How to Clean a Blockage in a Dyson Ball Vacuum

The Dyson Ball vacuum cleaner is an upright model that sits on a ball. That design makes this lightweight model more maneuverable compared to a traditional vacuum head with rollers. Even with the powerful suction for which the Dyson brand is known, the Dyson vacuum can get clogged. If this happens, you can easily remove the clog and get back to vacuuming quickly.

The main sign that your Dyson vacuum is clogged is a lack of suction, whether from the vacuum or the hose. In some cases, there is no suction at all. Before you start taking apart your vacuum, turn off the cleaner and unplug it from the wall. This is to ensure you don't get injured or suffer an electric shock while troubleshooting the issue.

In some cases, a blockage in the vacuum can cause the motor to overheat. If this happens, the vacuum will automatically shut down, but you should still unplug it and turn it off. Wait about an hour before working on the vacuum to allow it time to cool down.

Finally, lay the machine on its side. It is now safe to check for and remove any blockages. There are several models of Dyson Ball machines, including the Multi-Floor 2 and Animal 2, so be sure to check the user manual for specific troubleshooting tips and instructions for your model.

Remove the foot of the machine from the ball. You can do this by removing the C-clip at the neck of the machine and then pulling the cleaner head away from the machine. Check the exposed airway on both parts of the machine and remove any debris. Unlatch the clips on the cleaner head to access the brush bar. Some models have fasteners that you can unscrew with a coin. Remove any clogs from around the brush bar and cut away any string or hair wrapped around the brushes.

Push the stabilizer wheels on the ball until they click into place toward the front of the machine. This should expose the inner hose inside the ball. Pull the hose toward you gently to release it and remove any material that may be clogging the hose. Put the hose back in place and put the cleaning head back on the machine.

Press the release button on top of the cyclone and bin and pull it free from the machine. This will expose the duct hatch. Lift the cover and remove any clogs. Replace the bin and cyclone. At this point, your vacuum should be free of clogs and ready to use.

If there is a clog in your hose, start by removing the wand and any attachments. Look inside these tools to see if there are any clogs or damaged pieces. If not, check the main hose attached to the vacuum by looking down the hose to see if there are any blockages. Finally, remove the hose from the machine and check the inlet for any debris that may be clogging the hose.

A dirty filter can also cause your vacuum to not pick up dirt as expected. Many models even have a washable filter, so you won't even have to worry about a Dyson Ball vacuum filter replacement. Simply wash, dry and replace the filter.