Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Vacuum: A Comprehensive Review

Features

The Dyson V6 Animal cordless vacuum boasts a range of features that make it a popular choice for pet owners.

Its cordless design offers unparalleled freedom of movement, allowing users to effortlessly clean stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas without the hassle of cords.

The vacuum's powerful suction effectively removes dirt, dust, pet hair, and allergens from various surfaces, ensuring a thorough clean.

Furthermore, its lightweight and ergonomic design makes it easy to maneuver and use, even for extended cleaning sessions.

The Dyson V6 Animal comes equipped with multiple attachments, providing versatility to clean different surfaces, including upholstery, crevices, and hard floors.

Its hygienic dirt ejector allows for clean and simple disposal of collected dust and debris.

Specifically designed for pet owners, the vacuum includes animal-specific tools like the mini-motorised head and crevice tool, which tackle pet hair and embedded dirt effectively.

The wall-mountable charging dock offers convenient and space-saving storage for the vacuum and its accessories.

The Dyson V6 Animal utilizes 2 Tier Radial™ Cyclone Technology, generating powerful centrifugal force to separate dust and debris from air, resulting in efficient cleaning.

With a runtime of up to 20 minutes, the vacuum provides sufficient power for most cleaning tasks around the home.

Performance

The Dyson V6 Animal excels at removing pet hair from carpets, furniture, and upholstery. The powerful suction and specialized tools, like the mini motorized head, efficiently lift embedded hair.

It also effectively cleans carpets, removing dust, dirt, and debris. However, it may struggle with deeply embedded dirt or thick carpets.

The V6 Animal cleans hard floors efficiently, picking up dust, crumbs, and other debris. The included combination tool is versatile and works well on various floor types.

The V6 Animal's specialized upholstery tool effectively removes pet hair, dust, and dirt from furniture and car interiors.

The cordless design allows for easy maneuverability and reaches tight spaces. The lightweight design minimizes strain during cleaning.

The V6 Animal boasts a runtime of up to 20 minutes on a full charge, which may not be sufficient for extensive cleaning sessions.

The dustbin is relatively small, requiring frequent emptying, especially when dealing with pet hair.

The V6 Animal is louder than some other cordless vacuums but not overly disruptive.

The V6 Animal is easy to assemble, use, and maintain. The included attachments are user-friendly and easily swappable.

What We Like

The Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Vacuum is praised for its powerful suction, which effectively picks up pet hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, rugs, and hard floors. The cordless design adds to its convenience, allowing users to clean without the hassle of cords. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.

The V6 Animal comes with a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, enabling users to clean various surfaces and tight spaces. The dustbin is easy to remove and empty, making it a hygienic and convenient process.

The V6 Animal offers a decent run time, providing sufficient cleaning time before needing a recharge. Considering its performance and features, the V6 Animal offers good value for money compared to other cordless vacuums in its category.

What We Don't Like

A common complaint about the Dyson V6 Animal is its short battery life. Users find themselves needing to recharge after cleaning a small apartment or house, making it less than ideal for larger homes.

While effective for general cleaning, some users have found the V6 Animal struggles with heavy dirt, deeply embedded debris, and pet hair embedded in carpets. This suggests its suction power may not be adequate for deep cleaning.

Emptying the dustbin can be a challenge. It requires some maneuvering and can be messy, making it difficult to fully clean.

The V6 Animal is also known for its noisy operation, which may be a concern for noise-sensitive individuals or those who prefer quieter appliances.

Another drawback is the price. While it's a quality product, the V6 Animal comes with a higher price tag compared to other cordless vacuums on the market.

The V6 Animal comes with a limited number of attachments, which may limit its versatility for cleaning various surfaces.

Some users have reported issues with the durability of the vacuum, such as cracking or breaking parts after a period of use.

Cleaning Tasks

The Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Vacuum is particularly well-suited for pet hair removal. Its powerful suction and specialized brush head effectively tackle embedded pet hair on carpets, upholstery, and furniture.

The V6 Animal is also suitable for general dusting and debris removal. Its cordless design and lightweight construction allow for quick clean-ups of floors, countertops, and other surfaces.

While capable of handling general carpet cleaning, the V6 Animal may struggle with deeply embedded dirt or heavy pet hair.

Its crevice tool and upholstery brush attachment make the V6 Animal highly suitable for removing dust, crumbs, and pet hair from furniture.

The V6 Animal's lightweight design and specialized floor head ensure effective cleaning of hard floors, but it may not be as powerful as a corded vacuum for heavier dirt.

The V6 Animal's versatility, with its various attachments, makes it ideal for cleaning car interiors, including seats, floor mats, and crevices.

While capable of tackling general cleaning, the V6 Animal might need frequent battery recharge for heavy use in high-traffic areas.

Its cordless design and lightweight construction make the V6 Animal easy to maneuver up and down stairs.

The extension wand allows you to reach high places, such as cobwebs on ceilings or dust on top of cabinets.

The V6 Animal is a lightweight and cordless vacuum designed for quick clean-ups, not for deep cleaning. Its suction power may not be sufficient for heavy-duty tasks like removing deeply embedded dirt or cleaning large carpets.

Comparison to Other Brands

When comparing cordless stick vacuums, the Dyson V6 Animal, Shark IZ201H (Ninja), Bissell ICONPet, and Eureka PowerSpeed all offer unique features and benefits.

In terms of price, the Eureka PowerSpeed emerges as the most affordable option, priced at $149.99. The other three models, the Dyson V6 Animal, Shark IZ201H, and Bissell ICONPet, all come in at a slightly higher price point of $249.99.

Looking at battery life, the Shark IZ201H takes the lead with a runtime of 40 minutes, outperforming the Dyson V6 Animal's 20 minutes and the Bissell ICONPet and Eureka PowerSpeed's 30 minutes.

When it comes to weight, the Dyson V6 Animal is the lightest option at 4.8 lbs, making it easier to maneuver. The Shark IZ201H is the heaviest at 8.6 lbs, followed by the Bissell ICONPet at 11 lbs and the Eureka PowerSpeed at 6.5 lbs.

Suction power is another important factor, and the Shark IZ201H boasts the strongest suction with 150 AW. The Dyson V6 Animal and Bissell ICONPet both offer 100 AW of suction power, while the Eureka PowerSpeed has 90 AW.

Dustbin capacity is also worth considering. The Bissell ICONPet offers the largest dustbin at 0.3 liters, making it ideal for cleaning larger areas. The Shark IZ201H has a 0.16 liter dustbin, followed by the Eureka PowerSpeed at 0.25 liters and the Dyson V6 Animal at 0.14 liters.

In terms of attachments, the Shark IZ201H provides the most versatility with a motorized brush head, crevice tool, and upholstery tool. The other vacuums also offer a selection of tools, but the Shark IZ201H provides a wider range of options.

Finally, the Bissell ICONPet stands out with its pet-focused features, such as pet-specific tools and LED lights. The Dyson V6 Animal focuses on animal-specific tools, while the Shark IZ201H offers anti-allergen technology, and the Eureka PowerSpeed emphasizes its lightweight design and easy maneuverability.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Not Turning On:

• Check if the battery is charged: Ensure the battery is fully charged by plugging it into the charging dock and checking the power indicator.
• Check if the trigger is locked: Ensure the trigger is not accidentally locked by pressing the lock button.
• Check the power switch: Make sure the power switch is in the "on" position.
• Check for any obstructions in the power button: Clean any debris or dust blocking the power button.
• Check if the battery is properly connected: Ensure the battery is securely attached to the vacuum.
• Check the fuse: If all other checks fail, the fuse may be blown. Replace it with a new one.
• Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.

Weak Suction:

• Check for blockages: Inspect the dustbin, brush bar, and hose for any obstructions. Remove any debris found.
• Clean the filter: Regularly clean the filters, including the pre-motor filter and post-motor filter.
• Check the brush bar: Make sure the brush bar is spinning freely and is not worn or damaged.
• Check the hose: Ensure the hose is not kinked or damaged.
• Clean the dustbin sensor: The dustbin sensor may be blocked by dust or debris. Clean it with a soft brush.
• Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.

Battery Not Charging:

• Check the charging dock: Make sure the charging dock is plugged into a working power outlet.
• Check the battery: Ensure the battery is properly connected to the charging dock.
• Check the charging contacts: Clean any dust or debris from the battery contacts and charging dock contacts.
• Check for damage to the charging cable: Ensure the charging cable is not damaged or frayed.
• Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.

Noise or Vibration:

• Check for blockages: Inspect the dustbin, brush bar, and hose for any obstructions. Remove any debris found.
• Clean the brush bar: Remove any hair or debris wrapped around the brush bar.
• Check the brush bar rollers: Ensure the brush bar rollers are not damaged or worn.
• Check for loose parts: Ensure all parts are securely attached to the vacuum.
• Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.

Power Button Light Blinking:

• The battery needs to be charged: The power button light may blink if the battery is low and needs to be charged.

Brush Bar Not Spinning:

• Check for blockages: Inspect the brush bar for any obstructions. Remove any debris found.
• Check the brush bar belt: Ensure the brush bar belt is not damaged or broken.
• Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.

Dustbin Not Emptying:

• Check the dustbin latch: Ensure the dustbin latch is open and the dustbin is properly released.
• Check the dustbin seal: Ensure the dustbin seal is not damaged or blocked.
• Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.

Vacuum Suddenly Stops Working:

• Check the battery: Ensure the battery is charged.
• Check the power button: Ensure the power button is pressed and the trigger is not locked.
• Check for blockages: Inspect the dustbin, brush bar, and hose for any obstructions. Remove any debris found.
• Check the fuse: The fuse may be blown. Replace it with a new one.
• Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.

Conclusion

The Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Vacuum offers a compelling combination of features and performance for pet owners seeking a convenient and powerful cleaning solution. Its cordless design, lightweight construction, and powerful suction make it easy to maneuver around furniture and tackle embedded pet hair. While its 20-minute runtime may limit its use for extensive cleaning sessions in larger homes, the V6 Animal excels at quick clean-ups and spot cleaning, making it a valuable addition to any pet owner's cleaning arsenal. However, its high price point, relatively small dustbin, and noise level are considerations for potential buyers. Ultimately, the Dyson V6 Animal is a capable and convenient cordless vacuum, particularly suited for pet owners who prioritize lightweight design, powerful suction, and animal-specific cleaning tools.