MarloElaine

If anyone in your family (or even your pet) has long hair, you’ve probably had trouble with your vacuum cleaner getting weaker or losing suction. It’s even happened to our powerful Dyson, which claims right on the vacuum that it’s “The first vacuum cleaner that doesn’t lose suction.” We have the Dyson DC07 Bagless Vacuum and we love it. Every few months, though, we have to give it a “haircut.”

Since I have had very long hair for most of my life, I have done this several times. This method works with other types of upright vacuums as well, both baggless and bagged. I have found the Dyson to be the easiest to clean.

I never heard of anyone else who has ever given their vacuum a “haircut,” so I was very surprised to see it mentioned in the Dyson instruction manual. The official directions are buried on page 7 of the 14 page instruction manual, under the heading “Where to Look for Blockages.”

Here’s how I do it:

• First gather your supplies. You will need a coin or large screwdriver, scissors, a garbage can, and if you like, a face mask and/or latex gloves.
• Make sure your Dyson vacuum is off and unplugged. Gently lay it down on the ground.
• With the bottom of the vacuum facing you, you should see three colored “screws.” Turn these colored fasteners with a coin or a large screwdriver. You should hear a “click” when it is turned all the way.
• You may want to put on a face mask for the next part, especially if you have any respiratory problems. The faceplate should lift off easily, releasing a lot of dust. You should be able to view the brushbar, probably entwined with a lot of hair, thread, etc. This is what causes the loss of suction.
• With a pair of scissors, carefully cut through the hair and thread, making sure to avoid the bristles of the brush. I usually cut along the middle of one side, then rotate the brushbar and cut along the middle of the other side.
• All of the long hairs and threads can now be easily removed with your fingers. Wear a pair of latex gloves, if desired.
• When all the obstructions are removed, put the faceplate back on and turn the three “screws.”
• Stand your vacuum upright, plug it in, and test it by vacuuming all the stray hair and dust that just got dislodged. You should see a marked improvement immediately.

Hopefully this will save someone the hassle of hauling their vacuum cleaner into a repair shop or even buying a new vacuum all together. Please let me know in the comments section if it works for you.