Dyson V11 User Manual
This manual provides comprehensive guidance for operating and maintaining your Dyson V11 vacuum cleaner.
In the box
Your machine may come with one or more of the following cleaner heads and tools. Not all items will be included with every model.
- Vacuum cleaner with click-in battery: The main unit featuring the handle and bin.
- Illuminated cleaner head: Designed to make invisible dust visible on hard floors. Features a soft fluffy brush bar and an electrical connector for the wand or machine.
- Digital Motorbar™ cleaner head: Equipped with Dyson DLS™ technology that monitors brush bar resistance and adapts power across different floor types. Features de-tangling vanes to automatically clear wrapped hair.
- Wall dock: A dock that attaches to a wall with screws, allowing the vacuum to charge and be stored.
- Charger: A one-piece unit with a plug, connector, and cable for charging the machine, usable with or without the wall dock.
- Main body: The primary component of the vacuum, including the handle and bin assembly.
- Additional click-in battery: An optional extra battery that can be purchased separately.
- Wand: Connects the bin to the cleaner head or tool, with a narrow connector at the top and a wider end at the bottom.
- Combination tool: A versatile tool combining a wide nozzle and brush for quick switching between cleaning and dusting tasks.
- Crevice tool: Engineered for precise cleaning in narrow spaces and tricky edges.
- Extension hose: Adds up to 61cm (24in) of flexible reach for cleaning high or low areas.
- Hair screw tool: A motor-driven tool for smaller spaces with an anti-tangle conical brush bar that spirals hair off and into the bin.
- Light pipe crevice tool: A crevice tool with LED lights to illuminate dark, narrow spaces.
- Low-reach adaptor: Bends to comfortably reach under low furniture by adjusting the wand angle up to 90°.
- Soft dusting brush: Features pliable bristles and a felt bumper strip for gentle, vacuum-assisted dusting of delicate objects.
- Stubborn dirt brush: Equipped with stiff nylon bristles to dislodge ground-in dirt from coarse carpets and high-traffic areas.
- Up-top adaptor: Bends and locks at different angles to fit compatible tools for cleaning hard-to-reach high areas.
- Fabric and mattress tool: Removes dust, dirt, and allergens from mattresses and upholstery.
- Wand clip: A plastic clip that attaches to the wand to hold tools.
Getting started
Your machine has three power modes for different tasks, which can be changed using a single button.
- Eco mode: Provides maximum run time for longer cleans. The LCD screen displays a green battery icon.
- Auto/Med mode: Offers an optimum balance of power and run time. Suction power automatically adapts to dust levels when the Digital Motorbar™ cleaner head is attached. The LCD screen displays a blue battery icon.
- Boost mode: Designed for intensive spot cleaning of ground-in dirt. Provides maximum power but has the shortest battery life. The LCD screen displays a red battery icon.
The machine connects to the wand via a release button located at the top of the main body.
The LCD screen
The LCD screen displays performance information, including the selected cleaning mode, remaining run time, filter maintenance status, and blockage alerts.
- Settings menu: Access by pressing and holding the Selection button until the menu appears. Tap to scroll through options.
- Change language: Press and hold the Selection button to access the language list. Tap to scroll to your preferred language and press and hold to confirm. A green tick ✔️ indicates successful selection. You can cancel by releasing the button during the countdown.
- Change alert settings: You can turn off motor pulse alerts, but run time alerts will still display. Blockage alerts cannot be turned off to prevent machine damage. Access via the 'Alerts' option in the settings menu.
Run time countdown: The machine pulses three times and shows a low run time icon when charging is needed. A red warning icon ? appears when the battery is empty.
Battery health: For optimal performance and battery life, use Eco or Auto/Med mode. The battery health is displayed on the screen ?.
Exit settings menu: Navigate to the 'Exit menu' option to return to the main screen.
Caring for your floors
Before vacuuming, check that the underside of your cleaner head or tool is clean and free from objects. Consult manufacturer instructions for your flooring, rugs, and carpets. Be aware that the brush bar may damage certain carpet types or cause fuzzing; in such cases, consider vacuuming without the motorised floor tool and consulting your flooring manufacturer.
Charging your machine
It is important to fully charge your machine before first use and after every clean. This allows the battery and monitoring system's algorithm to learn and accurately display remaining run time. Connect the charger directly to the battery or use the wall dock. Blue LEDs on the battery flash during charging and remain lit for 5 seconds when fully charged. The machine will not operate or charge if the ambient temperature is below 5°C (41°F) to protect the motor and battery.
Changing your click-in battery
To maintain even performance, alternate between click-in batteries if you have more than one.
- Removing your battery: Press the battery release button on the handle and slide the battery off the machine.
- Refitting your battery: Align the battery with the handle and slide it in, pushing firmly until it clicks into place [click].
Emptying your bin
Empty the bin when the dirt reaches the MAX level ⬆️ MAX to avoid affecting performance or requiring more frequent filter washing. To empty:
- Remove your wand by pressing the red wand release button on the top of the wand and pulling it away from the bin.
- Hold the machine over a bin, pointing downwards.
- Firmly push the red bin release button. The bin will slide down, cleaning the shroud, and the bin base will open. Ensure the button is pushed all the way down.
- To minimize dust contact, cover your bin tightly in a dust-proof bag before emptying. Seal the bag and dispose of it.
- Close the bin by pushing the bin base upwards until it clicks into place [click].
Cleaning your bin: If necessary, empty the bin first. Press the red button on the bin runner to release and slide the bin off. Clean the bin with a damp, lint-free cloth only. Ensure the bin and seals are completely dry before replacing. Your bin is not dishwasher safe, and detergents, polishes, or air fresheners are not recommended as they may damage the machine.
Clearing blockages
Disconnect your machine from the charger before checking for blockages. Be careful not to touch the trigger and be aware of sharp objects. Allow the machine to cool down before inspection. Do not use the machine while looking for blockages, as this could cause injury.
If a blockage is detected, the motor will pulse, and the machine will automatically cut out until the blockage is cleared. If you attempt to use the machine while the motor is pulsing, it will shut down.
- Check the main body: Remove the bin and check for blockages in the main body of the machine. Ensure all parts are fitted securely after clearing any obstructions.
- Check the wand and cleaner head: Check the wand and cleaner head for blockages. Follow instructions to remove the brush bar if necessary.
Re-assemble all parts securely before using the machine. Clearing blockages is not covered by the guarantee.
Visual Aid Description: The process involves checking the machine's air inlet (located below where the bin joins the main body), the wand (at both ends), and the cleaner head brush bar and air inlet.
Clearing obstructions from your Digital Motorbar™ cleaner head
Your Digital Motorbar™ cleaner head features a non-washable brush bar. To maintain performance, regularly check and clear any obstructions.
Ensure your machine is disconnected from the charger and powered off.
- Remove your brush bar: Press the cleaner head release button on the end of the wand. Place the cleaner head upside down. Use a coin ? to unlock the end cap by rotating it 90°. Remove the end cap and slide the brush bar out of the cleaner head. Do not wash the end cap.
- Look for obstructions: Clear any debris from the brush bar and inside the cleaner head. Wipe with a damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use dishwashers, detergents, polishes, or air fresheners.
- Replace your brush bar: Ensure the brush bar is completely dry. Reattach the end cap and slide the brush bar back into the cleaner head. Turn the end cap to the locked position.
Visual Aid Description: The end cap lock is rotated 90° to release the brush bar. The removal process shows the lock in a horizontal position (unlock) and the brush bar can be removed. Reassembly shows the end cap attached at an angle less than 90° for proper closure.
Clearing blockages from your Hair screw tool
Your Hair screw tool also has a non-washable brush bar. Regularly check and clear obstructions for optimal performance.
Ensure your machine is disconnected from the charger and avoid touching the trigger.
- Remove the cover and brush bar: Remove the Hair screw tool from the wand or machine. Push the base plate open by pressing the red lever down to release the cleaner head cover. Pull the cover off the main body of the tool.
- Look for obstructions: Pull the brush bar firmly from the main body. Check and remove any obstructions from all three parts of the tool. Wipe with a damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use dishwashers, detergents, polishes, or air fresheners.
- Re-assemble Hair screw tool: Put the brush bar back into position and press firmly until it clicks. Check the red locking lever is unlocked. Align the cleaner head cover with the guide on the main body and push down until it clicks. Push the red locking lever up to lock and push the base plate back into place.
Visual Aid Description: The lever to release the brush bar is located at the back of the Hair screw tool. The housing slides back onto the brush bar, and the lever is pushed upwards to lock.
Washing your filter
Wash your filter at least once a month to maintain optimum suction power. For more information and support videos, visit www.dyson.com/support.
- Twist off your filter: Twist the filter anti-clockwise and pull it away from your machine.
- Tap your filter: Before washing, tap the filter gently over a bin to remove loose dust and debris.
- Wash your filter: Wash with warm, running tap water, gently rubbing with your fingers to remove dirt.
- Fill and shake: Place your hand over one end of the filter, fill it with warm tap water, then place your other hand over the open end and shake firmly to remove trapped dirt and debris. Repeat until the water runs clear.
- Shake and dry: Empty the filter and shake firmly to remove excess water. Keep shaking until no more water comes out. Place the filter end up ⏳ and leave it to dry for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated, warm place. Do not use a tumble dryer, microwave, or near a naked flame. The filter must be completely dry before reinserting into the machine.
Visual Aid Description: The filter is located at the rear of the machine. It is held by the hard plastic end and tapped on the other end. Washing involves running water into the wider end while holding the narrow end. Shaking involves holding the filter with hands over the open ends and shaking.
Washing your Illuminated cleaner head brush bar
Your Illuminated cleaner head has a washable brush bar. Regularly check and wash it for optimal performance.
Ensure your machine is disconnected from the charger and powered off.
- Remove your brush bar: Press the cleaner head release button on the end of the wand. Place the cleaner head upside down. Push the end cap up fully to unlock and pull the brush bar out. Remove the end cap from the brush bar (do not wash it).
- Wash and dry your brush bar: Hold the brush bar under running water and gently rub to remove lint or dirt. Stand the brush bar upright (closed end facing upwards) to dry completely for at least 24 hours.
- Replace your brush bar: Ensure the brush bar is completely dry. Reattach the end cap and slide the brush bar back into the cleaner head. Push the end cap down to the closed position.
- Cleaning your optic lens: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the optic lens clean. Only clean the lens when the cleaner head is not attached to the machine.
Visual Aid Description: The end cap lock is pushed upwards to unlock the brush bar. The brush bar has an open and closed end; it should be stood upright on the closed end to dry. The end cap should be attached at an angle less than 90° for proper closure.
Cleaning your tools
Do not put any part of your machine in a dishwasher or use detergents, polishes, or air fresheners. Wipe tools with a damp, lint-free cloth, avoiding the connector end. Ensure tools are completely dry before use.
Tools include:
- Combination tool
- Crevice tool
- Extension hose
- Light pipe crevice tool
- Low-reach adaptor
- Soft dusting brush
- Stubborn dirt brush
- Up-top adaptor
- Fabric and mattress tool
Looking after your machine
To ensure the best performance, it is important to clean your machine regularly and check for blockages.
- Look after your machine: If dusty, wipe with a damp, lint-free cloth. Check for blockages in the cleaner head, tools, and main body. Wash your filter regularly and allow it to dry completely. Do not use detergents or polishes.
- Look after your battery: Use Eco or Auto/Med mode for best performance and battery life. The machine will not operate or charge if the ambient temperature is below 5°C (41°F).
Your serial numbers: Serial numbers are located on your machine, battery, and charger. Use your serial number to register your product. For more information and support videos, visit www.dyson.com/support.