Vacuum losing suction
Lost suction is usually caused by a full bin, a clogged filter or a blockage between the floor head and the motor.
Check these in order
- Empty the bin. Wipe the screen or shroud inside it with a dry cloth.
- Clean the filters. Dyson says wash monthly; Shark's Navigator schedule is every 3 months for the foam and felt; Roomba filters are tapped clean weekly and never washed.
- Clear the airway. Check the wand, hose and both ends of every connection. Shark cordless sticks have a clog access hose in the folding wand.
- Check the floor head. Hair on the brush bar and debris in the neck choke airflow.
- Check the settings. On a Navigator, turning the suction collar on the handle clockwise increases suction. On a Dyson High Torque head, the + slider position gives maximum suction.
- Refit every filter. Shark cordless vacuums have little or no suction without the post-motor filter in place.
Filter part numbers at a glance
| Model | Filter |
|---|---|
| Dyson V6 | 965661-01 (post filter 966741-01 on Absolute, HEPA, Total Clean) |
| Dyson V7 | 965661-01 |
| Dyson V8 | 965661-01 or 965661-05, plus rear 967478-05 |
| Dyson V10 | 969082-01 |
| Dyson V11, V15 Detect | 970013-02 |
| Shark Navigator NV352, NV360 | XFF350 and XHF350 |
| Shark Stratos IZ862H | XFFKIZ700 and XPSMFIZ700 |
| Shark Vertex IZ462H | 617FJ140 and XHF161H |
| Roomba i3, i4, i7 | 4639161 (3-pack) |
Warning lights and error codes for suction
- Dyson V11 and V15 screens show a filter or blockage alert.
- Shark Stratos shows a red filter icon; Shark Vertex shows a red nozzle light.
- Roomba i-series reports Error 8 (poor suction) or Error 26 (filter clog possible).