The Dyson DC15, also known as "the ball," is an upright vacuum cleaner designed for domestic use, featuring a unique ball-shaped chassis for enhanced maneuverability. Its primary function is to clean floors, rugs, and carpets, with additional capabilities for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and tight spaces using various tools and accessories.
Function Description:
The DC15 operates by generating powerful suction to pick up dust and debris. It utilizes Dyson's cyclone technology to separate dirt from the airflow, depositing it into a transparent "clear bin." The machine can be used in an upright cleaning position for floors or in wand/hose mode for versatile cleaning with tools. A rotating brushbar is integrated into the cleaner head, which can be turned on for carpets and rugs or off for bare floors and delicate surfaces. The ball design allows for easy steering and navigation around furniture and obstacles.
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The wand slides into the hose until it clicks, and then the wand slots into the top of the machine, clicking into place. The power cord is wound counter-clockwise and secured with a clip. Tools, such as the brush tool, crevice tool, and stair tool, click into designated storage spots.
- Power On/Off: The machine is turned on by plugging it in and pressing the transparent yellow ON/OFF switch.
- Releasing the Cleaner Head: To release the cleaner head and begin vacuuming, the stabilizer is pressed firmly, and the handle is pulled towards the user. The stabilizer wheels must be fully retracted and clicked into place for the brushbar to operate.
- Maneuverability: The DC15's ball design allows for easy steering. Small wrist movements can create a zigzag motion for cleaning around furniture. Twisting the wrist like turning a doorknob enhances maneuverability.
- Brushbar Control: The brushbar automatically turns on when the machine is started and put into the cleaning position. To turn the brushbar OFF for bare or delicate flooring, rugs, and carpets, the red button on the cleaner head is pressed. Pressing it again restarts the brushbar.
- Upright Position: When finished vacuuming, the handle is pushed firmly beyond the upright position to drop the stabilizing wheels, ensuring they are fully locked in place before releasing the machine.
- Wand Mode: To use the wand, the wand cap is pushed back, and the wand is pulled from inside the handle until it clicks. The wand release button is then pressed to separate the hose and wand handle from the machine. The vacuum is designed to follow the user in wand or hose mode. When reattaching the wand, the wand release button should face forward.
- Hose Mode: For hose-only use, the wand is first extended, then the side hose release buttons are pressed to remove the wand handle from the hose, and the hose is pulled to separate it from the wand. Tools can be fitted directly to the end of the hose or wand.
- Stair Cleaning: For safety, the machine should always be placed at the bottom of the stairs when cleaning them.
- Tool Usage: The machine must be in an upright position when using tools. The brushbar will not rotate in the upright position. The wand cap must be closed unless using tools. Powerful suction may cause the hose to "pull back," requiring care during use.
- Optional Accessories:
- Low Reach Floor Tool: Attaches to the wand for easier cleaning under low furniture. It has a rear pedal for carpet mode and a front pedal for bare floors.
- Mini Turbine Head: Removes dirt from upholstery, stairs, and cars. It features brushbars that can be stopped by pushing a button.
- Zorb Carpet Powder: Used for carpet cleaning. Zorb is sprinkled onto the carpet, worked into the pile (with the machine switched off), left for 30 minutes, and then vacuumed.
Maintenance Features:
- Filter Washing: The washable filter should be checked regularly and washed at least every 6 months, or more frequently depending on usage. To wash, the cyclone and clear bin are released from the machine, the filter release button is lifted, and the filter is removed. The blue filter and yellow case are separated and washed in cold water until the water runs clear. The filter must air dry for at least 12 hours or overnight and be completely dry before reattaching. Detergents, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, microwaves, or open flames should not be used.
- Emptying the Clear Bin™: The clear bin should be emptied when the MAX mark is reached. The cyclone and bin are released from the machine.
- Option 1 (Direct Emptying): Push the button to empty directly into trash. Shake or tap firmly to remove all dust from inside the cyclone.
- Option 2 (Bag Emptying): Recommended for allergy sufferers. Place the bin in a bag and push the red bin emptying button. Allow dust to settle, then securely close the bin base before reattaching the cyclone and bin to the machine.
- Cleaning the Clear Bin™ (Optional): Ensure the bin is empty and its base is open. Press catch A to release the clear bin from the cyclone. The shroud can be cleaned with a cloth or dry brush to remove lint. The clear bin can be rinsed with cold water only and must be completely dry before replacing.
- Re-assembling the Clear Bin™: Hold the carry handle, fit the cyclone assembly inside the clear bin, line up the front and rear guides, and push down to click in place. Ensure the clear bin is secure before replacing it on the machine.
- Clearing Blockages: If the machine becomes blocked, it may overheat and shut off automatically. Unplug the machine and allow it to cool for at least 60 minutes.
- Tools, Wand, and Hose: Check for blockages in tools, the wand, and the hose. To remove the hose, rotate its base downwards until it clicks, then pull it away from the machine.
- Airway Inspection Valve: Squeeze the release buttons to remove the airway inspection valve and check inside. Pull the top end of the tube away from the machine and check inside.
- Brushbar: Lay the machine on its side. Undo soleplate fasteners with a coin. Rotate endcaps and remove. Pull out brushbar sections. Cut out debris, avoiding bristles. When replacing brushbars, ensure the ends with the silver pin face outside the vacuum.
- Mini Turbine Head Maintenance: To clean, remove the soleplate, then remove and clean the brushbars. Replace the brushbar and then the soleplate.
Important Safety Notes:
- The machine is for domestic use only. Fine dust (e.g., plaster, flour) should only be vacuumed in very small amounts.
- Do not press the cyclone release button while carrying the machine.
- Ensure the cyclone is securely attached to the machine and do not shake it while carrying.
- Turn power off and unplug before performing any maintenance or checking for blockages.
- Do not use the machine without the clear bin in place.
- Do not use detergents, polishes, or air fresheners to clean the clear bin.
- Do not immerse the cyclone in water.
- Beware of sharp objects when clearing blockages.
- Refit all parts securely before using the machine.
- Do not use the vacuum cleaner outdoors or on wet surfaces. If used in a garage, wipe the soleplate and wheels with a dry cloth after vacuuming to remove sand, dirt, or pebbles that could damage delicate floors.