Dyson vacuum losing suction? Find the common causes and easy fixes to restore strong cleaning performance.
It’s annoying when your Dyson vacuum stops picking up dust, hair, and other things as well as it used to when its suction quickly goes away. Often, the issue is due to a clogged filter, a hose that won’t move, a full dust bin, or a brush bar that is tangled up, rather than a serious mechanical failure.
The good news is that you can fix most suction issues yourself by doing a few easy checks.
Why Is My Dyson Vacuum Losing Suction?
There are several reasons a Dyson vacuum might lose its power all of a sudden. Most of the time, it’s because the filter is dirty, the dust bin is too full, the wand or hose is clogged, hair is stuck around the brush bar, or there’s something blocking the cleaner head. How well a cordless cleaner works can also be affected by how well the battery works.
Before you decide that the motor is broken, you should check the basic airflow parts.
Empty the Dyson Dust Bin
One of the easiest things to check when your Dyson vacuum stops sucking is to see if the dust bin is full. As dust and other particles build up, airflow can become slowed down, which can make the vacuum less effective at cleaning.
Turn off the vacuum and empty the dust bin the way the manual for your model says to. Keep an eye on the area around the bin’s opening, as dust and other things can sometimes get stuck there and stop movement.
Once you’re done emptying the bin, make sure it’s put back in the right way and locked securely in place.
Clean the Dyson Filters
One of the most common reasons for low flow is a filter that is dirty or clogged. Dyson vacuum filters collect small dust and other particles, but they can clog.
Follow the instructions that came with your Dyson to remove the washable filter or filters and run cold water over them until the water runs clear. Do not use detergents or cleaning agents on your model unless the manufacturer says it is okay to do so.
Before putting the filter back in, it needs to be completely dry. Putting a wet filter back into the vacuum may damage it and stop air from flowing through it.
Check the Wand for a Blockage
Your Dyson might not have strong suction even if the dust bin and filters are clean. This could be because the wand is jammed. Small things like pet hair, dust, and pieces of paper can get stuck inside the wand and stop air from moving freely.
Take the wand off of the cleaner and look at both ends. Remove the object carefully so as not to damage the inside of the wand if you can see one.
Inspect the Hose and Cleaner Head
Another thing that can make the suction go away is a blockage in the hose or cleaner head. This happens a lot when the vacuum is used a lot to get rid of pet hair, long hair, or bigger pieces of dirt and dust.
Turn off the vacuum and carefully look at the direction of the airflow. If the airflow is being blocked, check the hose, connections, and cleaner head for anything. Take out any obvious obstructions and securely connect the parts again.
Remove Hair From the Brush Bar
In the event that you have pets or hair that is very long, hair and threads can get tangled around the brush bar. If this happens, the brush might not turn right, and the cleaner head might have trouble picking up dirt.
Before you try to clean the brush bar, turn off the vacuum. To get rid of tangled hair and threads, be careful not to damage the bristles or moving parts.
Clean brush bars help your Dyson clean well and reduce cleaner head workload.
Check the Cleaner Head
Dust, hair, and other small particles can get stuck on the bottom of the cleaner head. A blockage around the intake hole can stop air from moving through the vacuum, making it look like the suction is weak.
Stop the machine and carefully look over the cleaner head. Get rid of any debris that you can see, and make sure the brush bar can turn freely.
If the brush bar is hard to move or the cleaner head looks broken, the problem might need to be looked at more closely or a new part may be needed.
Check for Air Leaks
A Dyson vacuum needs an airflow system that is properly sealed. If a seal is broken or a connection is loose, air can escape before it gets to the dust bin. This makes the vacuum less effective at sucking up dust.
Check the snaps that link the cleaner head, the wand, the hose, and the dust bin. Make sure that each part is attached correctly.
There may be times when you need to replace a part that is cracked, has a broken seal, or is loose and can’t be fixed.
Check the Battery on Cordless Dyson Models
It’s possible for cordless Dyson vacuums to work less well when the battery is low or starting to break down. If the vacuum works properly right after being charged but quickly loses power, the battery may be getting close to the end of its useful life.
Test the vacuum again after giving it a full charge. If the problem persists, check the battery options recommended for your Dyson model.
Because battery performance can be very different between types, it’s important to make sure that when you replace the battery, you use one that works with your device.
Check the Vacuum’s Cleaning Mode
There are different cleaning modes on some Dyson cordless models. It’s possible for a lower-power setting to have less suction than a higher-power setting. This could make the vacuum look weaker than it really is.
Check to see what mode your vacuum is in and then test it using the settings that are available. Remember that modes with more power usually use more battery and may shorten the overall life.
Look for an Internal Blockage
The vacuum might not be sucking well after emptying the dust bin, cleaning the filters, checking the wand, and checking the cleaner head. There may be a bigger problem inside the vacuum.
Do not push sharp items into the vacuum’s internal passages; this could damage it. If you can’t safely find or remove the blockage, it might be best to have a professional do it.
Dyson Vacuum Losing Suction After Cleaning the Filter
If your Dyson lost suction after cleaning the filter, make sure it’s dry before reinstalling.
Even a small amount of wetness left over can make it hard for air to flow. Take the filter out of the machine again and let it dry completely before putting it back in.
You should also make sure you put the filter in correctly and secure it firmly in place.
Dyson Vacuum Has Suction From the Hose but Not the Cleaner Head
It’s possible that there is a problem somewhere in the cleaner head’s airflow path if your Dyson has strong suction when the wand or hose is not attached but seems weak when it is.
First, look over the cleaner head for hair, dust, or other things that might be stuck in it. Then, look for blockages or loose connections in the intake opening, wand, and connections.
This simple test can determine if the issue is with the main vacuum or the cleaner head and airflow.
When Should You Contact Dyson Support?
If your Dyson keeps losing power even after you clean the filters and check the airflow system, there may be a broken part or a problem with the way it works inside.
It is especially important to get professional help if the vacuum smells like burning things, makes strange noises, turns off and on over and over, shows signs of electrical damage, or has a damaged or swollen battery.
If you do not have the right technical knowledge, you should not open the motor or electrical parts.
Final Thoughts
If your Dyson vacuum stops sucking, it doesn’t always mean you need to get a new one. Most of the time, cleaning the filters, emptying the dust bin, removing a blockage, or removing hair from the brush bar will fix the problem.
Pick out the easiest checks to begin with. Clean and dry the filters, empty the dust bin, check the wand and hose, and look for blockages in the cleaner head. If the vacuum still doesn’t have strong suction after these steps, it may need a new part or service from an expert.
Taking care of the filter and keeping the brush bar free of hair and other debris can also help your Dyson keep its strong suction and work better over time.
