How to take apart Dyson DC 17 to Clean and Service

As good as these vacuums are, they do require regular service due to the cyclones becoming clogged. The only way to do it is by taking it apart. This can be done by anyone however some unusual tools are required such as a star screwdriver. All Dysons have these so called "cyclones" which are VERY prone to clogging. In fact many of the new models have MORE of them and the worst thing is they are SMALLER which clog much easier. This is a poor design. I will try to do another video explaining this but it is my experience in order NOT to clog these there are several things to do or not do.
1) Never, ever vacuum when there is ANY dampness or wetness in the carpet.
2) Do not get close to the "Max" line on the storage container
3) Clean brush often, especially of hair which gets tangled in and around the brush
4) Try to purchase(if you decide on a Dyson which I question is even worth the cost) get one which has as few cyclones and be sure they are large cyclones, not small which clog easier.
Hope this helps you some!.

[@mp-rl3go]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a DC17 that is probably 15 years old and while it still works, was smelling musty and gross when I used it. I could NOT figure out how to get the whole turbine part open until I watched your video. Thanks to you, I was able to completely disassemble that section and clean it to remove a decade of disgusting lint, dust and funk. Many thanks!!

[@BOwens1952]

I wash in the washer on gentle, put out in the sun on the drive way for the sun to heat it dry. Gave 20 bucks for mine. People are afraid of the noise from something on the belt drive. Thank you for showing how to take it apart.

[@johnclark6571]

I've had a DC17 for a number of years. To clean it, I have been taking it out in the yard and using an air compressor with a blower attachment. I keep going until I don't get a face full of dust, and let it go at that. After watching you video, my OCD tells me to try blowing it out, then taking it apart and see how good I did. I just ordered another brush bar, belt and the filter at the bottom. I'll post again with the results after the parts arrive. X4

[@thomaswaters399]

WHERE CAN I GET PART FOR DYSON DC 17

[@maryharper5303]

Wow, thank you SO much. You just saved us about $500.

[@pixiebmm]

Thank you for the video! I'm cleaning out my Dyson. I have two Norwegian Elkhounds, we eat live and breathe dog hair, which is why I bought the Dyson. After 3 vacuums broke and failed to pick up their hair (bissel pet -.-) I spent the money on the Dyson and it was worth it :) The commentary was great too, it made me laugh!

[@tcruwithme]

We also have two Norwegian Elkhounds and understand your pain with dog hair :)

[@brianblumenthal7897]

Thanks to you, and my neighbor who had the star screws, my vacuum works better than brand new. Amazing. Thank you. By the way, taking it all a part was absolutely necessary. Those cones were completely solid. It was easy to take a part and reassemble per your video.

[@TWY7152]

Watched your video last night, my wife had just told me she was taking our Dyson Animal to the repair shop because it had lost suction and I chose to check KZbin. Thank you for your realistic and accurate information on how to fix the loss of suction. My cleaner's cyclones were totally blocked and there would not have been any way to clean it without disassembly. Thank you for the time you took to make this video, very helpful!

[@barbarahenjum5433]

Thanks for the video. I got my DC18 fixed with a clogged main HEPA filter in the base of the machine. I figured it out because of watching how you took the machine apart. Entertaining presentation! Had me laughing.

[@stephenlougee5266]

One thing I did different that I noticed from another disassemble video of a newer DC17. Once the 2 bottom screws are removed, placing a 2x4 under the middle and pushing on either side. This pops the plastic tabs out without breaking.them. Overall pretty easy to disassemble and reassemble. Dont mind cleaning it every 2-3 years.

[@wcellon]

The "star" bit for those screws is a Torx, size T15 bit. Thanks for this video. Was a great help in letting me know how to get this thing apart!

[@claudettehuber5329]

Excellent how-to video! I've passed this along to my husband because I'm certain the turbines are clogged up. I've managed with a long kebob stick to get to a few turbines and start twisting the hair and pulling stuff out. DISGUSTING! I can only imagine what I'm not getting. Cheers to a job well done n4ktz!

[@hyperlinkguerrilla]

Really thorough and very helpful, thanks! Didn't end up needing to do a total disassembly (for now) but this helped me understand the hidden stuff that I made need to get at later.

[@markstine5838]

The video was very helpful I just got my dc-17 working like a champ. Thanks!!

[@jillschlueter2125]

Thanks! Great Video! just bought one for $40 bucks time to take it apart and clean it. I'm like you I love taking stuff apart lol

[@Stonine]

I don't know if I missunderstood what you said, but the dirt does not enter on the top of the chyclon part, thats where the air gets sucked out. The dirt enters on the side hole of the bottom part.

[@NumaticVacuum]

The origional Dyson Dual Cyclone was very easy to clean, but they are much more complicated to clean now, although they do filter down the dirt to a higher level.

[@glorifythepast]

Just wanted to thank you for the video. I've used it twice for reference. People don't get enough credit for posting things like this.

[@9mmsteve]

Thank you for the proper term and size to take apart the Dyson DC17.

[@9mmsteve]

You are welcome. After cleaning it the suction increases 10x. These usually clog slowly over time so you do not realize how much power is lost until after it is cleaned out!

[@jumbledbrain8597]

Thank you so much for this video, I couldn't even find where the first two screws were. My vacuum had been cleaned in the sink without me knowing, and the smell it was giving off was amazing.

[@HisDearMissK]

I inherited this model left behind by the last renters and God only knows what they were vacuuming up (heard rumors they were a "grow house" Here in Colorado it's all the rage) Anywho... Thanks for the informative and quite humorous video tutorial. It was like watching one of those zit popping videos ewwwww ! I think I'll wear some protective gear: dust mask & rubber gloves. PS I too have always loved taking things apart, my record player never worked again!

[@kkutube1972]

Thanks for the video. I spent about 40 minutes trying to twist it off. Mind had a seal so I had to take a knife and scrap it off but your video helped me taking it apart. I had 4 holes that was clog with hair/junk.

[@amonty1978]

hand dryer

[@Octoberfly2B]

Cool! Thanks for the info and the real video, not some fake make it look easy video.

[@aw1335]

Thanks for this. Aside from not having a long enough torx wrench to remove the last bit of cyclone, I was able take everything else apart and clean it all out with water. After drying and reinstalling, suction restored! This DC17 is a great vacuum but I'm afraid that the internal design is very complicated and apparently not intended for easy service. For those mechanically inclined, it's not bad. The hardest part for me was removing the large grey shroud. Now that I know where the three tabs are, I marked them on the outside using a permanent marker for future service.

[@MissJustice]

Thank you!! you're video is the only one helps for this dyson model!!!

[@bradleywilkinson9805]

If you empty the canister when to hits the MAX line and maintain your filters you don't need to do this. There will always be some dust/dirt inside the cyclone chambers because it's a VACUUM. My DC17 is going on 12 years old and has never needed to be pulled apart like this.

[@wildwille72]

Great video, took ours apart, cleaned it and blew dry the parts. Now I have to stand on small rugs to vacuum! THANKS!

[@av8rdbertram]

Great. thanks for the help. I watched a couple videos before I tackled this myself. ONE NOTE: on my unit during reassembly I realized that I did not need to remove the screws that were removed first with the long screwdriver. I could have simply popped the base off and then removed all the screws without any extension. I dont know if they are all that way or if I have a different cyclone. I am a hangman and a mechanic by trade and I am a large strong individual, and I had to put enough force into turning the base off that I assumed it was going to snap. However my unit came away undamaged and like new after cleaning.

[@RoadTripMan4U]

Great video! Took some serious force to open but worked flawless.

[@9mmsteve]

Your Welcome! Glad I could help!

[@9mmsteve]

You are very welcome! I am glad the Dyson Vacuum Cleaning video helped you! They can be a bear to take apart. I am trying to figure out where you put the tape. Maybe you can explain this to me a little bit and what it helps. Thanks, Steveh

[@donstevens7847]

Torx bit? Haha nice pjs! I have similar ones on now! Thanks for the info!

[@morganod]

It seems the DC07 is way easier to clean because the design is not so complicated or has all those screws. Thanks to all who contributed

[@PresidentDonnaJTrump]

thanks for the video. I have had my dc17 for almost 11 years. I don't allow anyone to vacuum without dumping it and wiping the dust off of the inside and out. I recently purchased another one for 10 bucks at a garage sale, the lady said that it didn't have as good a suction as it used to. I figured for 10 bucks, I didn't have a lot to lose. I am going to take it apart and if it works, then I might sell it or keep it for a spare in case this one goes out.

[@vacuumtests9225]

Excellent video. There are multiple videos in the youtube showing clogged Dyson cyclone assembly. So I guess it's not uncommon that these mini cyclones clog. Latest Dyson Cinetic models have rubber ends in the small cyclones to prevent clogging. So Dyson knows this problem. DC54 has 54 mini cyclones so if those clog you are pretty much screwed up. I really hope the new technology works.

[@bradleywilkinson9805]

To the DC17 owners here, there's a service bulletin for the DC17 that has a new gasket design which stops this from happening. Dyson will make repairs out of warranty free of charge. Mine is 12 years old and I brought it in for the recall. Repair tech said it was well maintained compared to the hundreds of DC17 he's had to service. Repairs were $0.

[@MEAlvisUTube]

The "star" screw driver bits are called Torx, the reason all the bits in your set start with a T.

[@rob5i]

If you want to see the DC17 taken apart without minutes upon minutes of video rolling on every mundane nuance of a clueless individual thinking it through; This video gets to the point: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnubfZJnjb1oe5I

[@1SnuffySmith]

Torx T-15 is the screw size used on the DC-17. Mark all pieces with a Sharpie before taking apart to make an alignment line. That will really help in putting it back together.

[@9mmsteve]

No, most of it is my wifes hair. I don't know how she has any left but it is amazing how much I find in the vacuum, floor, etc!!!

[@metal422life]

Instead of using a star bit you can use a T10 it works just fine

[@scottbeckycadwell2394]

You are hilarious! Thanks for the entertaining and educational video!

[@hypergenn]

you're a freaking lifesaver

[@scottmcbride9605]

There is a product that you can buy in a beauty supply called brush delight it dissolves hair mix it in a five gallon bucket I put the hole dyson part in it submerged all the way upside down let it soak follow directions on the brush delight it will dissolve all the hair in the unit after soaking remove it and put it in a fresh bucket of clean water to dunce it wear eye protection and gloves it is a acid remove it then using your sink sprayer finish ringing it fill it shake it drain it repeat several times you’ll be amazed how much dirt will come out and it will return your vacuum to like new suction Happy cleaning !!!!!!!

[@mlrussell8318]

any solution to replace the FDC seal on the DC17 since its not made any more? thanks in advance.

[@Meshwork123]

Very revealing. Thank you. I’ll stick with my Miele Blizzard bagless vacuum as my main cleaner I think - even though I have the Dyson V7 cordless for quick go-overs and for the car. Cone technology is not all it’s cracked-up to be. Dave, Downunder.

[@iimmannii]

You're a real one.

[@richardbooker1391]

Dead on the money fix but what a pain in the ass. I hope somebody, at Dyson, lost a job over this design flaw. As a reference, the screw head size is T15. It is the same size as a headlamp adjustment screw. Thanks for the video. You saved me $70 this time and $70 the next time and ...

[@PatrickJeon-os5vg]

Perfect and handy

[@stevedereese8320]

I simply empty then put a little dish soap use my water pik shower head and point it directly into the openings until full then get it on the right angle and shake it around and dump then repeat until water comes out clean all the hair and gunk comes right out use pulse on difficult spots I used a mild dish soap and hot water be careful not to burn yourselves , Then afterwards I stepped out side and shook out all access water and then let sit over night close to heat vent , and it was like new I do the same with my dc07 i do same process for all parts and allow adequate time to dry, Just saying that's what works for me

[@supertech3722]

That is a great video, but it looks like the gasket on your cyclone is off. It's an older version which is why the inside has so much dirt and debris.

[@countryprincess97]

at 8:10-20 to get the rest of the dust out of the holes you could get it started with a sharpened pencil or take a pen apart and use the ink cartridge and ball point pen part to get in the hole or a toothpick even should help

[@paulinerusinich9708]

Wow Thanks a million.. My DC 17 is very old at least 16 yrs old and I finally had an issue.. gonna Clean : ) thanks

[@crosbiecroz6111]

Thank u a bunch...

[@carlosrios7088]

what does this mean at 4:35 "This part in canister with 2 holes can be seen is actually 2 cones with holes. This part has been replaced by a part with 1 hole and a large opening." is there a part number? is there a reason you would want a different part?

[@d.e.b.b5788]

Curiously, I did that. Worked pretty good, but there was still some junk inside, probably stuck because the previous owner used it on damp rugs. So after cleaning it real good and using an etching agent, I'm trying a non stick coating Meteor 130 and see if it works before doing anything else like replacing the parts. Should be interesting. Oh, I also used some silicone glue to keep the gasket in place better.

[@cpm1973]

KZbin trolls... God love 'em, cause I sure as hell don't. Anyway, thanks for the video. I got some good laughs from the family drama surrounding your vacuum, while getting some good information on how to get this SOB apart. I roared over the Dirt Devil comment, because that's exactly what my wife did the last time the belt broke, and it, uh, "made a funny noise."

[@cguymartin]

Dude you are really funny! I laughed when you were like, "fuck.." I was very entertained by your video! Cheers

[@acclaimedhousecleaning7555]

I believe the cyclones clogging was a result of the ill-designed bottom rubber seal. It would ride up and larger dirt and hair would go through the upper cyclones which were digned to separate fine dust from the air to be exhausted.

[@wolfesquire]

They have a modified piece they sent me that has a longer boot on the bottom and only a single hole between the larger holes. Note: the two holes are in the video where he is shining the light at the 55 Second point. My new one has a single hole there, and no stuck hair problem!

[@tymcflyy]

Thanks man! Just saved my Dyson.

[@9mmsteve]

Dyson works much better after taking it apart and cleaning it like that! Be sure to watch my video on the NEW replacement part for the DC17. If under warranty and you have old part Dyson will replace the whole canister with new one. New canister is much less likely to get clogged. The inside is redesigned.

[@SpacialMeg]

Have you ever taken apart a d41? Thank you for posting this video!

[@n1kkri]

I have low vacuum at the Wand. Any tips?

[@Zachhidden]

Just used this video as a reference for my dc41 animal, there is a screen around all 16 cyclones, i got the canister in 2 pieces and DANG was it dirty, i wont take it apart to the cyclones because there are like 16 screws in there, but i soaked both parts and washed each cyclone with our shower sink attachment, it took maybe 15 minutes total and WOW, new vacuum. This vacuum has amazing suction and it seems like the cyclones dont get clogged

[@bigcatguy]

+Zach hidden I'm beginning to understand why Consumer Reports has never been impressed with this vacuum.

[@jonathanmoore6168]

I just wash my in the basement sink. Let dry a day or blow compressed air and viola. Done. No broken parts.

[@9mmsteve]

I am interested in where exactly that is you are talking about and how this works without interfering with the operation of the vacuum. Any other information you can send would be great.

[@shawnl5634]

Q for dc17 my wont suck and brash was locked up cloed

[@TweakedSystems]

If you have a Flashlight.you can see inside the unit just to see how dirty it is inside... * turn the chamber upside down* shine the flashlight in the intake hole at the top of the air chamber.. *by the handle* You will be able to see *from looking into the bottom* I'm pretty sure you can draw the crap from the hole itself..buy a A flexible grabber pick up tool..to grab the debris and pull i out :)

[@vanessacamaro-hinojosa121]

i need help how to replace the hose... i was able to remove top part but not bottom...tks!!

[@Daconthocon78]

I have the ball one and its easy to clean out even if it has multiple cyclones.

[@chrissnyder3809]

You can blast all of the dirt out with a garden hose... purging from the top and bottom

[@JohnDoe-gm5qr]

It surprises me also that you did not burn up the motor. It had to have been running hotter than it normally would. Other vacuums are less reliable even. My sister had a non Dyson vacuum with a bag and all these years it ran fine and now it smokes and we can not figure out why. We even had it apart. My only guess was the motor may need replaced. Anyhow they threw it out, it is not worth a possible fire hazard.

[@billhofeldt9490]

OK so i have suction when i use the tools but no suction when vacuuming? I've checked the connections on the tubes and it seems like they are inline with the seals but why would it not turn the beater bar and suck up the dirt when not using the tools, do you know?

[@enawn00]

+Bill Hofeldt When you use the attachments it is in an upright position. I wonder if there is a clog somewhere near the beater that is disengaged when in the upright position.

[@JJFLD]

My DC50 has 19 cyclones. Dose that means I'm screwed? I am very familiar with my vacuums, but with a German Shepherd shading like mad...

[@toddvickers1819]

Yes, your screwed. Lol

[@metal422life]

You didn't have to twist the cyclone area I just really kept going around as I put force downwards on that area and it pushed right out It didn't like need any twisting it just pulled out. But I must add that the very bottom portion where it gets it skinnier with the black rubber thing around it if you turn that thing just it'll only turn so much honestly but you turn that clockwise and that undoes the tabs on the inside and then the rest of it pulls right apart no damage

[@wolgran20]

wow, I have to ask how you got the cyclones clogged? because unless the seal at the bottom is not sealing properly or you over filled the canister it should never happen. Ive had my DC19 for almost 5 years and never had any sort of blockages in it. I have not used the uprights so no idea if they are better or worse to use.

[@punker4Real]

I use high PSI water 80PSI to wash it out with soap and water Let dry before use WAY easier then taking it part

[@9mmsteve]

Good idea, just have to really wait for it to dry completely before using it the next time!

[@adamstoby96]

compressor i dont have time to wait for it to dry

[@aaydensclockworld9231]

Can you send me the link on eBay where you got that tool set? 6:29

[@MrTaz345]

Great vid. My dy17 just died today byfar this is the best tutorial. My dyson in the upright shuts off but wen i go to vacuum the floor motor works and if i place it on the up right position again it shuts off..what gives? Thanks for your help and do you rember the seller on e bay for those tools?

[@nikkihigdon1342]

MrTaz345 how did u fix it? that's what mines doing

[@jeremyburges]

Mine too. Is the motor shot?

[@inc1961]

Mine did that under warranty. Spoke to dyson and if I remember correctly they said it had overheated or blocked the tube. Cleaned all the tube parts. Let it sit not turned on for an hour. Worked fine.

[@kristianhvass8670]

If i bother do all this will it get rid of the awful smell that my Dyson spits out. Bought a used Dyson Animal which works great, but smells like wet dog. I washed the canister unit and got a ton of junk out. But just like you mentioned in another video one shouldn't do that since it'll just worsen the smell. I am guessing the unit is full of hair and junk further up. Anything to get rid of the smell.

[@RyanSellman1]

Kristian Hvass an ammonia water solution works pretty well at getting rid of odors. just let the cyclone assembly soak in the solution, rinse it out, and let it air dry completely.

[@baldybully3997]

so do you push or twist there's a difference I'm sure I'm not the only one that doesn't want to break it

[@9mmsteve]

Your not going to break it. It prys apart.

[@Zzzizit]

The video isn't very clear about the order but I'll try taking the cyclone apart anyway. Thanks for trashing the very crappy background music.

[@morganod]

Thanks! I guess the spraying of water inside video isn't such a good idea. I have a DC07

[@hms7602]

Thanks, this is great. It cracked me up when he started in on the wife though. I have long hair and I can only imagine what mine looks like inside!

[@michaelcardenas48]

I found that if you run that under hot water for about 4 minutes n put it up against your chest n about 3/4 times it pops right off

[@d.e.b.b5788]

Or you could just buy one that don't have that problem. Dyson's principle works great. It's when he tries to reinvent the wheel when things go wrong. Airwatt rating be damned, my Fantom Thunder picks up eeverything and in 15 years all the fine dust winds up in the dust cup, not the hepa filter, so unless you have allergies, you don't even need a hepa filter. The simplest 2 phase cyclone idea simply works that good. With this, I bought a dc17 cheap and now have a great vacuum.

[@mcesarey]

Air Force song at 8:00? Good video....

[@jamesmcnair888]

It is u ok

[@countryprincess97]

also you could take another vacuum and get that dust out

[@bradleywilkinson9805]

Cool, always wanted to vacuum my vacuum while vacuuming with my vacuum's vacuum.

[@lillith9878]

I have the BEST answer for cleaning the cyclones out, Take your Dyson out in the lawn, and run your leaf blower through it at max speed, from the top as well as the bottom, This is a messy job especially if it blows back in your face :) but sure beat taking it apart like that. Done in less than 5 minutes and looked pretty damn clean too :)

[@dat-w2s]

i just cleaned my dyson and thought it was bad, jesus christ man

[@huskyvacs]

"star screwdriver" It's called a TORX screwdriver/bit!

[@HeidiLittman]

I have had a DC 15 for 15 years or more. You don't have to completely take this apart. I put it in the bathtub with dish soap and bleach and wash it out! I run the water through it until it's clear. I have just replaced both filters. I let it dry out for 24 hrs without putting it together. You DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE IT ALL APART LIKE THAT! OY! Vey!

[@brianzaborowski2724]

Yes, you do if you want it cleaned CORRECTLY. Do you seriously think your way would get all the shit out that was in his?? NO WAY!! Your way of soaking it is just asking for trouble because it will only clog faster when any dirt/dust instantly sticks to whatever moisture is left behind. All of those internals WILL NOT dry out after 24 hours, you would be lucky if it dried in 24 DAYS without complete disassembly!

[@sandracampbell4060]

Heidi Littman 60

[@bobfalque3802]

Gee I need one of these as I don't have enough to do now. I need a vacuum that I have to take apart and wash once in a while. I'm still living in the dark ages where all I have to do is change the bag. Damn I thought I got the vacuum to do a job for me not give me another job to do.

[@parwaz7861]

Do you still think the DC17 is a piece of junk?

[@mamachip]

ITS A T-15 TORX

[@qasimmir7117]

Why would you go over the max line? I've own a DC20 for over 6 years and I've never encountered this before. By the way the DC20 has a very similar cyclone design.

[@9mmsteve]

+Qasim Mir All Dysons have these so called "cyclones" which are VERY prone to clogging. In fact many of the new models have MORE of them and the worst thing is they are SMALLER which clog much easier. This is a poor design. I will try to do another video explaining this but it is my experience in order NOT to clog these there are several things to do or not do. 1) Never, ever vacuum when there is ANY dampness or wetness in the carpet. 2) Do not get close to the "Max" line on the storage container 3) Clean brush often, especially of hair which gets tangled in and around the brush 4) Try to purchase(if you decide on a Dyson which I question is even worth the cost) get one which has as few cyclones and be sure they are large cyclones, not small which clog easier. Hope this helps you some!.

[@joshuakientsch2089]

+n4ktz this problem never happens with any of the other Dysons only the dc17 due to a problem it had to seal not the actual design,

[@justinn3643]

+n4ktz They make the cyclones smaller because they offer a higher air velocity which makes the cyclones more efficient.

[@jaywalkra]

It does and it makes for great marketing. However, it is a double-edged sword. One runs the risk of hardened/stuck dirt at the cyclone tips once one sucks up ANY form of moisture, more of these and you have loss of suction & clogged cyclone tips. There's a reason why you never see commercial dyson vacuums

[@vacuumtests9225]

These machines are not worth it. Extremely loud, needs a lot maintenance and bin emptying is super dusty + this clogging problem. Just get a good bagged vacuum. Much quieter, much stronger airflow, really little maintenance & bag chance max once a month + modern hepa bags don't lose suction when getting full.

[@fayeharvey1138]

Heyday the same time . I am a beautiful person 4th 4th . 5

[@fayeharvey1138]

Check out the photos I sent you in the Moments app: fb.me/1P417yqjX4QOgR3 Check out the photos I sent you in the Moments app: fb.me/1P417yqjX4QOgR3

[@cowencoal1]

n4ktz, was calling you on 20m,,,,,, ah ha,,,,,,,,, you where repairing the vac ???? 73,s,,, g4kfj..

[@JohnDoe-gm5qr]

That sucks