Dyson Small Ball™ vacuum. Checking the head and base for blockages

Removing blockages from your Dyson Small Ball™ upright vacuum.

If your machine doesn't seem to be picking up as well as it should be from carpets or hard floors, this may be due to a temporary blockage. This could occur if an item too big for the machine has been accidentally vacuumed up.

After turning off and unplugging the machine, please follow the steps shown in the video to locate and remove any obstructions from the cleaner head and internal hose.

Step 1. Lay the machine back without reclining it.
Step 2. Release the red latch and remove the cleaner head.
Step 3. Check for any debris in the airway behind the cleaner head.
Step 4. Pivot the red levers outwards and swing the baseplate open.
Step 5. Check for any debris in the cleaner head.
Step 6. Ensure the brush bar is free from debris and can spin freely.
Step 7. Swing the baseplate shut and pivot both levers back into position, ensuring the baseplate is secure.
Step 8. Release the internal hose by pulling the red collar towards you.
Step 9. Check inside it for any debris. When clear, it should be possible to see straight through the product.
Step 10. Refit the red internal hose collar.
Step 11. Press the red button on the cyclone assembly to remove the cyclone and bin from the machine.
Step 12. Press the same red button again to open the base.
Step 13. Then press the silver button and remove the clear bin.
Step 14. Check both airways in the cyclone for any debris.
Step 15. Refit the clear bin ensuring it clicks shut.
Step 16. Close the bin base ensuring it clicks shut.
Step 17. Lower the front of the machine onto the cleaner head ensuring it clicks in place.

Our experts are on hand to help, so leave us a comment if you'd like some further advice.

Did this video solve your issue? Like if it did, or leave a comment. 👍

[dyson]

Did this video solve your issue? Like if it did, or leave a comment. 👍

[TheMrCrowther]

3 Days into owning a Dyson small Ball 2, the suction had gone and I was not a happy customer. Fortunately, I found this video, fixed within minutes, I now have the knowledge to sort this out myself, thank you so much, am much calmer now.

[shadyfranco]

Thank you so much. Over the seven years I had my Dyson, it collected a extremely large amount of dust corks.😂 This video did, it now works.❤️

[janicehall]

Thank you so much for this. The instruction manual is useless, but blockage now cleared thanks to you. X

[traciecoppell]

Absolutely fantastic information, my hoover was blocked I went on YouTube to find out how to unblock and hey presto. My hoover is now working brilliant again, thanks. 😁😁😁

[teddybruckshut]

Thanks for this video, it worked for me. Now I think I got rid of a functional vacuum cleaner 3 months ago and replaced it, when all I had to do was this

[dianeharrison]

Thank god you showed me easy way to put head back on

[Adetoro-keml]

Thank you Dyson honestly this was so helpful!

[austinpage]

Pefect, this video fixed my problem. There was a clog behind the cleaner head

[janicehall]

Thank you so much for this - instruction manual shows none of this. Anyway, cleared the blockage, so thanks again.

[felixagustin]

Best video ever, quiet and to the point, let me go try this

[maggiew]

Is it possible for a warped plastic cover (not sealing tightly) on the opening to the rear and left of the center hole on the ball to cause loss of suction on the floor unit? I have cleaned everything per your very clear instructions and am still having loss of suction on the floor unit only. Could I put tape on it? Thank you.

[nasreenhussain]

I cant take off the head even though im pressing the red button, what should I do

[ABHORRANCE]

The changeover valve didnt work on my Animal Ball 2 nor does it work on my Animal Ball 3 either. Back to Costco again.

[jonathanj]

No, it doesn't show you how to clear the pipes between the "internal pipe" and the cyclone/main chamber.
They have red tabs, but it's not clear how to access them.

[dianeharrison]

I just cant get the head off however I try

[charlesvanhouten]

Mine will not start sucking for about 10 minutes back and forth same spot then all of a sudden it starts picking and does great until I’m finished. First 10 minutes is BS though

[matthewbroom]

My vacuum will still not pick up and I cleand all the filters and that is not clogs

[lisawalsh]

Can't believe I spent $500 on this vacuum less than three years ago. It's awful.

[thestylishthrifter]

My dyson before this one was light weight and lasted 8yrs this one is a bit annoying…