Miele Vac Problem - Blowing Dust Out

[whirlcool]

I have a Miele Red Star vacuum we've had for about 6 years. It works great except for the fact that about a couple of months ago the machine seems to be blowing dust out of it. The machine has the charcoal HEPA filter on it which is new.

After you've vacuumed the room, your hands feel gritty like you've dipped them in sand and the inside of the vac where the bag sits is covered in dust. This used to be always clean when you changed your bags. The motor filter is covered in dust after just one bag whereas it used to not be clogged after 4 bags.

The only thing that has been done to this machine was a few months ago the hose where it interfaces with the vac had the connector break. I went to our Miele dealer and they sold me a new connector which was installed at the end of the hose.

Anyone have any idea what the problem could be? Suction still appears to be strong.
I asked about this over at Vacuumland and it seems that unless you are a regular contributor over there you are ignored. Or it could be that there are so many kids over there they don't have the experience to determine what the problem could be?

 

[DysonAnimal]

Hi there - what bags are you using in the machine? If they're not genuine Miele Hyclean bags, that could be part of the issue.

If dust's escaping within what should be a sealed system, there must be a leak somewhere. Was the hose connector replaced before or after this problem started? If it was replaced beforehand, it sounds like you may need to check it's correctly installed, with no gaskets missing etc...

Until you can fix this, I'd suggest not using the cleaner, as it won't be doing the motor any good - it'll also be clogging the HEPA filter, which will be expensive to replace.

 

[whirlcool]

We are using the Miele FJM HyClean bags in the unit.

Thanks for the advice about not using this. We changed the HEPA filter just a month ago and I checked it today, you're right. It's totally clogged. Light from a strong flashlight won't shine through it from either side.... You are right on that count!

I examined the system to see if I could find any leaks. The bags have no rips or tears in them. The hose fits squarely and tightly in the receptacle in the vac. The little tube that goes into the bag opening is engaging the bag properly. The lid closes properly, the same way it always has.

My theory is that somehow the air (& dirt) from the hose is getting outside the bag inside the machine. If everything fits well, then how could this be happening?
The motor filter is cut to the right size, but how is dirt getting through the filter up to clog the HEPA filter? That motor filter is pretty dense. I am using the one supplied in the box with the Miele bags.

One thing I have noticed is that on the Miele bags, the receptacle where it fits into the vacs suction port tube has been redesigned. It seems like there is less plastic there. I wonder if this could be part of the problem?

There aren't any gaskets on the hose where it goes into the vac. I was wondering if there should be one there, I looked at the old connector and there wasn't any on that one either.

 

[DysonAnimal]

Unfortunately without examining the cleaner, I don't really know what else to suggest. If that much dirt is getting out of the bag, there just has to be a leak somewhere - and if you've tried multiple bags and found the same issue, it has to be with hose connector, or the bag collar design. I'm not sure which model the Red Star equates to in the UK range, but double-check the FJM bags are compatible - although presumably those are the ones you've always used?

Aside from this, all I can recommend is taking it somewhere for service. Sorry I can't be of more help!

 

[whirlcool]

The model number of our Miele is the S314 Red Star.

It came with a box of FJM bags, and the users guide indicates that the FJM bags are what is to be used.

I really appreciate you trying to assist me with this problem. With the amount of dirt that gets inside the vac it couldn't be from the surrounding air. It definitely is hose air that is somehow escaping the bag into the bag cavity in the machine.

We have a Miele dealer just 10 minutes from our house. I think I'll take it in for a diagnosis.....

 

[petek]

What are FJM bags? The Miele bags I buy say GN Hyclean?

edit; just looked at the box o bags again and it says for models s400 & higher model numbers.

 

[whirlcool]

On the side of the box the FJM bags came in the following print is:

S241-S256
S290-S291
S300-S399
S500-S578
S700-S758
S4000-S4999

On vacuumland some people mentioned using the GN bags because they have more capacity, but I used what was directed in the Users Guide and the box matched.
Notice on the FJM bags, the S400 series is missing. Probably because they use the GN bag.

 

[tolivac]

Other things to check-are the seals on the bag compartment lid intact?same with the exhaust filter cover.Its possible when the vacuum was serviced-the seals weren't assembled properly.The Meile vacuums have sealing gaskets in all of the lids,panels ,and covers that make up the machine.Even the cordreel compartment has gaskets,seals.these have to be intact and in place.The seals are made of a rubbery ,soft plastic material.the Meile dealer my way replaces all of these when he rebuilds a used machine turned in as a trade in.

 

[magic_clean]

Sounds

like your vacuum may need this part that directs the dirt into the dust bag. Also keeps the dirty air from leaking into the bag compartment.

http://www.centralvacuumstores.com/Vacuum/Miele/Parts/Dust-Channel-S300-Series-Part-04290592.php

 

[mixfinder]

Me Too

I have the same issue going on with my Miele White Pearl which is a 400 series.  It began at the exact moment I changed to FJM bags.  I ordered GN bags and the issues stopped.

Kelly

 

[whirlcool]

But the S400 series is supposed to use the GN bags, unlike the other models I listed above which use the FJM bags.

The little tube that goes into the bag from inside the lid is still there and in good condition.

I will agree with the fact that there may be some seals missing, but I don't see anything missing at all. Even though the new hose connector works right, I'm wondering if they gave me the wrong one? I'm going to take it in to see if Miele can figure out what the problem is..

 

[whirlcool]

The Solution!

I took this vac into our Miele dealer and he knew what the problem was immediately!
It seems that in order to cut costs, Miele discontinued the tight rubber seal that goes around the opening in the bag. It has been replaced with a hard plastic seal. The hard seal does not seal as well and this combined with the strong suction inside the Miele vac will pull dust and dirt particles out of the bag into the bag cavity.

The solution? Use the GN bags which still has the rubber seal on the bag. So he suggested that he keep the vac and thoroughly clean it up inside and out(motor too)and check it out. It's only $39.95 for this service and he'll throw in two GN bags. I thought that was very reasonable.

What does Miele say about this? The shop owner said he was told by Miele that if the customers bring their vac in for servicing (cleaning) once per year the problem would only be negligible.

Grrr...

 

[petek]

not good, for the price of the vacs and the exhorbitant bag prices.. Cost me $19.95 for 4 GN bags and I can fill one pretty quick with all the long dog hair around here..

 

[whirlcool]

I'm pretty disgusted with this too. Maybe some generic bags still have the rubber seals on the bag opening? I also noticed that the recent FJM bags also don't have the sliding door on them anymore. This door allows you to completely close the bag when you remove it from the machine.

Also on the new Miele vacs, the have the rubber bag seal built into the upper lid. The rubber seal is around the little pipe that fits into the bag. I wonder if I could replace that assembly and it would cure the problem? It looks like the screws would line up properly.

We've had this Miele for at least 6 years with very few issues. It still even looks somewhat new. It's the best vac for picking up dog hair I've ever seen. But doesn't Miele realize that they have sold millions of vac that need this rubber seal on the bags to prevent this problem? Or don't they care?

 

[jerrod6]

You should send them an email detailing the problem and then follow up with a call to customer service and ask that a ticket be opened

 

[whirlcool]

That's a good idea. Let me try that and see what happens.
I think what I will do is try to get them to comp a replacement intake tube to one like the newer machines have, with the seal built into the vac instead of the bag.

 

[launderess]

@ Whirlcool

Am going to have to invite you over to rummage though my stash! *LOL*

Had a huge cache (>20 boxes) of Miele vac bags and the FJM series was several boxes. IIRC offered them here in the group a year or so ago but got no takers, eventually sold off the lot to a local Miele vac dealer who was happy to by pass that company and their high prices even for him. In the end kept several boxes of one type as they fit my Kenmore (built by Panasonic) upright. However last time one looked could swear saw one box "FJM" that didn't make it when I carted the others off.

 

[whirlcool]

Laundress:

If you do see a box of FJM bags please hold onto them and let me know how much you would like for them. I am definitely interested.

I spoke with Miele this morning. They were very nice to deal with. The agent, Sally said that Miele is aware of this problem and has developed a new bag, the FJM AirClean bag. I have been using the FJM HyClean bag. Miele is sending me a box of these gratis and would like me to let them know if it solves my problem. I was talking to her about the new location of the seal and she said "I see what you mean, I'm looking at your vacuum cleaner and comparing it to the new models." Does Miele have vacs for comparison in their Customer Support office? It sure sounded like it.

Anyway she was cheerful and came up with the answer in about a minute. So, I must not be the only Miele customer out there with this problem.

 

[whirlcool]

The new FJM AirClean bags (1 box) arrived yesterday along with a new charcoal HEPA filter, all gratis from Miele. Heck, for a 6 year old vac? That's quite some customer service!

I picked up the vac from the Miele dealer this morning. They really cleaned it out, looks like new again. I told the dealer what the problem was an what Miele did and he said he never heard of this before.

I took the vac home, install the new bag, motor filter and HEPA filter and then vacuumed the house. First thing I noticed was a big increase in suction. Somehow I hadn't notice the loss and the machine was a lot quieter. After vacuuming the entire house including under the beds, lampshades, dusted furniture, etc. I opened the canister to look inside. Just as clean as it was when I picked it up at the dealer! And no gritty feeling on my hands when finished. I am very pleased again.

But my question is since there was no notification from Miele to its customers about this and two Miele dealers didn't know about it (they don't carry the AirClean bags, either) how many other people are having this problem? How many other people don't even notice the problem?