How to Take Apart a Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner

Taking apart a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner can seem intimidating, but with the right steps and a little patience, you can do it safely and confidently. Whether you need to clear a clog, change a belt, clean the brushroll, or wash the filters, this guide will walk you through disassembly and reassembly in simple, beginner-friendly language. You’ll learn how to identify your model, what tools you need, how to open up the cleaner head and body, and how to put everything back together without losing screws or damaging parts.

Before You Start: Know Your Dirt Devil

Identify Your Model

Look for the model number on a sticker or plate, usually found on the back of the vacuum, under the dirt cup, or near the power cord entry point. Knowing your model helps you find the right manual and parts. Some Dirt Devil models have a quick-release brushroll, while others require removing a bottom plate. If you can’t find the manual, most are available on Dirt Devil’s website by searching the model number.

Bagless vs. Bagged

Most modern Dirt Devils are bagless with a removable dirt cup and filters. If you have a bagged model, you will remove the bag compartment cover and the bag first before going deeper. Bagless models will involve taking out the dirt cup, cyclone assembly (if present), and filters before accessing other parts.

Upright, Stick, or Handheld

Upright vacuums typically have a brushroll in a floorhead with a belt connected to a motor. Stick vacuums are slimmer and often have fewer screws, but similar steps. Handhelds are the simplest: you usually remove the dirt cup and filter, then open the nozzle area to access blockages. The instructions below focus on common upright steps, with notes for stick and handheld variations.

Tools and Setup

What You’ll Need

1) Phillips screwdriver (most Dirt Devils use this). 2) Small flat screwdriver or a dull butter knife for prying clips. 3) A coin for twist-lock fasteners (some bottom plates use them). 4) Scissors or a seam ripper to cut hair from the brushroll. 5) A soft brush or old toothbrush for dusting. 6) Mild dish soap and warm water for washable parts. 7) A dry towel or paper towels. 8) A small container or egg carton to hold screws. 9) Your phone to take photos as you go (very helpful for reassembly).

Prepare Your Workspace

Unplug the vacuum or remove the battery if cordless. Work on a clean floor or table with good lighting. Lay down an old towel to catch dust. As you remove parts, arrange them in the order you took them off, from left to right. Keep screws grouped by location. Taking quick photos at each step will save you time later.

Safety and Warranty Notes

Always unplug before disassembly. If your vacuum is under warranty, opening the motor housing may void it. Routine maintenance like removing the dirt cup, filters, and brushroll is usually safe. Avoid getting any electrical or motor components wet. If anything smells like burning or the wires look damaged, stop and consult a professional.

Quick Clean Without Full Tear-Down

Empty the Dirt Cup or Replace the Bag

For bagless models, press the release button, remove the dirt cup, and open the bottom latch over a trash bin. Tap gently to loosen fine dust. If your model has a removable cyclone assembly inside the cup, lift it out and tap it clean. For bagged models, open the bag compartment, slide out the bag carefully, and replace with a new one of the correct type.

Clean or Wash Filters

Check for foam, felt, or HEPA filters. Most pre-motor foam filters are washable with mild soap and water. Rinse until clear and squeeze out excess water without twisting. Let them air-dry completely for 24 hours. Do not wash HEPA cartridges unless the label says washable. A dusty HEPA filter can be gently tapped or brushed, but replace it if it’s clogged or damaged.

Check for Simple Clogs

Detach the hose and look through it. If you see a blockage, push it out gently with a broom handle. Inspect the wand and the inlet near the brushroll. Clear any debris at the air pathways by hand. Many suction issues vanish after clearing a simple clog.

Step-by-Step Disassembly (Common Dirt Devil Upright)

1) Remove Dirt Cup and Filters

Press the cup release and set the dirt cup aside. Remove the pre-motor filter, and if accessible, the exhaust (post-motor) filter. This reduces dust and gives you access to the main airflow path. If your model has a cyclone insert, twist or lift it out and set it aside for cleaning.

2) Detach the Hose and Accessories

Pull off the hose from both ends if possible. Remove the wand and any tools. This gives you better access around the base and prevents them from falling during the process. Check for hair and debris at the hose cuffs and rinse the hose with warm water if it’s washable. Let it dry fully before reassembly.

3) Lay the Vacuum Down and Inspect the Base

Lay the vacuum on its back to expose the brushroll area. You’ll see a bottom plate held by screws or clips. Look for arrows, lock symbols, or small icons indicating which way to turn fasteners. If there are visible hair tangles around the brushroll, cut them carefully along the grooves provided.

4) Remove the Bottom Plate

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws at the corners or along the edges of the plate. Keep the screws in a labeled spot. Some models use twist locks; turn them with a coin a quarter-turn to release. Lift the plate away gently. If it doesn’t lift, check for hidden screws under wheels or stickers.

5) Release the Brushroll and Belt

Once the plate is off, you’ll see the brushroll and the belt looped to a small motor shaft. Pull the brushroll up from one end, then slide it out of the belt. The belt may be tensioned; note the path before removing it. Take a photo of the belt routing so you can reinstall it correctly later.

6) Clean the Brushroll and End Caps

Pull off removable end caps if present. Hair and string often wind under the caps or around bearings. Use a seam ripper or scissors to cut hair along the brushroll grooves and pull it off by hand. If the brush bristles are flattened, wash the brushroll with mild soap and warm water, then let it dry fully.

7) Access the Nozzle and Air Path

With the brushroll out, inspect the nozzle airway. Use a small brush to sweep dust from corners. If your model allows, remove the front or side covers by taking out additional screws to get deeper access to the air channel. Don’t force clips; if something resists, double-check for hidden fasteners.

8) Optional: Open the Motor Housing (Advanced)

Only do this if you suspect a belt path issue, a broken fan, or trapped debris near the motor. Remove screws on the upper housing or side cover that surrounds the motor area. Keep track of screw lengths; some are longer and must go back in the same holes. Do not let any liquid near the motor or wiring. If you see damaged wiring, stop and seek professional repair.

Step-by-Step Disassembly (Stick and Handheld Variations)

Stick Vacuum Basics

Remove the dirt cup and filters first. Detach the wand from the floor head. The brushroll cover on stick vacuums often pops off with a coin twist or small screws. Lift the cover, slide out the brushroll, and remove hair and debris. Some sticks have a removable battery; slide it out before going further. The nozzle air path can be inspected and cleaned with a small brush.

Handheld Vacuum Basics

Press the release to remove the front nozzle or dirt cup. Take out the filter. Most blockages on handhelds sit just behind the nozzle or inside the short airway. If needed, remove a few small screws to open the nozzle housing. Wash the dirt cup and washable filters, and let them dry completely before reassembly.

Cleaning Each Part the Right Way

Plastic Bins and Cyclone Assemblies

Wash dirt cups and plastic cyclone parts (if removable and not labeled “do not wash”) with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Use a bottle brush to reach inside. Rinse well and air-dry fully. If the cyclone is not removable or not washable, tap it gently to release dust and use a dry brush.

Filters: Foam, Felt, and HEPA

Foam filters: Rinse until water runs clear, then press gently to remove water. Felt pads: Many are not washable; replace if clogged. HEPA cartridges: Replace every 6–12 months, or tap gently to remove surface dust if non-washable. Never reinstall damp filters; moisture can damage the motor and promote odors.

Brushroll, End Caps, and Bearings

Remove hair and lint from the brushroll. If end caps pop off, clean out wound hair and wipe the surfaces. If you feel grinding when spinning the brushroll by hand, the bearings may be worn. Replace the brushroll if the bristles are severely worn or if the ends wobble.

Hoses, Wands, and Tools

Rinse hoses with warm water if the manufacturer allows it. Hang them vertically to dry for at least 24 hours. For wands, knock out debris and wipe with a damp cloth. Tools with small air channels can be brushed clean; avoid soaking parts with metal springs or electrical connectors.

Motor Vents and Exterior

Use a dry brush or a slightly damp cloth to wipe vent openings. Do not spray cleaners into vents. If there’s a dusty smell, replace filters and wipe the housing thoroughly. Never immerse the vacuum body or motor compartments in water.

Reassembly and Testing

Reinstall the Belt and Brushroll

Place the belt around the motor shaft first, then loop it over the brushroll’s belt groove. Insert one end of the brushroll into its socket, then the other, ensuring the belt is centered and has proper tension. The brushroll should spin with some resistance from the belt, not freely.

Refit the Bottom Plate and Housing

Align the bottom plate tabs and press it into place. Insert screws and tighten them snugly, but do not overtighten and strip the plastic. Reattach any side covers or clips you removed. Stand the vacuum upright and reconnect the hose, wand, and tools.

Filters and Dirt Cup

Install the fully dry filters in their correct order. Add the cyclone assembly if removed. Lock the dirt cup in place until it clicks. If anything feels loose, remove and re-seat it; a poor seal can cause loss of suction.

Final Checks

Plug in the vacuum or insert the battery. Turn it on briefly. Listen for smooth operation. Check that the brushroll spins when set to carpet mode and that suction is strong. If you hear rattling, power off and check for a missed screw or misaligned part.

Troubleshooting After Reassembly

Weak Suction

Check that the dirt cup and filters are seated correctly and the hose is fully connected. Look for lingering clogs at the inlet or hose cuffs. Verify the bottom plate is not warped and that the seals around the nozzle are intact. If the HEPA filter is old, replace it.

Brush Not Spinning

Confirm the brushroll height and power settings. Remove the bottom plate again and check the belt. If it’s stretched, cracked, or slips easily, replace it. Ensure the brushroll ends are seated fully in their sockets and that the belt is correctly aligned on the motor shaft.

Loud Noise, Rubbing, or Burning Smell

Turn off immediately. Look for a misaligned brushroll, a trapped object in the nozzle, or a belt rubbing off-track. A burning rubber smell usually means the belt is slipping or jammed. Re-seat or replace the belt and clear any obstructions. If you suspect motor issues, seek service.

Maintenance Schedule and Tips

Weekly or Every Few Uses

Empty the dirt cup before it reaches the max line. Remove hair from the brushroll regularly to prevent belt strain. Wipe vents and the exterior. Do a quick hose check if suction drops.

Monthly

Wash foam filters and let them dry 24 hours. Rinse the dirt cup and cyclone parts if washable. Inspect the belt and brushroll for wear. Check seals and gaskets for cracks.

Every 6–12 Months

Replace HEPA or non-washable filters. Replace the belt if it shows wear, squeals, or has lost tension. Consider replacing the brushroll if bristles are worn down or uneven.

Smart Habits

Pick up large debris, strings, and wet materials before vacuuming to avoid clogs. Store the vacuum in a dry area. Keep a small “vacuum kit” with spare belts, filters, and a screwdriver so maintenance is quick and easy.

When to Call for Service

Know Your Limits

If you find damaged wiring, smell electrical burning, see cracked motor mounts, or the motor fan is broken, stop. These issues require professional tools and expertise. If your vacuum is new and still under warranty, contact Dirt Devil support before opening the motor housing.

Conclusion

Simple Steps Keep Your Dirt Devil Running Strong

Disassembling a Dirt Devil vacuum is mostly about patience and order. Start with the dirt cup and filters, open the base to access the brushroll and belt, clear the airways, and clean each part carefully. Keep screws organized, take photos as you go, and never rush reassembly. With these beginner-friendly steps, you can fix common problems like clogs, weak suction, and a jammed brush. A little regular maintenance will keep your vacuum performing well, extend its life, and make your home cleaning easier week after week.