Karcher FAQ’s

What are Karcher FAQ’s – frequently asked questions.

Have you ever wondered about the correct way to start up your pressure washer or how to clean a particular surface?

Want to clean upholstery but are unsure of the correct accessory and chemical as well as the process?

What to do if the vacuum cleaner is making a loud noise?

Your pressure washer is not pulling chemical through?

Which is the correct chemical for your machine?

Below you will find answers to a lot of those questions, if you do not find the answer in our list of Karcher FAQ’s below  please do not hesitate to contact us or checking for our nearest branch.

What is the repairs process?
Take the faulty machine to your nearest branch (see branches here), including accessories, if possible in the original box, or a suitable cardboard box if it will fit. If you have attempted to repair the machine yourself and have stripped the unit, ensure that you put all the parts into a box, together with the accessories and bring it to us.
Upon arrival at our branch supply a brief description of the fault and a copy of the proof of purchase – this will allow us to check if a warranty is possible.
An assessment of your machine & accessories will be carried out.
You will receive a formal quotation.
If the repairs are chargeable we require approval by you for the charges to ensure that the repairs can be carried out.
Once the charges are approved by you (if applicable), you will be notified once your unit is repaired and ready for collection.
If you have any further questions on the repairs process please contact us.

Which accessories are compatible with my machine?
For Home & Garden accessories navigate to the Home & Garden products here to find the category of equipment that you would like to find an accessory for, scroll down the page to find the accessory.
For Home & Garden accessories navigate to the Professional products here to find the category of equipment that you would like to find an accessory for, scroll down the page to find the accessory.
Please note: equipment from the Home & Garden range are not compatible with machines from the Professional range.

Where can I purchase a Karcher product?
You can purchase online or at one of our branches, navigate to the category of product that you require and click on the item for more info, add to basket or screenshot the item if you would like to go to a branch to view it and discuss it with one of our Karcher Experts.

Do you need to register an account to make a purchase?
No you do not need to register, add the item/s to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout, there you can add your details, address and special instructions. You can also add your VAT number to the notes if you would liek your VAT number to appear on the invoice.

How long does it take to receive online orders?
Generally to takes 2 to 5 working days to receive online orders, depending on your location within South Africa. This is also dependent on the time of day and day of the week that you place your order, some days are busier than others especially during special promotions where we receive high order volumes.

 

Can I use a wet & dry vacuum vac to vacuum up leaves?
You can use a multi-purpose vac for individual dry leaves, but not for large quantities of leaves. Hard or wet leaves can quickly lead to blockages in the suction hose or container inlet.

Why does the vacuum cleaner not switch on at level 2?
Level 2 is only used for operating power tools. The vacuum cleaner starts when the power tool is switched on and stays on for around 15-20 seconds after the power tool has been switched off.

What should I do if the main filter quickly becomes clogged with fine dust during vacuuming?
When vacuuming fine dust you should always use a filter bag.

What should I do if the vacuum cleaner starts to emit dust?
Check that the suction hose is inserted properly and that there are no defects. Check that the filter is in place and that it is not defective. Use a filter bag.

What should I do if the vacuum cleaner stops performing?
Replace the filter bag, clean the cartridge filter/flat pleated filter, nozzle, suction pipe and suction hose. Replace the seals if necessary.

What should I do if the vacuum cleaner switches itself off?
Certain Professional wet & dry vacuum cleaners switches off when the dirt receptacle is too full. If the filling level probe and casing are wet, this can cause a moisture path to form. Allow the vacuum cleanere to dry out and clean the filling level probe.

What should I do if the suction turbine is not working?
Check the fuse and socket and check the cord and plug for any damage. If the power switch, carbon brush or power outlet are defective or please contact us directly.

What should I do if the suction turbine switches off during wet vacuum cleaning?
Remove the cartridge filter and empty the container. If there is water in the cartridge filter, allow this to dry.

What should I do if the power tool is not working?
On “P” and “Te” versions check the power outlet or please or contact us directly.

What should I do if there is a loss of suction power?
Remove any blockages from the suction nozzle, suction pipe, handle and suction hose.
Replace the paper filter bag.
Replace the seals.

 

How much water does the pressure washer need?
Depending on the model, Kärcher pressure washers for private use have a flow rate of between 230 and 600 l/h (litres per hour) and  Kärcher pressure washers for Professional use have a flow rate of between 400 and 1200 l/h. A standard tap connected to municipal water supply supplies around 3,500 litres of water per hour. When using a pond, dam or water container the inlet of the pressure washer should be lower than the oultet of the water source to ensure a good water flow to the pressure washer. A Karcher suction with filter hose can be used if the pressure washer is higher than the water source, this will ensure that (once primed) the water stays in the suction hose and there is constant water flow. You may need to use a Karcher booster pump in some cases to supply enough water to the pressure washer.

Can the device draw water from a water butt?
Yes, you should use a suction hose with filter as mentioned above. Attach the suction hose to the water infeed on the pressure washer, insert the other end into the water butt, connect the high-pressure hose to the device. Before switching on the device, remove the lance from the spray gun. Press the lever on the spray gun so that this is open and switch the pressure washer on. This will allow the air inside the pressure washer to escape gently as the pressure washer starts to draw in the water. The pressure washer should not be any more than 0.5 metre above the water source.

Does quicker cleaning also save water?
In a pressure washer, an electrically powered pump raises the water pressure many times over to up to 500 bar in Professional units. With this pressure, the water is conveyed through the high-pressure hose to a lance, where it is ejected as a sharp, concentrated jet from a nozzle, creating enormous cleaning power. If the spray gun is not activated, the pump will switch off automatically. A pressure washer allows you to carry out your cleaning tasks quicker than with conventional methods while also using less water than if you were using a garden hose only.

Can a pressure washer be used to clean the surface of a car?
Yes, simply spray the vehicle down with high pressure to remove coarse dirt. Use of  the correct chemical will aid the cleaning process and, depending on the chemical ensure protection for the car paintwork. The cleaning chemical is applied gently onto the vehicle in low pressure via the suction hose or can be added to a foam cannon for much more effective application. You can also use a Karcher wash brush to assist with removal of stubborn and road dirt.

Can I use any cleaning chemical?
Kärcher cleaning chemicals are specially formulated for Karcher equipment. Your warranty will no longer be valid if you use cleaning agents other than those supplied by Kärcher.

What is a backflow preventer?
The backflow preventer prevents detergent from getting into the drinking water.

What should I do if the pressure washer is not building up pressure?
Connect the pressure washer to the water supply and turn on the tap.
Remove the filter from the water inlet and clean it.
Switch the pressure washer on (first removing the lance) and allow it to run until there is no more air coming out of the spray gun.
Check whether you are using the right accessories.
If the pressure and suction valves are leaking and there is water coming out of the casing, or if the pressure washer is pulsating (or stop-starting), please contact us directly.
If the overflow valve is stuck, please contact us directly.

What should I do if the pressure washer switches off or splutters?
See step above, if this does not work then check and clean the nozzle if possible.
Check if you are using the right nozzle for the particular machine – each pressure washer uses a different size nozzle.
Check if there is enough water flow to the pressure washer.

What should I do if the motor doesn’t start?
Check the power supply and mains fuse.
Check the main switch and spray gun.
For extension cables of 10 metre or longer, the diameter must be at least 2.5 mm², dompletely unwind the cable drum.
In the following cases, please contact us directly:
– The pressure switch or control pistons are stuck
– The motor is overheating
– The main switch is faulty

What should I do if the pressure washer is leaking (water/oil)?
Please contact us directly.

What should I do if the pressure washer is not drawing up the cleaning agent?
Karcher cold water pressure washers do not apply chemical in high pressure mode, only in low pressure mode. ON home & Garden units set your Vario nozzle to low/ mix or on professional units set to chem.
Fill up the cleaning agent container.
Rinse out the vacuum filter with fresh water and clean it, once you have finished cleaning with cleaning agent, you should rinse the pressure out with fresh water to prevent the filter from clogging up.
Check the suction hose for damage.
Take the cleaning agent hose on the pressure washer and, using a thin object, push back the valve on the hose nipple so that it moves smoothly.
Start the flow and set to low pressure.

What type of chemicals can be used?
Karcher RM 591 1 litre low-foaming carpet and upholstery cleaner in SE machines and RM 760 Puzzi powder in SE and Puzzi machines.
RM 760 is available in 800 g or 10 kg powder, as well as tablet form in units of 16 or 200.
Kärcher cleaning chemicals are specially formulated for Karcher equipment.

What should I do if the suction turbine is not working?
If the cord/plug or power switch are defective, please contact us directly.
Check the fuse in the electrical socket.
If the carbon brushes or suction turbine are defective, please contact us directly.

What should I do when there is no suction from the suction turbine?
Remove any blockages from the suction nozzle, suction pipe, handle or suction hose.
Replace the seals in the vacuum system if they are not airtight.
Empty the dirty water tank.
Ensure that the transparent lid is fitted correctly on Puzzi’s and the vacuum head is secure on SE’s.

What should I do when the machine continually switches itself off?
The machine switches itself off during wet vacuum cleaning when the water level in the container is too high. Switch the machine off and empty the container.

What should I do if there is a loss of suction power?
Blockage in paper filter bag, flat pleated filter, nozzle, suction pipe or suction hose (“full” indicator is red).
Flat pleated filter is missing or is not inserted correctly.

What should I do if there is dust coming out during vacuuming?
Ensure that the suction hose is attached correctly and that the flat pleated filter is fitted correctly or replace it if necessary.

What should I do if the machine is not spraying water?
Fill the fresh water tank.
Clean or, if necessary, replace the float switch.
Clean the water hose/nozzle.
Clean the vacuum filter in the fresh water tank.
If the water pump is defective, please or contact us directly.

Can the steam cleaner be used on laminate/parquet flooring?
You can use a steam cleaner with steam volume control (lowest level) to clean laminate or parquet flooring – provided it is not oiled or waxed! Use two cleaning cloths (= 4 layers) so that as little steam as possible comes into contact with the surface. Do not hold the nozzle in one place for a long time. Please make sure that no puddles form, as the residual moisture will then dry quickly and with streak-free results.

What can the steam cleaner be used on?
The steam cleaner can be used for many different cleaning tasks, for example, cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, crevices, drains, radiators and much more.

How hot is the steam?
The temperature of the steam at the nozzle is around 100°C and around 84°C on the object being cleaned.

Can the steam pipe be extended?
Every steam cleaner comes with two steam pipes as standard. The pipe can be easily extended with an additional pipe.

Why should you not use demineralised water?
Demineralised water removes minerals from the boiler and damages it as a result. We therefore recommend using tap water. Please make sure to descale the device regularly.

What should I do if the steam cleaner does not heat up?
Check the power cord and fuse, as well as the thermostat and pressure switch. Top up the water. If the water shortage light does not go off, please contact us directly.

What should I do if the safety lock does not open?
If the safety lock is stuck or spins round, allow the station to cool down and, if necessary, release the pressure by pulling the steam lever on the steam hose until the lock opens. If the lock cannot be opened in a cold state, please contact us directly.

What should I do if the heat-up time is taking too long?
Descale the machine. If the heater is damaged, please consult one of our service partners or contact us directly.

What should I do if the water shortage light is permanently illuminated?
The water shortage thermostat may be defective. Please contact us directly.

What should I do if there is no steam coming out?
Switch the heating on, plug the steam iron in, check the switch on the steam iron and replace it if necessary. If the solenoid valve does not open, please contact us directly.

What should I do if the steam cannot be turned off or if there is steam coming out of the safety lock?
Please consult contact us directly.

What should I do if water comes out while ironing?
Allow the ironing station to heat up fully, set the controller to steam stage and fill the water tank just up to ¾ full.

Which floor coverings can be cleaned with the FC?
The FC is suitable for all common household hard floors including i. a. PVC, parquet, laminate, cork, stone as well as tiles.

How much moisture is left on the floor after cleaning?
The moistening of the floor equals approx. 7ml/m². Due to the minimal moistening of the rollers the floor drying time is under 2 minutes.

How do I hold the FC correctly for a perfect cleaning result?
You will get the best cleaning results by holding the floor cleaner in an easy comfortable arm length. As soon as you feel a slight resistance by moving forward and backward on the floor, you have achieved the ideal holding position. At this position the rubber lip behind the rollers touches the floor and the rollers can pick up the dirt most effectively.

Why is there a gap between the two rollers?
The power drive is located between the two rollers. Due to this innovative drive concept the rollers are able to reach up to edges and corners for an optimal cleaning result.

Are there differences between the yellow and the grey set of rollers?
The functionality of both set of rollers is the same. Due to the different coloring you can easily differentiate between the rollers. In this way e. g. the yellow set of rollers can be used in the living area and the grey set of rollers in the bathroom.

Do I have to use Kärcher detergent?
For an ideal utilisation and a perfect result we recommend the use of the suitable cleaning detergents of Kärcher.

How do I clean the rollers of FC?
In case the rollers are extremely dirty, it is recommended to remove them and wash them in the washing machine up to 60°. Please don´t use softener, because it affects the microfibre function.

When should I replace the rollers?
The rollers can be cleaned in the washing machine. Therefore they can be used over a longer period of time. By renewing the rollers from time to time their performance can be incereased againg. In general, the rollers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on the frequency of use.

Is the electric broom suitable for pet hair?
Yes, the electric broom includes two brushes: one standard brush and one pet hair brush. Hair can be removed easily and hygienically from all floor coverings using the pet hair brush.

What should I do if the battery goes flat quickly?
Charge the electric broom, making sure it is switched off, for at least 3½ hours. If the battery is still not charged after a charging time of 14 hours, please send us an email with a short description of the fault and proof of purchase.

What should I do if the brush stops rotating?
Charge the battery and clean the brush to remove any dirt (threads, etc.)

What should I do if the cordless electric broom is running noisily?
Charge the battery, clean the brush by removing any dirt or replace the brush if it is worn out.

What should I do if the cordless electric broom is difficult to push?
Check the rollers, clean them or, if necessary, replace them.

How can I improve the cleaning results?
Pour all of the detergent concentrate supplied (20 ml) into the spray bottle supplied and fill it up with water.
Depending on how dirty the windowpane is, you may have to clean it several times. The cleaning agent solution should not be allowed to dry on while you do this.
Hold the window vac so that that the squeegee is perpendicular to the windowpane and do not use too much pressure.
We also recommend that you clean the squeegee regularly, removing any dirt residues. The squeegee can be pulled out sideways. If the squeegee is worn, it should be replaced.
Spray the windowpane so that it is moist all over.

What should I do if there is water coming out of the ventilation slits?
Make sure that the dirty water tank is not too full, particularly if you are using the device in a horizontal position or above your head.

What should I do if the device does not start or if it switches itself off?
Charge the battery if the operating display is off or if it is flashing slowly. If the display is flashing quickly, please contact us directly.

What should I do if the spray bottle stops spraying?
Fill it up with detergent. If the pump mechanism is defective, please send us an email with a description of the fault and proof of purchase.

What should I do if the roller brush or side brush is not sweeping properly?
If the roller or brush is worn out, they must be replaced. If the brush roller drive is worn out, please contact us directly.

What should I do if the sweeper starts to expel dust during sweeping?
Check that the sealing lip and seal on the waste container are still in good condition and replace if necessary.

What should I do if the sweeper is difficult to push?
Check that the roller brush is set to the correct height: only the tips of the bristles should be touching the floor. If the height adjustment or wheel drive is defective, please consult one of our service partners or contact us directly.

What should I do if the floor cleaner is not starting?
Check the mains fuse. Fold the push handle down while working. If the microswitch in the hinge is defective or there is a fault in the motor, please contact us directly.

What should I do if the dust is not being vacuumed?
Replace the filter bag or ensure that it is correctly inserted. Remove any blockages in the air channel. If the fan wheel is loose or the motor is defective, please consult one of our service partners or contact us directly.

What should I do if the cleaning results are not good?
If the polishing pads are dirty or worn, clean them or replace them. Make sure that you are using the right polishing pads for your floor. Kärcher offers special polishing pads for hard surfaces, waxed hard surfaces, varnished hard surfaces and matt stone floors.
If the pressure mechanism for the polishing discs is defective, please contact us directly.

For any other Karcher FAQ’s please contact us via the contact button below or phone your nearest branch.