Let's get your machine working
DC41 Animal™
Let's get your machine working
DC41 Animal™
Reference code:
Please select the appropriate option
Reference code:
Clean the bin and cyclone
Press the button at the top of the cyclone handle and remove the bin from the machine.
Press the button again to open the bin base.
Press the button near the rectangular inlet to separate the clear bin from the cyclone.
The clear bin can be wiped with a damp cloth.
Do not use any detergent or polish on any part of the machine.
Check the bin and cyclone for blockages and remove as necessary.
Clear any hair or fibres from the cyclone shroud
Do not use any water on the cyclone.
Ensure the bin is completely dry before reassembling the machine.
Reference code:
Is there anything else we can help you with?
Please select the appropriate option
Reference code:
Where have you noticed the drop in performance?
Reference code:
Check the duct and internal hose
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Press the release catch on top of the cyclone and remove the bin.

Check the entry duct hatch for obstructions and that the seal is correctly seated.

Pull the red internal hose collar down, unclip it and then check for blockages.

Reassemble and test the machine.

Has clearing the duct and internal hose resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Check the Cleaner head
Please follow steps in the video.
Has checking the Cleaner head resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Check the bin and cyclone
Press the button at the top of the cyclone handle and remove the bin from the machine.

Press the button again to open the bin base.

Press the button near the rectangular inlet to separate the clear bin from the cyclone.
The clear bin can be wiped with a damp cloth.
Do not use any detergent or polish on any part of the machine.

Check the bin and cyclone for blockages and remove as necessary.
Clear any hair or fibres from the cyclone shroud
Do not use any water on the cyclone.

Reassemble and test the machine.
Reference code:
Washing the filters
Please follow the steps in the video.
Has washing the filters resolved the problem?
Reference code:
How to wash the filters
Your machine has two washable filters which require washing at least once every 3 months.
Remove the pre-filter
Remove the bin and cyclone from the machine and unclip the cyclone top handle.

Pull the filter out from the cyclone.

Wash with cold water only. Do not use detergents.

Remove the post-filter
Lay the machine on its side.
Turn the blue central locking dial on the outer cover of the ball anti-clockwise until the cover is released.
Lift off the cover.

Turn the filter one-quarter anti-clockwise to release.

The filter should be rinsed and tapped out until the water runs clean, then tapped out again to ensure all excess water is removed.

Dry filters
Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.

Test the machine
Reassemble and test the machine.

Reference code:
Clear the Cleaner head
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Lay the machine on its front. Taking care, remove the swivel C-clip connector and pull the Cleaner head away from the vacuum's Main body.
Undo the soleplate by turning both fasteners anti-clockwise.
Open the soleplate and carefully cut away any hair or fibres using scissors.
Check the Brush bar for signs of damage.
Check the opening on the Cleaner head for blockages and remove as necessary.
Reassemble the machine
Refit the soleplate by locate the 3 lugs on the soleplate into the receiving recesses on the Cleaner head.
Lock the soleplate by turning both fasteners outwards as far as they will go.
Place the C-clip onto the Cleaner head.
Push the Cleaner head onto the machine until it clicks.
Turn on and test the machine.
Reference code:
Test the hose suction
To release the Wand, open the Wand cap and pull the Wand up and away from the handle until it clicks into place.

Press the button on the hose collar to release the Wand from the hose.
Test the suction from the hose.

Is the suction from the hose strong or weaker than usual?
Reference code:
Check the hose
Please follow the steps in the video.
Has checking the hose resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Test the hose suction
To release the Wand, open the Wand cap and pull the Wand up and away from the handle until it clicks into place.
Press the button on the hose collar to release the Wand from the hose.
Test the suction from the hose.
Has this resolved the performance issue?
Reference code:
Which part of the hose has split?
Reference code:
Check the Wand
Look through both ends of the Wand and remove any blockages.
Check the Wand for damage.

Reference code:
Check the Brush bar
Plug in and switch on the machine.

Recline it into the vacuuming position.

Check the Brush bar through the window at the front of the Cleaner head.

Does the Brush bar spin when the machine is reclined?
Reference code:
Reset the Brush bar
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on.
Please note: In normal use, the Brush bar automatically turns off when the machine is upright and automatically turns on when the machine is in the vacuuming position.

Reference code:
Check Cleaner head
Please follow the steps in the video.
Is the Brush bar now spinning?
Reference code:
Clear the Cleaner head
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Lay the machine on its front. Taking care, remove the swivel C-clip connector and pull the cleaner head away from the vacuum's main body.

Undo the soleplate by turning both fasteners anti-clockwise.

Remove the soleplate and carefully cut away any hair or fibres using scissors.
Check the Brush bar for signs of damage.

Check the opening on the Cleaner head for blockages and remove as necessary.

Reassemble the machine
Refit the soleplate by locate the 3 lugs on the soleplate into the receiving recesses on the Cleaner head.

Lock the soleplate by turning both fasteners outwards as far as they will go.

Place the C-clip onto the Cleaner head.

Push the Cleaner head onto the machine until it clicks.

Reassemble and reset the Brush bar again.
Reference code:
Switch off and unplug the machine before proceeding.
Check inlet suction
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Recline the machine into the vacuuming position.

Lay the machine on its front. Taking care, remove the red swivel C-clip connector and pull the Cleaner head away from the vacuum's Main body.

Turn the vacuum over so that the bin is facing upwards. Place your hand over the opening then turn on and test the suction.

Is the suction at the Cleaner head inlet strong or is it weaker than usual?
Reference code:
Clear the Cleaner head
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Lay the machine on its front. Taking care, remove the swivel C-clip connector and pull the Cleaner head away from the vacuum's Main body.

Undo the soleplate by turning both fasteners anti-clockwise.

Open the soleplate and carefully cut away any hair or fibres using scissors.
Check the Brush bar for signs of damage.

Check the opening on the Cleaner head for blockages and remove as necessary.

Reassemble the machine
Refit the soleplate by locate the 3 lugs on the soleplate into the receiving recesses on the Cleaner head.

Lock the soleplate by turning both fasteners outwards as far as they will go.

Place the C-clip onto the Cleaner head.

Push the Cleaner head onto the machine until it clicks.

Turn on and test the machine.
Has this resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Check the duct and internal hose
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Press the release catch on top of the cyclone and remove the bin.

Reference code:
Only remove the valve hose if you feel you are able to refit it. It is slightly more difficult to refit than the lower duct hose.
Check the changeover valve
Press the button at the top of the cyclone handle and remove the bin from the machine.

Remove the hose
Press the release catch and remove the hose from the appliance.

Check the changeover valve for blockages and remove as necessary.

Reassemble and test the machine.
Reference code:
Check the duct and internal hose
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Press the release catch on top of the cyclone and remove the bin.

Check the entry duct hatch for obstructions and that the seal is correctly seated.
Check where the hose connects for any blockages.

First remove Phillips head screw (may not be present in all variants) and pull the internal hose collar down.
Unclip it and then check for blockages.

Reassemble and test the machine.

Has this resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Reset the Brush bar
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on.
Please note: In normal use, the Brush bar automatically turns off when the machine is upright and automatically turns on when the machine is in the vacuuming position.

Reference code:
Check the inlet suction
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Recline the machine into the vacuuming position.
Taking care, remove the swivel C-clip connector and pull the Cleaner head away from the vacuum's Main body.
Turn the vacuum over so that the bin is facing upwards. Place your hand over the opening then turn on and test the suction.
Is the suction at the Cleaner head inlet strong or is it weaker than usual?
Reference code:
Please select the appropriate option
Reference code:
Reset the Brush bar
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on.
Please note: In normal use, the Brush bar automatically turns off when the machine is upright and automatically turns on when the machine is in the vacuuming position.
Please follow the next step.
Reference code:
When did the machine last have power?
Reference code:
Thermal cut out
Most Dyson vacuums have a built in safety system that stops the machine if it begins to overheat. This usually happens because the filters need washing or your machine is blocked.
Carry out the performance checks, and if your machine cuts out unplug and leave for at least 2 hours to cool down.
If the customer prefers to check the machine when the power has returned, wait for a minimum of 2 hours and ask them to call back.
Please select the appropriate option
Reference code:
Check electrical supply
Is the power cord or plug damaged?
Are the other household appliances working?
Does the vacuum work when plugged into another socket?
Reference code:
Press the switch
Press the rear of the switch to make sure it stays in the on position.
Please note: The switch does not light up.
Please select the appropriate option
Do not plug in or attempt to use the machine until it has been repaired by one of our engineers.
Reference code:
Reference code:
Remove the post-filter
Recline the machine and lay it on its back or side.
Turn the centre circle and remove the ball cover.
Twist the filter and remove from the ball.
Check the housing for any debris and remove as necessary.
Replace post-filter cover and move machine without post-filter in place.
Please follow the next step.
Reference code:
Refit the filter
Place the filter back in the ball.
Ensure that the filter and ball cover are fitted securely.
Test the machine.
Reference code:
Turn off the Brush bar
Plug the machine in and recline into the vacuuming position.
Turn the machine on.
Turn the Brush bar off using the switch next to the power button.
Has the noise stopped?
Reference code:
Remove the bin and cyclone
Press the button at the top of the cyclone handle.
Remove the bin and cyclone from the machine.
Turn the machine on, keeping it in the upright position.
Reference code:
Test the machine without the post-filter
Recline the machine and lay it on its back or side.
Turn the centre circle and remove the ball cover.
Twist the filter and remove from the ball.
Turn the machine on.
Reference code:
Reassemble the machine
Refit the filter ensuring it sits flush against the inside of the ball.
Turn the machine on.
Has refitting the post-filter resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Check for blockages
This would suggest there is a blockage somewhere in the machine.
Please follow the next step.
Reference code:
Check inlet suction
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Recline the machine into the vacuuming position.
Lay the machine on its front. Taking care, remove the red swivel C-clip connector and pull the Cleaner head away from the vacuum's Main body.
Turn the vacuum over so that the bin is facing upwards. Place your hand over the opening then turn on and test the suction.
Where have you noticed the drop in performance?
Reference code:
What sort of smell?
Reference code:
Check the bin and cyclone
A damp or musty smell is caused when dust in the cyclone has come into contact with water.
It may not be a direct contact with water, for example when vacuuming pet hair that is slightly damp, this moisture will combine with the dust in the cyclone causing the smell.
Additionally the smell may occur if the filter goes back into the machine wet.
Press the button at the top of the cyclone handle and remove the bin from the machine.
Press the button again to open the bin base.
Press the button near the rectangular inlet to separate the clear bin from the cyclone.
The clear bin can be wiped with a damp cloth.
WARNING: Do not use any detergent or polish on any part of the machine.
Check the bin and cyclone for blockages and remove as necessary.
Clear any hair or fibres from the cyclone shroud
Do not use any water on the cyclone.
Once the parts are completely dry, reassemble and test the machine.
Reference code:
Reference code:
Has the ball shell come off the filter side or non-filter side?
Reference code:
How to refit the ball shell
The ball shell can be screwed back onto the bolt on the main duct of the machine.
Has this resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Bin release check
Check the bin release catch for signs of damage.
Reference code:
Release the catch by hand
Pull the clear plastic catch on the base away from the bin.
Open the bin base and tip away the contents.
Press the bin release button on the cyclone handle.
Please select the appropriate option
Reference code:
Check the Brush bar
Plug in and switch on the machine.
Recline it into the vacuuming position.

Check the Brush bar through the window at the front of the Cleaner head.

Reference code:
Reset the Brush bar
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on.
Please note: In normal use, the Brush bar automatically turns off when the machine is upright and automatically turns on when the machine is in the vacuuming position.
Has resetting the Brush bar resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Check the soleplate
Check the soleplate to ensure there is no debris or damage to the wheels, and check the wheels are not missing.
Reference code:
Reattach the Cleaner head
Remove the C-clip from the Cleaner head, and align the Cleaner head on the machine.

Slide the C-clip onto the machine, ensuring it clips into place on both sides.
The C-clip may initially only clip on one side. Some force may be needed to clip it in on both sides.

Reference code:
Which part is broken?
Reference code:
Blockage
This is likely to be caused by a blockage.
Where is the dust falling from?
Reference code:
Please select the appropriate option
Reference code:
Check Cleaner head
Please follow the steps in the video.
Has this resolved the problem?
Reference code:
Clear the Cleaner head
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Lay the machine on its front. Taking care, remove the swivel C-clip connector and pull the cleaner head away from the vacuum's main body.

Undo the soleplate by turning both fasteners anti-clockwise.

Remove the soleplate and carefully cut away any hair or fibres using scissors.
Check the Brush bar for signs of damage.

Check the opening on the Cleaner head for blockages and remove as necessary.

Reassemble the machine
Refit the soleplate by locate the 3 lugs on the soleplate into the receiving recesses on the Cleaner head.

Lock the soleplate by turning both fasteners outwards as far as they will go.

Place the C-clip onto the Cleaner head.

Push the Cleaner head onto the machine until it clicks.

Reassemble and reset the Brush bar again.
Is the Brush bar now spinning?
Reference code:
Check the duct and internal hose
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Press the release catch on top of the cyclone and remove the bin.

Check the entry duct hatch for obstructions and that the seal is correctly seated.

Pull the internal hose collar down, unclip it and then check for blockages.

Reference code:
Ensure that you return the machine to the upright position by pushing it firmly into place until it clicks. The stabiliser wheels will automatically lower.
Check the changeover valve
Press the button at the top of the cyclone handle and remove the bin from the machine.

Remove the hose
Press the release catch and remove the hose from the appliance.

Check the changeover valve for blockages and remove as necessary.

Reassemble and test the machine.
Reference code:
Please select the appropriate option
Reference code:
Assembly instructions
Attach the Cleaner head.
Ensure that the connection pins underneath the Cleaner head are located correctly.
Locate the C-clip into place and fit the Cleaner head to the inlet at the base of the machine.
How to attach the accessories
Lower the Wand handle onto the machine ensuring it clicks.
Slide the Wand into the hose and fit to the back of the machine until it 'clicks' into position.
Store the tools
Remove the cyclone and bin.
Slide the tool holder onto the side of the duct as shown.
Attach the combination tool to the tool holder on the side of the machine.
Attach the stair tool to the tool holder on the side of the machine.
Reference code:
How to start vacuuming
Plug the machine in.
Pull handle back and recline machine into vacuuming position ensuring the stabilising wheels are facing up towards the back of the machine.
Press the ON/OFF switch.
Small movements of the wrist will create a zig zag motion in the Cleaner head allowing easier cleaning around furniture.
Extend the wand until it clicks.
Press the wand release button and lift the wand out of the hose.
Lift the wand handle cap and push on to the hose until it clicks into place.
Push the combination tool on to the end of the wand handle.
Alternatively, click the combination tool directly to the hose.
Reference code:
How to use the Brush bar
Note: The Brush bar will automatically switch on when the machine is reclined into the vacuuming position.
Press the brush control button next to the On/Off switch to stop the brushes for use on delicate rugs, loop pile carpets and hard floors.
Press the button again to restart the Brush bar for vacuuming carpets.
Reference code:
Please open the PDF for the user guide.
Reference code:
Carrying your Dyson machine
To lift the machine use the carrying handle on the cyclone top only, not the handle on the clear bin.
Reference code:
Please open the PDF for the user guide.
Reference code:
Empty the bin
To ensure your machine continues to clean effectively, the clear bin must be emptied as soon as the dust reaches the MAX mark.
Press the button at the top of the handle and remove the bin from the machine.
To empty the clear bin press the catch on top of the carry handle again to release dust directly into a dustbin.
Shake or tap firmly to remove all dust from inside the fine dust collector.
Press firmly on the centre of the clear bin base to close.
Reference code:
Washing the filters
Please follow the steps in the video.
Is there anything else we can help you with?
Reference code:
How to wash the filters
Your machine has two washable filters which require washing at least once every 3 months.
Remove the pre-filter
Pull the filter out from the cyclone.
Wash with cold water only. Do not use detergents.
Remove the post-filter
Lay the machine on its side.
Turn the blue central locking dial on the outer cover of the ball anti-clockwise until the cover is released.
Lift off the cover.
Turn the filter one-quarter anti-clockwise to release.
The filter should be rinsed and tapped out until the water runs clean, then tapped out again to ensure all excess water is removed.
Dry filters
Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.
Test the machine
Reassemble and test the machine.
We need a little more information to help us solve your issue.
Please contact our customer service team on 01-475-7109, or directly on Live Chat through our Digital Assistant by clicking the purple icon at the bottom of the page. You can start a conversation with an Expert by clicking the agent icon at the bottom left of the chat window.
We're glad the problem's been solved.
Please let us know if there's anything else we can help you with.
The Dyson guarantee

'How to ' videos and tips
To help you get the most from your machine. Quick and easy.

Exclusive owner benefits
Priority access to previews of new Dyson technology, events and offers.

Expert advice. 7 days a week.
Freephone and live chat. The right advice for your machine, from real Dyson people.

Hassle-free repairs and replacement
Free replacement parts or repairs during your guarantee period. And if we can’t repair it, we’ll replace it.
Please get in touch.
Our experts are ready to help you.
Call us free on
01-475-7109
UK based helpline open
8:00am- 8:00pm Monday to Friday
8:00am- 6:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Further help
DC41 Animal™