to loosen and lift dirt and debris from carpets and upholstery. It’s possible that you found a lot of hair and string wrapped around the brush roll of your vacuum’s suction head when you visually inspected it. It will reduce the suction if this brush roll does not spin.
?The Motor Is Burned Out
In some cases, it may burn out the motor itself. This usually happens after years of use, but it can also happen if the vacuum is used excessively or for too long.
A telltale sign that the motor is burned out is if the vacuum turns on but doesn’t produce any suction. If this is the case, then it’s time to buy a new vacuum.
How To Fix a Loss of Suction in a Dyson Vacuum
What you should do if your Dyson vacuum loses suction is conditional on the model you own.
There are the common Dyson models:
- multi-direction vacuum
- cordless stick vacuum
- upright vacuum
- canister vacuum
- handheld vacuum
- robot vacuum
We’ll begin with the most frequent causes and solutions for Dyson vacuums that no longer have suction. You will do it with the Dyson model you own.
If these simple solutions don’t work, we’ll go over how to troubleshoot your Dyson vacuum in the next section.
➤Multi-Direction
A blockage is usually the cause of a lack of suction force in Dyson’s multi-direction vacuums. Take off the wand’s extension and the vacuum’s head if you’re not using them.
Examine them to see whether they’ve become clogged. Also, make sure there is no obstruction at the vacuum’s inlet. Additionally, inspect the dirt container for any clogs. If it’s full, you’ll want to empty and wash it.
➤Cordless Stick
Cordless Dyson vacuums lose suction power when debris becomes caught in the hose or the extension wand. The filter has to be checked and cleaned if necessary. If the loss of suction power cannot be traced back to any of the causes above, the battery may be at fault.
These days, batteries power many wireless electronic devices. This battery may deteriorate over time, leading to a reduction in suction power. The Dyson website has instructions for changing the battery in your cordless vacuum cleaner.
➤Upright Vacuum
If you have a Dyson upright vacuum and notice a drop in suction, you should first examine the filter. This can be taken out of the vacuum, rinsed, and dried for reuse. If the suction problems persist, you can do some additional troubleshooting on the Dyson website.
➤Canister Vacuum
When you have a canister Dyson vacuum, you should first check to see if the dustbin is full. If it is, you will want to empty and rinse it out before continuing to use the vacuum.
If this isn’t the problem, you can also check the filters. These may need to be replaced if they are damaged.
➤Handheld Vacuum
Disconnecting any attachments may help you figure out why your handheld Dyson vacuum isn’t sucking as well as usual. Check the inlet’s suction power with the attachments removed. You should inspect the attachments for any obstructions or blockages if it’s powerful.
If the suction power at the inlet is low, you’ll need to inspect the vacuum. Take apart the portable vacuum and inspect the filter and dirt container.
It’s possible the filter needs to be cleaned. If you cannot resolve the problem, you should continue investigating it by visiting Dyson’s support page.
➤Robot Vacuum
If your robot vacuum isn’t working as it should, you should start by checking the brush bars. These can become tangled with debris, which will cause a loss of suction.
If the brush bars seem fine, you can try resetting your Dyson vacuum. To do this, find the small hole in the bottom of the vacuum. You will need to insert and hold a straightened paper clip in this hole for three seconds.
If your vacuum still isn’t working, you can try charging it. If the battery is dead, this will usually solve the problem. However, if the problem persists, you may need to replace the battery. You can find more information about this on Dyson’s website.
Troubleshooting Your Dyson Vacuum
If you’ve gone through all the steps above and your Dyson vacuum still isn’t working properly, you’ll need to troubleshoot. The first thing you should do is check the manual that comes with your vacuum.
This will have specific instructions on how to troubleshoot your particular model. If you no longer have the manual, you can find it online on Dyson’s website. Another helpful resource is Dyson’s customer support page. Here, you can find FAQs, contact information, and even live chat support.
However, here are some general troubleshooting tips that may help you figure out what’s wrong with your Dyson vacuum.
?Filter Cleaning
Dyson suggests cleaning your vacuum filters at least once every three months; nevertheless, they can become clogged within this time frame, compromising the suction. Unplug your vacuum and press the filter release button towards the bottom of the dust container to access the filters.
Remove the filters and rinse them under cold water until no visible dirt is apparent and the water runs clean. Allow the filters to dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling them in your vacuum.
?Brush Bar Blockage
A clog on the brush roller can result in total suction loss. This commonly happens when you vacuum up anything too large, such as a sock or a piece of paper. Dyson vacuum cleaners are built to shut off when this happens.
Unplug your vacuum cleaner and place it on the floor to expose the brush bar at the bottom. If something is impeding it, simply pull it out.
?Wand Obstruction
If the suction issue comes from the wand, you have most likely sucked up anything too large. Unplug your vacuum cleaner and inspect the inside of the wand to troubleshoot this issue. Remove and examine any attachments from the wand first. Whether the attachment is clear, inspect the wand to see if it is clogged.
?Airway Obstruction
The Dyson animal vacuum cleaner’s airway part leads to the device’s filters. If a huge object can get past the wand or cleaner head, it might easily become stuck here. Take the filters and look for a clog in the area that links to them to inspect the airways.
?Reduced Head Blockage
One of the most prevalent causes of suction loss is a clog in the cleaner head. This issue arises when a large object gets over the brush bar and into the space behind it. This path transports dust and particles to the canister. Vacuum cleaner heads can be inspected by laying the device flat on the floor and removing the cleaner head’s retaining clip.
Rotate the cleaner head dial until you hear a click. This will free the cleaner head, allowing you to lift it out and inspect it for clogs.
Tips to Prevent Future Loss of Suction
Although Dyson vacuum cleaners are excellent at removing dirt, dust, and hair from your floors, they require some maintenance to function properly. Here’s how to make your vacuum last longer and keep it working like new.
✅Be Careful Not to Overfill It
Don’t overload the bag or bin of your vacuum cleaner, whether it uses bags or not. Dust and other particles can be re-emitted into the air you breathe in addition to blocking the vacuum’s internal workings and motor.
Emptying the dirt bin with a bagless vacuum after each use is recommended. If you can’t work emptying the bin into your regular cleaning routine, the max line on many machines will serve as a gentle reminder.
✅Clean the Brush Bar Regularly
This part of the vacuum is responsible for agitating the carpet and helping to loosen dirt, dust, and hair so that the vacuum can suction it up. Over time, the bristles can become matted with debris, making it harder for the brush bar to do its job.
To clean the brush bar, first, unplug your vacuum. Use a pair of scissors to cut away anything that’s wrapped around the bristles, being careful not to cut the bristles themselves. Once you’ve removed any debris, use a small brush (a toothbrush will work in a pinch) to dislodge any remaining dirt. You can also use the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean the brush bar.
If your brush bar isn’t rotating, this could also be a sign that it’s time for deep cleaning. Again, unplug your vacuum and remove the brush bar. Inspect it for any damage or debris that might be causing it to jam. If everything looks clear, reattach the brush bar and see if it starts rotating again.
✅Replace and Clean filter Regularly
All vacuums have filters that help to trap dust and other particles, so they don’t get recirculated back into the air. These need to be replaced or cleaned regularly, depending on the type of filter your vacuum has.
HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, filters are often used in vacuums designed for people with allergies or asthma. These filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them extremely effective. However, they need to be replaced more often than other filters because you can’t clean them. Check your owner’s manual to see how often your HEPA filter should be replaced, and make a note to do it when necessary.
Other filters, such as foam or cloth filters, can be cleaned and reused. How often you need to clean them will depend on how often you vacuum. A good rule of thumb is to clean them every three months. To clean a foam filter, simply remove it from the vacuum and wash it with warm, soapy water. Let it air dry completely before putting it back in the vacuum.
Cloth filters can be a little trickier to clean. Start by gently tapping the filter on the edge of a garbage can to remove any surface dirt. Then, holding the filter over a sink, use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to suction any remaining dirt out of the filter. Be sure to let the filter dry completely before putting it back in the vacuum.
✅Unclog the Hose
If your vacuum suddenly loses suction, you should first check the hose for clogs. If the hose is kinked, this can also cause a loss of suction. To unclog the hose:
- Start by disconnecting it from the vacuum.
- Use a straightened wire hanger or a vacuum hose to reach into the hose and dislodge any debris causing the clog.
- Once the hose is clear, reconnect to the vacuum and see if the suction has been restored.
✅Check for Blockages in Other Areas
If your vacuum still isn’t suctioning properly after you’ve checked the hose, there might be a blockage somewhere else in the vacuum. Start by checking the area where the hose connects to the vacuum. If there’s a debris build-up here, it can cause a loss of suction. Use a screwdriver or another sharp object to clear away any blockages.
You should also check the crevice tool if your vacuum has one. This is the attachment that’s used for cleaning tight spaces, like between couch cushions. Debris can easily get trapped in this tool, so it’s a good idea to clean it out every once in a while.
To do this, simply remove the crevice tool from the vacuum and use a straightened wire hanger or a vacuum hose attachment to reach into the tool and dislodge any debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I replace my vacuum filter?
A: How often you need to replace your vacuum filter will depend on the type of filter it is. HEPA filters need to be replaced more often than other types of filters because they can’t be cleaned.
Q: Where is the best place to buy replacement vacuum filters?
A: You can find replacement vacuum filters at most hardware stores or online.
Q: What are some common causes of a loss of suction in a vacuum?
A: Some common causes of a loss of suction in a vacuum include a clogged hose, a blockage in the vacuum, or a dirty filter.
Q: How can I tell if my vacuum hose is clogged?
A: One way to tell if your vacuum hose is clogged is if the vacuum suddenly loses suction. Another way to tell is if the hose is kinked.
Q: How do I unclog my vacuum hose?
A: To unclog a vacuum hose, start by disconnecting it from the vacuum. Then, use a straightened wire hanger or a vacuum hose attachment to reach into the hose and dislodge any debris causing the clog. Once the hose is clear, reconnect to the vacuum and see if the suction has been restored.
Q: When Can I call a Dyson expert?
A: If your problem still isn’t resolved, you can contact a Dyson Expert by phone or online chat for further assistance.
Q: Is the internal hose of the Dyson different from a regular vacuum hose?
A: The internal hose of a Dyson vacuum is not significantly different from that of a regular vacuum. However, it is important to ensure that you get a replacement hose that is compatible with your specific Dyson vacuum model.
Final Words
If the suction power of your Dyson vacuum suddenly decreases, you should immediately begin investigating the cause of the issue. However, due to Dyson’s extensive model lineup, you may be confused about how to troubleshoot your device. This guide will help you figure out why your Dyson isn’t suctioning and how to fix it. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have your Dyson vacuum suctioning like new in no time!
