My Miele vacuum cleaner no longer sucks, what should I do?

Has your Miele vacuum cleaner lost its suction power? Does it suck less or not at all? This problem is ultimately relatively common on vacuum cleaners. This can come from natural wear and therefore from a failure of one of its components, from an obstruction in the air circuit, from a defective filter or from an overfilled tank. But then what can you do when your Miele vacuum cleaner is no longer vacuuming? Find out in our troubleshooting guide. Know now that some problems can be solved easily and quickly on your own. While others will likely require the intervention of a professional.

How to repair a Miele vacuum cleaner that no longer vacuums?

First of all, some maneuvers can easily solve the suction problem on a Miele vacuum cleaner. This will involve checking the tank, air ducts, and filters. Discover more exactly the manipulations below.

You have been warned! : When cleaning or disassembling your Miele vacuum cleaner, always unplug it from its power source. 

Check tank or dust bag

When your Miele vacuum cleaner no longer sucks properly or at all, it may initially be that the problem is simply due to the tank or bag that is overfilled. Indeed, as soon as the dust container reaches 3/4 of its maximum capacity, the vacuum cleaner already begins to lose suction power.

If you haven't emptied the vacuum for a long time or the bin has a small capacity, it's more likely that the problem is there. Then empty the bin, or replace the bag. Then try to inhale again. If the problem of loss of suction power on your Miele vacuum cleaner persists, then proceed to the next troubleshooting. Otherwise, remember to empty your vacuum cleaner regularly. The best if you have a dust container without a bag, is to do so after each use.

Note: If you have just changed the bag, or emptied the tank, also remember to check that you have positioned it correctly. 

Check and clean the air ducts of the Miele vacuum cleaner

It may also be that your Miele vacuum cleaner sucks less well or not at all because an air duct is clogged, dirty or damaged.

First, check whether a clog of dirt, hair, dust or simply an object does not block the sockets, the brush, the tube or the hose of your vacuum cleaner. To do this, separate all the elements from each other, then see if you observe any blockage. If so, you just need to remove it. If you can't see the inside of the vacuum hose, sweep it inside. This will allow you to dislodge any stuck object. If you find that the Miele vacuum cleaner that no longer sucks properly is dirty, clean it according to the instructions for your vacuum cleaner model.

When your Miele vacuum cleaner has less suction power, it may also be due to an air leak in its circuit. Note that this is more exceptional. This air leak can come from an incorrectly positioned component (tube, tank, bag, brush roll, seal, etc.) or damaged (hole in the tube or in the hose, seal that is no longer airtight). Make sure that all the elements of the vacuum cleaner are correctly positioned. Then turn on the vacuum cleaner. Then, with your hand, feel if you notice a significant air leak at the level of the tank, the tube or the seals of the Miele vacuum cleaner. If you notice an abnormal air leak, it will then be necessary to seal or change the defective part.

Clean or replace filters

When your Miele vacuum cleaner no longer sucks, it may also be that the problem comes from the filters. Indeed, filters are essential in a vacuum cleaner. Among other things, they prevent dust from reaching the engine block. And precisely, the first sign that announces that a filter is dirty or damaged is the loss of suction power. It will then be necessary to think about clean and/or replace them.

Depending on the model of your vacuum cleaner, the number of filters and the procedure for cleaning or replacing them is different. To clean the filters correctly, refer to the user manual for your Miele vacuum cleaner model. If you no longer have it, you can find it online, by going to their website, under "Assistance" then " HOW TO USE“. Please note: not all Miele vacuum cleaner filters can be washed with water. Remember to clean them regularly (every 3 months).

If the filters are too dirty or damaged (cracked, cut), replace them. Note that it is advisable to change the filters every year for optimal operation. To replace the filters, you can find them on the Miele website, under "Accessories for vacuum cleaners" -> " bag for vacuum cleaner and filter“. You can also find them on an independent site. However, pay attention that they are similar or compatible and qualitative.

Note: If you have vacuumed fine dust (construction or flour), it is very likely that this has caused the vacuum cleaner failure on your Miele vacuum cleaner. Indeed, fine dust is a real scourge for vacuum cleaners. It is not retained by the filters and it infiltrates the engine block and all its components. This is then the assured breakdown. 

What should you do if despite everything your Miele vacuum cleaner sucks less well or not at all?

At this stage, if your Miele vacuum cleaner still does not vacuum normally, in most cases the problem will come from the engine and its turbine which are out of order. Of course, this assumption will have to be verified by someone with the skills to do so.

Note: If your Miele vacuum cleaner that no longer vacuums is still under warranty, then contact the Miele Service without trying to access the engine block. Indeed, this will make you lose your rights to the guarantee! 

Testing the Miele vacuum cleaner motor

For check that the fault comes from the engine and the turbine, start the vacuum cleaner without filter, without bag and without hose. Check whether at the level of the suction cell there is suction power or not. If this is not the case, this confirms that the engine and the turbine are faulty. If you are out of warranty and have electrical skills, you can try to open the vacuum cleaner for the nettoyer because dust may have reached the motor. This is all the more likely if you have vacuumed up fine dust (construction dust or flour), or if the filters have not been cleaned and/or replaced in time.

You can then try to test the motor of your Miele vacuum cleaner to confirm the fault. To test it mechanically, just spin it with your hand and see if the rotation is smooth. Regarding the electrical test of the motor, you will need to note the tension across its terminals using a multimeter in the alternating current voltmeter position. Its voltage must be 220V. Note that in the vast majority of cases, you will probably need to replace the motor. Once again, this manipulation must be done by an authorized person. In addition, it is not always easy to find a reference similar or compatible with your vacuum cleaner. Especially if he is old.

Read also: What are the most common vacuum cleaner breakdowns?

Contact a professional

This is why at this stage we advise you to appeal to Miele Service via their online form, at 09 74 50 10 00 or by making an appointment directly with a technician. This is whether your Miele vacuum cleaner that no longer vacuums is under warranty or not. If you are no longer entitled to the warranty, you can also contact an independent professional repairer to compare the repair prices offered.