Miele Complete C3 User manual

Operating Instructions
Canister Vacuum Cleaner
en-US
M.-Nr. 11 217 140
HS15

Only Miele FilterBags, filters and accessories with
the "Original Miele" logo can be used with this
vacuum. Only then can the suction power of the
vacuum cleaner reach its optimum potential creating
the best possible cleaning results.
USE OF NON-MIELE COMPONENTS MAY VOID
THE WARRANTY.
,The use of FilterBags made of paper or a similar
material, or FilterBags with a cardboard retaining
plate can lead to serious damage to the vacuum
cleaner and may void the warranty, just as with the
use of FilterBags without the "Original Miele" logo.
The "Original Miele" Logo will appear on the
packaging or directly on the FilterBag.
Purchasing new FilterBags and filters
Original Miele FilterBags and filters can be purchased
from an authorized Miele vacuum dealer or by visiting the
Miele store at www.mieleusa.com.

Contents
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................ 4
Caring for the environment .................................................................................. 9
Appliance description ......................................................................................... 10
Preparing for use................................................................................................. 12
Use........................................................................................................................ 17
Parking, transport and storage .......................................................................... 21
Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 22
Purchasing new FilterBags and filters ................................................................... 23
Ordering the correct FilterBags and filters ............................................................ 23
When to change the FilterBag............................................................................... 23
How the FilterBag change indicator works ........................................................... 24
Replacing the FilterBag ......................................................................................... 24
When to change the motor protection filter........................................................... 25
Changing the motor protection filter ..................................................................... 25
When to replace the exhaust filter......................................................................... 26
How to replace the AirClean filter.......................................................................... 26
Replacing the Active AirClean 50 and HEPA AirClean 50 exhaust filters.............. 27
Replacing one type of exhaust filter with another ................................................. 28
When changing the filter please note.................................................................... 28
Maintenance indicator with reset button............................................................... 29
When to change the thread catchers? .................................................................. 29
How to replace the thread lifters ........................................................................... 30
Cleaning the roller on the AllTeQ floorhead........................................................... 30
Cleaning and care ............................................................................................... 30
Frequently Asked Questions .............................................................................. 31
After sales service............................................................................................... 32
Contact in the event of a fault ............................................................................... 32
Warranty ................................................................................................................ 32
Optional accessories .......................................................................................... 32
Limited Warranty - Vacuum Cleaners USA ....................................................... 34

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS APPLI-
ANCE
This vacuum cleaner complies with current safety requirements.
Inappropriate use can, however, lead to personal injury and dam-
age to property.
To avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the vacuum cleaner,
please read the operating instructions carefully before using it for
the first time. They contain important information on its safety, op-
eration and maintenance.
Keep these operating instructions in a safe place and pass them
on to any future user.
Always disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the power supply
when you have finished using it, before changing any accessories,
as well as for maintenance work and cleaning. Turn the vacuum
cleaner off and unplug it.
Correct use
 This vacuum cleaner is intended for cleaning flooring in domestic
households and similar residential environments.
 This vacuum cleaner can be used for all normal cleaning of car-
pets, rugs and hard flooring.
 This vacuum cleaner is not intended for outdoor use.
 The vacuum cleaner must only be used to vacuum dry floor sur-
faces. Do not use on people and animals. Any other usage, modifi-
cation or alteration is not supported by the manufacturer and could
be dangerous.
 Persons which lack physical, sensory or mental abilities or experi-
ence with the machine should not use it without supervision or in-
struction by a responsible person.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
5
Safety with children
 Danger of suffocation! Ensure that any plastic wrappings, bags,
etc. are disposed of safely and kept out of the reach of children.
 Do not allow the vacuum cleaner to be used as a toy. Close atten-
tion is necessary when used near children.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury:
 Check the voltage rating of the vacuum cleaner before connecting
the power cord to an electrical outlet. Your power source should cor-
respond with the voltage rating plate located on the underside of the
vacuum. Use only household AC outlets. Never use DC power
sources. If you are not sure of your home’s voltage supply, consult a
qualified electrician. Connecting the vacuum cleaner to a higher volt-
age than indicated in these instructions may result in damage to the
vacuum cleaner or injury.
 To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a polarized
plug (one blade is wider than the other.) This plug will fit in a polar-
ized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, re-
verse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to
install the proper outlet. Do not alter the plug in any way.
Technical safety
 Before using the vacuum cleaner and its accessories, check for
any visible signs of damage. Do not use a damaged appliance.
 Ensure that the connection data on the data plate of the vacuum
cleaner (voltage and frequency) match the household power supply.
Without modifications, the vacuum cleaner is suited for 50Hz or
60Hz.
 The electrical outlet must be fitted with a 15A fuse.
 Reliable and safe operation of this vacuum cleaner can only be
assured if it has been connected to the electricity supply.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6
 The socket on the vacuum cleaner (depending on model) must
only be used for the Miele Powerbrushes listed in these operating in-
structions.
 The Miele Powerbrush is a motor driven accessory for use only
with Miele vacuum cleaners. For safety reasons, the vacuum cleaner
must not be used with an Powerbrush produced by another manu-
facturer.
 Repairs must only be performed by an authorized service agent in
accordance with national and local safety regulations. Unauthorized
repairs could cause injury or machine damage. Otherwise the war-
ranty will be void.
 Do not pull or carry the vacuum cleaner by the power cord, and
be careful not to damage the cord when withdrawing the plug from
the socket. Keep the cord away from sharp edges and do not let it
get pinched, for example, under a door. Avoid running the vacuum
cleaner over the cord. This could damage the cord, plug or socket.
The appliance must not be used if any of these have suffered dam-
age.
 Do not use the vacuum cleaner if the power cord is damaged. If
the power cord is damaged it must be replaced together with the
cord reel. For safety reasons this must only be done by Miele Techni-
cal Service or a Miele authorized service technician.
 When vacuuming fine dust, e.g., sawdust, sand, plaster, flour, tal-
cum powder, etc., electrostatic charges build up naturally. Under
certain conditions these charges will be released. To avoid the un-
pleasant effects of these discharges, a metal inlay has been incorpo-
rated into the underside of the handle. Please make sure that you
keep your hand in constant contact with this metal strip during vacu-
uming.
 Do not allow the vacuum cleaner or Electrobrush, electric wand or
electric hose to get wet. Clean only with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
If any moisture gets into the appliance, danger of electric shock.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
7
 The Electrobrush, electric wand and electric hose contain power
cords. The plug connectors must not come in contact with water.
Danger of electric shock. They should only be cleaned with a dry
cloth.
 Repairs should only be carried out on the vacuum cleaner, the
Electrobrush, the electric wand and the electric hose by a Miele-au-
thorized service technician. Repairs by unqualified persons can
cause considerable danger to users.
 Defective components should be replaced by Miele original parts
only. Only with these parts can safety of the appliance be assured as
intended by the manufacturer.
Proper use
 To avoid the risk of damage, do not use the vacuum cleaner with-
out the FilterBag, dust compartment filter and exhaust filter in place.
 The dust compartment cover will not close without a FilterBag in-
serted. Do not force it.
 Do not vacuum up anything which has been burning or smoking,
e.g., cigarettes, ashes or hot ash, whether glowing or apparently ex-
tinguished.
 Do not use the vacuum cleaner to vacuum up any water, liquid or
damp dirt. Wait until any freshly cleaned or shampooed rugs or car-
pets are completely dry before attempting to vacuum.
 Do not use the vacuum cleaner to vacuum toner dust. Toner, such
as that used in printers and photocopiers, can conduct electricity.
 Do not vacuum up any flammable or combustible liquids or gases
and do not vacuum in areas where such substances are stored.
 Do not vacuum at head height and do not let the suction get any-
where near a person's head.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
8
Accessories
 To avoid the risk of injury when vacuuming with a Miele Power-
brush or Turbobrush, do not touch the rotating roller brush.
 It is not advisable to vacuum directly with the handle, i.e., without
an accessory attached, as the rim could get damaged and you could
hurt yourself on sharp edges.
 Only use genuine FilterBags, filters and accessories with the
“Original Miele” logo on them. Otherwise the manufacturer cannot
guarantee the safety of the product.
California Proposition 65
THE FOLLOWING WARNING IS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY:
WARNING:
Cancer and Reproductive Harm -
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Caring for the environment
9
Disposal of the packing mate-
rial
The cardboard box and packing materi-
als protect the appliance during ship-
ping. They have been designed to be
biodegradable and recyclable.
Ensure that any plastic wrappings,
bags, etc. are disposed of safely and
kept out of the reach of children. Dan-
ger of suffocation!
Disposing of the FilterBags
and filters
Filterbags and filters are made from en-
vironmentally friendly materials, and can
be disposed of with the normal house-
hold waste, as long as they have been
used exclusively for general household
dust.
Disposing of your old appli-
ance
Before disposing of your old appliance
remove the FilterBag and filters and dis-
pose of them with your household
waste.
Electronic and electrical appliances
contain many valuable materials. They
also contain certain materials, com-
pounds and components which were
essential for their correct functioning
and safety. These could be hazardous
to your health and to the environment if
disposed of with general waste or if
handled incorrectly. Please do not,
therefore, dispose of your old appliance
with general waste.
Instead, please make use of officially
designated collection and disposal
points to dispose of and recycle electri-
cal and electronic appliances. By law,
you are solely responsible for deleting
any personal data from the appliance
prior to disposal. Please ensure that
your old appliance poses no risk to chil-
dren while being stored for disposal.
Disposal of old batteries and
power packs
Electrical and electronic appliances of-
ten contain batteries and power packs
which must not go into household
waste after use. Please remove all ac-
cessible batteries and take them to a
suitable collection site where they can
be collected free of charge. Batteries
and power packs may contain sub-
stances which are harmful to your
health and the environment.
The labeling on the battery or power
pack gives further information. The
crossed-out waste bin means that you
must never put batteries and power
packs into household waste. If the
crossed-out waste bin has one or more
of the listed chemical symbols, it con-
tains lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and/or
mercury (Hg).
Old batteries and power packs contain
important raw materials and can be re-
cycled. Separately collecting old batter-
ies and power packs facilitates handling
and recycling.

Appliance description
10

Appliance description
11
aSuction hose *
bRelease button for accessories compartment
cFilterBag change indicator
dDisplay *
eFoot switch for automatic cord rewind
fPark system for pauses during vacuuming
gOn/Off foot switch 
hPower cord
iCastor wheels *
jExhaust filter *
kPark system for storage (on both sides of the vacuum cleaner) *
lMotor protection filter
mElectrobrush socket cover holder *
nOriginal Miele FilterBag
oCarrying handle
pFloorhead *
qRelease buttons
rTelescopic suction wand *
sDust compartment lid release button
tTelescopic suction wand release button *
uSocket for Electrobrush *
vConnection socket *
wLED *
xStandby button for short pauses in vacuuming *
ySuction power selector buttons + / - *
zHandle (some models have an air inlet valve in the handle) *
{Overheating warning light  *
|Restart button *
}Standby indicator light *
~Maintenance indicator with reset button *
* These features are model-specific and may vary or may not be available on your
vacuum cleaner.

12
Preparing for use
Attaching the suction hose
Insert the hose connector into the
suction socket on the vacuum
cleaner until it clicks into position. To
do this, line up the guides on the two
pieces.
Disconnecting the suction hose
Press the release buttons at the side
of the hose connector, and lift the
hose from the socket.
Connecting the suction hose to the
handle
(required depending on model)
Insert the suction hose into the han-
dle until it clicks into position.
Connecting the handle to the wand
Insert the handle into the wand until it
clicks into position. To do this, line up
the guides on the two pieces.
To release the handle from the wand,
press the release button and pull the
handle out of the wand, twisting it
slightly as you do so.

13
Adjusting the telescopic suction
wand
Depending on the model, your vacuum
cleaner will be fitted with one of the fol-
lowing suction wands:
– Telescopic suction wand
– Comfort telescopic suction wand
One part of the telescopic suction wand
is packed inside the other and it can be
adjusted to suit your height for comfort-
able vacuuming.
Telescopic suction wand
Press the release button and adjust
the telescopic suction wand to the re-
quired length.
Comfort telescopic suction wand
Grasp the release mechanism and
adjust the telescopic suction wand to
the required length.
Connecting the telescopic wand to
the floorhead/floorbrush
(included as standard depending on
model)
Push the telescopic wand into the
suction nozzle and turn it clockwise
or counter-clockwise until it clicks
into position.

14
To detach these parts from each
other, press the release button and
pull the telescopic wand out of the
suction nozzle, twisting it slightly as
you do so.
Adjusting the floorhead
(only for models with a reversible floor-
head included in the standard version)
This vacuum cleaner can be used for
the everyday cleaning of carpets, rugs
and hard flooring.
Miele offers a range of other floorheads,
brushes and accessories for other types
of flooring and special applications (see
“Optional accessories”).
Please always follow the flooring
manufacturer's cleaning and care in-
structions.
Vacuum carpets and rugs with the
brush retracted:
Press the foot switch .
Clean hard flooring which is not sus-
ceptible to scratching, and flooring with
gaps or deep crevices in it with the
brush protruding:
Press the foot switch .
If the suction power of the adjustable
floorhead seems too high, reduce the
suction until the floorhead is easier
to maneuver (see “Use – Regulating
the suction power”).
Activating the TimeStrip® exhaust fil-
ter change indicator on the exhaust
filter
Depending on the model, your vacuum
cleaner will be fitted as standard with
one of the following exhaust filters.

15
a AirClean
b Active AirClean 50 (black)
c HEPA AirClean 50 (white)
If your vacuum cleaner is fitted with ex-
haust filter b or c, you need to activate
the TimeStrip® exhaust filter change in-
dicator.
Press the release button on the re-
cessed grip and raise the dust com-
partment lid as far as it will go.
Remove the indicator strip.
Press the TimeStrip® exhaust filter
change indicator.
After approx. 10–15 seconds a thin red
line will appear in the left-hand side of
the display.
Close the dust compartment lid se-
curely, making sure it clicks into posi-
tion. Take care not to trap the Fil-
terBag when doing so.
How the TimeStrip® exhaust filter
change indicator works

16
The TimeStrip® exhaust filter change
indicator shows the remaining func-
tional life of the exhaust filter. After ap-
prox. 50 operating hours, or approx.
one year of average use, the display will
be completely filled with red.
Using the accessories supplied
Crevice nozzle
For cleaning in folds, crevices or
corners.
Dusting brush with natural bris-
tles
For cleaning base boards, ornate
and carved objects.
The head can be swiveled to ad-
just the angle.
Upholstery nozzle
For cleaning upholstery, mat-
tresses, cushions, curtains, cov-
ers, etc.
Some models are supplied as standard
with one of the following accessories,
which are not illustrated.
– Powerbrush
– Turbobrush
These accessory parts are supplied
with their own operating instructions.
Opening the accessories compart-
ment
Press the release button on the ac-
cessories compartment lid.
The accessories compartment will then
open.
Take out the accessory you require.
Press down firmly on the lid to close
it.
Reversible floorhead
(included as standard depending on
model)
For general use and also for vacuuming
the stairs.
For safety reasons when vacu-
uming stairs, it is best to start at the
bottom of the stairs and move up-
wards.

17
Use
Power cord
Unwind the cord completely to
aid the vacuum in dissipating heat.
Do not pull or carry by the cord, use
the cord as a handle, close a door on
the cord, or pull the cord around
sharp edges or corners. Do not run
the appliance over the cord. Keep
the cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not unplug by pulling the cord. To
unplug grasp the plug, not the cord.
This appliance is equipped with a
power cord reel. Hold the plug when
rewinding onto cord reel. Do not al-
low plug to whip when rewinding.
Unwinding the cord
Pull the cord out to the required
length.
Insert the plug into the socket.
If your vacuum cleaner is equipped with
a lit park system for storage, it switches
on in this manner.
When the vacuum cleaner is used for
the first time the lighting will switch it-
self on after approximately two min-
utes.
If vacuuming for longer than
30minutes, the cord must be pulled
out all the way. Danger of overheat-
ing and damage.
Rewinding the cord
Remove the plug from the outlet.
If your vacuum cleaner is equipped with
a lit park system for storage, it switches
off in this manner.
Step briefly on the automatic cord
rewind foot switch.
The cord will then retract itself fully into
the vacuum cleaner.
If you do not want the cord to retract
completely into the vacuum cleaner
you can deactivate this function. To do
this, take hold of the end of the cord
whilst retracting it and give it a short
pull when you want the rewinding to
end.

18
Turning the vacuum cleaner on and
off
Press the On/Off foot control .
Regulating the suction power
The suction power can be regulated to
suit the type of flooring being cleaned.
Reducing the suction power reduces
the amount of effort required to maneu-
ver the floor brush.
The vacuum cleaner has symbols on
the controls which indicate the type of
use the settings are suitable for.
The selected power setting will light up
yellow.
Curtains, fabric
Upholstery, cushions
Deep pile carpets, rugs and run-
ners
Energy-saving vacuuming. This
setting is also very quiet
Loop pile carpet and rugs
Hard flooring and heavily soiled
carpets and rugs
When using the floorhead, reduce
the suction power until the floorhead
is easier to maneuver if the suction
seems too high.
Depending on the model, your vacuum
cleaner will also be equipped with one
of the following power settings.
Auto Automatic adjustment of
suction power to flooring
Do not use the Auto setting to
vacuum lightweight materials or cur-
tains. These could be sucked into
the vacuum cleaner and possibly
damaged.
Soft Carpet Particularly soft floor-
ing
Depending on the model, your vacuum
cleaner will be fitted with one of the fol-
lowing suction power selectors:
– Footswitches
– Footswitches with Auto function
– Footswitches with Soft Carpet func-
tion
Footswitches
The first time the vacuum cleaner is
switched on, the highest power setting
will be selected automatically.
After that, the vacuum cleaner will
switch on at the power setting that was
last used.

19
Press the + footswitch to select a
higher suction power.
Press the - footswitch to select a
lower suction power.
Footswitches with Auto function
The first time the vacuum cleaner is
switched on, it is in the Auto power set-
ting.
Press the + footswitch to select a
higher suction power.
Press the - footswitch to select a
lower suction power.
After that, the vacuum cleaner will
switch on at the power setting that was
last used.
Footswitches with Soft Carpet func-
tion
The first time the vacuum cleaner is
switched on, it is in the Soft Carpet
power setting.

20
Press the - footswitch to select an-
other power setting.
Activating the Soft Carpet power set-
ting:
Press the + footswitch until the maxi-
mum power setting has been
reached.
Then press the + footswitch again.
After that, the vacuum cleaner will
switch on at the power setting that was
last used.
Opening the air inlet valve
(depending on model)
It is easy to reduce the suction power
for a short time, e.g., to prevent rugs or
other objects being sucked into the
vacuum cleaner.
Open the air inlet valve on the handle
far enough to reduce the suction
power.
This reduces the suction on the respec-
tive nozzle used.
During vacuuming
When vacuuming, pull the vacuum
cleaner behind you on its wheels. You
can stand it upright for vacuuming
stairs and curtains, etc.