What about a nifty Dyson "Automatic Vac Wash"?

[eurekaprince]

I just saw some video on YouTube showing how much fine dust is left in the cyclonic cones and shrouds of a Dyson dust container even after you dump the dirt. The guy was obviously trying to sell the benefits of bagged vacs over bagless. He was using a pressurized air pump to blow clouds of fine dust out of the nooks and crannies of what appeared to be a Dyson cyclonic assembly.

Here's an idea for Jack, our Dyson King over in the UK (or shall I say Dyson "Prince"): Wouldn't it be great if Dyson invented a special washer/dryer that each dealer would have that could wash and dry the entire assembly in 10 minutes or less? Once a buyer bought a Dyson cleaner, s/he would be entitled to stop by any Dyson dealer as many times as they wanted, to have their dirt bin cleaned professionally by a self-service Dyson Vac Washer. While waiting, they could enjoy a cup of British tea and biscuits and watch TV in a nice little lounge! Kind of like a car-wash, but just for Dyson vacs.

Now that would be customer service!

 

[eurekaprince]

Or even better.....

every Dyson owner is entitled to two cyclonic assemblies: When the one you bought gets too dusty or dirty, you exchange it for a second one at your dealer while he cleans it professionally for you. When the second one gets dirty, you do the same thing and get your first one back!

 

[shanonabc]

I don't see the need...

Under normal household use there is not really any need to clean it out IMHO.

I have a DC02 from ages ago... Still working brilliant... Same with my DC15 (which I have put so much dust through).

 

[vintagehoover]

I get the point of the idea, but like Shanon, I don't se

The DC07, the first Root Cyclone Dyson upright - also, the first Dyson model sold in the US - had a cyclone assembly that was partially welded together. This is the only one which requires blowing out with an airline. Since, then, which each new model, they've made the cyclones easier and easier to access.

All this is academic, though; if you feel that the cyclone has filled with enough dust to cause a problem, you're covered by the 5 year warranty. Call the number of the Dyson Helpline, which is always attached to every single cleaner made, and they'll send out an engineer within 48 to your home or place of work. More than likely, they'll give you a new cyclone assembly free of charge anyway!

 

[eurekaprince]

I see what you are saying Jack....but....

I guess my thought was that Dyson could get more customers if they made it easier (and maybe fun) to clean their dirt bins. Some older folks and single widows, or people who just aren't mechanically inclined, might be more interested in the Dyson line if they knew that their dealer or retailer would take care of washing and sterilizing the guts of the vac every so often. It's not really about solving a problem in vacuuming - it's more about helping the customer have a nice clean Dyson to work with all the time. It would be a nice service especially for those who find it unpleasant or inimidating or impossible to clean it themselves.

 

[shanonabc]

There is no real need to sterilise the cyclone assembly... Its only going to be come a) unsanitary as soon as it is placed in the machine, and b) Average Joe shouldn't be cleaning it themselves...

 

[vintagehoover]

Ok, Brian, just for you...

I've dismantled my DC14 cyclone pack. At 12.15am, lol

Now first off - a disclaimer: I do NOT encourage home-repair! Following these steps WILL void your 5 year warranty with Dyson. All repair work should be carried out by Dyson service engineers ONLY!

Now, ignoring all that...step one. Remove cyclone pack from bin, and remove filter compartment lid.

Unscrew the 7 torx screws which hold on the filter compartment casing.

 

[vintagehoover]

Lift off filter compartment casing.

 

[vintagehoover]

Lift off the upper section...

 

[vintagehoover]

Then you're at this stage...lift off the rubber gasket - this just sits in place.

 

[vintagehoover]

...

 

[vintagehoover]

Finally, the shroud assembly and the cyclone pack can be pulled apart.

 

[eurekaprince]

OMG Jack - you are doing this just for little 'ol me?

It's way past your bed-time! Time to get into your jammies and go to bed! You can play with your vacuum tomorrow after you come home from school!

 

[vintagehoover]

...

 

[vintagehoover]

Voila! The complete cyclone assembly. It looks simple, but it's taken over 30 years of continuous development to GET this simple! The cyclone pack must be reconfigured for each new model to work with the precise dynamics of each machine.

 

[vintagehoover]

Forgot to say...

This procedure applies to the DC14, 15, 18, 24 and 25. For the DC27 and 28, it's very slightly different. Tool storage is now on the spine of the machine, and the pre-motor filter has been moved to beside the motor.

The cyclone pack is now topped by a manifold, which improves airflow and increases separation efficiency.

The torx screws (removed in this pic) are now on the outside of the manifold.

 

[vintagehoover]

Then we find 7 more torx screws to remove...

 

[vintagehoover]

...and from here on, it's pretty much the same.

 

[eurekaprince]

Again I say...it would be great if Dyson could invent a way

you stick the whole assembly in a nice automatic vac washer at the store, attach two hoses to the assembly where the air normally enters and exits, and voila - you've got a way of sending water through the system where the air once went. Then after a few cycles, the vac washer sends air through the same channels to dry it. You could even make the washer transparent so people can watch the process while they wait!

Just thinking creatively here......it might add a whole new dimension to the Dyson concept. Even if this never sterilizes the cyclone assembly, at least customers will know that they are walking away with a freshly cleaned Dyson dirt bin. Maybe with some nice scented aroma as well!

 

[vintagehoover]

I understand what you're saying, and I can see the appeal...but people in the UK are still happily pushing around 17-year old DC01s which have never been dismantled, aside from perhaps a new powercord and hose...

I just can't say I feel dirt building up within the cyclone pack is big enough of an issue for enough people to warrant the huge cost of implementing the scheme you're describing. Dyson can supply a brand new cyclone for free under warranty if needed.

 

[eurekaprince]

Gotcha....

pleasant dreams - good night.

 

[vintagehoover]

Sleep is for humans.

I have work to do!

I'll pass your comments on - as I say, I like the thinking, but it seems like a rather complicated solution to a minor issue. If people wash their filters every 3-6 months, dirt shouldn't build up in the cyclones to the point that performance suffers anyway. And if performance isn't affected...I just can't see the need.

From a hygiene point of view; no dirt is hygienic - take any vacuum cleaner air-duct and swab it, and I'm sure it will be crawling with bacteria! Sanitising any cleaner lasts until you run it again, and reintroduce dirt into the system!

Perhaps a better idea would be a Dyson-run filter-wash service!

 

[hooverbaby]

'Sleep is for humans'

Ha Ha Ha!