There are 6 common problems that people encounter when using the Vax steam mop. If you are dealing with an issue right now, please troubleshoot it using this simple guide.

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IMPORTANT: Not using your Vax steam mop the right way may cause problems. If you have not taken the time to learn, you can learn how to use the Vax steam mop and its accessories first.

Most Common Vax Steam Mop Problems and Their Solutions

Listed below are the 6 most common problems with a Vax steam mop and their solutions. If you are experiencing a problem, take the time to learn how to troubleshoot your Vax steam mop using this guide.

1. Vax steam mop is not turning on (no power)

If your Vax steam mop will not turn on, check if the machine is properly plugged into an electrical outlet, and that the outlet is working properly. If the Vax steam mop still has no power, try another electrical outlet.

Check your fuse or breaker. Go to your home's electric service panel. Open the door of the service panel and see if a circuit breaker is tripped (or a fuse is blown). If so, reset the breaker (or replace the fuse).

If the fuse in the plug needs replacing, remember to always replace it with a British 13 amp fuse.

Last but not least, check the ON/OFF control dial. Every Vax steam mop has a steam control dial that lets you control how much steam to use. Make sure that the control dial is set to ON and not OFF.

2. Vax steam mop is not producing steam

A Vax steam mop that is not steaming or heating up will not do you any good. Luckily, it’s easy to troubleshoot the issue. Here are a few reasons why your Vax steam mop is not producing steam:

• There may be no or little water in the water tank - Check if the water tank has water. It’s as simple as turning the water tank cap anti-clockwise and lifting it away from the main body. Use the measuring jug provided to fill the tank completely. Twist the water tank cap clockwise to tighten.
• Check the water tank cap is securely fitted onto the water tank - If the water tank cap is not securely fitted onto the water tank, the Vax steam mop will not produce steam for safety purposes.
• The water has not reached the needed temperature - It takes about 30 seconds for a Vax steam mop to heat up the water. During this time there will be no sound whilst it is heating up the water. A light will illuminate once it is ready to steam. 
• The steam dial may be set to low - If the Vax steam mop is ready to steam, the steam dial may be set to low. The machine may appear like it’s not producing steam, when in fact the steam output is minimal.
• Steam path may be blocked - Over time, mineral build-up will block the steam path. After the Vax steam mop is turned off and has cooled down, press the accessory release button and lift the machine to release the floorhead. Use a small thin object such as a paperclip to insert into the nozzle to clear the blockage. To clear a blockage in the floorhead, remove the microfibre pad from the floorhead. Insert a small thin object, such as a paperclip into the steam holes to remove any blockages.
• The trigger is not pressed - If the trigger on the handle has not been pressed, the Vax steam mop will not produce steam. The trigger may need to be pumped a few times before steam is visible.
• Tools and accessories are not fitted correctly - If the accessory is not securely fitted onto the unit, the Vax steam mop will not produce steam for safety purposes.

Lastly, check the Vax steam mop handle. If you are using the Vax steam mop as a stick mop, it may not produce steam if the handle is not fully inserted. Release the handle and press the handheld trigger to check whether the steam is working. Reinsert the handle until it clicks into place.

Alternatively, if you are using the Vax steam mop as a handheld, the ball in the water tank may be stuck. Tilt the machine to release the ball. You can also shake the handheld to get the float unstuck.

3. Vax steam mop is not dispensing detergent

One of the most unique aspects of a Vax steam mop is that it comes with a detergent to add more cleaning power. Unfortunately, sometimes the Vax steam mop is not delivering the detergent. Here’s why:

• Check the correct setting has been selected on the detergent dial - Turn the detergent dial to ON. If the detergent dial is in the OFF position, the Vax steam mop will not dispense the detergent. For some models, press the centre pad on the control panel to select preferred setting steam or detergent.
• The detergent has not been diluted to the correct strength - Twist the detergent tank cap anti-clockwise and lift to remove. Pour 50ml of Vax detergent and 150ml of water into the detergent tank. If your Vax steam mop has a twin tank, grip the twin tank and pull the tab on the detergent tank cap to open. Fill the detergent tank up to the fill line with water and top up with detergent. Replace the cap and push firmly to close. Before replacing the twin tank make sure the hard water filter is in place.
• The detergent tank (or twin tank in some models) is not fitted properly - Make sure the detergent tank is properly fitted. In some models, the Vax steam mop comes with a twin tank. The Vax steam mop will not deliver detergent if the detergent tank is not fitted properly.

4. The microfibre pad won’t pick up dirt

If the microfibre pad on the Vax steam mop is not picking up dirt, the cleaning pad may already be saturated or dirty. Switch off the steamer, unplug it and allow the machine to cool. Then wash the cleaning pad.

If you want to learn more, you can read how to clean steam mop pads right here.

5. Steam coming out of the side of the steamer

If there is steam coming out of the side of your Vax steam mop, then it means the steam path and nozzles are blocked. Unclog your steam mop to clear the blockage.

Turn off your Vax steam mop and let it cool down.

Press the accessory release button and lift the machine to release the floorhead. Use a small thin object such as a paperclip to insert into the nozzle to clear the blockage.

To clear a blockage in the floorhead, remove the microfibre pad from the floorhead. Insert a small thin object, such as a paperclip into the steam holes to remove any mineral build-up and blockages.

6. There is an accessory missing

If you feel like there is an accessory missing from your Vax steam mop, check the contents on the box to make sure the part is definitely included with your machine. Check the ‘This pack contains’ panel on the box.

Bottom line

And there you have go, the complete Vax steam mop troubleshooting guide. Whether your Vax steam mop is not steaming or heating up, there is a solution. By now, your Vax steam mop should be working normally.