Cyclonic System Maintenance

The mass of dirt and debris picked up by your central vacuum system is deposited in the dirt canister. The dirt canister is attached to the bottom of your power unit and will need to be emptied on a periodic basis. To empty the dirt can, follow these simple steps:

1. To remove the dirt canister, support the bottom of the canister with your knee* (see figure 1a), then unsnap the two dirt canister latches by grasping the lower end of each latch and pulling straight away from the canister. (Note: The latches may be tight, but do not try to adjust them. They need to latch tightly, to ensure a proper seal, which is important in the operation of the cyclonic separation.)



2. Carefully lower the dirt container and empty the debris into any suitable trash container. (If equipped with an air channel and plastic bag, see page 7 for more instructions.)



3. Check the vacuum pump protection screen by looking up or feeling up inside the dirt canister to remove any debris that may have become stuck on the screen up inside the metal cone. A plastic bag may be placed over the bottom portion of the top canister. Then, while holding the plastic bag tightly around the canister with one hand, push the bag up inside with the other hand and brush the screen surface (see figure 2a). In this way, the screen can be cleaned without getting any dust or debris on the floor or hands.


TIP: When cleaning the up inside the can, try using a toilet bowl brush or something similar. This will allow you to reach up inside more easily than just by using your arm. Still use the plastic bag, as this will keep the dirt from falling on you or your floor.

Some units may have an optional Electro-Static screen. To remove the screen, pull down on the tab until the screen comes down through the metal cone. Clean the electrostatic screen by vacuuming, rinsing with water, or shaking. IMPORTANT: If you rinse the screen, make sure it is dry before placing it back in the unit or it will void warranty. To replace the screen, fold it and place it inside of the top of the metal cone. Then, allow the Electro-Static screen to expand until it covers the entire opening.


4. Replace the dirt canister by slipping the rim of the dirt canister over the lip of the top can until it is seated against the rim gasket. Then while holding the canister in place with your knee* (see Figure 1a), fasten the two latches. Do this by hooking the top lip of each latch over the rim of the top can and then press straight in on the bottom of the latches until they lock.

*If you have trouble removing or replacing the dirt canister using your knee, try supporting the can with one hand, unlatching (or re-latching) one side with the other hand. Then, reverse your hands to unlatch (or re-latch) the other side.

Initially, the dirt canister should be checked or emptied weekly until some idea can be obtained as to how long it takes to half fill the canister under your normal cleaning routine. All vacuum systems will function more effectively if the filter system is emptied frequently. Under no circumstances should you allow your dirt canister to become more than 3/4 full before emptying.

Note: The canister will fill more rapidly if NEW carpets are being cleaned for there is usually a tremendous quantity of loose fibers that are retained in the carpet from the manufacturing process. In some instances it may take several months before all of these loose fibers are removed.