Dyson 101 – The Ultimate FAQ Guide for Dyson Vac Owners

How to Mount a Dyson Without Drilling the Wall 

How to Reset the Overheating Switch on the Dyson Vacuum

How Long Does Dyson Battery Last? 

Why is my Dyson Getting Hot?  

Why is My Dyson Animal Losing Suction? 

You’ll get tired of hearing me say it, but the filters really are the key in so many cases where a loss of suction has occurred. If you are having issues with the suction in your vacuum cleaner, remove the filters, wash them under running water, and then leave them to dry completely for at least 24 hours. Once they are completely dry, put them back in the machine, and you should be good to go.  

It could also be a blockage in the head or the brush bar, and these are two very common causes. In the case of the head, it is usually something that has been lodged in the air passage (like a sock). What you will need to do is remove the soleplate so that you can access it easily. This is quite simple to do, as all you will need to do is unscrew it and lift it off. Once the blockage is removed, put it back together and test it out.  

For the brush bar, the solution is also a very simple one. Flip the machine over and access the brush bar through the base of the machine. You will notice if it is clogged with hair that has become wrapped around it. Plus, there are sometimes clumps of dirt that get stuck and need to be removed. Just grab a pair of scissors and carefully cut the hair off the bar, and you’ll be ready to get cleaning again.  

Is There a Reset Button on a Dyson Vacuum?  

No, Dyson does not have a reset button like many other vacuum cleaners. Some people find this to be a frustrating aspect, but it does not make a huge amount of difference. Plus, there is another form of Dyson reset; the brush bar. 

Essentially, this is the process of cleaning the brush bar and removing hairs or debris that have clogged it up and stopped it from spinning normally. For advice on how to do this, just read the previous section for full instructions.  

Do Dyson Vacuums Damage Carpet?  

This does depend on the type of carpet in your home. There are some pile carpets, most notably the long ones, that may become damaged by the brush bar if it is used on them. In these cases, you will need to remove the brush bar before using it. You can do this by flipping the vacuum over and unscrewing the soleplate so that the bar can be slipped out. If I doubt, consult the care guide for your carpet.  

Why Does My Dyson Vacuum Cleaner Whistle?  

The whistling sound coming from your Dyson tends to indicate an air leak in the machine. Usually, this is due to there being a loose or torn seal. To check this, remove the HEPA filter and inspect the seal underneath for damage. If it is, you can try removing the seal and putting the filter back in. For situations like this, it is usually best to contact Dyson for advice and repairs.  

If the whistling sound is accompanied by a lack of suction, it is likely due to a blockage in the hose or floorhead. However, if there are none here, then you may want to check and see if the U-bend (found at the base of the vacuum) is attached correctly, as a loose one can prevent suction.  

How Does a Dyson Cinetic Work?

When Dyson stated their Cinetic vacuum cleaners don’t need two filters, I was very sceptical with regards to how they actually work. However, it actually ended up making a lot of sense. Dyson explained it as the air coming into the top of the vacuum gets pushed down to the bottom of the cyclones, which speeds it up. As the air gets faster, dust particles end up getting thrown off and collect at the bottom of the dust canister.  

Of course, this only really works for the larger particles, and the small ones need to be dealt with. What they did with the Cinectic technology is make the cyclone smaller in terms of width as it goes down towards the canister. The g-forces are increased, and the smaller dust particles become sticky and start clumping together.  

To avoid blockages caused by this, the cyclones vibrate to separate them again, in addition to rubber tips at the top and bottom of the cone. It works like a flour sifter, making sure it all comes through and is disposed of correctly.  

Why is the Brush on Vacuum Not Spinning?

If the brush bar on your vacuum cleaner has stopped spinning, it is likely due to a blockage of some description. What you need to do is unplug your vacuum and flip it over so that you can see the underside of the floorhead. Examine the brush bar, and see if there is any hair wrapped around it. If there is too much, the bar will not be able to rotate, and it will become completely jammed.  

Using a pair of scissors, you can cut the hair away carefully and remove it from the bar so that it will start spinning again. While you are there, it is also a good idea to check for blockages in the form of dirt and large debris, as these can sometimes get stuck and prevent the bar from spinning properly.

How Do You Raise the Ball on a Dyson Vacuum?

This is the same as adjusting the level on a Dyson vacuum cleaner. It’s a really simple process, and it will also allow you to clean various floor types effortlessly. Here are the quick steps you need to take: 

1. Stand behind the vacuum cleaner as though you are about to use it. Then, press the power button and switch it on.
   
   
2. Place one foot on your chosen side of the vacuum cleaner head and pull the handle towards you as you do so, tilting the main body back. The ball will rise, and it will be ready to use.
   
   
3. Locate the level adjustment switch on the vacuum (usually found on the floorhead). Move the slider to the desired position in order to use it on the correct floor types (carpets and hard floors, for example).
   

How Do You Use the Dyson Wand?

Using the wand on a Dyson upright isn’t always the easiest thing to figure out, so here are the steps you need to take in order to make the most of this handy feature: 

1. Lift up the wand cap at the top of the wand, and then pull the wand from inside the handle until it locks into place.
   
   
2. Press the wand release button on the vacuum cleaner, and the pull the wand and handle from the machine. You will find the hose extends with it.
   
   
3. When you are ready to put it back, push the wand back inside the hose and ensure that it is completely straight. Then, press the wand release button and slide everything back into place before putting the wand cap back on.

Read Here : Dyson V7 Vs V8 Comparison 

How to Use Dyson Ball Multi Floor

Using the wand on a Dyson upright isn’t always the easiest thing to figure out, so here are the steps you need to take in order to make the most of this handy feature: 

How Long Does the Battery Last on a Dyson V6?

The battery life on the Dyson V6 depends on the setting you are using. On the regular mode, you will find it tends to last a good 20 minutes; more than enough time to clean the home. On the boost mode, this goes down to six minutes, but you shouldn’t need this setting very often.

How Long Does Dyson V7 Battery Last?

Again, it all depends on the setting you are using it on. The Dyson V7 has been known to last between 20 and 25 minutes on the regular function, which is about the same as the V6. On the boost setting, it goes for around six minutes before running out, which is about normal for a Dyson cordless.

Read Here : Dyson V7 vs V10 Comparison 

Both of these offer a detailed and visual look at the process, as well as steps that are quite easy to follow.  

Dyson Wall Mount Command Strips

Using these is usually a great idea if you live in a rented property or hate drilling holes in your walls. The strips are quite heavy-duty, and they won’t leave marks after you remove them, so the wall is left looking good as new.

All you need to do is use the Command Strips to attach the wall mount to the wall, and you are good to go. My top tip would be to ensure the entire back of the mount is sticking to the wall for extra strength and security. It’s an ideal solution.  

Can Dyson Vacuums Overheat?

Yes, they absolutely can, and this is something I have looked at further up in this article. Here’s a quick recap of the reasons why your Dyson might be overheating: 

1. Your filters could be dirty and need cleaning. They should both be washed under cool running water and then left to dry completely before being put back in the vacuum. The main filter should be washed monthly, and the HEPA every 3-6 months. You should check both monthly, however.
   
   
2. The tubes could also be blocked, preventing or restricting suction. You can check both the tube and the floorhead for blockages, removing them as necessary.
   
   
3. It may also be the brush bar, which can become blocked with hair or debris. All you need to do is cut the hair away with scissors and pull any clogged debris out of the floorhead. 
   
   
4. The seals around the cyclone could also be malfunctioning. You can either put them back yourself if they are out of place, or send them off for repair. Getting a professional to deal with this option is normally your best bet.
   

Do Dyson Vacuums Have a Fuse?

Yes, Dyson vacuum cleaners do have a fuse. Generally speaking, you will find it inside the plug. They are quite easy to remove and replace when needed. If you find that your Dyson has no power, you should always check the fuse first to see if a new one does the trick. It’s one of the most easily forgotten issues.  

How Do You Troubleshoot a Dyson Vacuum?

Essentially, troubleshooting is some of the most common errors people have with their vacuum cleaners, and this section will take you through each of them: 

1. Machine is losing suction. This is explained in several different sections throughout this guide, but here are the basic checks you should make to get the suction back: 

2. Power failure. Again, this is looked at in this guide already. Here are the things you should be looking out for though: 

3. Brush bar is not rotating. There are several different sections that go through this particular issue, and all you really need to do is make sure that it is cleaned. Often, hairs get wrapped around it and need to be carefully cut off with a pair of scissors. Plus, you can remove any large debris that has become stuck by hand.

4. The locking mechanism is too weak to hold the vacuum up. This only needs a couple of steps to try and resolve the issue. Take a look at them below:

5. Vacuum will not turn on. This is something that I have touched on, but here are the issues you should be looking out for if you encounter this problem:

What Does Flashing Blue Light on Dyson Mean?

The flashing blue light on cordless Dyson models means that the machine has no power and the battery needs to be charged. When you see this light, simply return the machine to the charging station and let it power up before you use it again.

How Many Years Does a Dyson Vacuum Last?

If you take good care of your Dyson vacuum cleaner, it should last you a good ten years on average. If you do not clean the filters at all, you shouldn’t expect to see it last past two years; three at a push. Moderate care has often seen a Dyson vacuum last around five years instead. So, take great care of your Dyson, and it will keep going for many years.

How Long Do Dyson Batteries Last Before Replacement?

The batteries tend to last for around 500 charge cycles before they start to lose their mojo and are unable to hold as much charge. On average, this means that you should find they last around four years before you need to consider replacing the battery.

How Long Does a Dyson Handheld Battery Last?

This is something I have touched on towards the start of this guide, but just to refresh your memory, here is a brief rundown of the runtimes for each of the handheld Dyson models: 

Dyson V6 – 20 minutes on regular, 6 minutes on boost 

Dyson V7 – 20 minutes on regular, 6 minutes on boost 

Dyson V8 – 25-30 minutes on regular, 7-10 minutes on boost  

Dyson V10 – 35-40 minutes on regular, 20 minutes on medium, 6 minutes on boost 

Dyson V11 – 60 minutes on regular, 30 minutes on medium, 12 minutes on boost 

Read Here: Dyson V7 vs V8 vs V10 vs V11 Comparison 

How Long Does a Dyson Battery Pack Last?

I mentioned before that the average lifespan for a Dyson battery pack is around four years. However, you may also find that they last closer to seven or eight. There have been quite a few cases where the batteries have lasted this long without losing their charge capacity. A lot of it does come down to how often you use the vacuum cleaner as well as the capabilities of the battery.

Does Dyson Really Never Lose Suction?

Yes and no. What Dyson mean whey they say this is that while you are vacuuming, even if it means you are sucking up loads of hair and filling the bin, this won’t cause it to lose suction. However, if there is a blockage in the vacuum cleaner or the filters have become dirty, these can cause the suction to be massively reduced. Of course, these are natural occurrences within a vacuum cleaner.

How Do I Unclog My Dyson Animal Hose?

I sourced this fantastic YouTube video that takes you through the various ways in which you can unclog the hose on your Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner. It refers to both the hose and the brush bar, giving you an extensive look at how you can keep your vacuum cleaner free from blockages. Answering the question “How Do You Remove the Blockage on a Dyson Hose?”

Read Here: Dyson V8 Vs V10 Comparison  

How Do You Remove the Brush Bar on a Dyson?

For the newer models, removing the brush bar couldn’t be easier: 

1. Unplug the machine and lay it down so that you can access the floorhead.
   
   
2. Take a coin and use it to turn the yellow cap on the side of the floorhead to unlock it.
   
   
3. Slide the brush bar out, and it’s done. Just repeat the process in reverse to put it all back together. 
   

For the older models, this video I found on YouTube shows you how to get the brush bar out. It’s a little longer, but it’s a safe and effective method.

Dyson Vacuum No Suction from Wand

If you have no suction from the wand, there could be a blockage inside the hose or the wand itself. To remove a blockage from the hose, you can see the above section on unclogging it, and you can learn more about unblocking the wand below: 

1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner from the mains and detach the wand from the machine and the hose.
   
   
2. Look through the wand to see if you can spot a blockage, using a torch if needed.
   
   
3. To remove the clog, you can grab a long stick, or something similar, and push it through the wand to get the blockage out. If it’s really clogged, you can hit the blockage with it a little to loosen it up.
   

Dyson Animal No Suction Upright

Sometimes, you slip your Dyson vacuum cleaner into the upright position, but nothing seems to be happening in terms of suction. I sourced a great video that explains why this might be happening, and how to fix it: 

Essentially, the video takes you through the two reasons your vacuum cleaner may have lost suction in its upright form; the u-bend is missing, or there is a blockage. The first of these is a case of a missing part that needs to be reattached to the base of your vacuum. The blockage usually occurs in the hose, and can be removed quite easily.  

To Conclude

Well, that certainly was a lot of questions, and I hope that you found all of the answers helpful. From how long the battery should last on various cordless Dyson vacuums to how certain features work, all of your most pressing questions are masterfully answered here. I want you to feel comfortable with your Dyson vacuum cleaner, as well as every individual feature that it has.  

What did you think of our Dyson 101 guide? Did it leave you feeling more confident about your vacuum cleaner choices, or are there still burning questions that we haven’t answered? We love hearing from you, so leave us a message in the comments below.