Dyson DC17 Project

Hello everyone! So I've recently decided to dive into the world of (older) Dyson and just picked up this DC17 on FB marketplace for $30 USD. I believe this is a Total Clean model but I'm not entirely sure since the label is gone. I do know it is a later model (seller said around 2012 ish).

Everything seems to work however there is a noted lack of suction, so after doing some reading and watching some videos I decided the best course of action would be to take the cyclone apart and boy I'm glad I did. This thing was absolutely filthy and plugged up! Interestingly this model only has the single cyclone where as every one I've seen a video on has 2, which points to this being a later model.

The HEPA filter definitely needs to be changed but I'm not sure if the pre motor filter needs to be replaced or if a wash would be enough.

I've also noticed that the U pipe going up to the hose doesn't make a full seal with the upper pipe, I feel like it should be on there better.

So I'm going to throw the cyclone parts in the dishwasher (minus the painted top), do I run it with just water or what kind of cleaning agent should I use for this? I'm new to this but having a lot of fun learning.

Photos... < > Photo 1 of 11 View Full Size


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Post# 459665 1/22/2023 at 13:26 by WilliamNilliam (Michigan)
Checkrate/Likes Hello everyone! So I've recently decided to dive into the world of (older) Dyson and just picked up this DC17 on FB marketplace for $30 USD. I believe this is a Total Clean model but I'm not entirely sure since the label is gone. I do know it is a later model (seller said around 2012 ish). Everything seems to work however there is a noted lack of suction, so after doing some reading and watching some videos I decided the best course of action would be to take the cyclone apart and boy I'm glad I did. This thing was absolutely filthy and plugged up! Interestingly this model only has the single cyclone where as every one I've seen a video on has 2, which points to this being a later model. The HEPA filter definitely needs to be changed but I'm not sure if the pre motor filter needs to be replaced or if a wash would be enough. I've also noticed that the U pipe going up to the hose doesn't make a full seal with the upper pipe, I feel like it should be on there better. So I'm going to throw the cyclone parts in the dishwasher (minus the painted top), do I run it with just water or what kind of cleaning agent should I use for this? I'm new to this but having a lot of fun learning. Photos... < > Photo 1 of 11 View Full Size

Post# 459669 , Reply# 1 1/22/2023 at 14:51 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)
Checkrate/Likes 1 You can try washing the pre filter out in the washing machine. I did mine before with hot water and bleach in my front loader, it came out looking like brand new.

Post# 459670 , Reply# 2 1/22/2023 at 14:54 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Also you can use dishwasher detergent in the dishwasher, Cascade or Kirkland pods is what I like using.

Post# 459671 , Reply# 3 1/22/2023 at 15:12 by WilliamNilliam (Michigan)
Checkrate/Likes Cool, thanks! Just wanted to make sure that regular dishwashing detergent wouldn't damage the parts somehow. Always good to be sure especially since I've not done this before. I'll definitely try that filter washing trick.

Post# 459713 , Reply# 4 1/24/2023 at 06:18 by wstonehockertv (North Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *williamnilliam* Welcome to vacuumland. And my name is also William. Coincidence, eh?

Post# 459720 , Reply# 5 1/24/2023 at 09:43 by dysonman1 (the county)
Checkrate/Likes 1 The reason that the high efficiency cyclones are clogged is that the rubber fine dust collector seal was not in place, allowing dirt to be drawn 'up'. This issue was something we dealt with a lot during the run of the '17'. Gluing the fine dust collector seal in place so it doesn't move was the solution to that problem. There's enough dirt on your Hepa filter to indicate much dirt in the fan curves. That will make the machine run loud. Removing and washing the revolving fan will correct that issue.

Post# 459726 , Reply# 6 1/24/2023 at 13:26 by WilliamNilliam (Michigan)
Checkrate/Likes *Dysonman,* When I first got it I did notice that the seal was getting caught on one of the tabs at the base of the bin, but otherwise its intact. I think the heat of the dishwasher helped it go back to its normal shape and doesn't get caught as easily now. I'll just make sure to be careful every time I empty it. So continuing on, I got the cyclone washed out and back together, washed the pre-motor filter really good, and it works beautifully now! Almost a night and day difference. Tested it out in my bedroom and I'm really impressed how much it picked up. Extremely pleased with it. This thing cleaned up incredibly well. Also the upright microswitch was being very finicky so while I had the bottom open I just decided to disable it, now I have to turn the brush off manually with the button which I'm more than fine with. Photos... < > Photo 1 of 5 View Full Size