When tipping back the handle from the upright position, which seems quite hard to do, small amounts of dirt escapes at the front of the cylinder where the seal on the bottom emptying flap is. Also despite cleaning the filters, suction is poor.

Anna, August 2009

For suction, check that the filter hidden beneath the clear drum is clean, and next the fluted plastic pipe that connects the bottom sole plate (with the brush) to the motor area isn't off or split. Suction is usually excellent with the DC07 as far as the flexible wand goes, but less so with the machine upright. In fact, its best to press the sole plate in contact with the carpet with your foot. As for the dirt leak, is the bottom flap locking shut?

John, August 2009