This vacuum cleaner is intended for
household use only and NOT for
commercial or industrial use.
• Only use the vacuum cleaner
indoors on dry surfaces and keep
the area you’re cleaning well lit.
• Keep ngers, hair and loose clothing
from moving parts and openings
whilst using the vacuum cleaner.
• This vacuum cleaner is NOT to be
used by children under eight years
or persons with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities,
3 Turn o all controls on the vacuum
cleaner before disconnecting or
connecting the power cord.
3 Always keep the power cord away
from the brushes whilst using your
vacuum cleaner. After use always
wrap the power cord around the
cord clips provided.
3 Always make sure both the
pre-motor/post motor lters
are in place before use.
3 Always switch o the vacuum
cleaner before disconnecting
or connecting the hose
and accessories.
unless they have been given
instructions on how to use the
machine or are supervised
during use.
• Any cleaning or maintenance of your
vacuum cleaner should not be made
by children without supervision
and ensure they don’t play with the
vacuum cleaner.
• Only Vax recommend tools should
be used with this vacuum cleaner.
Please keep instructions for further
use.
Do's
3 Keep all openings clear and free
from debris as this may aect the
airow/suction.
3 Always replace the fuse in the plug
with a 13amp fuse.
3 Always protect the power cable from
heated surfaces and
open ames.
3 Always ensure the brushbar is
turned o when using your vacuum
on the stairs and take extra care
when positioning the vacuum
cleaner on your stairs.
Do’s - continued
3 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.
8 Don’t use this vacuum cleaner if it
has been dropped, damaged or
left outdoors.
8 Don’t run over the power cord or
use vacuum cleaner if the power
cord or plug is damaged. Please
contact our Customer Care Line on:
0844 4128 455 (Mon - Fri
8:30am to 6:30pm, Sat 9:00am
to 5:00pm.
8 Don’t handle the plug or use the
vacuum cleaner with wet hands.
8 Don’t pull or carry this vacuum
cleaner by the power cord. 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
vacuum cleaner by pulling on the
power cord.
3 Store your vacuum cleaner in a cool,
dry area. If lters have been cleaned
as per user guide instructions
ensure they are thoroughly dry
before storing away.
Don’ts
8 Don’t vacuum up any ammable
or combustible materials (lighter
uid, petrol, kerosene etc.) or use
the vacuum cleaner in an area with
explosive vapours or liquid.
8 Don’t vacuum up hot coals, cigarette
butts, matches or smoking hot
burning items or use in an area
where there may be harmful uids
(chlorine, bleach, and ammonia
drain cleaner).
8 Don’t attempt to remove blockages
with sharp objects as this may cause
damage to your vacuum cleaner.
8 Don’t vacuum up hard or sharp
objects such as glass, nails,
screws or coins etc.
8 Don’t use the vacuum cleaner with
incorrect voltage as this may result
in damage or injury to the user.
The correct voltage is listed on the
ratings label.
Page 3
Thank you for buying this Air3 Compact.
Taking care of your carpets and hard oors
3
The Air
and ecient as possible and this user guide will help you get the most out of your machine.
Maintaining your carpets and hard oors will ensure they keep their appearance for longer.
You’ve chosen the carpets and hard oors for your home for a reason and Vax will help you take
good care of them.
Compact is designed to make vacuuming carpets and hard oors regularly, as eective
Contents
Let’s talk safety
Getting to know your machine
Getting started
Air 3 Compact
Included with
your machine
2-in-1 crevice tool
and dusting brush
Taking care of your Air
3
Compact
Also inside this guide are instructions on maintaining your new vacuum cleaner, so that it’s
always ready when you are to tackle your carpets and hard oors.
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) 0844 412 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. Before you call we’ll need you to have the following information
to hand:
Your Machine
Your Proof of Purchase or
Warranty registration code
1. Use the base accessories.
– Shortest hose
– Extension tube set to shortest practicable length.
2. Clean lters installed.
3. Dust receptacle empty.
4. All Bleeds must be closed.
5. Variable Power set to Maximum.
6. Floor heads/tools set to Carpet Mode for carpet cleaning.
7. Mechanical Agitation set turned ON for carpet cleaning.
8. Floor heads/tools set to Hard Floor Mode for hard oor cleaning.
9. Mechanical Agitation set turned OFF for hard oor cleaning.
Pre-motor lter
Post-motor lter
Page 4
Handle
Dirt container
release button
Getting to know your machine Getting started
PLEASE READ ‘LET’S TALK SAFETY’ AT THE BEGINNING BEFORE USE
Assembling your upright
Wand release button
Brushbar on/o button
Carry handle
Power on/o button
Quick release
cord wrap
Inner cyclones
Dirt container
Post-motor lter cover
Quick release
cord wrap
Stretch hose
Brushbar blockage
indicator
Rotating brushbar
Wheels
Technical SpecicationConsumables & Accessories
Name Air
3
Compact
Code U86-AC-Be
Voltage 220-240V ~50Hz
Wattage 900W
Subject to technical change without notice.
Cord length 6m
Weight4.0kg
Hose1.3m
Pre-motor lter (Type 58)
1-1-131167-00
HEPA Post-motor lter (Type 102)
1-1-134236-00
Belt Kit (Type 26)
1-1-134530-00
2-in-1 tool (Type 3)
1-1-132115-00
*
To purchase consumables and accessories, please visit vax.co.uk
*
*
Remove all packaging.
Insert the handle.
How to use
Twist the cord holder to
release the cord.
Place your foot on the
base of the vacuum and
pull backwards to
recline the unit.
Attach the hose end to the oorhead
ensuring it clicks into place.
(All accessories can be used by
either attaching them to the handle
or the hose).
Plug in your machine
and turn it on.
Twist the handle to
manoeuvre under and
around furniture.
Don’t over ll the
container to avoid
clogging your lters.
Place your tools onto
the product.
To activate brushes, press the
brushbar on/o button at the
top of the machine.
Brushbar on — carpets.
Brushbar o — hard oors.
Max
ll
Page 5
Using your machineTaking care of your machine
Before you begin cleaning
WARNING: Always switch o and unplug the vacuum cleaner before connecting or disconnecting the hose/attachments,
or removing and emptying the dirt container.
WARNING: Always switch o the brushbar before using any accessories/hose/telescopic extension tube.
IMPORTANT: The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a thermal cut-out. If for any reason the vacuum cleaner does
overheat the thermostat will automatically turn the vacuum cleaner o. If this happens, switch the vacuum cleaner o
and unplug from electrical socket. Remove and empty the dirt container also check the vacuum cleaner for blockages.
Allow the vacuum cleaner to cool for approximately 1 hour (if you have cleaned the lters please wait 24 hours for the
lters to fully dry before putting back into the vacuum machine).
IMPORTANT: For best cleaning results lters require cleaning at least every 3 months.
IMPORTANT: If the vacuum cleaner is blocked, switch o and unplug before removing the blockage.
Hose
Remove hose.
Extension tube
Attach required tool to the hose.
TIP
Emptying and cleaning the dirt container
Press dirt container
release button to remove
the dirt container.
Lift lid to access
inner cyclones.
Hold dirt container over a bin
and press dirt release button to
open, allowing dirt to fall out.
Lift out the inner cyclones.
Unclip the dirt container lid
to open.
Remove extension tube.
Attach accessory to
extension tube.
Attach hose to
extension tube.
IMPORTANT: Hold vacuum
cleaner when using hose
or extension tube for above
oor cleaning.
The 2-in-1 tool can be attached to
the tube or directly to the hose.
Switch o the brushbar before
using any accessories/hose/
telescopic extension tube.
Tap
Hold cyclones/separator over
bin and tap to remove dirt
and debris.
WARNING
Always switch o and unplug
the vacuum cleaner from
the electrical socket before
assembling, opening or emptying
the dirt container, or before
connecting/disconnecting
the attachments.
Page 6
Taking care of your machineLet’s talk technical
Cleaning the pre-motor lter
Unclip the dirt container lid
to open.
Tap lter clean.Wash in water 40˚C max and
Lift lid to access lter.
Tap
40°C
max
24hr
leave for at least 24 hours or
until dry before replacing into
the machine.
Remove lter.
IMPORTANT: If the air inlet, hose or telescopic tube is blocked, switch o the vacuum cleaner and
remove the blockage(s) before re-starting the vacuum cleaner.
Removing debris from the brushbar
A RED light will indicate a
jammed brushbar.
Switch o your vacuum cleaner
at the main socket. Using a pair
of scissors, cut any hair or debris
free from around the brushbar.
A GREEN light indicates no
blockages in the brushbar.
Changing the brush bar
IMPORTANT: Unplug and switch o vacuum cleaner before maintenance or troubleshooting checks
HEPA post-motor lter maintenance
IMPORTANT:
The exhaust lter is designed to oer long
life with no maintenance. The lter should
be checked periodically and when heavily
discoloured it should be replaced. Please do
not wash, scrub or brush the lter as this will
damage the delicate lter media.
Remove the post-motor
lter by unclipping it from
the body of the vacuum.
IMPORTANT: The pre-motor lter requires cleaning at least every three months.
Do not use your vacuum cleaner without all of the lters in place.
IMPORTANT: The motor is equipped with a thermal cut-out. If for any reason the unit should overheat, the thermostat
will automatically turn the unit o. For further help go to the ‘What to do if it goes wrong’ page.
Check the post-motor lter
for discolouration.
Using a crosshead
screwdriver, remove 3
screws from the side of
the oor head.
Lift and separate brush
bar side cover.
Pull to remove the end
cap belt cover
PULL
Pull brush bar through brush
bar side cover to remove.
Pull to remove the
brush bar location plate.
Remove belt.
Page 7
Let’s talk technical
What to do if it goes wrong
Changing the belt
IMPORTANT: Unplug and switch o vacuum cleaner before maintenance or troubleshooting checks
Using a crosshead screwdriver,
remove 3 screws from the side of
the oor head.
Clean any debris from spindle.
Place new belt onto spindle, lining
up teeth on belt over and onto cog.
Pull to remove the end cap
belt cover
Pull to remove the brush bar
location plate. Remove and dispose
of old belt.
TIP
Why does my vacuum
cleaner have no power?
Why won’t the vacuum
cleaner turn on?
My brushbar
isn’t turning?
SolutionProblem
• The plug may not be fully pushed into the electrical socket.
• Check the fuse in the plug if this needs replacing, always replace
with a 13amp fuse.
• The motor thermostat may have tripped. If this has happened,
unplug the vacuum cleaner. Remove and empty the dirt container
and check the hose for blockages. Clean the lters and allow
the vacuum cleaner to cool for approximately 1 hour (if you have
washed the lters you will need to wait 24 hours for the lters
to fully dry before putting them back into the vacuum cleaner).
• There may be a blockage in the hose. Please remove the hose
from the vacuum cleaner, check and clear any blockages.
• Empty the dirt container and clean lters. Go to the ‘Taking care
of your machine’ pages.
• The brushbar may not be turning. Go to ‘My brushbar isn’t
turning?’ below.
• If the accessory/tool will not pick up, check and clear
any blockages.
• The brushbar may not be switched on, please check the brushbar
on/o switch.
• If the vacuum cleaner is not reclined the brushbar will
automatically switch o.
• If the red light is ashing the brushbar may be jammed. Clear any
blockages for further help go to the ‘Let’s talk technical’ pages.
• To check the belt, go to ‘Changing the belt’ on the ‘Let’s talk
technical’ pages.
When changing the belt, this is
the perfect time to clear any
debris from your brushbar.
• If the vacuum cleaner is making a whistling noise, please remove
My vacuum cleaner
is making an
excessive noise?
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, unplug the vacuum cleaner before performing
maintenance/troubleshooting checks.
the dirt container open the bottom and clean the seals. Replace the
dirt container and retry.
• If there is an air sucking noise from the top of the dirt container,
this would indicate a blockage in the machine. Go to ‘Why does my
vacuum cleaner have no power?’ above.
Page 8
Getting in touchAccessories
Don’t forget your accessories!
Order at:www.vax.co.uk/spares-and-solutions
Pro cleaning kit (Type 2)
1-1-133326-00
All our best tools all in one kit that makes
cleaning your home quicker, easier and
with even better results. We’ve taken
care of cleaning all of the hard to reach
areas such as on top of cupboards and in
between blinds to the dust that collates
behind and within the radiator.
TurboTool (Type 6)
1-1-134419-00
A TurboTool for your vacuum cleaner.
Use the TurboTool for vacuuming your
stairs, upholstery and car interiors. It’s
great for picking up stubborn pet hair.
* Calls are charged at the UK local rate. Please make a note of the serial number and model number of the vacuum cleaner
before calling.
Stretch hose (Type 2)
1-1-132988-00
A stretch hose for your vacuum cleaner.
This hose makes it easy to clean right
to the top of your staircase, leaving the
machine safely at the bottom.
EEC Statement of Compliance: Manufacturer/EEC importer: Vax Limited, hereby on our own responsibility,
declare that the U86-ACe 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.