Roomba Brush Not Spinning? Here’s How to Fix It!

iRobot’s Roomba has become a handy cleaning tool for many households. With technology revamping the way things are done, smart homes just keep getting smarter every day. Who wouldn’t want to clean their house with just a switch of a button? Everyone loves this robotic vacuum cleaner. However, at times, many users find their Roomba brush not spinning. 

A stuck spinning brush may defeat the entire purpose of the vacuum. Your Roomba would then just be moving around your house without picking up any dirt/dust. But don’t worry! In most cases, a Roomba brush can be fixed by following some simple steps. Keep reading to know all about it! Let’s fix some brushes!  

Why is the brush not spinning on my Roomba?

Your Roomba brush may stop spinning if dirt, hair, dust, or any other contaminants are stuck underneath it, causing a jam. When accumulated over a long period, this debris may cause your Roomba brush to slow down or jam altogether. In other cases, your device’s motor may have some electrical issue that might need repairs. 

Be mindful that your Roomba brushes will not spin when the device is undertaking a mapping run, i.e., when it is getting itself familiar with the space it has to clean. However, when you have turned it on to begin cleaning and you do not hear any noise during the vacuuming, it’s a clear indication that the brushes aren’t spinning. 

Another way to identify the issue is to check if Roomba is picking up debris while cleaning. If it is not cleaning when it is supposed to be, you will know something is definitely wrong.

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How do I fix my Roomba brushes?

The debris that accumulates underneath your brushes can be the primary cause of a jam, stopping the brushes from spinning. There is a fix for this: just clean those brushes! Most users do not know how to clean them, though. They end up taking unnecessary and inappropriate cleaning measures (for example, immersing the brushes in water- yikes!). 

I have used the example of the Roomba 600 series to help you fix your Roomba brushes (the main brushes and the side brush) via a proper and thorough cleaning routine. This version is older, but all Roombas work pretty much the same way with three brushes. Follow this step-by-step routine, and your brushes will get back to work in no time. 

Disclaimer: You are advised to clean all your Roomba brushes after every vacuum round to avoid any operational difficulties and errors. 

Cleaning the Main Brushes

STEP 1: Remove the brush guard 

Lay your Roomba upside down and apply some downward pressure on the two yellow tabs in front of you. Pressing these tabs will help you unlock and remove the brush guard to expose your main brushes. 

STEP 2: Remove the main brushes

You will see two brushes inside; the thicker one is the bristle brush, and the thinner one is the flexible beater brush. Remove both brushes gently from the cleaning head. 

STEP 3: Clean under and around the brush bearings

Carefully remove the yellow brush bearings from each type of brush. While removing, clean any debris you may spot under and around the bearings, and between the bearings and the brushes.  

STEP 4: Use iRobot’s cleaning tool to clean the brushes

As part of the Roomba package you receive on purchase, you will be provided with all necessary accessories to help you use and maintain your Roomba robot vacuum. This will include a cleaning tool, as shown below. Use this tool to easily remove hair from the bristle brush by pulling both sides of the tool along the length of the brush. 

STEP 5: Replace the bearings and reinstall the brushes

Secure the bearings back into place after cleaning thoroughly and put them back in the cleaning head. Make sure that the bearings are placed correctly. 

STEP 6: Close the brush guard

Now that you are done cleaning the main brushes, close the brush guard by pressing gently onto the yellow tabs on either side. 

Your main brushes are all clean now, almost as good as new. But we are still not there yet. You must clean the side brush now. Don’t worry; it will not take long. 

Cleaning the Side Brush

STEP 1: Unscrew the side brush

You will need a flat-headed screwdriver to unscrew the side brush in order to remove it from the cleaning head. Gently loosen the screw and take the side brush out. 

STEP 2: Clean below the side brush

Remove any dirt, hair, or debris from the place where the side brush sits in your Roomba. It would also be a good idea to check and clean under the side brush itself. 

STEP 3: Screw the side brush back in

Replace the side brush in its place and screw it back in. Do not lose the screw, as you would then have to go through the hassle of finding a similar one. 

Now, you are good to go. All your brushes have been thoroughly cleaned. If any debris was coming in the way of your Roomba brushes spinning and doing their job, it’s all fixed now! Switch your Roomba on to test it and see how it works. It should be back to normal in most cases.

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Are your brushes still not spinning?

However, suppose your Roomba brushes are not spinning even after this cleaning routine. In that case, you may need to consider calling in help from a technician- either from the company or some other repair service. Your motor may be weak or have lubricant issues which may jam your side brush or slow it down. The wiring could also be loose or faulty. 

Call iRobot’s customer support in this case. Explain the issue to them and ask them to get your device checked by their technician if their troubleshooting steps do not help you. They may even send you a warranty replacement if any parts of your Roomba are damaged or if the entire device needs replacement. 

How do you change the spin brush on a Roomba?

The spin brush on a Roomba is the side brush that looks pretty delicate. You may feel the need to replace it due to wear and tear. Changing this spin brush on your Roomba may seem like a daunting task, but it’s not all that bad. You just need to unscrew the old brush and screw in the new one. 

You will need a screwdriver for this task. It will not take that long; it just took me a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:

• Use the screwdriver to loosen the screw that is holding your old side spin brush in place.
• Pull the old brush out. You may want to clean the area it was sitting on if you spot any dirt or debris.
• Your new brush will also come with a screw. Place the brush in its position in the cleaning head and tighten its screw. 

You are good to go! The installation was as easy and quick as that. 

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How do I get my Roomba brushes back in?

You may have removed your Roomba brushes to replace them or to simply clean them. If this is your first time dealing with a Roomba, you may face difficulty in getting all your brushes back in place correctly. Incorrect placement can create errors on your device.

Follow my step-by-step guide to place your main brushes and your side brush back into the cleaning head. I have used a Roomba i7 for this guide. This version of the Roomba does not involve any brush bearings like the one I referred to before. Here is what you need to do:

Getting the Main Brushes Back in Place

These brushes are the main, big roller brushes that you can spot easily on your cleaning head. You must have opened the brush guard’s lever (found near one end of the brushes) to remove the brushes. Let’s put them back in. It will not take long. 

STEP 1: Place the roller brushes back in one by one

Line the brushes carefully into the tube from the right end, and you will notice that the left end of the brushes just falls back into place somewhat comfortably. 

STEP 2: Push the lever down

After you have pushed your brushes back in, you must push the lever down to secure them in place. Do this gently but firmly to avoid damaging the lever. 

Getting the Side Spin Brush Back in Place

Most people have difficulty with this part. But if you have successfully removed the side brush, it will not be hard for you to put it back in. Keep a screwdriver handy to get the side brush in and out. Here’s how you can do it:

STEP 1: Put the side brush in its place

You know where the side brush goes back. A small circle is designated for this brush. Put it back in its place. 

STEP 2: Screw the brush in

Tighten the screw inside your side brush to secure it back into place. If you are putting in a new side brush, it will come with its own screw. 

Replacing both sets of brushes will not take long. It took me hardly 5-6 minutes to get both of them back in place. Just ensure that you have secured all brushes appropriately to avoid any complications! 

How often should you replace a Roomba side brush?

The company suggests that you replace a Roomba side brush every 6 to 12 months. However, most users find that their device’s side brushes work well for at least a year, without replacement. You do not need to proactively keep changing your Roomba side brush unless there is visible damage or breakage. In that case, a replacement would be necessary. 

Replacements of parts in a Roomba depend on the user. Some may use the device more often than others, leading to relatively more significant wear and tear. Keep track of your device’s condition. Rest assured, you may not even need to replace any brushes for as long as two years! Yes, that is a real example of an actual customer’s experience! 

What does Roomba side brush do?

The Roomba side brush is designed to reach along edges and corners to collect debris from areas that are not very accessible otherwise. It looks very delicate and fragile. Excessive clutter and bumping against obstacles can damage it. However, if used appropriately and cleaned regularly, a side brush can last a very long time without needing frequent replacement. 

How do I test my Roomba brush motor?

The easiest and quickest way to test a Roomba brush motor would be with the help of a 9V battery. Just connect the 9V battery to your motor’s – and + terminals. If the motor starts spinning properly, it means that it is working fine. 

If you do not know how to remove the motor brush from your Roomba, here is a quick guide:

STEP 1: Remove the 6 screws from the base of your Roomba and remove the bottom plate

This includes the screw holding your side brush in place, as indicated below. 

STEP 2: Unscrew the 2 screws that hold your brush motor in place

As a safety precaution, make sure you pop the battery out before doing this. 

STEP 3: Simply remove the brush motor and test it

You can check for and clean any gunk or grease stuck in the motor gears as well while doing this. 

STEP 4: Putting the components back in

Put all the screws and components back in place in a reverse order to restore your Roomba to its functional state. 

Wrapping up my thoughts on the Roomba brush failing to spin!

A Roomba brush not spinning could mean a lot of things. Primarily, accumulated dirt, debris, and gunk can create this issue. Be sure to keep your Roomba in a hygienic state. As discussed above, you need to check and clean all brushes after every vacuum run. It would also be a good idea to check the brush motor and its module once in a while! 

Also, do not be alarmed if your brushes do not spin during a mapping run! They are not supposed to!