Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum: Everything You Need to Know

Features

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum is known for its maneuverability, thanks to its ball technology that allows for 360° movement. This makes navigating around furniture and tight spaces a breeze.

The vacuum's powerful suction effectively picks up dirt, debris, and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. Its tangle-free turbine tool is a popular feature for pet owners, as it removes pet hair from furniture and upholstery without getting tangled.

Keeping things clean and hygienic is easy with the Dyson Ball Animal's hygienic dust ejector. This feature empties the dustbin with a single touch, minimizing contact with dirt and allergens.

Air quality is improved thanks to the whole-machine HEPA filtration system, which traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The vacuum's lightweight design makes it easier to use for longer periods and maneuver up and down stairs.

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum also features multiple floor-type settings, allowing you to adjust the suction power to different floor surfaces for optimal cleaning performance. The large, easy-to-empty bin makes it convenient for frequent use.

Performance

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum excels at removing pet hair, thanks to its powerful suction and tangle-free turbine head. It efficiently lifts embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery.

This vacuum also delivers excellent carpet cleaning, effectively removing dirt, dust, and debris. Its powerful suction and effective brush bar tackle embedded dirt.

While primarily designed for carpets, the Dyson Ball Animal performs well on hard floors. The brush bar can be turned off to prevent scratching delicate surfaces.

Dusting is a breeze with the Dyson Ball Animal. Its strong suction and variety of attachments make it easy to clean furniture, shelves, and blinds.

The Dyson Ball Animal is a strong contender for allergy sufferers. It features HEPA filtration that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, removing allergens and dust mites from the air.

The Dyson Ball Animal is relatively lightweight and maneuverable, making it easy to use. However, it can be somewhat bulky to store.

The Dyson Ball Animal is not the quietest vacuum on the market, but it is not overly loud either.

Dyson products are renowned for their durability, and the Ball Animal is no exception. It is built with high-quality materials and is designed to last.

What We Like

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum is highly praised for its powerful suction. Customers consistently attest to its ability to effectively remove pet hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, rugs, and hard floors.

The vacuum's ball design enhances its maneuverability, allowing for easy and smooth navigation around furniture and tight spaces.

Pet owners appreciate the inclusion of specialized tools, such as the turbine tool and mini-motorhead, specifically designed for tackling pet hair removal. This makes cleaning up after furry friends a breeze.

Despite its powerful suction, the Dyson Ball Animal is relatively lightweight, making it easier to maneuver and use for extended periods.

The vacuum's durable construction has been consistently reported by customers, suggesting it can withstand frequent use.

The Dyson Ball Animal features an easy-to-detach and empty bin, minimizing dust and mess during disposal.

The vacuum's hygienic design includes a HEPA filtration system that traps allergens and dust mites, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers.

The Dyson Ball Animal is a versatile cleaning tool, capable of tackling a variety of surfaces, including carpets, rugs, hard floors, and upholstery.

The vacuum comes with a two-year warranty, offering customers peace of mind and assurance.

What We Don't Like

One of the biggest drawbacks for some customers is the high price of the Dyson Ball Animal. This premium price point can be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.

The weight of the vacuum is another common complaint. It's quite heavy, making it challenging to maneuver and lift, especially for those with mobility issues or smaller statures.

The short hose length limits the vacuum's reach, making it difficult to access areas under furniture or in tight spaces.

Another point of contention is the noise level of the vacuum, particularly on higher settings. Some users find it to be quite loud.

Cleaning the vacuum can be a chore. The brush roll and internal components can be tricky to clean, requiring some disassembly and specialized tools.

Some users also report a loud, "whining" sound coming from the roller brush, especially when used on carpets.

The HEPA filters need to be replaced periodically, adding to the ongoing cost of owning the vacuum.

The fragile design is another concern, with some users reporting issues with the vacuum breaking down after a short period of time, particularly the hose or other moving parts.

Emptying the dustbin can be a frustrating experience, often requiring force to release the contents.

Finally, the small dustbin capacity requires frequent emptying, especially for larger homes or frequent use.

Cleaning Tasks

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum excels at removing pet hair. Its powerful suction and specialized tools, like the turbine head, effectively extract embedded pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and furniture.

This vacuum is also highly suitable for carpet cleaning. Its powerful suction, rotating brush bar, and optional tools efficiently remove dirt, debris, and allergens from carpets.

While suitable for hard floors, the Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum isn't as specialized as dedicated hard floor vacuums. However, the vacuum comes equipped with a hard floor tool that minimizes scratching.

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum is well-suited for cleaning upholstery. Its upholstery tool effectively removes pet hair, dust, and crumbs from furniture. It's also suitable for cleaning rugs, particularly those with thick fibers, thanks to its rotating brush bar and powerful suction.

This vacuum is suitable for cleaning stairs, though some maneuverability challenges may arise. Its lightweight design and flexible hose make it easier to clean stairs.

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum is highly suitable for allergen removal. Its HEPA filtration system efficiently traps dust mites, pollen, and other allergens.

The vacuum is suitable for dusting. The crevice tool effectively reaches tight spaces and removes dust from furniture and shelves. It is also suitable for cobweb removal, with the crevice tool effectively reaching high corners.

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum is suitable for cleaning large areas due to its large dustbin capacity and cord length, allowing for efficient cleaning. It's also suitable for cleaning small areas thanks to its lightweight design and maneuverability, making it easy to clean under furniture and in tight spaces.

The handheld dustbuster or crevice tool can be used for quick spot cleaning.

Comparison to Other Brands

When comparing the Dyson Ball Animal 2 to competitors like the Shark Vertex UltraLight, Hoover WindTunnel T-Series, and Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet emerges as the most affordable option. However, the Shark Vertex UltraLight takes the lead in terms of weight, boasting a lighter design than its counterparts.

In terms of suction power, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 reigns supreme with 220 Air Watts, surpassing the Shark Vertex UltraLight's 150 Air Watts, the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series' 165 Air Watts, and the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet's 120 Air Watts. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 also has the longest cord at 35 feet compared to the other models, all boasting a 30-foot cord length.

Although the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet offers the largest dustbin capacity at 1.1 quarts, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and the Shark Vertex UltraLight have a dustbin capacity of 0.6 quarts. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series sits in between with a 1-quart capacity.

Both the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and Shark Vertex UltraLight come equipped with anti-tangle brushrolls, providing an advantage over the standard brushrolls found in the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series and Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet, which are more prone to tangles.

In terms of pet-specific features, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 stands out with its tangle-free turbine tool and mini-motorhead, while the Shark Vertex UltraLight features a Pet Power Brush and an Anti-allergen complete seal. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series comes with a Pet TurboTool, and the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet boasts a Pet TurboBrush.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 further distinguishes itself with its Ball technology, whole-machine HEPA filtration, and a 5-year warranty. The Shark Vertex UltraLight features a self-cleaning brushroll, an Anti-allergen complete seal, and DuoClean technology. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series highlights WindTunnel Technology, multi-surface cleaning, and HEPA filtration. Finally, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet offers swivel steering, an easy-empty dustbin, and multi-surface cleaning.

Maintenance

To keep your Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum running smoothly, follow these simple maintenance tips.

Emptying and Cleaning the Dustbin:

Regularly empty the dustbin by pressing the release button, lifting it off the vacuum, and emptying the contents into a trash can. After emptying, rinse the dustbin with cool water and allow it to air dry completely before replacing it.

Cleaning the Filters:

Remove both the pre-motor and post-motor filters from the vacuum. Rinse them with cool water and allow them to air dry completely before putting them back. Never use soap or detergent on the filters.

Cleaning the Brush Bar:

Turn off the vacuum and unplug it. Remove any hair or debris wrapped around the brush bar. Use a small brush or a pair of scissors to remove stubborn debris. Avoid using sharp objects to clean the brush bar, as this could damage it.

Cleaning the Cyclone System:

Remove the cyclone system from the vacuum and rinse it with cool water. Allow it to air dry completely before replacing it. Do not use soap or detergent on the cyclone system.

Replacing the Belt:

Locate the belt on the bottom of the vacuum. Use a screwdriver to loosen the belt tensioner. Remove the old belt and replace it with a new one. Tighten the belt tensioner.

Maintaining the Battery:

Charge the battery fully before using the vacuum for the first time. Always use the Dyson charger that came with the vacuum. Avoid storing the vacuum in extreme temperatures.

Lubricating the Moving Parts:

Apply a small amount of light oil to the moving parts of the vacuum. Avoid using heavy oil or grease, as this can clog the vacuum. This step should be performed only once or twice a year.

Troubleshooting

No Power:

• Firstly, check if the power cord is plugged in securely.
• Secondly, check if the circuit breaker is tripped.
• Thirdly, ensure the power switch is turned on.
• Lastly, if using a power adapter, verify it is connected and working.

Weak Suction:

• First, check if the dustbin is full and needs emptying.
• Second, inspect the brush bar for hair, string, or other debris and clean as needed.
• Third, ensure the hose and attachments are free of obstructions.
• Finally, check the filter for dirt and clean or replace if necessary.

Brush Bar Not Rotating:

• First, ensure the brush bar release button is not engaged.
• If there's a blockage, remove it from the brush bar.
• Lastly, check for any signs of damage to the brush bar belt and replace if needed.

Vacuum Making Unusual Noise:

• First, check for objects stuck in the brush bar or hose.
• Second, ensure the dustbin is empty and properly attached.
• Lastly, listen for any rattling sounds and inspect the brush bar assembly for loose components.

Vacuum Won't Turn Off:

• First, check if the power switch is in the off position.
• If the vacuum continues to run, unplug the power cord immediately.
• Lastly, contact Dyson customer support for assistance.

Vacuum Not Picking Up Dirt:

• First, ensure the brush bar is lowered and making contact with the floor.
• Second, clean the brush bar and remove any debris.
• Third, check and clean the filter.
• Lastly, if the vacuum is still not picking up dirt, try using a different cleaning head.

Vacuum Leaking:

• First, check if the dustbin is properly sealed and locked.
• Second, inspect the hose and attachments for any tears or holes.
• Lastly, ensure the filter is properly installed and not damaged.

Remote Control Not Working:

• First, check the batteries in the remote control.
• Second, ensure the remote control is pointed directly at the vacuum.
• Lastly, if the remote control still isn't working, try restarting the vacuum.

Vacuum Not Charging:

• First, check if the charger is plugged in securely.
• Second, ensure the vacuum is in the charging station and properly aligned.
• Third, inspect the charging port on the vacuum for any debris.
• Lastly, if the vacuum still doesn't charge, contact Dyson customer support.

Conclusion

The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum is a powerful cleaning machine, especially for pet owners. Its strong suction effectively removes pet hair, dirt, and debris from various surfaces, while its maneuverability and lightweight design make it easy to use. The HEPA filtration system ensures clean air and is a welcome feature for allergy sufferers. While its high price and some drawbacks like weight and noise level might be a deterrent for some, its performance and unique features make it a solid contender for those seeking a top-notch cleaning solution. Ultimately, whether the Dyson Ball Animal is the right choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities, along with your budget.