How to Clear Clogs From a Dyson DC14

Dyson's DC14 is an upright vacuum cleaner designed for use on all floor surfaces. It uses the Dyson "Root Cyclone" technology that has distinguished Dyson models since the inception of the brand. The DC14 has a motorized brushbar and a large, 5/7-gallon dust container for long intervals between emptying. Its cleaning wand extends to 17 feet for stair cleaning. Like any vacuum, the DC14 occasionally picks up debris that may clog its passageways, however. Use a few methods to unblock the most likely clogs.

Things You'll Need

• Coin or small flat-blade screwdriver

Instructions

Clearing Airway Blockages

1. Turn off the power and unplug the machine before attempting to diagnose a blockage.

2. Check the easy places first. Disconnect any extension attachments such as brushes and crevice tools, and visually examine for clogged debris. These blockages are easy to dislodge with your fingers.

3. Remove the telescoping wand by pressing the release buttons on the hose and sliding it off the end of the hose. Visually examine the inside of the wand. Clear blockages with a long rigid object such as a mop handle or broomstick.

4. Press and hold the lower hose release button on the front of the DC14. Slide the hose out from the rear of the machine. Check for blockages inside the hose. Clear blockages with a long rigid object such as a mop handle or broomstick.

5. Inspect the inside of the rigid u-bend connector by tilting the machine forward and sliding it out of the connection joints on the rear of the machine. Remove blockage with your fingers or flush the connector out with faucet or garden hose.

6. Release the airway inspection valve on the right side of the motor by pressing and holding the two release buttons. Visually inspect the airway passages for blockage. Remove blockages with fingers.

7. Reassemble the machine completely after clearing a blockage before attempting to use it again.

Clearing The Brushbar

1. Listen for sounds of brushbar blockage. A loud ratcheting noise usually indicates an obstruction in the brushbar.

2. Tip the machine on its front.

3. Release the three soilplate fasteners, using a coin to turn the slotted disks.

4. Remove the soilplate and remove debris such as lint and hair from the brushbar and brushbar mechanism housing.

5. Reinstall the soilplate, making sure the three tabs on the front of the soilplate mate with the slots on the inside of the bumper strip.

6. Reassemble the machine completely after clearing a blockage before attempting to use it again.

Tips & Warnings

• A clogged machine may heat up fast; allow 60 minutes for an overheated machine to cool before attempting to clear debris.

• Beware of sharp objects that may have clogged the vacuum.

References

• Dyson Inc.; DC14 Owner's Manual PDF