Before and after…
A quick 15-minute job, with a satisfying result.
Sometimes, it’s not a complicated fault preventing an otherwise good machine from working. It’s just a case of taking the plunge and getting stuck in as the owner of this vacuum cleaner had proved.
Make and model: Miele PowerLine Vacuum Cleaner
Fault reported: Not running/ occasional sparks(!)
Cost of replacement: About £139.99
Cost of parts: £0.00
Hours spent on repair: ¼
Tools needed: Cutters, screwdriver and soldering iron
Sundry items: Silicone spray, T-Cut
Repair difficulty: 1/10
Cups of tea: 1
Biscuits: 1 Ginger Nut
Sometimes the simplest things are the best. This machine had been working well when sparks began coming from the mains plug. The owner had reacted quickly by turning off the power and then removing the plug from the wall socket. Good job.
The owner then bought a new plug from a local hardware shop to replace the damaged (cracked) plastic plug fitted. She then fitted the new plug to the vacuum cleaners’ flex but nothing happened when she switched it back on. Frustrating! It’s reassuring to hear that folk still bother to get screwdrivers out and attempt a repair. It makes it all worthwhile.
When I saw the vacuum cleaner and heard the back story, I immediately inspected the plug wiring and spotted that a bit of insulation was still trapped on the live connecter, preventing the electrical connection. 30 seconds with a pair of cutters and a small flat blade screw driver and the machine was working again.
Me being me, I then decided to give the Miele’s plastic casing a quick polish with T-Cut and wax, to bring it up to the correct standard.
It made me think: How often do people change plugs these days? Not often. So, if you’re wondering what the correct position of the wires should be, it’s this (UK specification).
General hints
- Make sure all screws are tight
- Ensure the cable grip clamps the cable insulation
- Don’t trap wires in between the casing
If in any doubt, consult a friendly shed-dweller or spanner spinner.
Fix It Workshop 
Hi, like you, I have a Miele vacuum, a canister model. The brushes on the rotating brush smell horrible; how do I clean those? It’s electric, so I can’t immerse it in water. Thanks!
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Hi Hannah, it depends on what model you have. The smell might be due to hair caught up in the roller bearing. Take your time, take photos and carefully dismantle and remove any hair. Good luck.
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