Operating Xiaomi's wireless vacuum cleaners and Dreame's sub-brand requires periodic maintenance, and one of the keys is to properly clean or replace the main turbobrush. Over time, hair, animal hair and thread are wound up on the shaft, which can lead to a decrease in suction capacity or even a breakdown in the nozzle engine. Many owners, when they try to remove the brush, make the mistake of using excessive physical force where it is enough to press a hidden button or turn the lock.
The Chinese giant’s modern cleaning and dry vacuum cleaners have evolved significantly. While the early V9 or V10 series had relatively simple disassembly mechanisms, new flagships like the Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner G10 or Dreame V12 have introduced sophisticated rapid replacement systems without the use of tools. However, the lack of visible bolts often baffles the user. Mistakes can lead to breakages in plastic latches that are extremely difficult to repair at home.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the brush removal algorithms for different device categories, from classic vertical models to robot vacuum cleaners and detergent systems. You will learn where to look for hidden locks, how to safely remove the shaft for cleaning, and what features the anti-tangled hair system in the latest versions of firmware and hardware. Proper care will prolong the life of your gadget and keep the warranty.
Features of the design of the nozzles Xiaomi and Dreame
The main difference between the original nozzles and cheap ones lies in the mounting system and engine balancing. Xiaomi devices often use Quick Release, which allows you to disconnect the pipe from the main brush at the touch of a button. However, the brush head itself has its own locks that protect the internal components from moisture and dust. Understanding how your model is designed is critical before you start any manipulation.
Most electric dry vacuum cleaners have a removable shaft. This is not just an option to clean, but a necessity, since the shaft bearings require lubrication or replacement over time. At the same time, in the Xiaomi Wet Dry series of washing vacuum cleaners, the design is sealed, and "removing the brush" there means dismantling the entire sole module, which is done differently. It is important not to confuse these concepts so as not to damage the sealing gums.
💡
Always disconnect the vacuum cleaner from charging and remove the battery (if the design permits) before any work with the electric part of the brush, even if it is wireless.
It's worth noting that some models, like the Dreame T20 or Xiaomi G9, use a dual lock system: the first locks the pipe and nozzle connection, and the second holds the cover of the engine compartment of the brush itself. If you feel resistance, don't press. Plastic latches at the wrong angle of inclination can break, after which the nozzle will fall out during cleaning.
Instructions: how to remove a brush from vertical vacuum cleaners (G9, G10, V11)
For the owners of the popular G and V series, the process of dismantling the main turbobrush looks the most standardized, but it has its own nuances: first of all, you need to disconnect the extension pipe. To do this, press the lock button on the end of the pipe and pull it up, then you will have the motorized head itself. To get to the shaft, you need to flip the device.
At the bottom of the brush, in the area where the shaft is attached to the body (usually on the left or right side, less often on both), there are fixtures. In Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner G10 models, these are often swivel plugs. They need to be turned counterclockwise using a coin or a wide flat screwdriver if you can not turn your fingers. In older versions, such as the V9 or V10, cross screwdrivers hidden under rubber plugs can be used.
☑️ The turbobrush removal algorithm
Once the side caps are removed, the shaft is removed freely. Notice the drive belt (if you have one in your model, direct drive is often used in new ones). If the belt is stretched or cracked, it must be replaced. When assembled, make sure that the shaft is placed in the grooves to the end and the plugs are latched with a characteristic sound. A loosely closed lid will lead to loss of tightness and dust sucking into the engine.
⚠️ Warning: Never force the shaft out unless the fixators are unlocked.The anti-tangle hair mechanism on the shaft can have sharp edges that will damage the arms or insides of the body if forcibly removed.
Disassembly of washing vacuum cleaners Xiaomi Wet Dry
Cleaning vacuum cleaners like the Xiaomi Mijia Wireless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner are fundamentally different in design. It doesn't have a classic bristle shaft, but a soft-material roller (often microfibre) and a water supply system. Removing the cleaning head in these devices is required to replace a dirty tank or clean a water supply channel. The process begins with removing a clean water tank.
The front of the unit, where the sole is located, usually has a button or unlock lever. In some versions, you need to press the lock and simultaneously pull the entire sole module forward or down. Inside you will see a roller. It is attached to special axles. To remove it, you need to snap the side cover of the roller compartment. Often it is held on powerful latches that require confident but careful pressing.
After removing and cleaning the roller, you need to check the condition of the sealing rubber bands and channels for draining dirty water. If you damage the seal during assembly, the vacuum cleaner will begin to lose water, which can lead to a short circuit of the electronics located in the immediate vicinity of the cleaning area.
What to do if the roller does not rotate?
Specificity of dismantling the brush in robot vacuum cleaners
In the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum, Roborock and Dreame Bot series of robot vacuum cleaners, the main brush (the main roller) is a consumable. No tools are needed to replace or clean it. You just flip the robot over, find the locking legs on both sides of the main brush and throw them away. New models, such as the Roborock S7 or Xiaomi S10+, use a quick-shaft system that can be removed by simply pulling a special tongue after one side is reclined.
The side brush deserves special attention. It is attached to the screw or to the latch. In models with a screw attachment (most often the screw screw is in the center of the brush), you need to carefully twist the screw. Be careful: the screw is small and can easily get lost in the carpet pile. In models with a latch (for example, some versions of the Mijia 1C), you just need to pull the brush up, previously unlocking the lock.
When installing a new brush or returning a cleaned one, it is important to observe the direction of rotation. The ends of the roller always have arrow markings or color designations (blue/red end). If you confuse the sides, the brush will work inefficiently or start throwing garbage out from under the robot, rather than sucking it. The robot navigation system may also incorrectly assess the quality of cleaning when the consumables are installed incorrectly.
| Model of the device | Shaft attachment type | Tool. | Frequency of cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi G9 / G10 | Side caps (turning) | Coin/Driver | Once every 2 weeks |
| Dreame V11 / V12 | Latches + screws (in some revisions) | Cross screwdriver | Once a month |
| Xiaomi Wet Dry | Removable sole module | No tool. | After every cleaning. |
| Robot Vacuum S10 | Quick-release legs | No tool. | Once a week. |
💡
The main difficulty in robot vacuum cleaners is not to lose a small screw attaching the side brush and correctly orient the main roller by colored markers.
Cleaning and maintenance of the turbobrush
Once you've managed to remove the brush from the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner, the maintenance phase begins. The main problem of all models without exception is the hair and wool on the shaft. Even the presence of anti-entanglement technology (V-bristles) does not guarantee 100% protection, especially if there are long-haired animals in the house. Use scissors or a special knife that comes with a kit to cut the hair cocoon along the shaft.
Remember to clean not only the shaft itself, but also the inner walls of the brush body. There often accumulates fine dust, which eventually turns into a dense plaque. This plaque can make it difficult to rotate the shaft and put additional stress on the motor of the nozzle. Use dry cloth or soft brush to remove. Use water to wash the body of an electric brush is prohibited unless the instructions for a particular model (for example, Dreame H12) indicate otherwise.
Pay special attention to the bearings of the shaft. If the shaft continues to hum or rotates tightly after cleaning, the grease may have dried. In such cases, you can drop one drop of silicone oil (not WD-40, because it washes the grease!) on the rotation axis. This will restore the quietness of the work. However, if the bearing has a backlash, it is easier to order a new shaft than to try to repair the old one.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to wash an electric turbobrush under the tap or immerse it in water unless it is a specialized nozzle for a washing vacuum cleaner.
Typical errors and problems in removal
The most common mistake is to try to remove the brush without detaching the extension pipe. In Xiaomi models, the pipe often blocks access to the locks or creates unnecessary stress in the design. Always work with a separate brush head. Also, users often forget to check whether large debris (stones, Lego toys) is stuck in the pipe, which mechanically blocks the disassembly mechanism.
Another problem is the loss of small parts. The screws, plugs and springs are very small. It is recommended that you do all the work on a light table, pre-covered it with a white cloth, so that the fallen part is immediately noticeable. If you lose the screw of the attachment of the side brush of the robot, do not leave the hole open, there may be dust in the engine, which will lead to breakage.
Sometimes users confuse the direction of the locks unscrewing. Remember the rule: the right screw (most mounts) spins counterclockwise. However, some Xiaomi engineering solutions may also have reverse threads or specific latches. If the mechanism does not lend itself, do not use force - it is better to carefully read the instructions or watch a video review specifically for your revision of the device, as they may differ.