Vacuum cleaners have been around since 1908, when James Spangler sold his electric broomstick idea to William Hoover.
However, although Dirt Devil vacuum technology has come a long way since then, some Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners simply break sooner than others.
Don’t worry, though!
If your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner stopped working, there are a few things you can try.
In this post you will learn:
- Possible reasons why your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner no longer turns on
- Step-by-step tests to perform
- And more!
You can use this guide to fix any Dirt Devil vacuum model, so let’s get started 🙂
Dirt Devil Vacuum Stopped Working: In a Nutshell
If your Dirt Devil vacuum stopped working, it might be due to a defective power cable, a faulty switch, a blockage in the hose, a jammed motor, or other factors. Clogs are the most prevalent cause of Dirt Devil vacuums not turning on. However, you should inspect each Dirt Devil vacuum component in sequence, starting with a test of the power outlet and breakers.
Continue reading to go through my comprehensive step-by-step guide.
Alternatively, you can watch this fantastic video by electronicsNmore.
Though it is not exactly your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, the principles are the same:
How Do You Fix A Dirt Devil Vacuum That Won’t Turn On?
A Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner that no longer turns on can be a nightmare for households that depend on these machines!
If you are very frustrated that your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner died on you today, follow the guide below in order to fix your machine in no time.
1. Ensure The Circuit Breaker Has Not Tripped
The first thing you should do is check to make sure that the circuit breaker has not tripped.
If it is tripped, flip it back on and try to turn your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner on.
If the breaker has not tripped, try step 2.
2. Test The Power Outlet
Sometimes your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner may no longer work due to a malfunctioning power outlet.
Here are some tests you can perform:
- Wiggle your Dirt Devil vacuum power cord and make sure that it is not falling off the outlet.
- Push the power plug until it is secured and connected to the power outlet.
- Unplug the cord and plug it in again.
- Test if your power socket is working by plugging another device in the source. If the other device works, then the power outlet is not the issue.
3. Your Dirt Devil Vacuum Battery Needs Charging
Not all Dirt Devil vacuums have batteries, but if yours does, then it could be flat.
Simply plug your Dirt Devil vacuum in the power outlet to see if the battery is the issue.
If you decide to replace the battery, make sure you go for original parts.
4. Check The Bag And Canister
If your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner has stopped working, you should check its bag or canister, depending on the model you own.
If either are full, this could be preventing your Dirt Devil vacuum from turning on.
Make sure you replace the bag or empty the canister before they reach full capacity.
5. Ensure Your Dirt Devil Vacuum Hose Is Not Clogged
The hose is located between the canister and the floor nozzle. When clogged, it can cause your Dirt Devil vacuum to lose suction or to stop working altogether.
How to unclog a Dirt Devil vacuum hose
- Unplug your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner
- Detach the hose from both the canister and the floor nozzle
- Locate the blockage in the hose and use a screwdriver to clear it out
- If the blockage is stubborn, you may need to use the pliers to remove it
- If the blockage is right in the middle of your Dirt Devil vacuum hose, you can use a broomstick to clear it out
- Once the blockage is cleared, reassemble your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner and test it out
6. Check Your Dirt Devil Vacuum Roller Brush
The roller brush is the part of the Dirt Devil vacuum that helps to agitate the carpet and loosen dirt and debris.
It is located under the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner head.
Clumps of hair wrapped around the roller can cause your Dirt Devil vacuum to stop working.
To clean your Dirt Devil vacuum roller brush, do the following:
- First remove any hair or debris that may be wrapped around it
- Then, use a small brush or toothpick to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck in the bristles
- Finally, run the roller brush under warm water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Make sure you let the roller brush dry up completely before putting it back in your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner.
7. Wash or Replace Your Dirt Devil Vacuum Filter
The filter is usually located near the top of the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, near the dustbin.
Some Dirt Devil vacuums can have two filters: a pre-motor filter and a post-motor filter.
In addition, some filters can be washable while others can only be replaced.
Washable filters
- Remove the filter and rinse it under running water, or machine wash them if the manufacturer allows it
- Let the filter dry naturally, preferably for 24 hours or until fully dry
- Put the filter back into your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner.
Replaceable filters
If your Dirt Devil vacuum filters cannot be washed, replace them periodically as per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain your machine’s performance.
8. Your Dirt Devil Vacuum Power Cord Is Damaged
For safety reasons, always unplug your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner’s power cord from the outlet before conducting an inspection.
Once it is unplugged, inspect the cord for any damage.
If you see any frayed wires or exposed insulation, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Instead, take it to a qualified technician for repair.
However, if you decide to do it yourself (you’ll be solely responsible for this), here is how to replace it:
- Unplug the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner from the outlet
- Remove the old power cord by disconnecting it from the motor housing and/or other parts of the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner
- Once disconnected, thread the new power cord through these same areas and reattach it to the motor housing and/or other parts of the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner
- Finally, plug your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner back into the outlet and test it out!
Here is a video from FIX Tech Guides that shows how to do it:
9. Test Your Dirt Devil Vacuum Switch
Your Dirt Devil vacuum switch controls the flow of electricity that goes to the motor.
When you turn on your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, the switch sends electricity to the motor, which starts the suction process.
So if your Dirt Devil vacuum switch is faulty, your Dirt Devil vacuum will not work.
How to test a Dirt Devil vacuum switch
To test whether your Dirt Devil vacuum switch is working properly, make sure that there is power going to the switch.
You can do this by using a multimeter to check for continuity between the two terminals on the switch.
- If there is continuity, then the switch is working properly.
- If there is no continuity, then the switch needs to be replaced.
How to replace a Dirt Devil vacuum switch
If your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner’s switch needs to be replaced, do the following:
- First disconnect the power cord from the machine
- Then remove the screws that hold the switch in place and carefully pull the switch out of its housing
- To install the new switch, simply reverse these steps.
10. Your Dirt Devil Vacuum Motor May Be Jammed
Another possible reason for a Dirt Devil vacuum that stopped working is that the motor is jammed.
This can happen if you have tried to use your Dirt Devil vacuum as a replacement for a shop vac.
For example, you may have tried to Dirt Devil vacuum metal shavings or plaster dust!
Another possible cause is that you have been using your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner without the filter.
This would have allowed for debris to make their way through to the motor.
How to clean your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner motor
1. Unplug your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner and remove the housing. This will give you access to the motor
2. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the motor in place
3. Carefully remove the motor from the housing and set it aside on a clean surface
4. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove any dirt or debris that may be caught in the brushes of the motor. Be sure to clean both sides of the brushes thoroughly
5. Once the brushes are clean, apply a few drops of Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner oil to each one. This will help keep them working properly and extend their life span
6. Reassemble your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner and test it out
11. Contact Dirt Devil
Whether you have tried all the previous steps or not, you may want to check whether your Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner is still under warranty and contact the manufacturer.
They will be able to advise further, repair your machine, or replace it if necessary.
12. Call a Professional
If you have tried troubleshooting and cleaning your Dirt Devil vacuum and it still does not work, it may be time to call in a professional.
A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and determine whether it can be fixed or if you need a new Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner.
They should be able to give you an estimate of how much it will cost to fix the problem.
Conclusion
With a little bit of troubleshooting, you can fix most Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner problems yourself.
To recap, if your Dirt Devil vacuum stopped working, do the following:
- Check the circuit breaker has not tripped
- Ensure the power outlet your Dirt Devil vacuum is plugged in works
- Check that your Dirt Devil vacuum battery is not flat
- Empty the bag or canister
- Unclog the hose
- Clean the brush roller
- Wash or replace your Dirt Devil vacuum filter/filters
- Inspect the power cord and let a professional replace it if needed
- Test the Dirt Devil vacuum switch
- Clean your Dirt Devil vacuum motor
If your Dirt Devil vacuum is beyond repair, it may be time to buy a new one.
Be sure to do your research before making a purchase so you can find a machine that will last a long time!
