Machine Overview
- 1. Handle
- 2. Solution trigger (hidden)
- 3. Clean water tank release button
- 4. Clean water tank
- 5. Recline pedal
- 6. Solution tube port
- 7. Dirty water tank release lever
- 8. Dirty water tank carry handle
- 9. Hose port
- 10. Rotating brushbar (hidden)
- 11. On/off pedal
- 12. Power cord release lock
- 13. Power cord (hidden)
- 14. Hose
- 15. Wash tool
- 16. Wash tool solution trigger
- 17. Handle locking pin (hidden)
- 18. Vax pre-treatment carpet cleaning solution
- 19. Pre-treatment wand
- 20. Pre-treatment wand holder
- 21. Vax carpet cleaning solution
- 22. Float chamber filter
NOTE: Some parts may vary according to model. Please check inside flap of box for more details.
General Safety Information
This carpet washer is intended for household use only and NOT for commercial or industrial use. Please keep these instructions for future reference.
When using the carpet washer, basic safety precautions should always be observed:
- Do not leave the carpet washer unattended when plugged in. Unplug the appliance from the socket when not in use.
- Only use the carpet washer indoors on dry surfaces.
- Turn off all controls on the carpet washer before disconnecting or connecting from the mains supply.
- Always unplug the carpet washer before connecting or disconnecting the hose and accessories.
- Always unplug the carpet washer before carrying out any maintenance.
- Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
- This appliance is not intended for use by children under eight years of age and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
- Cleaning and maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
- The appliance should only be used as described in the quick start guide or the full online user guide.
- Only Vax recommended attachments and solutions should be used with this appliance.
- Do not use this carpet washer if it has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into water. Do not use this carpet washer with a damaged cord or plug. If the supply cord is damaged, return the carpet washer to a Vax authorised Service Agent.
- Do not pull or carry this appliance by the cord. Do not use the cord as a handle, close a door on the cord or pull the cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run the carpet washer over the cord. Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
- Do not handle the plug or the carpet washer with wet hands.
- Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts.
- Do not pick up with the machine any hot coals, cigarette butts, matches or any hot, smoking or burning objects.
- Do not pick up with the machine any flammable or combustible materials (lighter fluid, petrol, kerosene etc.) or use the machine in the presence of explosive liquids or vapours.
- Do not use the machine on areas where there may be harmful or toxic material (chlorine, bleach, ammonia, drain cleaner).
- Store the carpet washer in a cool, dry area.
- Do not use an extension cord with this machine.
- Do not carry the appliance while it is switched on.
- To prevent dirty water from running into the motor, do not hold the appliance upside-down or lay it on its side. Use the appliance in a normal cleaning position.
- Do not use without all water tanks and solution tanks in place.
- Do not use the carpet washer unless the carpets have been dry vacuumed thoroughly first.
- Keep the unit on the floor.
- Do not put any objects into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked and do not restrict airflow. Keep all openings free of dust, lint, hair or anything that might reduce airflow.
- Do not attempt to remove blockages with sharp objects as they may cause damage.
- Using improper voltage may result in damage to the motor and possible injury to the user. The correct voltage is listed on the rating label.
- Do not use without all of the filters in place.
- Take extra care when cleaning on the stairs.
- Keep the area you are cleaning well lit.
- Do not unplug the machine by pulling on the cord.
Getting Started
Assembling your carpet washer handle
To assemble the handle, first locate and press the locking pin. Then, insert the handle and refit the locking pin; it will click into place when secured. ??
Assembling your tool caddy and hose (Optional)
For the optional tool caddy and hose: Attach the caddy to the unit, top first, ensuring the locking tabs are horizontal. Rotate the tabs 90 degrees clockwise ? to lock the caddy. Fit the hose connector end first, then wrap the hose tightly around the caddy anti-clockwise. Clip the last wrap of the hose and wash tool. Wrap the solution tube around its holder for storage.
How To Use
Before you begin cleaning
- Do not saturate your carpet.
- Vacuum your carpets thoroughly.
- Test for colourfastness: Wet a white absorbent cloth with the solution. In a small, hidden area of your carpet, gently rub the surface with the dampened cloth. Wait ten minutes and check for colour removal or bleed with white paper towel or cloth. If your carpet has more than one colour, check all colours.
- When cleaning an entire room, move furniture out of the area to be cleaned. If the furniture is too heavy to move, place aluminium foil or wax paper under legs to prevent wood finishes from staining your carpet. Pin up furniture skirts and curtains.
IMPORTANT: Only use Vax carpet cleaning solution. Using other solutions may cause excess foaming, which will prevent the machine from working effectively and invalidate the guarantee.
Operating your pre-treatment wand
Pre-treating your carpet before washing helps remove stubborn stains. Do not saturate your carpet.
To operate the pre-treatment wand: Pour approximately 40ml of pre-treatment solution into the clean water tank, then add warm water (max 40°C) to mix. Ensure the tank cap is tightened before returning it to the unit. Remove the pre-treatment wand from its holder, attach the tube by aligning inserts and turning clockwise ?. Spray evenly on stains and leave for 10-15 minutes before washing.
Operating your carpet washer
The dirty water tank is fitted with a float that shuts off suction when the tank is full or if the floor head is not in contact with the carpet. You will hear the motor noise increase if this happens. If the float activates, empty the dirty water tank if full. If not full, turn off the machine and wait for the float to settle.
To operate the carpet washer: Pour the recommended dose of Vax carpet cleaning solution (approx. 40ml per litre of water) into the clean water tank, mixed with warm water (max 40°C). Ensure the clean water tank is rinsed and dry before filling. Tighten the cap and return the tank. Unwrap the power cord and plug in the unit ?. Turn the machine on ▶️. Recline the machine to activate the rotating brushbar ?; the brushbar will not rotate when the machine is upright. Press the trigger to release solution ?. For best results, apply solution on the forward stroke ➡️ and release the trigger to recover solution on the backward stroke ⬅️.
Picking up spills
To pick up spills: Remove the hose. Align the wash tool inserts and push in, turning clockwise ? to secure. Pull the wash tool back over the spill to pick up liquid.
Using the wash tool
Do not saturate your upholstery. Fill the clean water tank with Vax carpet cleaning solution and water before use.
Align the wash tool inserts and push in, turning clockwise ? to secure. Press the trigger to release solution ?. For best results, apply solution on the forward stroke ➡️ and release the trigger to recover solution on the backward stroke ⬅️.
Looking After Your Machine
Emptying the dirty water tank
WARNING: Ensure the machine is switched off and unplugged before maintenance.
To empty the dirty water tank: Release the tank, empty its contents, rinse with clean water, and leave to air dry before storing.
Cleaning the float chamber filter
WARNING: Ensure the machine is switched off and unplugged before maintenance.
To clean the float chamber filter: Remove the filter and rinse under water (max 40°C) to remove debris. Allow it to dry completely (approx. 24 hours) before replacing or storing.
Removing blockages from the brushbar
WARNING: Ensure the machine is switched off and unplugged before maintenance.
Threads or debris caught in the brushbar can be cut away using a suitable tool.
Replacing the belt
WARNING: Do not open the motor cover.
To replace the belt: Use a crosshead screwdriver to remove two screws. Remove the old belt from the spindles. Fit the new belt onto the spindles and secure the belt cover.
Storage
- Empty and rinse both clean and dirty water tanks, leaving them to air dry before storing.
- The handle and tool caddy can be removed for more compact storage.
FAQs
Warning: Always switch off and unplug the carpet washer from the electrical outlet before assembling, filling and emptying the clean water tank, emptying the dirt water tank, or before connecting/disconnecting attachments.
Important: Carpets should be dry vacuumed thoroughly before washing.
Caution: The carpet washer is a powerful unit. Before plugging in, ensure all controls are turned off. Hold the carpet washer firmly when starting and in use.
Important: If the hose or tools are blocked, switch off the carpet washer and remove blockages before restarting.
Important: Cleaning filters maintains performance. Vax recommends checking and cleaning filters periodically. Ensure washable filters are completely dry before re-inserting.
Important: The motor has a thermal cut-out. If the unit overheats, the thermostat will automatically turn it off. Unplug the unit, turn off the switch, check the hose for blockages, and clean filters. Allow the unit to cool for approximately one hour (filters need 24 hours to dry if cleaned). Plug in and switch on to restart.
Warning: Unplug the carpet washer before performing maintenance/troubleshooting.
Is there an accessory missing?
Check the 'This pack contains' panel on the box to ensure the part is included.
Why won't the carpet washer turn on?
- Ensure the plug is securely inserted into the electrical socket and switched on.
- The power button may not have been fully depressed.
- If the unit cuts out during use, disconnect from the socket, allow to cool for one hour, clean the filter, empty the dirty water tank, and check the hose and brushbar for blockages.
Why won't the cleaner pick up solution/spills?
- The float in the dirty water tank may have activated. Empty the tank if full. If not full, switch off the machine and wait for the float to settle.
- The dirty water tank may be full, engaging the auto shut-off. Empty the tank.
- Ensure the dirty water tank is fitted correctly and the tank cap is securely fitted.
- Check the hose for blockages.
- Check the brushbar for blockages.
Why won't the solution/clean water dispense?
- Ensure the clean water tank is fitted securely.
- The solution/clean water tank may be empty.
- Ensure the dirty water tank is fitted securely.
Why won't the brushes rotate?
- The brushes only rotate when the unit is reclined and turned on.
- Check the float chamber filter and clean if necessary.
- The belt may be broken; replace if necessary.
Other Information
UK Service & Help
For queries or concerns, visit vax.co.uk/support or vaxireland.ie, or call the Vax Careline. Calls are charged at the UK local rate. Please note the serial number and model number before calling.
Vax Careline:
(UK) 0844 412 8455
(ROI) 1-800 928 308
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Consumables
To purchase spares and accessories, visit vax.co.uk.
Using genuine Vax spare parts helps maintain performance and validates your guarantee.
- Float chamber filter kit: 1-9-130494-00
- Belt kit - Type 16: 1-9-130510-00
- Ultra+ solution: 1-9-130422-00
- Pre-treatment solution: 1-9-127045-00
Technical Specification
- Voltage: 220-240V ~50Hz
- Wattage: 1000W
- Capacity: Clean water tank 4.0L, Dirty water tank 2.5L
- Cord length: 8.0m
- Weight: 10.6kg
- Filter: Float chamber filter
Subject to technical change without notice.
EEC Statement of Compliance
Manufacturer/EEC importer: Vax Limited, hereby on our own responsibility, declare that the Rapide Ultra series is manufactured in compliance with the following Directives:
- Safety: 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive
- EMC: 2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice.
Guarantee
It's quick and easy to register for your FREE 2 year guarantee online at: vax.co.uk/guarantees. Please retain your original receipt for proof of purchase.
UK based customer care centre - Open 7 days a week:
- Monday-Friday: 8:30am-6:30pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
We're here if you need us
Instead of taking it back to the shop, simply visit: vax.co.uk/support or call (UK) 0844 412 8455 (ROI) 1-800 928 308.
Let us know what you think @VaxUK.
?? Designed in the UK
Contact Information
Vax Ltd., Kingswood Road, Hampton Lovett, Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 0QH, UK
Email: info@vax.co.uk
Website: vax.co.uk
Performance is everything.™
