Anyone who has children or owns pets knows the importance of taking good care of the carpets in their home. From big messes and tough stains that require a deep clean to general everyday cleaning, having the right equipment is essential.
This is where Vax carpet cleaners are a great investment. Anyone with carpets in their home needs a good carpet cleaner to help them manage everyday stains and their annual spring cleaning.
However, keeping your appliance clean is just as important as keeping your carpet looking fresh and stain-free. If you’re the owner of a Vax carpet cleaner and want to know how to keep it in good shape, keep reading for the ultimate guide on how to do so.
How a Vax Carpet Cleaner Works
First of all, make sure you’re well acquainted with your machine. Vax offers various different carpet washer models; they all work in a similar way but have a few different features.
This article will focus predominantly on the Vax Platinum Power Max, how it works, and how it can be cleaned.
How Does it Work?
Depending on the model you purchase, Vax carpet cleaners have a variety of different features and designs that can be used to keep your carpets, floors, and car interiors clean, dry, and smelling fresh.
Vax carpet cleaners are considered an all-in-one cleaning solution that works by distributing a cleaning solution into the carpet fibres and using powerful suction to remove dirt and bacteria from your carpet.
The Power Max uses twin tank technology, an XL brush bar, and patented SpinScrub technology to achieve a powerful and efficient upholstery wash tool.
Questions about how to clean a Vax carpet cleaner, how to use a Vax carpet cleaner, and how to maintain a Vax carpet cleaner will all be addressed in the following sections.
How to Use it
Using a Vax carpet cleaner is a simple process. Regardless of what model you have, you need to put the cleaning solution and warm water into the two chambers, turn it on, and then select your cleaning mode to begin the cycle.
Modes
You can typically select between quick clean mode, deep cleaning, and the rinse function.
These modes are simple to understand: the quick clean mode should be used for small messes, while the deep clean mode is best for tough stains. Finally, the rinse function can be used when there is an excess cleaning solution in your carpet that needs to be rinsed out.
Solution
Any carpet cleaning solution will work, but you should try to also use a Vax cleaning solution to add to your machine to achieve the best possible results.
Use
First of all, make sure to plug in your machine, fill the tank, and switch it on to get started.
On models like the Vax Platinum Power Max Carpet Cleaner, you’ll need to squeeze the trigger to release the solution and water mix that will clean your carpets.
To start cleaning, you can then move your washer in different directions. For the best results, try to apply water and solution on the forward stroke and then release the trigger on the backward stroke to pick up the water and solution.
For a drier carpet, follow up with a third stroke with no trigger pressed.
If you’re working on an extra tough stain, press the solution trigger along with the boost trigger at the same time – this will release more of the water and solution mix for a deeper clean.
rinsing
You can also use the rinse-only function to ensure that only water and no solution is released if you want to rinse away excess solution from your carpet.
user manual
However, make sure to reference the instructions manual provided with your appliance in order to get the exact instructions for use for your specific model since all carpet cleaners are slightly different.
Which Models Are Available?
The type of Vax carpet cleaner you choose will depend on what you think you might need it for. Here are the four most popular models available on the market right now.
Vax Compact Power Carpet Cleaner
This model is their lightest and most compact carpet cleaner. Vax claims that this machine is perfect for use in high-traffic areas and everyday stains and will keep your carpets looking and smelling fresh on a day-to-day basis.
Vax Platinum Compact Power Carpet Washer
Vax also offers a Platinum edition of the Compact Power model. This is yet another lightweight machine that’s easy and comfortable to use, weighing only 5.5kgs
This model is perfect for your daily cleaning but can also be put to use in a deep clean session to get your carpet clean and dry fast.
Vax Platinum Spot Wash Spot Cleaner
The lightweight and compact design of this tool is ideal for dealing with spills and stains on a variety of surfaces – ranging from your indoor carpets to hardwood floors and even your car interiors.
This machine has multiple different attachments and is ideal for both everyday cleaning and deep cleaning.
Vax Platinum Power Max Carpet Washer
The Platinum Power Max carpet cleaner is Vax’s recommendation for a deep clean. It’s equipped with an XL antimicrobial Aqua Spin Brush Bar to help reduce and prevent the growth of bacteria in your carpet while removing dirt and stains. The XL brush bar paired with the antimicrobial treatment makes carpet cleaning easier and more thorough at the same time.
This makes the machine perfect for a home with pets, as the worry of germs and bacteria will be eliminated.
The Vax Platinum Power Max can even be used to perform a deep clean on your hard floors using a special Hardfloor Adaptor attachment, making it a great multipurpose appliance.
The Vax Platinum Power Max is the model used as an example for the cleaning process in this article. While other models will be similar, be sure to check our user manual for specific details.
The Importance of Keeping it Clean
No matter which model you have, it’s important that you keep your machine clean and well-maintained if you want it to perform properly and last a long time.
Not only will keeping your carpet washer clean help ensure that it’s a durable and reliable product, but it will also contribute to how well your carpets are actually cleaned when you use the machine.
If dirt and grime are left to build up in the water tank, filters, nozzles, or brushes, this will have an impact on how well your carpet cleaner performs.
This is why cleaning it regularly is vital.
How Often to Clean it
How often you clean out your carpet washer will depend on how often you use it.
Of course, you must empty and rinse out the water tanks each time you use the machine.
However, cleaning other parts and elements of the washer may only need to be done every few months or every couple of uses.
If you notice that your carpet washer is not performing at its usual capacity, that your carpets aren’t coming clean as easily as usual, or that your machine seems like it is struggling to suck up the dirt, this could be a sign that the filters or nozzles need a deep clean.
What You’ll Need to Clean it
Before you get stuck into cleaning, Vax carpet cleaners will require you to have a few things on hand to get the job done correctly and thoroughly. These include:
- A damp cloth
- Warm water (no hotter than 40 degrees Celsius)
- A pair of scissors
- A crosshead screwdriver
Before You Get Started
Before you start cleaning any part of your carpet washer, make sure that the machine is turned off and unplugged at the mains. You should also ensure that the cord is rolled up and out of your way.
This is to ensure your safety and protect you from any electrical mishaps.
Self Clean Function
First of all, if you have purchased one of Vax’s Spot Wash models, such as the Platinum Spot Wash Spot Cleaner, you’ll be pleased to know that it has a self clean function that helps to remove dirt and debris from the hose.
All you need to do is add some clean water into the clean water tank, remove the cleaning head, and insert the hose.
Watch the water disappear from the tank and through the hose, and the job is done.
However, you may still need to clean other elements of the machine manually.
Cleaning the Brush Bar
Here is the process for cleaning the brush bar on your Platinum Power Max carpet cleaner:
- Tilt your carpet washer back to access the brushes.
- Use a crosshead screwdriver to remove all the screws holding the brush bar in place.
- Remove the belt guard and detach the brush bar from the holder
- Once the brush bar has been removed, use a pair of scissors to cut any hairs, threads, or other debris caught in the brushes.
- Run the brush bar under warm water to clean it.
- Replace the bar into its slot, replace the belt guard, and reinsert the screws to hold it in place.
Cleaning the SpinScrub Brushes
The Vax Power Max uses patented SpinScrub technology for a more effective clean. The SpinScrub brushes are simple to remove and clean.
Simply tilt the washer back in order to access the brushes. Then, firmly pull on the sides of the SpinScrub cover to remove the brushes.
You’ll then be able to use a pair of scissors to cut loose any hair or thread, rinse the brushes under warm water to clean them, let them dry thoroughly, and then replace them into their slot.
Cleaning the Nozzle
Another element of your machine you’ll need to remove and clean on a regular basis is the nozzle, which is also a quick and simple process.
First, tilt the carpet washer backwards so that it’s lying on its back.
Lift the nozzle release clip to unlock the nozzle, and then pull the nozzle forward to detach it.
You can then rinse the nozzle in warm water, allow it to dry, and reattach it.
Cleaning the Filter
Cleaning the filter is quick and easy too. First, you’ll need to remove the dirty water tank in order to access the filter.
The tank can be removed by depressing the release latch and lifting it to remove it.
Once the tank is removed, you can wipe your filter clean using a damp cloth to remove any grime or buildup before slotting the water tank back into place.
Cleaning the Dirty Water Tank
You should be cleaning your washer’s dirty water tank each time you wash your carpets by removing the dirty water from the tank and rinsing it.
To do so, first press the release latch on the water tank and detach it from the machine.
You’ll also need to pull the clamp to release the lid and remove it from the top of the tank.
Next, once the lid has been removed, you can pour the dirty water down the drain and use clean, warm water to rinse out the dirty water tank. Make sure that your water isn’t hotter than 40 degrees Celsius. You can also rinse out the top of the lid.
Allow the clean tank to dry, replace the lid, and then reattach it by slotting it back into place on the machine, ready for the next use.
Refilling the Water and Solution Tank
The Vax Platinum Power Max uses twin tank technology which keeps clean and dirty water separate for a more hygienic clean.
When your carpet cleaner has been thoroughly cleaned, the dirty water tank has been emptied, and you’re ready to use it again, you will need to refill the clean water tank with fresh water and Vax solution.
The first thing you need to do is remove the clean water tank from the carpet cleaner. To do this, press the release button and pull and lift the tank from the machine.
Fill your tank with Vax Platinum solution by twisting the solution cap anti-clockwise and removing it. Next, pour your Vax Platinum Solution into the tank and return the cap, twisting it clockwise to seal it.
Next, to add water to the tank, repeat the cap twisting process on the water tank side, and fill it with warm water (no hotter than 40 degrees Celsius) up to the fill line. Replace the cap and return the tank to the machine, making sure that it clicks into place.
How to Keep Your Appliance Cleaner For Longer
A good way to avoid excess dirt inside your carpet cleaner is to focus on regular carpet cleaning with a vacuum.
If you vacuum your carpets 2-3 times per week, they will be noticeably cleaner, and there will be less of a chance for dirt and debris to be trodden into them.
To make sure you are vacuuming effectively, make sure to go slowly and go over the same spot more than once.
This will also limit the amount of dust and hair that will be picked up when you use your carpet cleaner. This can help prevent buildup in your brushes, filter, and nozzle, keeping your machine clean for much longer.
However, remember that you will still need to empty and rinse the dirty water tank each time you use the carpet washer.
How to Maintain Your Carpet Cleaner
Keeping Vax carpet cleaners well-maintained is essential if you want them to last you for a long time and be able to do regular carpet washing for a long time.
In order to do so, you should clean all the components of your machine regularly, as described above.
Check up on the dual rotating brush bars, nozzle, and filter regularly in order to assess whether it’s time for a deep clean of your appliance, and don’t put off the cleaning if you notice any buildup.
Using your machine when it has a buildup of dirt or blockage will result in a less effective clean and could permanently damage your machine.
Final Thoughts
If you have carpets in your home, then owning a good carpet cleaner is an important part of your cleaning routine, particularly if you have pets.
Making sure to take care of your carpets should be a priority, but as much as this is true, taking good care of your carpet cleaner should be prioritized just as high if you want the machine to perform at its best and last you for years.
Rinsing the tanks after each use is crucial, and it’s also important for you to perform regular deep cleans on the machine itself, as described in this article. The process is simple and easy to follow and shouldn’t be avoided.
Make sure to deep clean your carpet washer at least every few months or as often as you can identify it needs to be done.
