How To Clean Dyson Ball Vacuum

Keeping your Dyson Ball vacuum clean is essential for maintaining its powerful suction and ensuring it lasts for years. If you’re wondering how to clean Dyson Ball vacuum models, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every step, from the bin to the brush bar, in simple, clear instructions. A clean vacuum not only performs better but also keeps the air in your home fresher. Let’s get started.

This main section covers the complete cleaning process. We’ll break it down into manageable parts. Always unplug your vacuum before starting any cleaning or maintenance. Safety first! Gather a few supplies like a soft cloth, a small brush (an old toothbrush works great), and a pair of scissors. You might also need a coin or the tool that came with your vacuum.

Step 1: Emptying the Clear Bin

This is the most frequent task you’ll do. The clear bin on Dyson Ball vacuums is designed for easy removal.

Hold the vacuum over a trash can. Press the red bin release button, usually located at the top.
Lift the clear bin straight up and away from the main body. Carry it to your trash can.
Push the red slide button on the bin itself to open the bottom hatch. All the debris will fall out.

Sometimes, fine dust and hair can cling to the inside walls. Give the bin a gentle tap to dislodge it. For a deeper clean, you can rinse it with cold water later (we’ll cover that).

Step 2: Cleaning the Cyclones and Filters

This is the heart of your Dyson’s suction power. Clogged cyclones and a dirty filter are the most common reasons for loss of suction.

After removing the bin, you’ll see the cyclone assembly. On most Ball models, there is a red button or catch on the side of this assembly.
Press this button and pull the cyclone pack upward and away from the bin unit.
Over a trash can, use your fingers or a soft brush to gently wipe away dust from the cyclones. Be careful not to damage the small plastic fins.
To access the pre-motor filter, look for a cap on the side or bottom of the ball itself. Twist or unclip it.
Remove the foam and pleated filter. Tap them gently to remove loose dirt. Do not wash the pleated filter unless your manual says its washable—some are not.
If washable, rinse only the foam filter under cold water until the water runs clear. Squeeze it out—don’t twist—and let it dry for at least 24 hours completely before reinstalling.

Never use your vacuum without the filters, and never use it with damp filters. This can cause serious damage.

Step 3: Checking and Clearing the Brush Bar

Hair, string, and carpet fibers love to wrap around the brush bar. This can stop it from spinning and strain the motor.

Lay the vacuum on its back. You might need a coin to turn the screws on the cover plate.
Use your coin to turn the fasteners a quarter-turn counter-clockwise. Lift off the soleplate (the cover).
You’ll now see the brush bar. Use your scissors to carefully cut through any wrapped hair or threads. Pull them away.
Manually spin the brush bar to ensure it moves freely and isn’t damaged.
Replace the soleplate and lock it by turning the fasteners clockwise with the coin.

Doing this every month or two prevents major jams and keeps your vacuum gliding smoothly.

Step 4: Wiping Down the Vacuum

A quick wipe down keeps your vacuum looking good and prevents dirt transfer.

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the main body, hose, and wand.
For stubborn spots, slightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers.
Check the wand for blockages by looking through it. You can use a long, flexible object like a broom handle to gently push out any clogs.
Attachments like the crevice tool can be rinsed with water. Just make sure they are bone dry before you store them.

Step 5: Deep Cleaning the Bin and Components

Every few months, a more thorough clean is a good idea. For this, you can use water on specific parts.

The clear bin and cyclone assembly (the part you detached earlier) can be rinsed under cold water. Do not use soap or detergant.
Use your soft brush to gently clean inside the shroud where the cyclones sit. Rinse everything thoroughly.
Leave all washed parts to air dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours. Putting them back wet is a big no-no.
While things are drying, check the hose for suction by attaching it directly to the main body and turning on the vacuum. If suction is weak, there might be a blockage in the hose.

Patience is key here. Rushing reassembly with damp parts will lead to mold, mildew, and motor problems.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with regular cleaning, you might encounter issues. Here’s how to fix common ones.

Loss of Suction

If your vacuum isn’t picking up well, follow this checklist:

Empty the bin. Even if it looks half-full, empty it.
Check and clean the filters. A clogged filter is the #1 cause of poor suction.
Inspect the brush bar for obstructions and ensure it’s spinning.
Look for blockages in the hose, wand, and where the bin attaches.

Strange Noises or Smells

A new noise or odor often signals a problem.

A high-pitched whine might mean a blockage in the hose or a bearing issue.
A burning smell usually indicates the brush bar is jammed. Turn off the vacuum immediately and check for wrapped debris.
A musty smell points to a damp filter or bin. Ensure everything is 100% dry before use.

The Vacuum Won’t Stand Upright

If your Dyson Ball is wobbly or won’t stay upright, check the ball itself. Dirt and hair can get trapped in the mechanism around the ball. Tilt the vacuum and wipe around the ball housing with a dry cloth. Also, make sure no large debris is stuck underneath.

Maintenance Schedule Quick Reference

Sticking to a simple schedule keeps your vacuum in top shape without overwhelming you.

After Every Use: Empty the clear bin.
Every Month: Check and clear the brush bar of hair and strings. Wipe down the exterior.
Every 3 Months: Wash the pre-motor foam filter (if applicable) and clean the cyclone assembly. Do a full check for blockages.
Every 6 Months: Give the bin and cyclone a full rinse and air dry. Inspect all seals and brushes for wear.

Following this schedule prevents most major issues and extends the life of your machine significantly. Its a small investment of time that pays off.

FAQ Section

Can I wash my Dyson Ball vacuum filter?

It depends on your specific model. Most Dyson Ball vacuums have a washable foam pre-motor filter, but the post-motor HEPA filter often is not washable. Always check your user manual first. If it is washable, use cold water only and let it dry for a full 24 hours.

How often should I clean my Dyson vacuum?

You should empty the bin after each use. Clean the brush bar every month, and do a deep clean of the filters and cyclones every three months. If you vacuum frequently or have pets, you might need to clean the brush bar more often.

Why does my Dyson Ball vacuum have weak suction?

Weak suction is almost always due to a full bin, a clogged filter, or a blockage. Start by emptying the bin completely. Then, remove and check the filters. Finally, inspect the hose, wand, and brush bar for any obstructions like packed dirt or wrapped hair.

Is it safe to use water on the main body of the vacuum?

No, never submerge the main body, motor, or electrical parts in water. Only the clear bin, cyclone assembly (if detachable), and certain tools are safe to rinse. Always dry parts thoroughly before reassembling.

What should I do if my vacuum smells bad?

A bad smell usually means there is a damp filter, mold in the bin, or a clogged area with decaying debris. Ensure all filters and the bin are completely dry. Do a full deep clean of the bin and cyclones with cold water and let them air dry. Check for hidden blockages.

Can I use detergent to clean the parts?

Dyson specifically recommends against using any detergents, soaps, or polishes on any part of the vacuum. They can damage plastic components and leave residues that attract more dirt. Cold water and a soft cloth are all you need for a effective clean.

Final Tips for Longevity

Taking good care of your Dyson Ball vacuum ensures it remains a reliable tool for many years. Always store it in a dry place, and avoid banging it into furniture or walls. Be mindful of what you pick up—large objects, wet debris, and fine powders like plaster dust can damage the motor or clog the system quickly. If you follow the steps outlined here, your vacuum will maintain its famous suction power and performance. Remember, regular maintenance is much simpler and cheaper than dealing with a major repair. Now you know exactly how to keep your machine running like new.