I found that I spend a LOT of time cleaning this vacuum and a LOT of time wondering WHY there is no suction and WHY the bottom of the vacuum is shooting junk out instead of sucking it in. I clean it after every use now, and I WASH the three key plastic pieces with water. I beat the dust out of the filter after every TWO uses, unlike my Dyson which I wash ONCE every THREE MONTHS, otherwise all suction will be lost. Even now I am searching the Internet looking for tips on how to open the head of the vacuum to check for blockages without destroying the vacuum. Like others, it sure beats using my fingers, but it would be better if I had a normal vacuum!

I have had my Vax power 8 for just over six months and have noticed no issues that would make me want to avoid buying it again or suggesting it to anyone. Yes, it's as heavy as sin but nowhere near as heavy as a professional vacuum that you would buy for for ten times the cost and yes, you do need to clean it out after every use but if you can't find your way to do that then you should hire a maid or something and be lazy in your own time and space. I have read that lots of people have complained about a loss of suction and I believe they are either not cleaning out the hepa disc filter after every use or using shake and vac carpet powder which clogs the filter very quickly. If you follow the instructions, it works just fine and like the first reviewer I noticed huge amounts of dirt being lifted from the carpets on the first few weeks. It was only when the carpets were much cleaner that the vacuum didn't get as much but you wouldn't expect it to from a clean carpet. Complaints, I have a few. First of all, it is made of plastic and some of that plastic is a tad frail in places. Also, the clip that holds the attachment pipe/ tube thing on the side didn't hold it very tightly but then I read that all you need do is put a hot blow dryer on it for awhile and pinch the two ends together a small fraction so that worked out fine. I would suggest and recommend this vacuum to anyone but like all vacuums, get spare filters and belts when you can as these will always go in time on any vacuum with a power head.

In spite of previous negative reviews, many of the issues have been sorted during continued production and as I have a 4th generation Vax Power 8 I have noticed none of the previous complaints. Whilst it is true that the vacuum can lose suction it is due to a lack of proper cleaning and inncorrect instalment of the HEPA filter. Yes, you do need to clean it out after each use but come on, that's just good practise and one that will not kill you to do. With good care and treatment, your vacuum will be a joy to use and I must say that even though I clean my carpets weekly, when I switched from my old Hoover turbo 2 to the Vax Power 8, I managed to collect an extra 3 kilograms of dirt from my carpets within two days. If you are deciding on a good vacuum at a good price you could do worse than the Vax Power 8 and if you pick it up from Bunnings hardware then you can get it for under $180 which is a bargain.

I have had 2 of these vacuum cleaners designed for pet owners. The first one had a fabric type filter. This was awful to empty and despite trying to keep it clean inside it it blew out stuffy dog smells. The hose split so I ordered a new one together with a brush attachment. Twice I was sent hoses which although fitted, didn't fit the attachments. Was told it would be looked into. Then received a delivery of a new cleaner. Said to the driver I didn't order this, he replied I've delivered a few of these who say the same. Can only think they stopped making my one. Threw it out and used the new one. Even worse than the first one. Continually blocks and to unblock it is the worst thing ever. Be ready to get filthy with having to dig everywhere to clear the blockage. You will get covered in dust. Even just emptying it isn't good. It has now totally blocked within the pipes. Had to unscrew the side pipe and pull out the hairs by hand. This didn't cure it. Took the long hose off, that was clear. Turned it upside down to unscrew 5 screws to take the plate off. Dust and grit now everywhere. Can't see why it's not picking up. Cleaned the filter. Can't get the screws back in as they are recessed deep into the plastic. Must have been a machine that assembled this. The hose attached is stretched beyond belief and won't fit snugly onto the holder anymore , it drags along the floor. I'm taking this 4 month old vacuum cleaner to the dump, won't even bother to put it back together. It's absolutely the most annoying, useless and worst vacuum cleaner ive ever had.

had this cleaner almost 4 years through more dirt out than it picked up. put it in the garage 3 1/2 years ago that's where its stayed. thanks for nothing...... c.m.wright.

bought this as i have two dogs, useless from day one, picks up but gets blocked at the top so doesn't go into the cylinder, then leaves a trail of grit at the bottom VAX should realy recall these shoddy machines and give people their money back or at least replace it with a decent machine that actually does what it states it does....will be contacting trade and standard about these rubbish machines

Clean the filters, plug it in and it works fine for five minutes; you then need to empty the dust collector because it is once again blocked at the top once again _ add to that it's noisy and extremely heavy and one can only conclude that it's a useless piece of junk totally unfit for it's purpose,

If you are thinking of purchasing this cleaner please think again. It may be a tempting buy if you are on a budget, but you would be wiser to save for the better option of a Dyson, to which I usually use but am in the process of re-furbing it. I have thick pile carpets and while there is a setting for this on the cleaner, it does not pick up unless lowered to the short pile setting which doesnt make sence, although it does take care of the bingo wings, after pushing the machine round. The hose and entry into the bagless chamber are always clogging, this after only 4 uses, it is a pain having to make sure it is not blocked before each use. On the hard floor setting I find a sweeping brush is the better and quicker option.I certainly wouldnt recommend this cleaner and cannot wait until my Dyson is up and running once again.

Cleans up pet hair?! Only if your pet is a fish moving along wooden floors. And to find this out I had to buy it, and use it. So I can't return to Argos!! ARGHH. After 2 uses bought a dyson DC39. Amen. So angry about the wasted money though. Gave it away...

Worst vacuum I have ever had. It didn't pick up from day one. Took it back to the shop who recommended I contact Vax. Was told to take it all apart put paper at nozzle to see if suction present. Then told to put in a new filter, this was a one day old vacuum. Doesn't put dust into cylinder just clogs in top pipe. Attachments fall off in use and tips over easily. I will never buy another Vax product. Customer care not helpful at all.

I think I have solved why my Vax power 8 pet has been useless since almost the first week of use, After revisiting their web site before chucking the thing away I found something I had not spotted before That there is meant to be a seal on the outer rim of the dust emptying flap of the dust cylinder. OH? I can not recall one being there and must assume that it went in the bin with the first lot of dust being emptied.Now to me to have a seal which is on a flap where it opens and is shaken out over a bin and NOT have it very firmly affixed is really bad design.Especially since no seal is available, it has to be the whole dust cylinder for £19.99 Now that is plain shoddy. I have tested it with a seal of blue tac and is now working something like it did originally.