Tefal X-FORCE FLEX Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Instructions for Use
Models: FLEX 12.60, FLEX 14.60, FLEX 15.60
Safety Instructions
Read these safety instructions carefully before using the product and keep them in a safe place for future reference. This appliance complies with all existing standards and regulations.
This product is designed for domestic use only. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for commercial use, inappropriate use, or failure to comply with instructions; the guarantee will not apply in such cases.
Your vacuum cleaner is an electrical appliance and should be used under normal operating conditions.
Do not use the appliance if it has been dropped and shows visible damage, or if it fails to function normally. Do not attempt to open the appliance; contact Customer Support or an approved Service Centre.
Repairs must only be carried out by specialists using original spare parts. Using non-original parts or attempting self-repairs can be dangerous. Use only guaranteed original spare parts (filters, batteries, etc.).
Warning: Use only the designated charger and its wall-mount base included with the appliance.
Please remove the battery before discarding the appliance. Ensure the appliance is unplugged before removing the battery. Dispose of the battery safely.
The external flexible cable or cord of the transformer cannot be replaced. If the cord is damaged, the transformer must be scrapped. Do not use any detachable power unit other than the model provided by the manufacturer. Contact Customer Support or your nearest approved Service Centre. Using a universal detachable power unit voids the guarantee.
If the plug pins are damaged, the plug-in power supply shall be scrapped.
Never pull the electric cord to disconnect the detachable power unit.
Always switch off the appliance before maintenance or cleaning.
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and other body parts away from the appliance's openings and moving parts, especially the rotating brush. Do not direct the tube, hose, or accessories towards your eyes or ears, and keep them away from your mouth.
Always turn off the appliance before connecting or disconnecting the motorized brush.
Do not touch rotating parts without stopping and disconnecting the appliance.
Do not vacuum:
- Wet surfaces, water, or any liquids.
- Hot substances.
- Super smooth substances (plaster, cement, ashes, etc.).
- Large sharp items of debris (glass).
- Hazardous products (solvents, abrasives, etc.).
- Aggressive products (acids, cleaning products, etc.).
- Inflammable and explosive products (oil or alcohol-based).
Never immerse the appliance in water or any other liquid. Do not spill water on the appliance and do not store it outdoors.
For product start-up, charging, cleaning, and maintenance, please refer to this user guide.
For countries subject to EU regulations (CE marking): This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, provided they have been given supervision or instruction concerning safe use and understand the hazards involved. Children should not play with the appliance. Children should not clean or perform maintenance unless supervised by a responsible adult. Keep the appliance and its charger out of the reach of children under 8 years old.
For other countries not subject to EU regulations: This appliance is not designed for use by people (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or with no prior knowledge or experience, unless they have had supervision or previous instructions relating to the use of the appliance from a person responsible for their safety. Children must be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
Keep away from children.
In case of short vacuum breaks, for safety reasons, do not place the product in an unstable position (e.g., resting on a wall, table, or chair backrest).
Store the vacuum cleaner in a secure place (see user's guide). Store the product on its charging base*.
Please read before use:
The handheld vacuum cleaner is the base of the product. It can be transformed into a handstick vacuum cleaner by adding the tube and the head.
Ensure that the voltage indicated on the rating plate of your vacuum cleaner's charger is the same as your power supply voltage. Any connection error could cause irreversible damage to the product and invalidate the guarantee.
The vacuum cleaner should always be put back on charge after use to ensure it is always available with a fully charged battery and optimal performance.
However, it is best to unplug it in the event of prolonged absence (holidays, etc.), as there may be a decrease in autonomy due to self-discharging.
Important Usage Notes
Do not vacuum large items that may clog and damage the air inlet.
Depending on model:
- Do not use the power-brush on deep pile carpet, animal hair, or fringes.
- Switch to "Min/ECO" to vacuum thick or delicate carpets and rugs and fragile surfaces. Note: check regularly that the nozzle wheels are clean.
- Switch to "BOOST" for optimum performance on all types of very dirty floors. Note: If the appliance sticks to the surface too much, switch back to "Min/ECO".
- Do not use your vacuum without a motor protection filter.
- Do not wash the dust collector components or the motor protection filter in a dishwasher.
Battery Safety Instructions
This unit contains Lithium-Ion batteries, which for safety reasons are only accessible by a professional repairer. When the battery can no longer hold a charge, the battery pack should be removed. To replace batteries, contact your nearest Approved Service Centre. Do not replace a block of rechargeable batteries with non-rechargeable batteries. To change batteries, please contact an Approved Service Centre.
The batteries are designed for indoor use only. Never immerse them in water. Handle batteries with care. Do not put batteries in your mouth. Do not let batteries touch other metal objects (rings, nails, screws, etc.). Take care not to create short circuits in the batteries by inserting metal objects at their ends. If a short circuit occurs, the battery temperature may rise dangerously, potentially causing serious burns or fire.
If batteries leak and contact occurs, do not rub your eyes or any mucous membranes. Wash your hands and rinse your eyes with clean water. If discomfort persists, consult a doctor.
WARNING - The battery used in this appliance may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if used incorrectly. It should not be disassembled, short-circuited, stored at temperatures below 0°C or above 45°C, or incinerated. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not disassemble or throw into fire.
If the appliance is to be stored unused for a long period, the batteries should be removed.
Environment
In accordance with existing regulations, any end-of-life appliances must be taken to an approved Service Centre responsible for their disposal.
Let's help protect the environment. Your device is designed to work for many years. When you decide to replace it, consider how you can help protect the environment by allowing it to be reused, recycled, or recovered. Waste electrical and electronic equipment may contain harmful substances that can harm the environment and human health. This label indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste. Take it to a collection point, to the distributor when buying a new equivalent product, or to an approved service centre for processing.
Before disposing of the device, remove the battery and dispose of it in accordance with local laws and arrangements. Contact your product dealer for guidance.
Troubleshooting
| PROBLEMS | POSSIBLE CAUSES | SOLUTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| The charger becomes hot. | This is perfectly normal. The vacuum cleaner can remain permanently connected to the charger without any risk. | |
| The charger is connected but your appliance is not charging. | The charger is not properly connected to the appliance or is faulty. | Check that the charger is properly connected or contact an Approved Services Centre to change the charger. |
| Your appliance stops during operation and the light/s flash very quickly. | Your appliance may be overheating. | Stop the appliance and leave it to cool for at least 1 hour. |
| The appliance has stopped after the charge light flashed. | The appliance has lost its charge. | Recharge the vacuum cleaner. |
| The power-brush is not working properly or makes a noise. | The rotating brush or hose are obstructed. | Stop the vacuum and clean the parts. |
| The power-brush stops during use of the vacuum cleaner. | The brush is worn. The belt is worn. The heat safety device has come on. | Contact an Approved Service Centre to change the brush. Contact an Approved Service Centre to change the belt. Stop the vacuum cleaner. Check that nothing is obstructing the rotation of the brush; if there is an obstruction, remove it and clean the power-brush, then turn on the vacuum cleaner. |
| Your vacuum cleaner suction is not working properly or is making a whistling noise. | The tube or hose is partially blocked. The dust collector is full. The dust collector is not properly fitted. The suction head is dirty. The foam motor protection filter is full. | Unblock the tube/hose. Empty and clean the dust container. Re-position it correctly. Remove the power-brush and clean it. Clean the filter. |
| When charging the vacuum cleaner, the light(s) flash very quickly or the red light is on. | The correct charger is not being used or the charger is faulty. | Talk to an Approved Service Centre to change the charger. |
| The red LED on the product flashes during use | The suction head brush is blocked. The battery temperature is too high. | Stop vacuuming and check that there is nothing blocking the rotation of the brush. Leave the product to rest for 30 minutes. If the problem persists, replace the battery. |
| The tube and/or suction head connectors are dirty or damaged. The suction motor is not working. | Clean the tube and suction head connectors with a cloth. Contact an Approved Service Centre to have your appliance repaired. | |
| The vacuum feels very stiff/difficult to push on carpet. | The vacuum is being used on a very deep/long pile carpet. | Reduce the suction power using the control panel to make it easier to push the vacuum on long pile carpet. If this doesn't work, revert to using a non-motorized accessory such as the sofa brush/crevice nozzle. |
What's in the Box
The following items are included with your Tefal X-FORCE FLEX vacuum cleaner:
- 1. EASY WASH FILTER: Added layer of filtration to enhance performance. An extra filter is included.
- 2. SEPARATOR: First step of filtration, creates cyclonic force to separate air from dirt.
- 3. DUST CONTAINER: XL dust container (up to 0.9L) for large surfaces, designed for less frequent emptying. Easy to access, empty & clean.
- 4. LED LIGHTS: Integrated lights for improved visibility and spotless cleaning in dimly lit areas.
- 5. FINE PARTICLES FILTER: Captures fine particles and releases purified air.
- 6. REMOVABLE BATTERY: Ensures constant suction power.
- 7. CHARGING BASE: For easily charging and storing your appliance and accessories.
- 8. CREVICE NOZZLE: Designed to collect dirt in hard-to-reach or tight spaces.
- 9. SOFA BRUSH: For vacuuming textiles like armchairs, curtains, or mattresses.
- 10. INTEGRATED DUST BRUSHES: For cleaning most surfaces.
- 11. STORAGE BAG: For storing accessories. (Model dependent)
- 12. DOCKING STATION: Allows the device to be stored and plugged in simultaneously. (Model dependent)
- 13. MINI FLEX: For cleaning under low furniture effortlessly. (Model dependent)
- 14. ANIMAL TURBO BRUSH: Removes fur, hair & dirt, ideal for pet owners. (Model dependent)
Usage Times
Usage times vary based on the model and the cleaning mode used.
| 12.60 | 14.60 | 15.60 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco | Max | Boost | Eco | Eco+ | Max | Boost | Eco | Eco+ | Max | Boost | |
| When used in handheld mode, without motorised accessory | 45 min | 23 min | 05 min | 70 min | 29 min | 11 min | 05 min | 80 min | 34 min | 12 min | 05 min |
| When used with motorised accessory | 35 min | 20 min | 05 min | 63 min | 28 min | 10 min | 05 min | 67 min | 32 min | 12 min | 05 min |
* Depending on model
Flex Technology: Use the flex technology to clean under tables, beds & furniture. To activate, push the unlock latch located behind the main tube of your vacuum. To revert to upright mode, simply straighten the angle of the tube until it clicks back into place.
Accessories
The Tefal X-FORCE FLEX comes with various accessories to enhance your cleaning experience:
- Crevice Nozzle: Perfect for getting into small spaces & corners.
- Mini Flex: Used to vacuum with more precision on areas difficult to reach.
- Animal Turbo Brush: Cleans deeply, perfect for vacuuming pet hair.
- Sofa Brush: Used to vacuum textiles such as armchairs, curtains, or mattresses.
Screen and Boost Trigger
Screen
The vacuum's screen provides information about its status:
- Auto Mode: When your vacuum detects hard floors, it automatically adjusts to ECO/ECO+ mode. When it detects carpets and rugs, it automatically adjusts to MAX mode. This feature automatically detects the type of floors being vacuumed, adjusting the power level for optimal cleaning without using more power than needed.
- Manual Adjustment: If vacuuming on long pile carpets, you may need to manually decrease speed to ECO mode if the brush resists or stops to protect the floors.
- Filter Alert (F): The clean filter alert reminds you when to wash your filter. Maintaining a clean filter ensures excellent results.
- Battery Indicator: Shows the remaining battery power level.
Boost Trigger
With Tefal's patented Boost trigger, you can enjoy maximum power at your fingertips. Pull the trigger for a shot of power whenever you need extra performance for messes big and small.
An integrated resistance sensor is designed to stop the motorized brush to protect your floors (e.g., long pile carpets). If resistance is too high or the brush stops, restart your product and decrease the power level (ECO speed) to facilitate vacuuming.
Storage
Each model in the X FORCE range comes with a storage solution to safely store your vacuum when not in use. Ensure the unit is stored in the provided storage solution, as it is not designed to stand up on its own.
* Depending on model
How to Charge the Battery
To charge the battery, it must be removed from the handle.
- Grip the handle with one hand and use your other hand to firmly press on the battery release switch.
- Slide out the battery.
- Connect the battery into the mains adapter to charge.
Charging Process:
The intelligent handle on your vacuum will show the level of battery power remaining. When you need to charge, follow the instructions.
A full charge takes approximately 3 hours. During charging, the indicator light on the battery will flash. When charging is complete, all 3 lights on the battery will remain solid.
Use the charging adapter included with your vacuum for charging.
Emptying the Dust Container
For best results, empty the dust container when it is full.
- Slide the switch on the handle upwards and lift away the dust container.
- Remove the separator.
- Empty contents into a bin.
- Replace the separator by twisting until it drops into position inside the dust container.
- Rinse the dust container under the tap.
- Locate the slot on the container base, onto the lip on the handle. Lever the container back into position until you hear a [click].
Cleaning the Filter
CLEAN 1X/WEEK
- Slide the switch on the handle upwards and lift away the dust container.
- Remove the separator.
- Turn to unlock the filter and lift out.
- Rinse the filter under the tap.
- Replace the filter back into the separator and twist to lock into position.
- Replace the separator, twisting until it drops into position inside the dust container.
- Locate the slot on the container base, onto the lip on the handle. Lever the container back into position until you hear a [click].
Allow to dry thoroughly. This is very important and may take up to 72 hours. Consider using the spare filter during this time to allow the filter to thoroughly dry.
Cleaning the Brush and Motor Filter
Cleaning the Brush (CLEAN 1X/WEEK)
- Remove the main head from the tube by pressing the lock system button and pulling it away from the tube.
- To remove the brush roller, release the handle located on the side of the brush head and twist to unlock.
- Slide out the brush.
- Use scissors to carefully cut loose any hair wrapped around the brush.
- Slide the brush roll back into the head and twist to lock back into position.
Cleaning the Motor Filter (WASH 2X/YEAR)
There is a second filter in your vacuum cleaner which needs to be cleaned 2 times per year.
- Firstly, remove the dust container (see previous section).
- Then, slide the switch on the handheld unit upwards and pull firmly on the fine particles filter to remove it.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Let it dry completely for at least 24 hours before re-installing.
* Not included
Do's & Don'ts
Standing or Storage Position
DO: Always store the unit in the storage solution provided. The unit is not designed to stand up on its own.
DON'T: Do not attempt to stand the unit up without its storage solution.
* Depending on model
Disassembling
To remove the dust brush: Insert a pointed object into the hole on the back of the brush to lift and unclip the brush.
To separate the accessories' holder from the storing base:
- First, turn it upside down.
- Look for the hole on the bottom of the base.
- Insert a pointed object into the hole to unclip the lower part of the storing base.
- Remove the accessories' holder from the storing base.
Battery Disposal
Dispose of batteries responsibly according to local regulations. Ensure batteries are removed before disposal.
Thank You
Thank you for your purchase!
For More Information
Visit www.tefal.com for additional details and support.
Document reference: 2220006399/02 – 01/24








