Philips Support

My Philips 5000 Series Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has low suction power

Published on 26 March 2024
If the suction power of your Philips 5000 Series Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is not as good as expected, there can be several reasons. Find out possible causes and solutions in the article below. 
5000 series models
The cyclone and/or the filter are dirty 
If you notice a decrease in suction power, it could be due to a dirty cyclone (the colored part in the dust bucket) or filter. Follow these instructions to clean both parts: 

Dust bucket/cyclone
It is important to empty the dust bucket of your Philips cordless vacuum cleaner after each use or when the dust reaches the MAX level indicator. Follow these simple steps to clean the dust bucket:
  • Turn off the appliance (image A2).                                                       
  • Hold the appliance at a 45-degree angle as shown in image A3. Remove the dust bucket by pressing the release button, located at the bottom of the bucket.                                                                                                                                      
Tip: Remove the dust bucket while keeping the appliance in an upright position to avoid spilling pollution (image A4). 
  • Hold the two blue dented circles on the side of the colored part and lift it out of the dust bucket (image A5). 
  • Empty the collected dust in the dust bucket over the trash bin (image A6). Also, make sure objects, hair, and dirt stuck in the cyclone are removed. 
  • Place the cyclone back in the dust bucket and make sure the two parts are aligned (image A7). 
  • Place back the bucket by first aligning the filter side of the bucket before hinging it in place (image A8). 

Filter   
To keep your Philips Cordless Vacuum Cleaner performing at its best, make sure to clean the filter regularly. Follow these simple steps:  
  • Lift the filter to remove it from the dust bucket (image B1).  
  • Separate the washable foam filter from the plastic filter case (image B2).  
  • Tap the foam filter and the filter case over a trash bin to clean (image B3).To thoroughly clean the filter case, it helps if you tap it very firmly over a trash bin until no more dust is coming out of the filter case. 
  • Rinse the foam under the tap and squeeze it until clean water comes out (image B4). Remember not to rinse the filter case.Note: for the best cleaning result, run the water through the filter with the dirtier side facing downwards, allowing deeply set dust to be washed out. 
  • Wait 24 hours until the foam filter is fully dried (image B5).Note: do not dry the sponge filter in direct sunlight, on the radiator, or in the tumble dryer. 
  • For thorough maintenance, clean the dust bucket and colored parts under a running tap or in warm soapy water (image 6) and wipe them dry (image B8). 
  • Reassemble the parts (images B7-10).When you place back the dust bucket first align the filter side before hinging it in place (image 10). Note: for optimal performance, we recommend cleaning the filter of your vacuum cleaner monthly and replacing the filter every six months (Accessory XV1651).

The dust bucket is not attached properly to the appliance 
If the dust bucket is not attached properly, this can cause problems with suction power. Make sure the dust bucket is attached properly by first aligning the filter side before hinging it in place. 

A foreign object is stuck in the nozzle 
If a foreign object is stuck in your appliance, this can cause problems with suction power. Make sure the appliance is switched off (image C1). Clean the nozzle by removing the tube from the main appliance and check if something is stuck in the tube and the part of the nozzle that was connected to the tube. If you find no blockages, follow the instructions below to clean the nozzle and brush:  
  • Hold the button on the side of the nozzle with one hand while removing the brush with the other hand. (image C2).  
  • Remove all visible pollution by hand. Cut and remove any tangled hairs from the brush (image C3).
  • Remove the side cap (image C4) and remove hairs in between (image C5).
  • Insert the brush back in place, and your vacuum is ready to use (images C6-8).When reassembling the brush, ensure proper alignment by first placing one side in position before clicking on the other side.  
Note: Please also check and remove any pollution around the nozzle wheels. 
The filter is not present in the appliance.   
If the filter is not present in the appliance, this can cause problems with suction power. Please make sure that the filter is in the appliance and assembled correctly. When you connect the dust bucket to the appliance it’s important to first align the filter side of the bucket before hinging it in place (image D). 

The appliance is rotated or flipped when the power is off. 
If the filter is not present in the appliance, this can cause problems with suction power. Please make sure that the filter is in 
 
If you have checked the above and the appliance still has a lower suction power than usual, please take it to a Philips service center or contact us for further assistance at www.philips.com/support.  
 
The dust bucket is full 
When the dust bucket of your Philips Vacuum Cleaner is full, the suction power will be lower than usual. Empty the dust bucket to regain sufficient suction power. 
 
The filter is dirty or not present
There are two different filters, and both will fit. Make sure that the filter is in the appliance and assembled correctly.

To clean it determine which filter you have and follow the simple instructions below.  
  
Filter 1:  
  • Detach the dust bucket (image 1).   
  • Take out the filter (image 2).   
  • Tap the filter to release loose dirt (image 3).   
  • Wash the filter with the grid side facing upwards (image 4).  
  • Let it dry for 24 hours with the grid side facing upwards (image 5).   
  • Reinsert the filter in the dust bucket and attach the bucket to your appliance (image 6).   
Your vacuum is ready to use again.  
 
 Filter 2:  
  • Detach the dust bucket (image 1).   
  • Remove the filter case and take the filter out (images 2-3).   
  • Tap both filters to release loose dirt (image 4).   
  • Wash the foam filter under the tap (image 5).  
  • Note: please do not rinse the filter casing under the tap.   
  • Ensure the foam filter is completely dry before reinserting it into the device (images 6-8).
 Your vacuum is ready to use again.  
  
For more information, refer to the accompanying video.   
Note: for optimal performance, we recommend cleaning the filter of your vacuum cleaner monthly and replacing the filter every 6 months. (Accessory FC8009/01)  

The dust bucket and/or the cyclone are dirty  
If the dust bucket and/or cyclone (the colored part inside the dust bucket) are dirty you will notice that the suction power will decrease. To solve this, follow the next instructions to clean both parts: 
  • Turn off the appliance. 
  • Release the dust bucket by pressing the button and taking the lid off (images A1-2).  
  • Empty the dust bucket into the trashcan (image A3). Make sure hair and dirt stuck in the cyclone (the colored part inside the dust bucket) are also removed.  
  • Remove the filter from the dust bucket (image A4).  
  • Clean the inside of the dust bucket with water or a damp cloth (images A5-6).  
  • Note: Please do not place the dust bucket into the dishwasher.  
  • When the bucket is completely dry, reinsert the filter and place the bucket back (images A7-9).  
 
 
The roller brush is stuck   
Dirt or hair can get trapped under the brush of your Philips Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.  
This may cause the roller brush to get stuck and you will notice that the suction power will decrease.

Please follow the steps below to clean the brush of your vacuum cleaner:  
  • Remove the brush with the easy button (images B1-2).
  • Pull out any strands by hand.  
    Tip: Cut off any tangled strands using scissors (image B3).  
  • Check for hair and/or dirt under the side cap and loosen the side cap from the brush by pulling it.   
  • Place the side cap back by pushing it until you hear a click and snap the brush back into place (image B4). 
Your vacuum is now ready to use again.  
 
The dust container lid is not properly connected to the dust container, or the dust container is not properly attached to the appliance.
In both cases, there will be a loss of suction power. Make sure that you attach the dust container lid to the dust container and the dust container to the appliance properly. 
 
If you have checked the above and the appliance still has a lower suction power than usual, please take it to a Philips service center or contact us for further assistance at www.philips.com/support. 
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