Dirt Devil Vacuum Problems: 7 Common Issues (with simple fixes)

Are you tired of dragging your Dirt Devil vacuum around the house only to discover that it isn’t picking up dirt and debris as well as it once did?

If this is the case, you are not alone.

It’s a common issue that can be caused by anything from clogged hoses and filters to malfunctioning motors.

To learn how to resolve common problems that Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners run into, keep reading.

Ready, let’s dive in

Dirt Devil Vacuum Not Suctioning

If you reach your hand up to the vacuum cleaners floorhead, you could feel no suction or see dirt on the floor where you had anticipated it would have been picked up.

The most common reason for the Dirt Devil suction loss is that the filters have become clogged. They may need to be cleaned or replaced. Another possibility is that the vacuum cleaner hose is clogged.

Possible Solution/s

Blockage

  • Sometimes a group of items, like paper and animal fur, may cluster together and block the hole.
  • Check for blockages, you should be able to see light from one end of the tube to the other.
  • Lastly, make sure the vacuum head is spinning properly. If not, clear any blockages and clean out the hair and debris that is preventing it from spinning.

Full Filter/Dust Bag

A full dust bag, cylinder, or filter may also result in loss of suction.

  • Remove the elements blocking the suction tube and test the vacuum cleaner to see if the suction starts.
  • If it’s a cylinder vacuum, check it’s not full. If full empty out the dirty.
  • Get a new dirtbag and replace the older one.
  • Wash the filter and dust packet and check if the objects pass through the vacuum cleaner.
  • If your vacuum has a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, replace it when the indicator strip turns red. This equates to about once a year, according to Dirt Devil owner manuals.

If it still does not turn on best to speak with Dirt Devil or a technician.

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Dirt Devil Vacuum Stopped Working

In rare circumstances, you may discover that while your Dirt Devil vacuum can be turned on, it automatically turns off quickly.

The vacuum turns itself off automatically to prevent overheating.

This is primarily because of an airflow obstruction within the device.

Always remember that wherever there is ventilation, there is a possibility of blockage.

Therefore, a clog may have developed in your Dirt Devil vacuum’s metal pole or tube.

Another reason may be that the bag, cylinder, or filters of your Dirt Devil vacuum have become covered with dirt if you haven’t serviced it in a while.

The vacuum pump rapidly heats up when there is a block and less ventilation.

A safety breaker completely turns off the vacuum to avoid overheating.

Possible Solution/s

  • If your Dirt Devil vacuum won’t turn on, first clean the bag, cylinder, and filters, and check for blockages. Examine the vacuum cleaner with various plug sockets and make sure the plug and power cable is free of damage or gunk.

If it still does not turn on best to speak with Dirt Devil or a technician.

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Dirt Devil Vacuum Not Turning On

Dirt Devil vacuum not turning on is commonly caused by not being plugged into power socket or power socket is turned on and power supply hasn’t tripped. 

To troubleshoot a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner that won’t turn on, first empty the bag, clean the filters, and check for blockages.

Examine the vacuum cleaner with various plug sockets and make sure the plug and power cable is free of damage or gunk. T

These are the quick fixes, but you may require more information to resolve this.

There are several possible causes for your vacuum cleaner not to turn on.

Some are obvious, while others are not.

Let’s begin with the most basic.

Possible Solution/s

Check Power Supply

  • Make sure the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner is plugged into a working power outlet and that no fuses or breakers need to be reset.
  • Ensure the breaker hasn’t fallen if the vacuum’s input power isn’t flowing. Then, check the vacuum’s functionality using a different wall plug.
  • A faulty power cord needs fixing or replacement.

Still having problems, it is preferable to take your Dirt Devil appliance to a skilled vacuum repair specialist to replace it if you cannot do it yourself.

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Dirt Devil Vacuum Head Not Spinning

Most of the time, Dirt Devil Vaccuum’s head won’t spin because of debris and hair caught in the head, preventing it from spinning. 

Moreover, another reason behind this issue is the belts that drive the brush may have broken, or the brush itself may have broken

Possible Solution/s

Clogged Brush

  • Remove the head from your Dirt Devil vacuum if it won’t spin or work, and then try your hardest to remove any debris, caught inside.
  • Next, remove the brush from the vacuum head and cut the hair away from the brush with a pair of scissors.
  • Take care not to cut any of the bristles of the brush while doing so.

Faulty Drive Belt

  • Almost every vacuum with a spinning brush is powered by an electric motor connected to the brush via a drive belt.
  • If the drive belt is not attached or has become faulty then the brush won’t spin.
  • To access the drive belt, take off the cover and you should be able to simply remove the brush from the vacuum head.
  • Now, you will be able to check the drive belt for any breaks or tears.
  • Occasionally, you will find that the drive belt has disengaged from either the drive motor or from the brush.

  • If this is the case, you can just go ahead and reconnect the belt as it was previously attached.

Dirt Devil Vacuum Dirt Not Going into Bag

The vacuum bag may be full, which is one simple explanation for the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner not sucking or picking up dirt and debris.

Possible Solution/s

Blockage

  • Sometimes a group of items, like paper and animal fur, may cluster together and block the hole.
  • Check for blockages, you should be able to see light from one end of the tube to the other.
  • Lastly, make sure the vacuum head is spinning properly.
  • If not, clear any blockages and clean out the hair and debris that is preventing it from spinning.

Full Filter/Dust Bag

A full dust bag, cylinder, or filter may also result in loss of suction.

  • Remove the elements blocking the suction tube and test the vacuum cleaner to see if the suction starts.
  • If it’s a cylinder vacuum, check it’s not full. If full empty out the dirty.
  • Get a new dirtbag and replace the older one.
  • Wash the filter and dust packet and check if the objects pass through the vacuum cleaner.
  • If your vacuum has a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, replace it when the indicator strip turns red. This equates to about once a year, according to Dirt Devil owner manuals.

If it still does not turn on best to speak with Dirt Devil or a technician.

Connect with an Appliance Repair Technician
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our skilled technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.

Dirt Devil Vacuum Dust Compartment Lid Not Closing

The Vacuum clip may be broken, or the bag hasn’t been placed properly, which can lead to the compartment not closing.

Possible Solution/s

  • Replace the clip of the dust compartment.
  • Clean the compartment to create space for the lid to close.
  • Place the bag properly in the vacuum.

Dirt Devil Vacuum Cord Keeps Retracting

The vacuum cord retractor operates on a pair of rotatable wheels within a storage compartment that holds the entire length of the cord.

When a user pulls the cord, the ratchets automatically lock, preventing the cord from rolling back up into its original storage position.

The ratchets are disengaged by pressing a button, which unlocks them and allows the cord to retract back into place.

The main reason why the Dirt Devil vacuum cord keeps retracting is that the rotatable wheels are corroded or bent.

Or perhaps the reel has started to sway.

Possible Solution/s

  • Check where the cord meets the retractor, checking there is no debris preventing the cord from retracting.

Still having issues It appears that an internal spring or mechanism has become faulty; it is best to consult with a technician to assist with the repair.

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How Long Do Dirt Devil Vacuums Last?

Dirt Devil vacuums have a life expectancy of 10-12 years, depending on frequency or use and how well its used and maintained.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: our troubleshooting guide for your Dirt Devil cylinder vacuum, so you’re always prepared in the event of a problem.

If you have a fault, carefully read the article and if needed contact Dirt Devil to help resolve it.

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 References

Connect with an Appliance Repair Technician
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our skilled technicians
No in-home service calls. No appointments.