Let's get your machine working
DC50 Animal Complete™
Let's get your machine working
DC50 Animal Complete™
Popular queries
Please select the appropriate option
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.
With the bin base open, press the grey button on the side of the cyclone (near the red rod).
Pull the clear bin away 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.
Clean the shroud
Wipe the shroud with a soft dusting brush or dry lint free cloth.
WARNING: Do not use any liquids on the cyclone.
Ensure the bin is completely dry before reassembling the machine.
Please select the appropriate option
Please select the appropriate option
Turn off the Brush bar
Plug the machine in.
Recline it into the vacuuming position.
Turn it on and turn the Brush bar off using the grey switch next to the on button.
Check the Brush bar
Please follow the steps in the video.
Has this resolved the problem?
Clear the Cleaner head
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Recline the machine into the vacuuming position.
Lay the machine on the floor, bin side down and remove the Cleaner head by pressing the red release catch.
Slide the clip towards the ball and firmly pull the Cleaner head off.
Undo the soleplate by turning the fasteners as far as they will go.
Using scissors, carefully cut away any hairs and fibres from the Brush bar.
Locate the Brush bar end cap screw on the brush housing and undo using a Phillips screwdriver.
Check the Cleaner head inlet and the corresponding opening on the machine for blockages and remove as necessary.
Reassemble and test the machine.
Has this resolved the problem?
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.
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.
Turn the machine on.
Reassemble the machine
Secure the filter by turning it clockwise so the white arrows align.
When refitting the outer cover of the ball, keep turning the central locking dial clockwise.
When it starts to click it is locked.
Test the machine.
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.
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.
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.
Test the machine.
Check for blockages
This would suggest there is a blockage somewhere in the machine.
Please follow the next step.
Where have you noticed the drop in performance?
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?
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.
Is the Brush bar now spinning?
Clear the Cleaner head
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Recline the machine into the vacuuming position.
Lay the machine on the floor, bin side down and remove the Cleaner head by pressing the red release catch.
Slide the clip towards the ball and firmly pull the Cleaner head off.
Undo the soleplate by turning the fasteners as far as they will go.
Using scissors, carefully cut away any hairs and fibres from the Brush bar.
Locate the Brush bar end cap screw on the brush housing and undo using a Phillips screwdriver.
Check the Cleaner head inlet and the corresponding opening on the machine for blockages and remove as necessary.
Reassemble and test the machine.
Check the inlet suction
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Recline the machine into the vacuuming position.
Lay the machine on the floor, bin side down and remove the Cleaner head by pressing the red release catch.
Slide the clip towards the ball and firmly pull the Cleaner head off.
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?
Clear the Cleaner head
Undo the soleplate by turning the fasteners as far as they will go.
Using scissors, carefully cut away any hairs and fibres from the Brush bar.
Locate the Brush bar end cap screw on the brush housing and undo using a Phillips screwdriver.
Check the Cleaner head inlet and the corresponding opening on the machine for blockages and remove as necessary.
Reassemble and test the machine.
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 this resolved the problem?
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.
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.
With the bin base open, press the grey button on the side of the cyclone (near the red rod).
Pull the clear bin away from the cyclone.
Check the bin and cyclone for blockages and remove as necessary.
Reassemble and test the machine.
Washing the filters
Please follow the steps in the video.
Has washing the filters resolved the problem?
How to wash the filters
Your machine has two washable filters which require washing at least once every 3 months.
Remove the bin
Remove the cyclone and clear bin from the machine.
Remove the pre-filter
Release the catch on the front of the cyclone handle.
Swing the handle back.
Lift out the filter.
Wash the pre-filter
Wash the filter with cold water only.
Hold under a tap and run water through the open end until the water runs clear.
Turn upside down and tap out.
Dry pre-filter
Stand the filter on its wide, open end to dry. Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.
Reassemble the machine
Replace the filter into the cyclone.
Swing the handle back into place.
Ensure the latch clicks to engage and is secure.
Fit the cyclone and clear bin unit onto the machine.
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.
Wash the post-filter
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 post-filter
Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.
Reassemble the machine
Secure the filter by turning it clockwise so the white arrows align.
When refitting the outer cover of the ball, keep turning the central locking dial clockwise.
When it starts to click it is locked.
Test the machine
Reassemble and test the machine.
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?
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 the floor, bin side down and remove the Cleaner head by pressing the red release catch.
Slide the clip towards the ball and firmly pull the Cleaner head off.
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?
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.
Is the Brush bar now spinning?
Clear the Cleaner head
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Recline the machine into the vacuuming position.
Lay the machine on the floor, bin side down and remove the Cleaner head by pressing the red release catch.
Slide the clip towards the ball and firmly pull the Cleaner head off.
Undo the soleplate by turning the fasteners as far as they will go.
Using scissors, carefully cut away any hairs and fibres from the Brush bar.
Locate the Brush bar end cap screw on the brush housing and undo using a Phillips screwdriver.
Check the Cleaner head inlet and the corresponding opening on the machine for blockages and remove as necessary.
Reassemble and test the machine.
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.
Locate the red hose catch at the base of where the bin was fitted.
Press the catch in the direction of the hose and firmly pull the hose out of the back of the machine.
Reassemble and test the machine.
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?
Look through both ends of the Wand and remove any blockages.
Check the Wand for damage.
Check the hose
Remove the bin from the machine.
Press the release catch and remove the hose from the appliance.
Check the hose for any holes or tears and remove any blockages.
Reassemble and test machine.
Has checking the hose resolved the problem?
Which part of the hose has split?
Where have you noticed the drop in performance?
Please select the appropriate option
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.
Reset the Brush bar
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine OFF and back ON.
Has resetting the Brush bar resolved the problem?
When did the machine last have power?
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.
Please select the appropriate option
How to wash the filter
The filters should be washed once a month.
Please follow the steps in the video.
Has washing the filters resolved the problem?
Remove the bin
Remove the cyclone and clear bin from the machine.
Remove the pre-filter
Release the catch on the front of the cyclone handle.
Swing the handle back.
Lift out the filter.
Wash the pre-filter
Wash the filter with cold water only.
Hold under a tap and run water through the open end until the water runs clear.
Turn upside down and tap out.
Squeeze and twist with both hands to make sure the excess water is removed.
Dry pre-filter
Stand the filter on its wide, open end to dry. Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.
Reassemble the machine
Replace the filter into the cyclone. Swing the handle back into place.
Ensure the latch clicks to engage and is secure.
Remove the post-filter
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.
Wash the post-filter
Wash the filter with cold water only.
Filter B should be rinsed and tapped out until the water runs clear, then tapped out again to ensure all excess water is removed. (Tap on the plastic rim, not the filter material.)
Dry post-filter
Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.
Refit the filter on to the ball
Secure the filter by turning it clockwise so the white arrows align.
When refitting the outer cover of the ball, keep turning the central locking dial clockwise. When it starts to click it is locked.
Test the machine
Reassemble and test the machine.
Check electrical supply
Is the power cord or plug damaged?
Check other household appliances.
Check the light in another socket.
The switch does not light up.
Press the switch
Press the rear of the switch to make sure it stays in the on position.
Please select the appropriate option
What sort of smell?
Do not plug in or attempt to use the machine until it has been repaired by one of our engineers.
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.
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.
With the bin base open, press the grey button on the side of the cyclone (near the red rod).
Pull the clear bin away 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.
Wipe the shroud with a soft dusting brush or dry lint free cloth.
WARNING: Do not use any liquids on the cyclone.
Ensure the bin is completely dry before reassembling the machine.
Please select the appropriate option
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.
Check the soleplate
Check the soleplate to ensure there is no debris or damage to the wheels, and check the wheels are not missing.
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.
Resetting the Brush bar
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine OFF and back ON.
Has resetting the Brush bar resolved the problem?
Has the ball shell come off the filter side or non-filter side?
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?
What is the issue with the Brush bar?
Check the red rod
When pressing down the red button to open the bin base, the red upper release rod may get stuck on the cyclone, preventing the base from opening.
Slide the red upper release rod on the back of the cyclone up towards the top of the cyclone pack and try the release button again.
Manually opening of the bin base
By sliding down the lower section of the red release rod, try to manually open the bin base.
Check the Cleaner head
With the machine unplugged, remove the Cleaner head.
Lay the machine on its back.
Locate the red clip underneath the Cleaner head.
Slide the clip towards the ball and firmly pull the Cleaner head off.
Clear the Brush bar
Open the soleplate by undoing the two red release catches.
Using scissors, carefuly cut away any hairs and fibres from the Brush bar.
Check the Cleaner head inlet and the corresponding opening on the machine for blockages and remove as necessary.
Check the internal hose
Undo the purple filter cap in the centre of the ball shell.
Remove the Ball shell to gain better access to the Internal hose.
Pull the red collar away from the machine and check the hose for blockages.
Reassemble and test the machine.
Has clearing the head and internal hose resolved the problem?
Where were the sparks or smoke seen?
Do not plug in or attempt to use the machine until it has been inspected by one of our engineers.
What problem are you having with the reclining mechanism?
Check the ducts
With the machine unplugged, remove the Wand from the back of the machine (this is for a later check).
Lay the machine on the floor, bin side down and remove the Cleaner head by pressing the red release catch.
Check the lower duct (where the Cleaner head fits on the machine) for blockages and remove as necessary.
Turn the machine over and unclip the internal hose from between the two halves of the ball.
Check the internal hose for blockages and remove as necessary (it should be possible to see through to the lower duct).
Please select the next step
Check the changeover valve
Remove the main hose from the machine by pressing the red release catch (the catch is not part of the hose and remains on the machine).
Check the duct where the hose was fitted for blockages (in particular any pens or pencils etc.) and remove as necessary.
Reassemble and test the machine.
The vacuum needs to be pushed slightly beyond vertical for the stabilisers to click into the correct position.
What problem have you experienced with the Wand?
Press red release button
The Wand and handle can be released back into the machine by pressing the red release button near the ON/OFF button at the same time as the red button on the hose cuff.
Once the Wand is un-jammed, there is no need to use the hose cuff button when lowering the Wand.
Raise handle
The handle needs to be pulled up before the Wand (with the red top) can be clipped on.
Please ensure the handle is pulled up and locked into place before trying to fit the Wand on again.
Are any parts of the Wand, hose, handle or main duct damaged?
Check the cable wind
The handle is made from a new mix of materials that ensure the DC50's weight is kept to a minimum without compromising its durability.
These materials are designed to flex slightly to absorb the stresses caused while the machine is use and is perfectly normal.
The handle may wobble slightly if the top cable wind has lifted up with the Wand handle. Please push the top of the cable winder down so that it is level with the on off switch.
Please select the appropriate option
Assemble the machine
Attach the Cleaner head.
Lay the machine on its back and fit the Cleaner head onto the connections.
Push firmly until the cleaner head clicks into place and the red latch engages.
Attach the Wand to the hose
With the machine upright, push the Wand and handle assembly into the top of the hose until it 'clicks'.
Press the red Wand release button and push the Wand fully into the hose.
Attach the Wand to the machine
Place the Wand and handle into the grooves on the top of the duct.
Press the red handle release button and push the Wand and handle assembly down fully.
Fit the tool holder
With the bin and cyclone removed, slide the tool holder onto the back of the machine, just above the ball.
Press the tool holder on with your thumbs, while holding the front of the machine with your fingers. The fitting is tight, so use a constant, firm pressure.
Refit the cyclone, clear bin and attach the tools.
NB: The tool holder is not designed to be removed once fitted.
Use the Brush bar
The Brush bar will begin to turn automatically when the machine is reclined.
Press the grey button beside the ON/OFF switch to turn the brushes off.
Keep the Brush bar on for cleaning carpets.
Turn the Brush bar off for use on tassled rugs or delicate surfaces.
Carry the machine
Wrap the cable around the cable hooks at the top and bottom of the machine's spine.
Carry the machine by the handle at the top of the cyclone - not the handle that contains the Wand.
Quick start guide
Please follow the steps in the video.
How to start vacuuming
Pull the handle up until it clicks into place.
With the machine plugged in, press the ON/OFF switch at the front of the handle to start the motor.
The stabilisers will move to the correct position automatically as the machine is reclined.
Press the red handle release button between the ON/OFF and Brush bar buttons to lower the handle.
Please select the next step
The hose and Wand
To use the Wand, stand the machine upright and pull the red cuff up, out of the handle. Pull the hose cuff down until it clicks into place at the end of the Wand.
The red button on the hose cuff can be used to remove the Wand so that the accessory tools can be attached directly to the hose.
To stow the Wand, press the button on the Wand cuff and push it back up the Wand. Replace the Wand in the machine's handle
Please open the PDF for the user guide.
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.
Washing the filters
Please follow the steps in the video.
Is there anything else we can help you with?
How to wash the filters
Your machine has two washable filters which require washing at least once every 3 months.
Remove the bin
Remove the cyclone and clear bin from the machine.
Remove the pre-filter
Release the catch on the front of the cyclone handle.
Swing the handle back.
Lift out the filter.
Wash the pre-filter
Wash the filter with cold water only.
Hold under a tap and run water through the open end until the water runs clear.
Turn upside down and tap out.
Drying the pre-filter
Stand the filter on its wide, open end to dry. Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.
Reassemble the machine
Replace the filter into the cyclone.
Swing the handle back into place.
Ensure the latch clicks to engage and is secure.
Fit the cyclone and clear bin unit onto the machine.
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.
Wash the post-filter
The filter should be rinsed and tapped out until the water runs clean, then tapped out again to ensure all excess water is removed.
Drying the post-filter
Leave to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours.
Reassemble the machine
Secure the filter by turning it clockwise so the white arrows align.
When refitting the outer cover of the ball, keep turning the central locking dial clockwise.
When it starts to click it is locked.
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.
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Further help
DC50 Animal Complete™
