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With your new THOMAS PET & FAMILY, you have chosen an exclusive product that sets new standards in household cleaning.
It is an extraordinary vacuum cleaner with superior technology that makes cleaning of various surfaces easier and more thorough than ever before.
Used as a dry vacuum cleaner, it is ideal for hygienically removing dry dust, with the dirt bound in a water filter.
Used as a wet vacuum cleaner, it can remove water-based fluids.
When used as an extraction cleaner with a spray extraction function for the intensive cleaning of carpets, hard flooring and (tiles, PVC) and upholstery.
Please read the user manual carefully so that you quickly become familiar with the appliance in order to take full advantage of its versatility. Your new THOMAS appliance will serve you for many years with proper handling and care. We hope you enjoy using it.
The THOMAS PET & FAMILY is a vacuum cleaner with a built-in aqua filter system for extraction cleaning, spray extraction, wet vacuuming and dry vacuuming. It is intended solely for use in private households. Only use the vacuum cleaner according to the instructions in this manual. The manufacturer accepts no liability for any damage due to incorrect operation or for use other than that for which it was designed. For this reason, be sure to observe the following instructions. It is essential to install the aqua filter system before dry vacuuming. Dry vacuuming without the aqua filter system installed will damage the appliance. Efficient cleaning and the function of the appliance can only be guaranteed if you use genuine THOMAS cleaning agent. Make sure you have read and understood the entire user manual before operating the appliance. Store the user manual safely and pass it on to any future owners.
The THOMAS PET & FAMILY may not be used for the following:
Never use the THOMAS PET & FAMILY in environments where there is a risk of explosion.
Failure to follow these instructions can lead to damage to the appliance and/or personal injury.
Information. Follow these instructions to make optimum use of the appliance.
Safety instructions specifically for spray extraction and wet vacuuming:
These parts are only used for spray extraction or wet vacuuming.
Dry vacuuming procedure
Never use the appliance for dry vacuuming if the aqua filter is not properly installed. This could damage the appliance.
Only very small quantities of water-based fluids can be removed in dry vacuuming operation (no more than 200 ml, the volume of a small cup or glass).
Do not vacuum large quantities of fine dust, e.g. flour, cocoa powder, ash etc.
When delivered, the appliance is set up for dry vacuum operation.
Make sure the appliance rests securely on all four wheels.
Open the housing cover.
To do this, grip the carrying handle. Press your thumb down on the housing cover unlocking mechanism. Then lift up the housing cover.
Dry vacuuming with aqua filter system
Remove the aqua filter.
To do this, grip the aqua filter by the handle. Remove the aqua filter by pulling it up out of the appliance.
The spray extraction insert may not be in the waste water tank of the aqua filter during dry vacuuming. If the spray extraction insert is in the waste water tank, remove it (see "Cleaning": "Cleaning the aqua filter when heavily soiled").
Fill the waste water container of the aqua filter with 1 litre of clean water.
If the spray extraction insert has already been removed, the aqua filter can remain closed and be filled directly through the port at the top.
Put the aqua filter into the cleaner.
To do this, hold the closed aqua filter by the handle and lower it into the cleaner.
Close the housing cover.
To do this, grip the carrying handle. Then push down the housing cover.
Gently press the housing cover level with the unlocking mechanism until you hear the cover latch into place.
Dry vacuuming with filter bag system
Fit the filter bag system.
To do this, push the filter bag into the holder on the bottom of the filter bag bracket.
Make sure the opening of the filter bag lines up with the filter bag bracket.
Insert the filter bag system into the holders inside the appliance housing.
The cap of the filter bag holder must be open.
Close the housing cover.
To do this, grip the carrying handle. Then push down the housing cover.
Gently press the housing cover level with the unlocking mechanism until you hear the cover latch into place.
Connect the suction hose to the appliance.
To do this, plug the suction hose connector into the suction port. Turn the suction hose connector until you see and hear it latch into place.
Connect the telescopic wand or the nozzle that you want to use to the handle of the suction hose.
Gently press the handle and twist it sideways into the telescopic wand or the nozzle.
Only select nozzles for dry vacuuming which are suitable for dry vacuum operation.
Hold the plug of the power cord. Pull the power cord out to the required length. Insert the plug into the mains socket.
Switch on the appliance by pressing the start button. The appliance starts in ECO mode, which is shown by two green indicator bars lighting up. Briefly press the start button to conveniently select other suction power levels. The following suction power levels are available:
① 1 green | Min | 50% of maximum power |
② 2 green | Eco | 65% of maximum power |
③ 3 green | High Power | 80% of maximum power |
④ 2 green, 1 red | Max | maximum power |
Perform dry vacuuming.
Follow the instructions under "Options for use".
You can reduce the suction power mechanically if necessary by opening the auxiliary air slide on the handle of the suction hose. Close the auxiliary air slide to return to full suction power.
To turn off the appliance, press its start button slightly longer. When you switch the the appliance back on, it starts up at the previously selected suction power level, provided the power cord was not disconnected from the mains.
Note when using the aqua filter system:
Clean the waste water tank/aqua filter after 30 minutes of continuous operation at the latest (see "Cleaning": "Cleaning the aqua filter when lightly soiled"). If there are larger quantities of dust (initial use, intensive cleaning), you will need to do this earlier. Refill the aqua filter – with the unit switched off – as previously described with 1 litre of water.
Switch off the appliance as described above when you finish vacuuming.
Remove the plug from the mains socket. Pull the power cord away from the appliance with a light tug and then release it. The cord rewinds automatically.
Note when using the aqua filter system:
Clean and dry the aqua filter as well as the housing of the appliance after every use. See the "Cleaning" section.
Waste water left in the appliance and damp components may cause bacteria, fungus and odours to accumulate.
Fasten the suction pipe in the holder on the back of the cleaner. Push the plastic ribs of the holder into the recess on the back of the appliance.
Detach the suction hose if necessary. To do this, press the button on the suction hose connector. Turn the connector a quarter turn sideways. Pull the suction hose off the suction port.
If the emptied appliance is to be stored upright, use the holder on the underside to secure the suction pipe to the appliance. Hold the appliance firmly with one hand on the handle as you do this. With the other hand, hold in the recesses on the lower front side of the appliance for a firm grip. Place the appliance in an upright position. Push the plastic ribs of the holder into the recess on the underside of the appliance.
To make sure your THOMAS extraction cleaner accessories are always within easy reach, keep the nozzles in the accessory holder in the lid of the fresh water tank.
Wet vacuuming (spray extraction) operation
Do not vacuum any larger quantities of liquid, e.g. from containers and basins.
The procedure is the same as for dry vacuuming, except for the following:
Open the aqua filter.
To do this, release the unlocking tab on the aqua filter lid. Lift up the aqua filter lid open and take it off.
Do not fill the aqua filter with water. If there is water in the aqua filter, empty it.
Lower the spray extraction insert into the waste water container.
For spray extraction, the spray extraction insert must be in the waste water tank.
Close the aqua filter.
To do this, place the aqua filter lid in the two holders on the waste water tank and gently push the lid down until you hear the unlocking tab latch into place.
Only select nozzles for spray extraction which are suitable for this function.
When using spray extraction, the auxiliary air slide on the handle of the suction hose must always be closed.
Attaching the spray hose to the suction hose.
Attach the retaining clips at regular spaces along the suction hose. Then clip the spray hose into the recesses in the retaining clips.
Latch the spray lever on the handle. To do this, push the plastic ribs on the spray lever into the recess on the handle. Make sure the spray lever is correctly locked (see marking).
After wet vacuuming, the spray hose can be taken out of the retaining clips again. The spray lever can also be unlatched from the handle. The retaining clips themselves can remain on the suction hose.
Connect the spray tube using the quick-action coupling on the appliance.
To do this, hold the connector. Gently push it into the quick-action coupling of the suction port until you hear it latch into place.
Connect the correct end of the telescopic wand to the handle of the suction hose and connect the spray nozzle to the telescopic wand.
Close the spray tube of the spray nozzle using the quickaction coupling on the handle. To do this, hold the free end of the spray tube of the spray nozzle. Place this on the stop valve of the spray lever. Lock it by turning the bayonet catch to the right.
Fasten the two retaining clips for the spray tube to the telescopic wand. Clip the spray tube into the retaining clips.
If using the upholstery spray nozzle, connect this directly to the handle of the suction hose. Connect the spray lever as described above.
Remove the fresh water tank from the appliance. Fill the empty fresh water tank with a maximum of 1.8 litres of fresh water (lukewarm, not exceeding 30°C). Put the fresh water tank back inside the appliance. For removing and inserting the fresh water tank, see the "Cleaning": "Cleaning the fresh water tank".
You should not overfill the fresh water tank. Please repect the maximum level. For thorough cleaning, add the appropriate amount of THOMAS ProTex cleaning concentrate to the fresh water tank according to the dosage instructions.
Switch on the appliance and select the power level. Switch on the pump by briefly pressing the pump button.
Never switch on the pump without having filled the fresh water tank.
Cleaning hard flooring with the floor spray nozzle
Vacuum, wipe and dry in a single process.
Perform spray extraction cleaning. To do this, press the lever of the stop valve on the handle and move the spray nozzle from front to back over the surface to be cleaned.
Follow the instructions under "Options for use".
Cleaning carpets
Pull back the hard floor adapter.
To do so, release the locking tab on the spray extraction nozzle. Pull back the hard floor adapter until you hear it latch into place.
Perform cleaning.
To do this, press the lever of the stop valve on the handle and move the spray nozzle from front to back over the surface to be cleaned.
Follow the instructions under "Options for use".
After finishing the spray extraction cleaning, rinse out the pump as well as the spray tubes with clean water. In doing so, fill the cleaning solution tank with about 0.2 litres of clean water only and spray this, for example, into a wash basin.
When the fresh water tank is empty or to end the cleaning procedure, switch off the pump by pressing the pump button. Switch off the appliance by pressing the main switch.
Air bubbles in the spray hose or the pump produce a different noise, indicating that the fresh water tank is empty.
Empty or clean the waste water tank of the aqua filter before refilling the fresh water tank as described (see "Cleaning": "Cleaning the aqua filter when lightly soiled").
If the waste water tank of the aqua filter is not emptied in good time, the float switch shuts off the vacuum motor when the level becomes too high. In this case, immediately switch off the pump by pressing the pump button. The display next to the start button lights up with two green indicators and a third flashing red.
After emptying the tanks and putting it back in, switch the appliance back on to resume operation.
Clean and dry the aqua filter, the nozzles you have used and the housing of the appliance after every use.
Waste water and damp components may cause bacteria, fungus and odours to accumulate.
Wet vacuuming procedure
Do not vacuum any larger quantities of liquid, e.g. from containers and basins.
The procedure is the same as for dry vacuuming, except for the following:
Open the aqua filter.
To do this, release the unlocking tab on the aqua filter lid. Lift up the aqua filter lid open and take it off.
Do not fill the aqua filter with water. If there is water in the aqua filter, empty it.
Lower the spray extraction insert into the waste water container.
For wet vacuuming, the spray extraction insert must be in the waste water container.
Close the aqua filter.
To do this, place the aqua filter lid in the two holders on the waste water tank and gently push the lid down until you hear the unlocking tab latch into place.
Only select nozzles for wet vacuuming which are suitable for wet vacuum operation.
For wet vacuuming, the auxiliary air slide on the handle of the suction hose must always be closed.
Perform wet vacuum cleaning.
Pull the selected nozzle from the front to the back over the surface to be dried.
Before cleaning, always switch off the appliance and unplug it from the socket.
Do not use scouring agents or solvents for cleaning.
After cleaning, allow the appliance and accessories to completely dry.
Cleaning the aqua filter when lightly soiled
When dry vacuuming, change the water (1 litre) in the Aquafilter at least every 30 minutes, since it then has become dirty or evaporated. Quick cleaning procedure:
This quick cleaning procedure for light soiling does not mean there is no need to clean the aqua filter at the end of use.
If you have not yet finished vacuuming, remember to fill the emptied aqua filter again with 1 litre of clean water before resuming dry vacuuming.
Cleaning the aqua filter when heavily soiled
Carry out steps a) to e) under "Cleaning the aqua filter when lightly soiled".
Open the aqua filter. To do this, release the unlocking tab on the aqua filter lid. Lift up the aqua filter lid open and take it off.
Take out the two foam filters. Do this by releasing the 2nd latch of the unlocking tab. Fold apart the two sections of the aqua filter lid. Take out the two foam filters.
Only for wet vacuuming and spray extraction: If the wet vacuuming insert is installed, lift it out of the waste water tank.
If there is still dirt in the waste water tank of the aqua filter, rinse it thoroughly under running water and pour the waste water out through the outlet.
If the suction filter is heavily soiled, remove it from the waste water tank and rinse it under running water.
Clean all components of the aqua filter with clean, if necessary warm, water.
Allow all components to completely dry.
If heavily soiled, you can remove the ejector for cleaning by turning the port gasket.
Rinse the ejector with warm water.
If the suction filter was removed, place it back in the waste water tank.
Only for wet vacuuming and spray extraction: If the spray extraction insert was removed, lower it into the waste water tank. Make sure that the float switch can move freely.
Insert the two foam filters. Close the two parts of the aqua filter lid until you see and hear them latch into place.
Close the aqua filter.
To do this, place the aqua filter lid in the two holders on the waste water tank and gently push the aqua filter down until you hear the unlocking tab latch into place.
Cleaning the fresh water tank (only for spray extraction)
Remove the fresh water tank by lifting out of the appliance.
Take off the lid of the fresh water tank by pulling it up and empty the tank of any remaining water.
Clean the fresh water tank and its lid with clean, warm water to remove any cleaning agent residue, which may be corrosive.
Put the lid back on the fresh water tank.
Lower the fresh water tank into the rear of the appliance.
Cleaning the appliance housing
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean the housing of the appliance and to remove dirt on the suction port and the inside of the housing cover.
Dry off splashed water in the suction chamber with a soft cloth.
Cleaning the special hygiene filter and special hygiene prefilter
The appliance has a high-quality special hygiene filter as well as a thin blue foam prefilter, which can be cleaned several times as necessary depending on the type of household dust.
Clean the special hygiene filter and special hygiene prefilter as necessary if the suction power is reduced, but every six months at the latest.
To do this, lift the special hygiene prefilter and then the special hygiene filter out of the appliance with the housing cover open. Knock them against a firm mat. Rinse both filters with clean water if they are very dirty.
Do not use any brushes or implements which could damage the filter ribs. Allow the two filters to dry before putting them back into the appliance.
Replace the special hygiene filter and special hygiene prefilter with new ones if the suction power does not considerably increase after cleaning or if they are very dirty or damaged (see "Maintenance": "Changing the special hygiene filter and special hygiene prefilter").
Only use genuine THOMAS spares and accessories. This is the only way to guarantee proper functioning and effective cleaning.
No maintenance other than that described here is necessary. To replace defective components, contact THOMAS customer service (see "Customer service").
You can obtain THOMAS filters and other accessories at your specialist dealer or from THOMAS customer service as well as under www.robert-thomas.net
Before maintenance work, pull the plug from the mains socket!
Replacing the foam filters
Replace the two foam filters if they are very dirty or damaged, or every 12 months at the latest.
To do this, remove the two foam filters from the aqua filter as described above (see "Cleaning": "Cleaning the aqua filter"). Insert two new foam filters in the aqua filter.
Replacing the special hygiene filter and special hygiene prefilter
Replace the special hygiene filter and special hygiene prefilter if they are very dirty or damaged, or every 12 months at the latest.
To do this, lift the special hygiene prefilter and then the special hygiene filter out of the appliance with the housing cover open. Insert two new filters in the holder provided on the appliance.
Replacing the exhaust filter
Replace the exhaust filter if it is very dirty, or every six months at the latest.
To do this, push down the two plastic clips on the exhaust cover. Open the exhaust cover. Take out the exhaust filter and insert a new exhaust filter. Close the exhaust cover, making sure you see and hear the two plastic clips latch into place.
The following sections provide tips on the three different vacuuming modes and the jobs they are suitable for. They can be regarded as a supplement to the operating manual. In all cases, observe the operating instructions.
Dry vacuuming
Dry vacuuming with your THOMAS PET & FAMILY is similar to using a conventional vacuum cleaner. The only difference is that the dust can be bound using a water filter.
Use the appropriate nozzle from the accessories according to the job:
Application | Nozzle / Accessory |
Carpet or hard flooring | Animal hair floor nozzle |
Carpets | Turbo nozzle |
Upholstery, car etc. | Animal hair upholstery nozzle |
Crevices, corners, car, other hard-to-reach areas | Crevice nozzle |
Wet vacuuming and spray extraction
With your THOMAS PET & FAMILY, you can perform intensive cleaning of carpeted floors, upholstery and hard floors using the spray extraction cleaning function.
In a single operation, pressurised cleaning solution is sprayed deep into the fibres, dirt is dissolved and washed out and the waste water is extracted.
Use the appropriate nozzle from the accessories according to the job:
Application | Nozzle / Accessory |
Intensive carpet cleaning and stain removal | Floor spray nozzle |
Intensive upholstery cleaning and stain removal | Upholstery spray nozzle |
Hard floor cleaning | Floor spray nozzle + hard floor adapter |
Make sure that everything you intend to wet-clean is suitable for this procedure. Never wet-clean fine, hand-woven or non-colour-fast carpets. Only clean parquet and laminate floors with a damp mist with pad. Follow the care instructions from the manufacturer of the object to be cleaned.
Test the colour-fastness of carpets you wish to clean by pouring some cleaning solution on a white cotton cloth and rubbing this on a small, normally hidden area of the carpet. If the cloth shows no traces of colour, you can assume that the colours will not run. If any colour appears on the cloth, do not wet-clean the carpet. In case of doubt, consult a carpet specialist.
This is how to achieve uniform cleaning:
If any traces of fluid remain on the cleaned areas, you can vacuum these spots again without spraying.
For heavily soiled spots, you can apply the cleaning fluid during the forward motion of the floor spray nozzle. You can also pretreat the carpet by only putting the pump into operation. Take care not to spray too much fluid as this may cause corrugations in the carpet that will would only recede after a lengthy drying process. If the carpet has been shampooed before, using the THOMAS PET & FAMILY for the first time may result in a greater amount of foam being generated in the waste water container. In this case, add a half cup of vinegar to the waste water tank to prevent further foaming. If foam comes out of the air outlet, switch off the appliance immediately and empty the waste water tank.
After initial intensive cleaning, you can prevent excessive foaming by using THOMAS cleaning concentrate, which contains a special antifoaming agent.
Avoid treading on the carpet as long as it is still damp. During and after cleaning, keep the room well ventilated for quick drying.
If the waste water container is filled, the electric float switch shut-off triggers and you must empty the waste water tank before vacuuming can continue.
Wet vacuuming
Your THOMAS PET & FAMILY can vacuum up spilled water-based, nonhazardous fluids (water, fruit juice, coffee or similar liquids). Use the appropriate nozzle from the accessories according to the job:
Application | Nozzle / Accessory |
Cleaning up water-based fluids from:
| Floor spray nozzle Floor spray nozzle + hard floor adapter |
The vacuuming procedure is similar to spray extraction.
Problems / malfunctions | Reason / remedy |
General (all functions) | |
The appliance will not start |
|
Vacuuming (dry vacuuming in aqua filter mode) | |
Dust comes out of the appliance during vacuuming |
|
Suction power gradually decreases |
|
Insufficient suction power |
|
Numerous water droplets on the inside of the housing cover |
|
Vacuuming (dry vacuuming with filter bag) | |
Dust comes out of the appliance during vacuuming |
|
Insufficient suction power |
|
Spray extraction | |
The appliance switches off during operation |
|
Water comes out of the exhaust openings |
|
An excessive pool of water collects in the suction chamber (a few drops are considered normal). |
|
Excessive foaming in the waste water tank |
|
No cleaning fluid comes out although the pump is switched on |
|
Excessive residual moisture, cleaning fluid is not properly extracted |
|
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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