ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum User Guide

June 17, 2024
ORECK

ORECK logo ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum - icon3High Speed Upright Vacuum
XL21® Series
User’s Guide
ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright
Vacuum

Safety

General Warnings
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS VACUUM CLEANER
WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

  • Do not leave appliance unattended when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
  • Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
  • Do not operate the unit while in the upright and locked position.
  • Do not let the unit run while in any one stationary position for any period of time. Keep the unit moving while in operation.
  • Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
  • Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
  • Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center or call customer service at: US: 1-800-989-3535 Canada: 1-888-676-7325
  • Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges or corners.
  • Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
  • Do not run appliance over cord.
  • Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
  • Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands.
  • Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce air flow.
  • Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
  • Do not use to pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
  • Do not use without filter bag assembly in place.
  • Turn off all controls before unplugging.
  • Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
  • Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline or lighter fluid, or use in areas where they may be present.
  • Do not use appliance in an enclosed space where flammable, explosive or toxic vapors are given off by oil base paint, paint thinner, some mothproofing substances, or in an area where flammable dust is present.
  • Do not pick up toxic material such as chlorine bleach, drain cleaner, gasoline, etc. with this appliance.
  • Use caution when vacuuming over area rug edges and fringe.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Household Use OnlyORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum -
parts Enjoy.
Thank you for purchasing our top-of-the-line Oreck XL21® upright vacuum cleaner. It is the quietest, most powerful upright Oreck has ever developed. The XL21 features a 21-year warranty, free tune-ups for 21 years, high speed for cleaning carpet and low speed for cleaning bare floors. The HEPA-Celoc® filtration traps more than 99.99% of all particles including pollen, mold spores and pet dander. And because it’s an Oreck, it will restore the nap of your carpet the very first time you use it.
Call. To speak with an Oreck representative call:
USA: 1-800-989-3535
Canada: 1-888-676-7325
Click. On the web, point and click at: www.oreck.com
Visit. Visit us in person at one of over 450 store locations. To find the nearest store, please call 888-oreckstore (888-673-2578) or visit www.oreckstore.com.

Operation

To assist you in identifying your vacuum’s components, the parts have been numbered as follows
Parts List

  1. Helping Hand® Handle with soft grip
  2. On/Off Switch
  3. Cord Dump
  4. Handle Tube
  5. Bag Stiffener
  6. Deflector
  7. Bag Dock
  8. Carry Handle
  9. Zipper
  10. Bag Clip
  11. Lamp Housing
  12. Front Light Lens
  13. Main Bumper
  14. Edge Brush
  15. Belt Door
  16. Power Cord
  17. Cord Assembly
  18. Handle Collar
  19. Connector Deflector Assembly
  20. Carry Handle Clamp
  21. Collars
  22. Lower Tube
  23. Bag Clip Clamp
  24. Scent Cartridge Door
  25. Fan Housing
  26. Rear Wheels
  27. Side Light
  28. Cover
  29. Bag Spring
  30. Bag Pocket
  31. Outer Bag
  32. Power Head
  33. Disposable Filter Dust Bag
  34. Duster Loop

ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum - parts1 Assembling the XL21 Handle Tube
1. Align slot in handle tube with tab in connector. Insert the handle tube into connector. Tighten collar at base of handle tube onto the connector until it locks, “snaps”.
2. Snap cord assembly into the cord clip located on the left side of the collar. Leave excess cord at the power head to allow movement.
Operating the XL21
Make sure disposable paper filter dust bag is in place. DO NOT operate the cleaner without a paper filter dust bag. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and press the On Low ( ll ) – On High ( llll ) – OFF ( OO ) switch on handle assembly when ready to operate.
3. Up-Position Lock – Place foot on power head and lean handle back gently to release lock for vacuum use. Return handle to the full upright position to engage lock. Note: Do not operate the unit while in the upright and locked position. Do not let the unit run while in any one stationary position for any period of time. Keep the unit moving while in operation.
4. Carry Handle – Raise the carry handle located onback of the unit for easy lifting, carrying, and stair vacuuming. Lower the handle during use to eliminate obstruction.
5. Duster Loop – For convenient use of dusters, a loop has been sewn onto the outer bag. This will allow easy removal and storage of the duster.
6. Easy Power Cord Storage – Raise carrying handle and wrap power cord around carry handle and Helping Hand® handle.
7. To release cord, twist cord dump located on Helping Hand® handle 1/2 turn. Slide cord off handle.ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum -
parts2 XL21 Storage
Both the Helping Hand® handle and carry handle can be used for convenient, space saving storage of cleaner. Hang cleaner by carry handle on a sturdy fastener or Helping Hand handle on a closet rod.
Operating Recommendations
This new ORECK XL21 High-Speed Upright is one of the finest, fastest, and strongest units in its class. You’ll love the way it cleans, gets under things, and it’s SO lightweight and easy to use.
The following are a few simple suggestions regarding its operation:

  1. When inserting a new disposable paper filter dust bag -FIRST PUFF OUT and OPEN THE BAG.
  2. When the disposable paper filter dust bag is full, REPLACE IT.
  3. If at any time the machine does not pick up properly or makes an unusual noise, STOP OPERATION and service.
  4. Although your upright will pick up pins, paper clips, and other small objects, it is recommended that these be removed from the floor before you vacuum. Failure to do so may result in permanent damage to the motor suction fan and its housing.
  5. WARNING: Do not use your vacuum cleaner on damp or wet surfaces. This will cause damage to the vacuum cleaner and is dangerous to the user. Damage caused by use on wet or damp surfaces is not covered under warranty.
  6. REPLACE THE BELT EVERY 6 MONTHS, SCENT CARTRIDGE EVERY MONTH, AND MOTOR FILTER EVERY 2 MONTHS.
  7. Change the disposable paper filter dust bag at least once a month – even if it is not full!The collected dust in the dust bag can cause odor, attract moisture, and can affect the efficiency of the cleaner.
  8. DO NOT run the vacuum cleaner over the cord. The revolving brush could damage the cord.

General Information

The performance of your new cleaner greatly depends upon care and maintenance. The instructions in this manual will guide you in performing basic care and maintenance. To obtain the most satisfying years of service read the instructions and keep them handy for future reference.
Disposable Paper Filter Dust Bags
Disposable paper filter dust bags play a very important role in the efficiency of your ORECK vacuum cleaner. The purpose of the filter bag is to trap dirt, but at the same time it must be porous enough to allow air to pass through. If the filter bag becomes clogged, no air can pass through the cleaner and cleaning cannot take place, regardless of the cleaner’s power.
To keep your cleaner operating at maximum efficiency, change the dust bag frequently.
DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE LINE INDICATED ON THE DUST BAG.
Be sure the disposable paper filter dust bag is installed properly. Note: All paper dust bags are not the same. Your ORECK disposable dust bags have been designed to be used with the ORECK cleaner. Using bags other than genuine ORECK disposable bags will affect the cleaning ability of your cleaner and could cause damage to it.
HEPA-Celoc® Hypo-Allergenic Filter System
The HEPA-Celoc outer bag of your vacuum cleaner is high filtration medical material designed to filter the smallest of dust particles. It is important the inside of the outer bag be cleaned. Vacuum the inside of the outer bag or hand wash, turned inside out, with warm water, and air dry. If desired, the HEPA-Celoc outer bag can be replaced for renewed efficiency. The Celoc layered disposable inner dust bag must be replaced once a month even if it is not full. Change it more often if it is used in extremely dirty areas. Increase the cleaning power of your vacuum by changing the bag often.
The Belt
The belt on your vacuum cleaner controls the speed of the revolving brush and is very important for the effective operation of the cleaner. If the belt becomes stretched or cut, it will cause the revolving brush to stop completely or slow down. See instructions in the manual for replacing belt.
Note: An extra belt is stored in the baseplate of your cleaner. When buying replacement belts, use ONLY ORECK genuine belts. Belts other than Oreck belts will not operate the revolving brush correctly and may create undue stress which will cause damage to the motor and brush bearings. Using belts other than ORECK belts will void the warranty.
Motor Filter
The motor filter is used to filter tiny particles released by the motor exhaust while in operation. The motor filter is not necessary for operation but is helpful in removing contaminants from the air. Note: Motor filter should be replaced every two months for best performance.
Oreck Fresh Air® Cartridges
A fresh air cartridge adds a desired fragrance to the air while vacuuming. It is placed behind the motor filter and uses heat and air generated from the motor to spread the fragrance. Note: Cartridge should be replaced every month when filter dust bag is replaced or as desired.
Lubrication
The vacuum cleaner motor bearings are factory lubricated and sealed. Further lubrication is not required.
CAUTION
Wood Floors, Soft (Vinyl, Asphalt Tile, etc.) Floor Surfaces and Polished Floor Finishes Use floor and floor finish manufacturer’s recommended methods of cleaning. The roller brush may also scuff very soft finishes. Do not operate the unit while in the upright and locked position. Do not let the unit run while in any one stationary position for any period of time. Keep the unit moving while in operation.
Note: At least once a month, check for and remove excessive lint, string or hair from revolving brush. Patented cleaning grooves on brush roll will allow easier cleaning. Wipe the outside of the cleaner with a damp cloth. Also clean the connector deflector assembly area, base of cleaner and fan housing area. If there is dust in the outer bag, vacuum it or shake it out.
A little preventative maintenance will keep your cleaner looking new and will ensure continued cleaning effectiveness.ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright
Vacuum - parts3

Maintenance

Replacing Filter Dust Bag
WARNING: Unplug cord from electrical outlet before servicing.
BAG REMOVAL:
Unzip outer bag completely.
Pull bag cardboard collar to release bag dock door from connector. Bag dock door will hinge downward.
Gently pull bag cardboard collar upward out of the bag dock. Saniseal® dust seal will close automatically.
BAG INSTALLATION:
Slide the cardboard collar completely onto bag dock door.
Firmly push bag dock door with both thumbs on indication point until it snaps.ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum -
parts4 Replacing Worn Belt
WARNING: Unplug cord from electrical outlet before servicing.
13. Remove the replacement belt from the storage channel.
14. Remove the door by removing the hold down screw located on side of power head.
15. Fold door away from the power head and lift it away.
16. Remove the belt from the motor drive shaft and brush roll pulley.
17. Loop the new belt over the brush roll pulley. Place the opposite end of the belt on the motor drive shaft.
15. Replace the door by placing the bottom tab on door into slots located inside power head and pressing the door closed.
14. Replace the hold down screw and tighten.ORECK XL21 Series High Speed
Upright Vacuum - parts5 Adjusting or Replacing Brush
WARNING: Unplug cord from electrical outlet before servicing.
Your Oreck Vacuum comes with the brush roll set at the “NORMAL” position for most types of carpets.
When using vacuum primarily on Berber Carpets, adjust brush roll to the “SPECIAL” setting.
18. Remove the base plate by removing 5 screws. Then, remove the belt and brush roll from the housing.
19. Rotate both end cards of the brush roll to show “SPECIAL” and replace in the holding channels of the housing.
20. Note: The one marked “SPECIAL” has several ribs on top of the end card.
21. The brush end card setting marked “NORMAL” has one rib. When rotating bearings, make sure both end card assembly settings are the same and face up when replacing the brush roll.
17. Reassemble the belt.
18. Reassemble the baseplate.ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum -
parts6 Replacing Edge Brush
WARNING: Unplug cord from electrical outlet before servicing.
Turn the power head over. With baseplate facing up, remove the screw located in the center of each edge brush.
Remove both edge brushes and replace with new ones. Replace both screws and tighten.ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright Vacuum -
parts7 Replacing Light Bulb
WARNING: Unplug cord from electrical outlet before servicing.
Remove lamp housing by removing two (2) screws in the top of the lamp housing. Pull burned out bulb from holder and replace with new bulb. Replace lamp housing by replacing two screws in the top of the lamp housing.
Using an Oreck Fresh Air® Tab
Your ORECK XL21 vacuum cleaner has a special ORECK FRESH AIR® tab pocket.
This light-colored pocket is located inside the outer cloth bag in the area where the paper filter dust bag attaches to the intake tube. Insert tablet in pocket if desired. Replacing Motor Filter and Oreck Fresh Air® Scent Cartridge
WARNING: Unplug cord from electrical outlet before servicing.
The Motor Filter located at the back of the power head should be replaced every 2 months.
The Scent Disk should be replaced every month when changing the inner filter bag.
22. Press two locking tabs on scent cartridge cover and remove the cover.
23. Remove the cartridge holder by lifting on tab at top of holder.
24. Remove old filter or scent disk from holder. Replace filter or scent disk and reinsert holder.
23. Replace door by aligning tabs on door with slots in housing and pressing the door in place until tabs lock.ORECK XL21 Series High Speed Upright
Vacuum - parts9 Stuffing or Blockage
IMPORTANT: On plush and new carpets, stuffing may occur inside the the intake tube and the lower tube assembly. This is due to excessive fuzz and loose cuttings in the carpet. Stuffing could occur for the first few cleanings until all the loose material is removed. Due to the high efficiency of the cleaner, many older carpets will cause stuffing when the cleaner is first used on them. If your vacuum cleaner does not pick up properly, or makes unusual noise and the outer bag does not fluff up or balloon open, follow these steps:
WARNING: Unplug cord from electrical outlet before servicing.
25. Check for blockage at the mouth of the intake opening. If there is blockage, remove it with long-nose pliers, a screwdriver or coat hanger. If you can not reach the blockage, remove baseplate. Remove the base plate by removing 5 screws (see “Adjusting or Replacing Brush”).
26. If the blockage is not at the base, remove lower tube. Unhook bag spring, releasing bottom of bag.
27. Twist lower collar counterclockwise to slide up. Pull tube out of base.
28. Check for blockage. If blockage is in the tube, remove with a coat hanger.
29. If tube is not blocked, look into fan housing. Remove debris with long- nose pliers, a screwdriver or coat hanger.
27. To reassemble, check O-ring on tube, and replace if damaged. Replace tube by first lining up slot at base of tube with tab inside fan housing. Insert tube and push down until the tube is seated. Make sure O-ring is in place against fan housing opening. Replace and tighten collar until collar locking tabs are locked in place.
Reattach bag spring.
30. Many times blockage occurs due to a full dust bag causing dirt to back down the air flow system. When that happens, the blockage will be at the top of the system, starting in the area where the dust bag connects to the connector assembly.
Note: If the above actions do not correct the problem, contact an Oreck authorized service center or call the customer service center. US: 1-800-989-3535 Canada: 1-888-676-7325ORECK XL21 Series High
Speed Upright Vacuum - parts10

Troubleshooting

Service problems that appear to be major can often be solved easily. You can be your own troubleshooter by reviewing this guide.
All other servicing should be done by an Oreck authorized service center.

Problem Check What to do
Cleaner will not run. • Not plugged in properly.
• No electricity in wall outlet. • Be sure cleaner is firmly plugged into

wall outlet.
• Check electrical source – fuse or circuit breaker.
Cleaner does not pick up.| •Filter Bag is full.
• Nozzle or intake pivot clogged.
• Belt is broken or stretched.
• Brush is worn.
• Bag tube clogged.
• Bag pores are clogged with fine dust.
• Impeller fan is broken.
•Revolving brush is not even at both ends.| • Replace filter bag. See “Installing Paper Filter Dust Bag”.
• Clear obstruction.
• Replace belt.
• See “Adjusting or Replacing Brush”.
• Clear obstruction.
• Change bag.
• Return to Service Center for repair.
• Check bearing seal. Make sure words “Special” or “Normal” at each end.
Unit still does not operate properly.| • Check all the above points.| • Contact Oreck for service.

Parts

Customer Service Hotline
USA: 1-800-989-3535
Canada: 1-888-676-7325
website: www.oreck.com.
All accessories and replacement parts are sold separately. To order, call our customer service group or visit our website. Please have your model number from the data label on the bottom of the unit.
Accessories

Item Part Number

Dust Bag, 8 Pack, Saniseal® Odor Fighting Hypo-Allergenic
Dust Bag, 8 Pack, Saniseal® Hypo-Allergenic
Belts, 3 Pack
Light Bulb
Exhaust Filter, 4 pack
Crystal Aroma® Carpet and Room Freshener| CCPK8OF
CCPK8DW
0300604
77051-01
EF4PK
AROMAII

Warranty

Total Cleaning System
ORECK MANUFACTURING COMPANY: (Oreck Manufacturing Company gives you the following limited warranty for this product only if it was originally purchased for residential use, not resale, from Oreck or an Oreck Authorized Retail Dealer.)
Oreck will repair or replace, free of charge, to the original purchaser, any part that is found to be defective in material or workmanship within twenty- one (21) years of the date of purchase. This limited warranty applies to normal domestic use. Any commercial use of this product will void this limited warranty. This limited warranty covers the revolving roller brush for one (1) year for residential use only.
This limited warranty does not cover the replacement of expendable or consumable parts such as carbon motor brushes, edge brushes, drive belts, brushes, bulbs, disposable bags and other parts subject to normal wear unless they are defective in material or workmanship.
This limited warranty does not apply to any part subjected to accident, abuse, commercial use, alteration, misuse, damage caused by act of God, the use of voltages other than indicated on the serial number displayed on this product or service of this product by other than Oreck or a participating Factory Authorized Service Center. Oreck does not authorize any person or representative to assume or grant any other warranty obligation with the sale of this product.
Oreck’s limited warranty is valid only if you retain proof of purchase from Oreck or an Oreck Authorized Retail Dealer for this product. If you purchase this product from any other source, your purchase is “AS IS,” which means Oreck grants you no warranty, and that you, not Oreck, assume the entire risk of the quality and performance of this product, including the entire cost of any necessary servicing or repairs of any defects.
Oreck’s liability for damages to you for any costs whatsoever arising out of this statement of limited warranty shall be limited to the amount paid for this product at the time of original purchase, and Oreck shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damages arising out of the use or inability to use this product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THIS PRODUCT, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD, AND NO WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WILL APPLY AFTER THIS PERIOD.
Some states do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranties, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
If appropriate, see additional information for extended warranty.

ORECK logo© 2007 Oreck Holdings, LLC.
All rights reserved. All word marks, logos product configurations and registered
trademarks are owned and used under the authority of Oreck Holdings, LLC.
77221-04 Rev. A 03/07 ECN # R-8644
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