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Get your Dyson vacuum brush spinning again with these repair tips
Is your Dyson brush refusing to spin? We know how annoying that can be, especially when it’s cleaning time. Here are 5 common reasons this happens, plus simple troubleshooting tips to bring your vacuum back to life.
Fixing a Dyson Brush That Stopped Spinning
Start by inspecting the brush roll for tangled hair, threads, or debris like ribbons or shoelaces. Clear any obstructions you find. Also, check for blockages inside the vacuum and clean the electric contact points to ensure smooth operation.
Troubleshooting Steps
Brush Roll Clogged with Debris
Check the brush roll for buildup. Hair and fibers tangled around the brush can easily stop it from spinning. Keep in mind, there may also be debris hidden inside the roll that’s not visible at first glance.
- Even if the brush looks clean, it’s smart to remove it and inspect the inside for anything lodged within.
Loosen the brush roll cover using a coin. A screwdriver or flat object works too. Insert the coin into the slot, twist to unlock, and lift off the cover.
Carefully take out the brush roll from the vacuum head. If it’s stuck, gently pry it out using a screwdriver. If it still won’t move, contact Dyson support to prevent damage.
Clear out any hair or string tangled on the brush roll. For tightly wrapped debris, snip with scissors to make removal easier.
Inspect the brush roll holder for tangles. Inside the vacuum head, check the spindle that holds the brush roll for any wrapped hair or fibers. Remove any buildup using pliers or a screwdriver.
- You can also take out the spindle with a T8 Torx screwdriver to clean trapped hair inside.
Look inside the brush roll for blockages. Remove the end cap and inspect the interior of the brush roll and cap for tangled hair or fibers. Cut and remove any debris you find.
Reinsert the brush roll into the vacuum head. Slide it back onto the spindle and secure the cover by tightening it with a coin.
- Try vacuuming again. If the brush still doesn’t rotate, consider other fixes in this guide or contact Dyson for a replacement part.
Object Blocking the Vacuum
Disassemble your Dyson vacuum. Detach the stick from the canister and separate the vacuum head from the stick. These sections usually connect via a release button—press it and pull the parts apart.
Inspect for any blockages. A Dyson vacuum may shut off automatically if it detects a clog. Carefully check each section of the vacuum to make sure nothing is obstructing the airflow.
Clear out any detected blockages. If you find an obstruction, take it out. For blockages in the stick, use a long, slim object like a broom handle to push it through. If it’s in the head, remove the brush roll to access and extract the debris. For the canister, open it as if emptying and remove the clog manually.
Reassemble your Dyson vacuum. Attach the stick back into the canister, then reconnect the head to the stick.
- Test the vacuum. If the brush roll still won’t spin, refer to other steps in this guide or consider reaching out to Dyson for a replacement.
Unclean Electrical Contacts
Disassemble the vacuum. Disconnect the stick from the canister and the head from the stick. These parts are typically joined with a button—press it and pull them apart.
Find the metal pins on the canister and brush head. These are the electrical contacts that power your vacuum. If they're dirty, the vacuum might not operate correctly.
Blow away debris near the contacts. Use a can of compressed air to remove any dust or dirt around the electric contacts.
Clean the metal contacts directly using contact cleaner. Follow the product’s directions carefully. Alternatively, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe the contacts clean. Let them dry completely before putting the vacuum back together.
- Make sure all residue is gone before reassembly to avoid any power issues.
Reassemble your Dyson vacuum. Slide the stick back into the canister and attach the head to the stick.
- Try vacuuming again. If the brush still doesn’t spin, try another fix from this guide or reach out to Dyson for help.
Vacuum Mistakes Carpet for a Blockage
Test the vacuum on a different floor type. If you're using it on thick or high-pile carpet (like shag or plush), switch to hardwood, tile, linoleum, or low-pile carpet to check if the vacuum runs normally. If it does, your Dyson may be misidentifying the carpet as an obstruction and shutting off.
- Dyson vacuums are programmed to shut down when an obstruction is detected.
- If the vacuum fails on all surfaces, consider trying the other troubleshooting steps in this article or contacting Dyson for further assistance.
Reach Out to Dyson
Get in touch with Dyson support if nothing else resolves the issue. If your brush head still isn’t spinning after following all the steps, service or replacement parts may be necessary. Dyson’s customer support can assist.
- Visit the Dyson Support page and use live chat. Click the chat icon in the bottom-right corner. Live chat is available from 7 am to 12 am Central Time.
- Call 1-866-693-9766. Support hours are 8 am–8 pm CT Monday through Friday, and 9 am–6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
