Let's talk safety
⚠️ Basic safety precautions
- This carpet washer is intended for household use only and NOT for commercial or industrial use.
- Only use the carpet washer indoors and keep the area you're cleaning well lit.
- Keep fingers, hair and loose clothing away from moving parts and openings whilst using the carpet washer.
- Before using the carpet washer, test your carpets/rugs/upholstery for colourfastness and pile distortion.
❌ Don'ts
- Don't leave the carpet washer plugged in when unattended.
- Don't use this carpet washer if it has been dropped, damaged or left outdoors.
- Don't run over the power cord or use the carpet washer if the power cord or plug is damaged. Please contact our Customer Care Line on: 0330 026 8455 (Mon-Fri: 8:30am to 6:30pm, Sat: 9:00am to 5:00pm).
- Don't use the carpet washer to pick up any flammable or combustible materials (lighter fluid, petrol, kerosene etc.) or use it in an area with explosive vapours or liquid.
- Don't handle the plug or use the carpet washer with wet hands.
✔️ Do's
- Check with the manufacturer of your flooring prior to using the carpet washer.
- The clean water tank should be filled with warm water (max 40°C) only. Filling the clean water tank with hot or boiling water will damage the machine and invalidate the guarantee.
- Always vacuum your carpets thoroughly before using the carpet washer.
- Always replace the fuse in the plug with a British 13amp fuse.
- Always unplug the carpet washer before carrying out any maintenance and before connecting or disconnecting the hose/accessories.
- Turn off all controls on the carpet washer before disconnecting or connecting the power cord; after use, always wrap the power cord around the cord clips provided.
- Always protect the power cable from heated surfaces or near open flames.
This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
Only Vax recommended tools and solution should be used with this carpet washer. Using other solutions may invalidate the guarantee.
- Don't pull or carry this carpet washer by the power cord.
- Don't use the carpet washer to pick up hot coals, cigarette butts, matches or smoking hot burning items or use in an area where there may be harmful fluids (chlorine, bleach, and ammonia drain cleaner).
- Don't use the power cord as a handle, pull the power cord around corners, sharp edges or close a door over the power cord.
- Don't unplug the carpet washer by pulling on the power cord.
- Don't carry the carpet washer while it's switched on.
- Don't attempt to remove blockages with sharp objects as this may cause damage to the carpet washer.
- Don't use the carpet washer with incorrect voltage as this may result in damage or injury to the user. The correct voltage is listed on the ratings label.
- Always keep the power cord away from the brushes whilst using the carpet washer.
- Use only CE approved 13amp extension cords; non-approved extension cords may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the extension cord as it can be a trip hazard.
- Take extra care when cleaning on the stairs.
- Always use the carpet washer with all water/solution tanks and filters in place.
- Keep all openings clear and free from debris as this may affect the airflow/suction.
- Always use the carpet washer in an upright position. To prevent motor damage from dirty water, never hold the carpet washer upside down or on its side.
- Store the carpet washer in a cool, dry area. Before storing the carpet washer, please ensure all water/solutions tanks and filters are thoroughly clean and dry.
Please keep instructions for further use and use only as instructed in this guide.
Thank you for buying this Dual Power Max.
The Dual Power Max is designed to make washing carpets regularly, as effective and efficient as possible, and this user guide will help you get the most out of your machine. Maintaining your carpets will ensure they keep their appearance for longer and smell fresh and clean. You've chosen carpets for your home for a reason, and Vax will help you take good care of them.
Also inside this guide are instructions on maintaining your new machine, so that it's always ready when you are to tackle your carpets.
Taking care of you
We're here if you need us. Instead of taking me back to the shop, simply visit: vax.co.uk/support or call:
- (UK) 0330 026 8455
- (ROI) 1-800 928 308
Monday-Friday 8:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Calls are charged at the UK local rate. Please make a note of the serial number and model number of the product before calling.
Alternatively, you can write to us at:
Vax Ltd, Plot 302, Stonebridge Cross Business Park, Hampton Lovett, Droitwich, WR9 OLW, UK
This user guide can also be found online at: vax.co.uk/support
[Twitter Handle] @VaxUK
Contents
This document covers the following sections:
- Let's talk safety
- Getting to know your machine
- Getting started
- Using your machine
- Taking care of your machine
- Let's talk technical
- What to do if it goes wrong
- Getting in touch
- Accessories
- Notes
Dual Power Max
Included with your machine
- Hose
- Upholstery wash tool
- 250ml Ultra+ solution
- Accessory bag
Getting to know your machine
Two views of the Vax Dual Power Max carpet washer are shown. The left view shows the front and side, with labels pointing to: Boost Trigger, Handle, Clean water/solution tank release button, Clean water/solution tank cap, Clean water/solution tank, Dirty water/solution tank release latch, Dirty water tank, Accessory hose connector cover, Hose and solution connection port (hidden), Nozzle release clip, Dual brushbars, Nozzle. The right view shows the rear and side, with labels pointing to: Solution trigger, Carry Handle, Quick cord release hook, Handle lock dial, Dirty water tank clips, Recline pedal, On/Off pedal.
Technical Specification
- Name: Dual Power Max
- Code: W86-DD-B
- Cord length: 8m
- Weight: 8.9kg
- Wattage: See rating label on machine for details.
- Voltage: See rating label on machine for details.
Subject to technical change without notice.
Accessories & Consumables
- Upholstery Wash Tool (Part Number: 1-1-126261-00)
To purchase consumables and accessories, please visit vax.co.uk
Getting started
PLEASE READ 'LET'S TALK SAFETY' AT THE BEGINNING BEFORE USE
IMPORTANT: Carpets should be dry vacuumed thoroughly before washing.
- Test for colourfastness: Wet a white absorbent cloth with the solution. In a small hidden area of your carpet/rugs/upholstery, gently rub 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.
- Test your carpet/rugs/upholstery: Run the carpet washer over a small hidden area. If no pile distortion occurs, continue cleaning.
- When cleaning an entire room: Move furniture out of the area to be cleaned. If the furniture cannot be moved, place aluminium foil or wax paper under the legs. This will prevent wood finishes from staining your carpet. Pin up furniture skirts and curtains.
- When using the carpet washer, basic safety precautions should always be observed and don't over-saturate your carpets.
- Only use Vax carpet solution. Using other solutions may cause excess foaming and will invalidate your guarantee.
- The clean water tank should only be filled with warm water (max 40°C). Filling the clean water tank with hot/boiling water will damage your machine and invalidate the guarantee. This is a powerful carpet washer; before plugging in, make sure all controls are turned off, and also hold the carpet washer firmly when starting and during use.
Assembling your carpet washer
1. Stand the base in an upright position.
2. Push the handle into the main body.
3. Turn the handle lock dial anti-clockwise to lock in position.
4. Tilt the clean water/solution tank and line it up to the carpet washer. Push back until it clicks into place.
Using your machine
CAUTION: Always unplug the carpet washer before performing any maintenance/troubleshooting checks.
NOTE: Using more solution than recommended may cause excessive foaming.
Filling the water/solution tank
- Press the clean water/solution tank release button and pull to remove.
- Twist the clean water/solution tank cap anti-clockwise and lift to remove.
- Using the water/solution tank cap, fill to the marked level 3 times and pour into the clean water/solution tank (approx. 40ml per 1.0L of water).
- Fill the clean water/solution tank to the 'max fill' mark.
- To re-fit, twist the clean water/solution tank cap clockwise. Tilt the clean water/solution tank and line it up to the carpet washer. Push back until it clicks into place.
? TIP: 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. This will prevent wood finishes from staining your carpet. Pin up furniture skirts and curtains.
Operation
- Plug into mains, press the on/off button to switch on.
- Press the recline pedal and pull the handle backwards.
- Squeeze the solution trigger to release solution and water mix.
- For best results, apply water/solution on the forward stroke and release the solution trigger to pick up water/solution on the backward stroke. Use slow, straight, parallel strokes, making sure you overlap each pass.
- Press the solution trigger together with the boost trigger to remove tough stains.
? TIP: For best results, carpets should be dry and vacuumed thoroughly before washing. Use intermittent dry forward strokes, increasing water pick up.
Using the wash tool
NOTE: The carpet washer should be in the upright position when using the hose, de-activating the dual brush bar.
- Pull down the accessory hose connector cover.
- Push the hose end and hose solution connector into the hose and solution connection port.
- Slide the upholstery tool over the tab at the end of the hose until it clicks into place.
- Plug into mains. Press the on/off button to switch on.
- Squeeze the solution trigger to release water and solution mix.
- Move the wash tool forward and backwards without squeezing the solution trigger to pick up.
For heavily soiled areas, it may be necessary to repeat the cleaning process. Make crisscrossing strokes to the original pattern and overlap each pass.
Taking care of your machine
IMPORTANT: Your dirty water tank is fitted with a float. When the dirty water tank is full, or the floor head is not in contact with the carpet, the float will shut off the suction on the carpet washer. You will be able to hear if this has happened as the motor noise on the machine will increase. Once the float is activated, empty the dirty water tank if full. If the dirty water tank is not full, then turn off your machine at the power switch and wait for the float to settle.
Emptying and cleaning the dirty water tank
- Press the dirty water tank release latch and pull to remove.
- Lift the dirty water tank clips up and outward to release.
- Lift to remove the dirty water tank lid. Empty dirty water over the sink. Rinse the dirty water tank and lid under water to remove debris.
- Clean the filter screen located at the back of the dirty water tank.
- To re-fit, tilt the dirty water tank and line it up to the carpet washer. Push back until it clicks into place.
Removing and cleaning the nozzle
- Remove both tanks. From the upright position, tilt the carpet washer back.
- Lift the nozzle release clip and pull the nozzle forward.
- Slide the nozzle downwards to release from tabs.
- Rinse the nozzle under water to remove debris.
- Replace the nozzle lining up tabs. Push the nozzle until it clicks into place.
Let's talk technical
Removing blockages from the brush bar
Using a pair of scissors, remove any threads or hair caught around the brush bar.
CAUTION Always unplug the carpet washer before performing any maintenance/troubleshooting checks.
What to do if it goes wrong
- Problem: Why won't my carpet washer turn on?
- The plug may not be fully pushed into the electrical socket.
- Check the fuse in the plug; if it needs replacing, always replace with a British 13amp fuse.
- Problem: Why won't the solution/clean water dispense?
- Make sure the clean water tank is fitted securely.
- The clean water tank valve may be stuck; hold the clean water tank over the sink and press the valve underneath to release.
- Problem: Why won't my carpet washer pick up?
- The float in the dirty water tank may have been activated. Empty the dirty water tank and wait for the float to settle before re-starting your carpet washer.
- Check the dual spin power brushes for blockages and clear.
- The dirty water tank may not be fitted correctly; also, make sure the lid is pushed down securely.
- Check the nozzle for blockages and clear.
- Check the nozzle is correctly fitted; refer to ‘Taking care of your machine’.
- Problem: Why won't the brushes spin?
- The brushes will only spin when the carpet washer is reclined.
- Check the dual spin power brushes for blockages and clear.
- If the belt is broken, please contact the Customer Care Line on 0330 026 8455.
Warning: To reduce the risk of personal injury, unplug the carpet washer before performing maintenance/troubleshooting checks.
Getting in touch
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.
We're here if you need us:
- Online: vax.co.uk/support
- Call: (UK) 0330 026 8455 (ROI) 1-800 928 308
- Monday-Friday 8:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm*
Alternatively, you can write to us at:
Vax Ltd. Plot 302, Stonebridge Cross Business Park, Hampton Lovett, Droitwich, WR9 OLW, UK
* Calls are charged at the UK local rate. Please make a note of the serial number and model number of the carpet washer before calling.
+ Registration required. Terms and conditions apply, see vax.co.uk for details.
Accessories
Don't forget your solution!
Order at: www.vax.co.uk/spares-and-solutions
Ultra+ carpet cleaning solution (1.5l)
1-9-132706-00
Ultra+ Carpet Cleaning Solution tackles stubborn spots and stains and removes unpleasant odours too. It's specially formulated to leave no sticky residue, so your carpets stay fresher for longer.
Ultra+ Pet carpet cleaning solution (1.5l)
1-9-132707-00
Ultra+ Pet Carpet Cleaning Solution tackles stubborn spots and stains and removes unpleasant pet odours too. It's specially formulated to leave no sticky residue, so your carpets stay fresher for longer.
Ultra+ Refresh & Revitalise (1.5l)
1-9-133260-00
Ultra+ Refresh and Revitalise tackles stubborn spots and stains. It's Oxy-Lift Action Technology brings your carpets back to life and restores carpet pile. Formulated to leave no sticky residue, so your carpets stay fresher for longer. Safe to use on wool carpets - Woolsafe approved.
Ultra+ Allergen (1.5l)
1-9-133262-00
Ultra+ Allergen tackles stubborn spots and stains, but also removes deep down dirt and allergens in your carpet. Formulated to leave no sticky residue, so your carpets stay fresher for longer. Ultra+ Allergen carpet cleaning solution is approved by the British Allergy Foundation.
Ultra+ Sanitise (1.5l)
1-9-133261-00
Ultra+ Sanitise tackles stubborn spots and stains and removes embedded dust and dirt from carpet pile. Ultra+ Sanitise is formulated to leave no sticky residue, so your carpets stay fresher for longer.