Kenmore Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Model/Modelo: 125.81414610

Vacuum Cleaner Help Line: 1-877-531-7321 (8:00am-5:00pm EST, M-F)

Transform SR Brands Management LLC, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA

www.kenmore.com

www.sears.com

Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Warranty

KENMORE LIMITED WARRANTY

For ONE YEAR from the date of sale, this appliance is warranted against defects in material or workmanship when it is correctly installed, operated, and maintained according to all supplied instructions.

With PROOF OF SALE, a defective product will receive free repair. If the product cannot be repaired, it will be replaced free of charge.

For warranty coverage details, visit: www.kenmore.com/warranty

This warranty applies for only 90 DAYS if the appliance is used for other than private household purposes.

This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship and will NOT pay for:

• Expendable items (filters, belts, bags, light bulbs).
• Service technician to clean, maintain, or instruct the user.
• Service calls to correct installation not performed by Sears authorized agents or to repair problems with house fuses, circuit breakers, house wiring, or plumbing/gas supply systems.
• Damage or failure from installation not performed by Sears authorized service agents or not in accordance with electrical, gas, or plumbing codes.
• Damage or failure from incorrect operation and maintenance.
• Damage or failure from accident, alteration, abuse, misuse, or use for other than its intended purpose.
• Damage or failure caused by detergents, cleaners, chemicals, or utensils other than those recommended.
• Damage or failure from unauthorized modifications.
• Service to an appliance if the model and serial plate is missing, altered, or cannot be determined.

Disclaimer of implied warranties; limitation of remedies

Customer's sole and exclusive remedy is product repair or replacement. Implied warranties are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law. Seller is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow these limitations.

This warranty applies only while this appliance is used in the United States. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING:

Your safety is important. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury, or damage, follow basic safety precautions:

• Use only as described in this guide and with Sears recommended attachments.
• Disconnect electrical supply before servicing or cleaning the brush area. Failure to do so could result in personal injury from moving parts.
• Do not leave vacuum cleaner plugged in. Unplug when not in use and before maintenance.
• Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
• Do not allow children to use as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
• Do not use with a damaged cord or plug. If not working properly, return to a Sears Service Center.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges. Do not run vacuum over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord; grasp the plug.
• Do not handle plug or vacuum cleaner with wet hands.
• Do not put objects into openings.
• Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and body parts away from openings and moving parts.
• Turn off all controls before unplugging.
• Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
• Do not put on chairs, tables, etc. Keep on floor.
• Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids (gasoline, cleaning fluid, perfumes, etc.) or use in areas where they may be present, as fumes can create a fire hazard or explosion.
• Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not use without dust cup and/or filters in place.
• Always change the dust bag after vacuuming carpet cleaners, fresheners, powders, or fine dust, as these can clog the bag, reduce airflow, and cause it to burst, potentially damaging the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not use to pick up sharp hard objects, small toys, pins, paper clips, etc., as they may damage the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not operate without the exhaust filter or filter door in place.
• The hose contains electrical wires; do not use when damaged, cut, or punctured. Replace if cut or worn.
• Always turn off and unplug before connecting or disconnecting the hose, wand, or PowerMate®.
• Hold plug when rewinding onto cord reel. Do not allow plug to whip.
• You are responsible for ensuring the vacuum cleaner is not used by anyone unable to operate it properly.

WARNING:

This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Proper assembly and safe use are your responsibilities. Read this Use & Care Guide carefully for important use and safety information.

Parts and Features

Know your vacuum cleaner's parts and features for proper and safe use.

Canister: Contains the dust bag and motor safety filter.

Handle & Hose Assembly: Includes the handle, switch, electronic suction control, and hose swivel.

Telescoping Wand: Adjustable wand for reach.

PowerMate®: Powered brush head for carpet cleaning.

Attachments:

• Crevice Tool
• Floor Brush
• Dusting Brush
• Attachment Holder

Replacement Parts

* Available online at www.sears.com

To order replacement parts, call 1-844-553-6667 or visit www.searspartsdirect.com

Detailed illustrations and listings of all vacuum cleaner parts are available at searspartsdirect.com

Scan to reorder bags or go to kenmore.com/reorderCQ

Assembly Instructions

Before assembling, check the PACKING LIST (page 2) to verify you have all components.

WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard

DO NOT plug into electrical supply until assembly is complete. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or injury.

POWERMATE® Assembly

Align wand and insert onto PowerMate® until the wand locks into place.

WAND (TELESCOPING)

The wand length is adjustable and requires no assembly. To adjust, push the wand adjust button and slide the upper wand to the desired height.

NOTE: You may need to hold the PowerMate® down with your hand or foot when adjusting the wand length.

ATTACHMENT HOLDER

Align the attachment holder clip with the front of the wand. Push and snap into place on the wand.

HOSE Assembly

To install: Line up the hose latch tab with the notch in the canister hood, and insert hose into canister until it snaps into place.

IMPORTANT: Push hose firmly into the canister until the hose latch tab snaps into place. The vacuum cleaner will not operate until the hose is fully connected.

To remove: With the hood closed, press the hose latch tab to release and remove the hose.

CANISTER

1. Open the canister hood.
2. Check that the dust bag is properly installed. See BAG CHANGING (page 16).
3. Check that the motor safety filter is properly installed. See MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING (page 17).

Operating Instructions

CAUTION: Moving parts!

To reduce the risk of personal injury, DO NOT touch the agitator when the vacuum cleaner is on. Contacting the agitator while it is rotating can cut, bruise, or cause other injuries. Always turn off and unplug from the electrical outlet before servicing. Use caution when operating near children.

How to Start

WARNING: Personal Injury and Product Damage Hazard

• ALWAYS turn off the vacuum cleaner before unplugging.
• The cord moves rapidly when rewinding. Keep children away and provide a clear path when rewinding the cord to prevent personal injury.
• DO NOT use outlets above counters. Damage from the cord to surrounding items could occur.
• When any abnormality/failure occurs, stop using the product immediately and disconnect the power plug.

NOTE: This vacuum cleaner has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) to reduce the risk of electric shock. It will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician.

1. Pull cord out of canister to desired length. The cord will not rewind until the cord rewind button is pushed.
2. Plug the polarized power cord into a 120 Volt outlet located near the floor.
3. To rewind: Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner. Hold the plug while rewinding to prevent damage or injury from the moving cord. Push cord rewind button.
4. Lower the wand from upright position by pressing on the HANDLE RELEASE pedal.
5. Select a pile height setting by pressing the height adjustment pedal on the rear of the PowerMate®. The pile height setting shows on the indicator.
6. Select a position on the handle 3-way On/Off switch:
• CARPET: Slide switch forward to turn on suction and the PowerMate® agitator. The CARPET indicator will turn green, and the agitator will spin.
• FLOOR: Slide switch forward to turn on canister motor suction only. The FLOOR indicator will turn green, and the agitator will not spin.
• OFF: Slide switch all the way back to turn the vacuum cleaner off. Both indicators will become gray.

Suggested Pile Height Settings

Refer to carpet manufacturers' cleaning recommendations. Some delicate carpets may require the PowerMate® agitator to be turned off to prevent damage.

• HI: Shag, deep pile, super-soft, or ultraplush carpets, and scatter rugs.
• MED: Medium to deep pile.
• LO: Low to medium pile.
• XLO: Preferred for many carpets and bare floors.

NOTE: To protect bare floors, slide the 3-way On/Off switch to the FLOOR position to turn off rotation.

CAUTION:

DO NOT leave the PowerMate® running in one spot for any length of time. Damage to carpet may occur.

CAUTION: Product Damage Hazard

Use care if the PowerMate® and wand are left in the upright position as it may tip over easily. Property damage can occur if tipped.

Vacuuming Tips

For Best Cleaning Results

• Slide suction control toward HIGH to increase suction for upholstery and carpets.
• Slide suction control toward LOW POWER to decrease suction for lightweight rugs or drapes.
• Keep the airflow passage open. Check for clogs occasionally (see REMOVING CLOGS, page 15).

WARNING:

Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner from outlet before checking for clogs.

Suggested Sweeping Pattern

Push the PowerMate® straight away and pull straight back. At the end of each pull stroke, change the direction of the PowerMate® to point into the next section to be cleaned. Continue across the carpet with slow, gliding motions.

NOTE: Fast, jerky strokes do not provide complete cleaning.

Edge Cleaner

Active brush edge cleaners are on both sides of the PowerMate®. Guide either side along baseboards or next to furniture to help remove dirt trapped at carpet edges.

PowerMate® Storage

The lower wand has a U-shaped storage hook that slides into the U-shaped slot on the canister. This allows storage of wands and PowerMate® with the canister to conserve space. The canister must be stored on end for this feature.

The PowerMate® must be in the flat position for storage attachment. Use the handle release pedal to place it in this position. The wand will slip out of the slot as it is lifted up for use and slide into the slot as it is lowered for storage.

Attachments

CAUTION:

DO NOT attach or remove handle or wands while vacuum cleaner is ON. This could cause sparking and damage electrical contacts or electronic controls.

Attachment Storage

The vacuum cleaner has on-board attachment storage. The floor brush is stored in the canister, and the dusting brush and crevice tool are stored in the attachment holder on the wand. See ATTACHMENT USE TABLE (page 13).

Attachments on Handle

NOTE: If the PowerMate® is attached, turn the vacuum cleaner off before removing the handle from the wand.

1. Press wand release button and pull up on handle.
2. Slide attachments onto handle as needed. The floor brush will click into place.

Attachments on Wand

1. To remove wand from PowerMate®, lock wand in upright position.
2. Press wand release pedal with foot and pull the wand straight up and out of PowerMate®.
3. Slide attachments onto wand as needed. The floor brush will click into place.

Attachment Use Table

1. Always clean attachments before using on fabrics.

2. The 3-way On/Off switch should be in the FLOOR position.

Performance/Safety Features

WARNING: Personal Injury Hazard

To avoid accidental agitator starting, always turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before cleaning the agitator area. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

Overload Protector

The PowerMate® has built-in protection against motor and belt damage if the agitator jams. If the agitator slows or stops, the overload protector shuts off the PowerMate®. The canister motor continues to run.

To correct problem: Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner, remove obstruction, then press the OVERLOAD PROTECTOR RESET button. If the PowerMate® motor still does not run after reset, have the unit serviced by a Sears or other qualified service dealer.

Check Bag Indicator

When the vacuum cleaner is running with normal airflow, the CHECK BAG indicator is green. The indicator turns dark red when airflow becomes blocked. If this occurs, check the disposable dust bag, motor safety filter, and other possible clog locations (see REMOVING CLOGS, page 15).

To correct problem: See "Check Bag Indicator activates" in TROUBLESHOOTING (page 23).

NOTE: The indicator may activate when using certain attachments due to reduced airflow.

Thermal Protector

This vacuum cleaner has a thermal protector that automatically trips to protect the vacuum cleaner from overheating. If a clog prevents normal airflow, the thermal protector turns the motor off automatically to allow it to cool and prevent damage.

To correct problem: Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner to allow it to cool and the thermal protector to reset. Check for and remove clogs, if necessary. Also check and clean or replace any clogged filters. Wait approximately 50 minutes, then plug in and turn on. If the motor does not resume operation, have the unit serviced.

Electronic Suction Control

The electronic suction control allows you to change the vacuum cleaner suction motor power:

• Increase Suction: For upholstery, carpets, and bare floors.
• Decrease Suction: For draperies and lightweight rugs.

Canister Care

Removing Clogs

The vacuum cleaner creates suction that carries dirt to the dust bag through airflow passages. The dust bag traps dirt while allowing air to pass through.

For best cleaning results, keep the airflow passage open. Check starred (*) areas occasionally for clogs. Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before checking.

To Check for Clogs:

• Check dust bag and change if full (see DUST BAG CHANGING, page 16).
• Check motor safety filter and exhaust filter; clean or replace if dirty (see MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING, page 17 and EXHAUST FILTER CHANGING, page 18).
• Check PowerMate® for dirt or debris in the belt path area or agitator area. Remove any string or debris from the agitator or end caps (see TO CLEAN AGITATOR, page 20).

If the vacuum cleaner still has poor suction, do the following:

1. Connect the hose to the canister and turn on the vacuum. Check the end of the hose for suction. If suction is good, there is no clog in the hose. If suction is bad, remove any dirt or debris in the hose and handle.
2. Connect hose handle to wand. Check the end of the wand for suction. If suction is good, there is no clog in the wand. If suction is bad, remove any dirt or debris in the wand.
3. Check PowerMate® swivel. Remove any dirt or debris.

Cleaning Exterior and Attachments

1. Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner. DO NOT drip water on the vacuum cleaner.
2. To clean the exterior or reduce static electricity and dust build-up, wipe the outer surface with a clean, soft cloth dipped in a solution of mild liquid detergent and water, then wrung dry. Wipe dry after cleaning.

CAUTION:

Do not use attachments if they are wet. Attachments used in dirty areas should not be used on other surfaces until washed, as they could leave marks.

Dust Bag Changing

For best cleaning results, change the dust bag often. The CHECK BAG indicator will signal when the bag needs changing or airflow is blocked.

NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS (page 5) for part number and purchase details.

1. Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner.
2. Remove hose from canister.
3. Squeeze the hood release button, then lift the canister hood.
4. Pull the bag out of the bag mount.

Note: The bag mount will flip forward after removing the bag, preventing the hood from closing until a new bag is installed.

5. Check the motor safety filter and clean or replace if necessary (see MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING, page 17).
6. Rotate bag mount down and install the new bag into the slots per illustration, pushing down until the cardboard tab locks into position and the holes align. DO NOT bend or crease the middle of the cardboard.
7. Tuck the bag securely into the bag cavity so it is not pinched by the hood.
8. Close and latch the canister hood.
9. Insert hose into canister until it snaps into place.
10. Plug cord into wall outlet.

CAUTION:

NEVER REUSE A DUST BAG. Very fine materials (carpet freshener, face powder, fine dust, plaster, soot, new carpet lint) can clog the bag and cause it to burst before it is full, potentially damaging the vacuum cleaner motor. Change the bag more often when vacuuming these materials.

Motor Safety Filter Cleaning

WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard

Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner. Do not operate without the motor safety filter. Ensure the filter is dry and properly installed to prevent motor failure and/or electrical shock.

Motor Safety Filter

Check the motor safety filter occasionally and clean when dirty.

NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS (page 5) for part number and purchase details.

1. Remove the bag as outlined in DUST BAG CHANGING (page 16).
2. Pull out the motor safety filter.
3. Wash the filter in warm soapy water, rinse, then dry. Do not clean in a dishwasher or install while damp.
4. Slide the filter back into place under the ribs in the bag cavity.
5. Replace the bag as outlined in DUST BAG CHANGING (page 16).

Exhaust Filter Changing

WARNING: Fire and/or Electrical Shock Hazard

Do not operate with a clogged exhaust filter or without the exhaust filter installed. Do not operate without the filter cover installed.

Exhaust Filter - HEPA Media

The exhaust filter cartridge must be replaced when dirty. Replace the filter when the entire surface area is covered evenly. The filter CANNOT be washed as it will lose its dust trapping ability.

NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS (page 5) for part number and purchase details.

1. Push latch up to release the exhaust filter cover from the slot in the canister.
2. Pull filter cover down and outward to remove it from the filter chamber in the canister.
3. Remove the exhaust filter cartridge from the filter cover.
4. Insert the new exhaust filter cartridge into the filter cover with the rubber seal upward.
5. To replace the exhaust filter cover, insert the two tabs on the cover into the slots at the top of the filter chamber.
6. Rotate filter cover down until it snaps into place.

PowerMate® Care

Always follow all safety precautions when performing maintenance to the PowerMate®.

WARNING: Electrical Shock Or Personal Injury Hazard

Always turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before performing maintenance. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury from the vacuum cleaner suddenly starting.

Belt Changing and Agitator Cleaning

To Remove Belt:

1. Press handle release pedal and lower the swivel. Turn PowerMate® upside down and remove the four (4) screws securing the base to the PowerMate® cover.
2. Turn PowerMate® right side up. Loosen the rear and side latches. (A flat blade screwdriver may be required.)
3. Grasp cover by the rear and pull up to remove it from the base.
4. Lift agitator assembly out and remove the worn belt.
5. Check and clean end cap areas. See page 20 for complete agitator assembly.

To Clean Agitator:

NOTE: To keep cleaning efficiency high and prevent damage, the agitator must be cleaned every time the belt is changed. The agitator must also be cleaned according to the following schedule:

• Vacuum Cleaner Use: HEAVY (used daily) | Clean Agitator: every week
• Vacuum Cleaner Use: MODERATE (used 2-3 times/week) | Clean Agitator: every month
• Vacuum Cleaner Use: LIGHT (used 1 time/week) | Clean Agitator: every 2 months

IMPORTANT: Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner. Check and remove hair, string, and lint build-up in the PowerMate® agitator and end cap areas. Remove any dirt or debris in the belt path area or brush unit area. Carefully remove any string wound onto the agitator and end caps.

To Replace Belt:

1. Install new belt over the motor shaft, then over the belt path.
2. Place agitator assembly back into PowerMate®.
3. Line up the front of the cover and base. Rest the cover on the front edge of the base.
4. Rotate cover back. Press cover firmly until side and rear latches snap into place. NOTE: Make sure there is no gap between the cover and base.
5. Turn PowerMate® upside down and replace the four (4) screws that secure the cover to the base.

Agitator Servicing

WARNING: Electrical Shock Or Personal Injury Hazard

Always turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before performing maintenance. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury from the vacuum cleaner suddenly starting.

To Check the Brushes

When brushes are worn to the level of the base support bars, replace the agitator assembly.

To Replace Agitator Assembly

1. Remove the floor brush from the PowerMate®.
2. Remove PowerMate® cover, belt, and agitator assembly (see "To Remove Belt" in BELT CHANGING AND AGITATOR CLEANING, page 19).
3. Install new agitator assembly.
4. Reinstall belt and PowerMate® cover (see "To replace belt" in BELT CHANGING AND AGITATOR CLEANING, page 20).

NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS (page 5) for part number and purchase details.

Troubleshooting

Review this table for do-it-yourself solutions for minor performance problems. Other service should be performed by a Sears or other qualified service agent.

WARNING:

Always turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before performing maintenance. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury.