Dyson Animal: Everything You Need to Know

Features

The Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner is known for its powerful suction, making it highly effective at removing pet hair, dander, and embedded dirt from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. It comes equipped with specialized tools like the mini-turbine head, crevice tool, and upholstery tool, designed specifically to tackle pet hair in hard-to-reach areas.

One of the key benefits is its hygienic bin emptying mechanism, which minimizes contact with dust and allergens, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. The Dyson Animal is also lightweight and maneuverable, thanks to its ball-joint steering, allowing for easy movement around furniture and obstacles.

Another notable feature is its HEPA filtration system, which effectively traps up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet allergens. Some models are even cordless, offering the freedom of movement without being tethered to an outlet, making it convenient for cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach areas.

Performance

Dyson Animal vacuums are renowned for their exceptional pet hair removal capabilities. Their powerful suction and specialized tools, like the turbine head and tangle-free turbine tool, effectively lift and remove embedded pet hair from carpets, furniture, and upholstery.

These vacuums also excel at carpet cleaning. Their powerful suction effectively removes dirt, dust, and debris from carpets. The "Animal" brush head, among others, is designed to agitate carpets and remove embedded dirt.

While Dyson Animal vacuums are best known for their carpet cleaning prowess, they also perform well on hard floors. They typically offer multiple floor head options, including soft roller heads that minimize scratches on delicate surfaces.

Dyson Animal vacuums come equipped with dedicated upholstery tools designed to remove pet hair, dust, and allergens from furniture. Their strong suction and specialized brushes effectively remove dirt from even deep crevices.

Many Dyson Animal vacuums include HEPA filtration systems that capture dust mites and other allergens. This feature is beneficial for individuals with allergies or sensitive respiratory systems.

Dyson Animal vacuums are generally user-friendly, featuring lightweight designs, easy-to-use controls, and convenient storage options. They often have ball-based or pivoting designs for smooth and effortless maneuverability.

It's important to note that Dyson Animal vacuums are generally known for their powerful suction, which can contribute to a higher noise level compared to some quieter vacuum models.

What We Like

Customers consistently rave about the Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner's powerful suction, which makes it incredibly effective at removing pet hair, dirt, and debris from carpets and upholstery.

The specialized pet tools, like the turbine tool and mini-motorised head, are designed to tackle pet hair on specific surfaces, adding to the vacuum's effectiveness in pet-friendly homes.

The Dyson Animal is praised for its easy maneuverability, thanks to its lightweight design and ball joint steering. This makes it simple to navigate around furniture and tight spaces, reaching even the most challenging areas.

Known for its robust construction, the Dyson Animal is built to withstand heavy use and maintain its effectiveness for a long time, making it a reliable investment.

The hygienic dustbin emptying system is another highlight, preventing allergens from being released into the air during the emptying process.

The Dyson Animal is versatile, capable of tackling multiple surfaces, including carpets, hard floors, upholstery, and stairs. This makes it a practical choice for a variety of cleaning needs.

Adding to its user-friendliness, the Dyson Animal is relatively lightweight for a powerful machine, making it easier to use for extended periods without causing fatigue.

Some models offer cordless convenience, providing flexibility for cleaning without being tethered to an outlet.

While powerful, the Dyson Animal is generally considered quieter than other high-powered vacuums, making it a less disruptive option for use in homes.

What We Don't Like

Dyson Animal vacuums are known for their powerful suction, but they come with a hefty price tag. Some shoppers find the cost to be a significant barrier, particularly for budget-conscious consumers.

Another common complaint is their weight and size. Many Dyson Animal models, especially the corded ones, are heavy and bulky, making them difficult to maneuver and store, especially for users with limited mobility or smaller homes.

While Dyson vacuums are powerful, they require regular maintenance. Users need to regularly clean filters and empty the dustbin, which can be time-consuming and require some effort.

Some users also find the noise level to be a problem, especially when using the highest suction setting. This can be a challenge for those who are sensitive to noise or live in apartments.

While Dyson Animal vacuums come with a variety of attachments, some users find that the attachments aren't as effective as they could be, especially for specific tasks like pet hair removal.

Finally, Dyson Animal vacuums have a relatively limited warranty compared to other brands, which may concern buyers who want extended coverage.

Cleaning Tasks

Dyson Animal vacuum cleaners are highly suitable for removing pet hair from various surfaces like carpets, furniture, and upholstery. The powerful suction and specialized tools, such as the tangle-free turbine tool and mini motorized head, are specifically designed for this task.

Beyond pet hair removal, Dyson Animal models are also suitable for general dusting and debris removal. They offer strong suction and versatile attachments for effective cleaning of dust, dirt, and debris from different surfaces.

Dyson Animal vacuums are suitable for cleaning hardwood floors. They often include specialized floor heads with soft bristles that are gentle on hardwood surfaces while effectively removing dust and dirt.

The powerful suction and specialized tools, like the tangle-free turbine tool, make Dyson Animal vacuums highly suitable for cleaning rugs and carpets. They effectively remove deeply embedded dirt and pet hair from these surfaces.

Dyson Animal vacuum cleaners are also highly suitable for upholstery cleaning. Their various attachments, including the upholstery tool, are designed to clean dust, dirt, and pet hair from furniture upholstery.

While not marketed as allergy-specific, Dyson Animal models with HEPA filtration can help remove allergens like dust mites and pollen from the air, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.

The powerful suction and specialized tools of Dyson Animal vacuums are highly suitable for cleaning pet bedding and toys. They can effectively remove pet hair, dust mites, and dirt from these items.

Dyson Animal vacuums are built for heavy-duty cleaning, making them highly suitable for cleaning high-traffic areas where dust, dirt, and pet hair accumulate quickly.

Dyson Animal models with lightweight design and flexible hose make them suitable for cleaning stairs.

The versatile attachments and powerful suction of Dyson Animal vacuums make them suitable for cleaning car interiors, including seats, carpets, and floor mats.

Comparison to Other Brands

When comparing vacuum cleaners for pet owners, the Dyson Animal (V15 Detect Animal), Shark Vertex UltraLight, Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus, and Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme Pet each offer unique advantages.

The Dyson Animal boasts the highest price tag at around $700, but it compensates with powerful suction, a lengthy battery life of up to 60 minutes, and innovative features like laser dust detection and a self-emptying dustbin. It also excels at pet hair removal thanks to its specialized tools.

The Shark Vertex UltraLight, priced around $500, is a lighter option at 5.9 lbs, making it easier to maneuver. It features a self-cleaning brushroll, "DuoClean" technology for versatile cleaning, and HEPA filtration. While its battery life is shorter than the Dyson at 40 minutes, it still offers strong suction and effective pet hair removal with its "Pet Power Brush."

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus, a more affordable option at $250, is a corded upright vacuum. It's known for its excellent pet hair removal capabilities with the "Pet Hair Eraser" brush and "TurboBrush" for deep cleaning.

Lastly, the Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme Pet, priced around $200, is another corded upright option. It features powerful "WindTunnel" technology for suction and includes a "Pet Hair Tamer" brush.

While each vacuum cleaner possesses strengths, the choice ultimately depends on individual needs and budget.

Maintenance

To maintain your Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner, start by emptying the dustbin after each use. Press the red button and pull the bin outwards to release the contents. For a deeper clean, remove the dustbin and wash it under running water. Gently brush out the cyclone with a soft-bristled brush. Allow both to air dry completely before re-assembling.

The pre-motor filter requires regular cleaning as well. Press the release button to remove it, then tap it against a bin to remove loose debris. Wash the filter under running water and allow it to air dry completely before replacing it.

The post-motor filter also needs cleaning. Turn it counterclockwise to remove it and wash it under running water for 5 minutes. Allow it to air dry completely before replacing it.

The brush bar can accumulate hair and debris. Use a small, flathead screwdriver to remove the brush bar cover. Remove any hair or debris using a pair of scissors or a small tool. Replace the brush bar cover once the brush bar is clean.

Cleaning the tool attachments is also important. Remove them and brush them with a soft-bristled brush. If necessary, wash them under running water and allow them to air dry completely before re-assembling.

For optimal performance, you need to replace the HEPA filter periodically. Remove the filter by pressing the release button. Refer to the Dyson website or user manual for the correct replacement filter for your model.

You can clean the motorhead by using a small, flathead screwdriver to remove the motorhead cover. Remove any hair or debris using a pair of scissors or a small tool. Replace the motorhead cover once it is clean.

For cordless Dyson Animals, charge the battery fully after each use. Store the vacuum cleaner in a cool, dry place. Replace the battery according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Lastly, for general care, regularly check the vacuum cleaner for any signs of damage or wear. Store it in a dry, dust-free place. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents.

Troubleshooting

If your Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner is not powering on, first ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet. Check the fuse in the power cord and the power switch on the vacuum cleaner. If it's a cordless model, check the battery charge level.

For weak suction, inspect the hose, wand, and attachments for any blockages. Check the dustbin for fullness and clean the filters if needed. Examine the brush bar for hair or debris and clean it thoroughly.

If the brush bar is not rotating, check for hair or debris and clean it. Ensure the brush bar is properly attached and switched on.

Loud noises could indicate blockages in the hose, wand, or attachments. Inspect the brush bar for hair or debris and clean it. Ensure the brush bar is rotating freely.

If your vacuum cleaner overheats, unplug it and let it cool down. Check for blockages in the hose, wand, or attachments. Clean the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For cordless models that are not holding a charge, inspect the battery for damage or wear. Ensure the vacuum is properly placed on the charging dock and try using a different power outlet.

If your cordless vacuum cleaner won't turn on while charging, check the charging dock and ensure the vacuum is properly placed on it. Check the power outlet and the charging cable for damage.

If the filters are not working properly, inspect them for damage or wear. Clean the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions and replace them as needed.

If attachments are not working properly, ensure they are securely attached and check for damage or wear.

If your vacuum cleaner loses suction after a short time, check the dustbin for fullness and clean the filters. Inspect the brush bar for hair or debris and clean it thoroughly.

Conclusion

The Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner offers a powerful cleaning solution for pet owners, boasting impressive suction, specialized pet hair removal tools, and a hygienic dustbin emptying system. Its maneuverability and robust construction make it a reliable choice for various cleaning needs. However, it comes with a hefty price tag, and its weight and size can be challenging for some. Additionally, regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. Ultimately, the Dyson Animal is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a powerful and effective vacuum cleaner specifically designed to handle pet hair, but careful consideration of its pros and cons is essential.