
Karcher Spray Extraction Cleaner SE 5 Upholstery



General notes
Read these original instructions and the enclosed safety instructions before using the device for the first time. Act in accordance with them. Keep both books for future reference or for future owners.
- Failure to follow the operating instructions can result in damage to the device and danger to the operator or other persons.
- Notify the dealer immediately in the case of shipping damage.
- When unpacking, check the package contents for missing accessories or signs of damage.
You can find a Code for calling up an application video in: Illustration B
Intended use
Only use the device in private households.
- The device is intended for application as a spray extraction cleaner according to the descriptions given in these operating instructions and the safety instructions for the maintenance, cleaning, or basic cleaning of carpets with a deep cleaning effect.
- Hard floors can also be cleaned with a hard surface attachment for the spray extraction floor nozzle (included in the scope of delivery).
- With the appropriate accessory (depending on different configurations), the device can also be used for wet and dry vacuum cleaning.
Environmental protection

The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in accordance with the environmental regulations. Electrical and electronic devices contain valuable, recyclable materials and often components such as batteries, rechargeable batteries or oil, which – if handled or disposed of incorrectly – can pose a potential danger to human health and the environment. However, these components are required for
the correct operation of the device. Devices marked by this symbol are not allowed to be disposed of together with the household rubbish. Notes on the content materials (REACH) Current information on content materials can be found at: www.kaercher.de/REACH
Customer Service department
Our local KÄRCHER branch will be happy to help you if you have any questions or problems with the device.
Accessories and spare parts
Only use original accessories and original spare parts. They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely. Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.
Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging. Check the contents for completeness when unpacking. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.
Symbols on the device

There is a label on the device head describing how to clean the device after use:
- Switch off the device and remove the device head.
- Remove the fresh water tank.
- Fill the fresh water tank with about 1 litre of clear water.
- Insert the fresh water tank and attach the device head.
- Press the switch for spraying.
- Allow the water to drain in the sink. See also the chapter Ending operation
Device description
The device is equipped with different equipment depending on the model selected. The specific equipment is described on the device packaging. For the figures, please refer to the graphics page. Illustration A
- Container
- Waste water tank (in the container)
- Spray hose connection
- Unlocking button for filter hood
- Suction hose connection
- Filter hood
- Carrying handle
- On/Off switch for the suction motor
- Mains connection cable with mains plug
- On/Off switch for spraying water and detergent
- Accessory holder/storage, mains connection cable
- Device head
- Container unlocking (on both sides)
- Fresh water tank (in the container)
- Non-driven wheels (2x)
- Steering rollers (2x)
- Fleece filter bag
- Flat fold filter
- Spray vacuum hose with locking button
- ** Spray suction tubes 2 x 0.5 m
- ** Spray the floor nozzle with the hard floor attachment
- ** Spray extraction upholstery nozzle
- ** Spray extraction crevice nozzle
- ** Switchable floor nozzle for carpets and hard floors for dry vacuum cleaning
- Upholstery nozzle for dry vacuum cleaning
- Crevice nozzle for dry vacuum cleaning
- ** Extra-long crevice nozzle for dry vacuum cleaning
- ** Additional handle for spray suction tubes
- ** KÄRCHER SE detergent (100 ml)
- ** KÄRCHER SE detergent (1000 ml)
** depending on different configurations
Before start-up
Taking off the device head
- Turn both unlocking mechanisms in the direction of the arrow and remove the device head. Illustration C
- Remove the contents from the container. Illustration D
Installing the non-driven wheels, steering rollers, and accessory holder
- Push both non-driven wheels into the side openings on the container as far as they will go. Illustration E
- Turn the container upside down and push both steering rollers into the openings at the bottom of the container as far as they will go. Illustration F
- Turn the container upside down and clip the accessory holder bracket on the back of the device head. Illustration G
Fitting the device head
- Fit the device head and turn both unlocking mechanisms in the opposite direction of the arrow. The device head is locked. Illustration H
Initial startup
Note
Depending on cleaning requirements:
- For dry vacuum cleaning, insert the filter bag. See chapter Dry vacuuming
- For washing vacuum cleaning, insert the waste water tank and fill the fresh water tank, see chapter Filling the fresh water tank.
- For vacuum cleaning, damp dirt/water, remove the fresh and waste water tank and the filter bag from the container, see chapter Emptying the container after vacuuming
Connecting the suction and spray hose
- Attach the suction and spray hose to the connection on the device. Both parts must audibly engage. Illustration I
- Fit the accessory as required. See chapter Installing accessories.
Operation
Installing accessories
Mounting the accessory for spray extracting floor cleaning
Use the spray extraction floor nozzle for cleaning carpets or hard floors (with hard floor attachment).
- Plug the spray suction tubes together and connect them to the suction hose. All parts must audibly engage. Illustration J
- Attach the spray extraction floor nozzle to the spray suction tubes until it audibly engages.
Note
Use the hard floor attachment for hard floor cleaning.- Fit the hard floor attachment on the spray extraction floor nozzle until it audibly engages. The squeegee points to the front, the brush strips to the back. Illustration K
Upholstery cleaning
Depending on requirements, use the spray extraction upholstery nozzle or spray extraction crevice nozzle to clean e.g. upholstery and mattresses.
- Attach the spray extraction upholstery nozzle or spray extraction crevice nozzle to the handle of the suction hose until it audibly engages. Illustration L, Illustration M
Fitting the additional handle for spray suction tubes Floor cleaning
Note: For better handling and more comfortable work, the handle can also be mounted on the spray suction tubes when spray extraction cleaning.
- Open the pipe bracket of the handle and attach it to the spray suction tube in the marked area. It must audibly engage. Illustration N
Note: To change the position of the handle, do not push the handle. Instead, press the unlocking button and adjust the handle again.
Fitting accessories for wet and dry vacuum cleaning
- For floor cleaning, plug the spray suction tubes together and connect them to the suction hose. All parts must audibly engage. Illustration J
- Slide the floor nozzle onto the spray suction tubes. Illustration O
- Depending on the floor covering and cleaning requirements, make sure that the floor nozzle settings are correct. Illustration P
Note
Using the switchable floor nozzle- Only use it to vacuum clean dry dirt.
- For carpet cleaning, use the position with the brush strips retracted on the underside.
- For hard floor cleaning, use the position with the brush strips extended on the underside. Illustration P
- To clean upholstered furniture, for example, slide the upholstery or crevice nozzle directly onto the handle of the suction hose. Illustration Q
Disconnecting accessories
Disconnecting the accessory for spray extracting
- Remove the hard floor attachment from the spray extracting floor nozzle. Illustration K
- Press the unlocking button and disconnect the spray extracting floor nozzle from the spray suction tubes. Illustration K
- Press the unlocking button and disconnect the spray suction tubes from each other. Illustration J
- Press the unlocking button on the spray extracting upholstery or spray extracting crevice nozzle and disconnect it from the suction hose.Illustration L, Illustration M
Disconnecting the accessory for dry vacuum cleaning
- Disconnect the floor nozzle from the spray suction tube. Illustration O
- Press the unlocking button and disconnect the spray suction tubes. Illustration J
- Disconnect the upholstery or crevice nozzle from the suction hose. Illustration Q
Filling the fresh water tank
ATTENTION: The use of unsuitable detergents can damage the device and result in loss of eligibility for warranty claims.
ATTENTION: The fresh water and waste water tanks must be firmly seated in the device.
Note: Use KÄRCHER SE detergent as required for textile cleaning.
- Pour in the detergent and top up with water.
- The total filling quantity is a maximum of 4.0 litres.
Note: The fresh water tank can be removed at any time for filling or be filled directly on the device.
Filling the water reservoir directly in the device
- Taking off the device head, see chapter Taking off the device head. Illustration C
- Pour 100 – 200 ml of KÄRCHER SE detergent (quantity may vary depending on the degree of contamination) into the fresh water tank, fill up with tap water, do not overfill.
- Fitting the device head, see chapter Fitting the device head. Illustration H
Removing the water reservoir for filling
- Taking off the device head, see chapter Taking off the device head. Illustration C
- Remove the fresh water tank from the container by the handle. Illustration R
- To fill, see “2” in “Filling the water reservoir directly on the device”. Illustration S
- Insert the fresh water tank into the container.
- Fitting the device head, see chapter Fitting the device head. Illustration H
Switching on the device
Note: Depending on cleaning requirements, the suction and spray functions can be switched on and used independently or simultaneously.
- Plug the mains plug into the socket. Illustration T
- To switch on the device vacuum function, press the On/Off switch for vacuum cleaning. The suction motor starts. Illustration U
- Press the spray switch to spray the water with the detergent. The pump starts. Illustration V
- Close the air damper completely. Illustration W
Cleaning methods
Cleaning tips
- Spray heavily soiled areas in advance and allow the cleaning solution to work for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Always work from light to shadow (from window to door).
- Always work from the cleaned to the uncleaned area.
- The more sensitive the covering (oriental bridges, Berber, upholstery fabric) the lower the concentration of detergent.
- Carpets with jute backs can shrink and bleed in colour if the work is too wet.
- Brush wet pile carpets in the direction of the pile after cleaning when wet (e.g. with a fibre brush or scrubber).
- Impregnating after wet cleaning prevents the textile from being quickly soiled again.
- To avoid pressure points or rust stains, do not walk on or furnish the cleaned area until after it has fully dried.
- To improve the cleaning result, rinse the object with clean water after using detergents.
Dry vacuuming
ATTENTION: Material damage due to vacuum cleaning without a filter bag. This may damage the device. Always ensure that the filter bag is inserted for dry vacuuming.
ATTENTION: Damage to the flat fold filter
When changing from wet to dry vacuum cleaning, a wet flat fold filter can become damaged and unusable. Allow the flat fold filter to dry completely before dry vacuum cleaning or replace it with a dry one. Replace the flat fold filter as necessary.
Note: The container and accessories must be dry, dirt may adhere.
- Remove the fresh and waste water tank from the device. Illustration R, Illustration AB
- Make sure that the container and accessories are dry.
- Attach the fleece filter bag in the container: Unfold the fleece filter bag. Attach the holes in the cardboard flange of the filter bag to the side holders of the container on both sides. Illustration AD
- Fit and lock the device head, see chapter Fitting the device head.
- Install the desired accessory, see chapter Installing accessories
- Switch on the device, see chapter Switching on the device. Illustration U
- Regulate the suction capacity with the sliding air damper. Illustration AA
- Switch off the device, see chapter Switching off the device.
Emptying the container after vacuuming
Note: When the container is full, a float switch closes the suction opening, and the device runs at a higher speed and becomes louder. Switch off the device immediately and drain the waste water.
- Taking off the device head, see chapter Taking off the device head
- Empty the container. Illustration AC
- Fitting the device head, see chapter Fitting the device head
Switching off the device
- After spray vacuum cleaning, switch off the spray suction function by pressing the On/Off switch for spray suction. Illustration V
- Switch off the device by pressing the On/Off switch for vacuum cleaning. Illustration U
- Pull the mains plug out of the outlet.
Emptying the fresh water and waste water tank
- Taking off the device head, see chapter Taking off the device head
- Remove the fresh water and waste water tank from the container by the handle. Illustration R, Illustration AB
- Empty the fresh water and waste water tank.
- Insert the fresh and waste water tank into the container, ensuring that it is firmly seated.
- Fitting the device head, see chapter Fitting the device head
Ending operation
Note: To ensure that no cleaning particles and dirt particles remain in the lines, perform cleaning (without the addition of detergent) after each application.
- Flush the spray lines in the device.
- Switch off the device and remove the device head.
- Remove the fresh water tank and fill it with about 1 litre of clear water.
- Insert the fresh water tank and attach the device head.
- Switch on the device and press the switch for spraying. The pump starts.
- Hold the spray/suction hose over a drain until the clear water has been used up.
- Switch off the device, see chapter Switching off the device.
- Disconnect the accessory, see chapter Disconnecting accessories
- Remove the remaining liquid in the spray/suction hose.
- Press the unlocking button and remove the spray/suction hose from the device.
- Press the lever on the handle of the suction hose and allow the liquid to flow out.
Note: To allow the liquid to dry completely, do not wrap the spray/suction hose around the device to dry.
Note: To avoid puddles in the living area (e.g. on carpet, parquet), let the remaining liquid run in a suitable container (e.g. sink, bucket).
- Clean the accessory parts individually under running water and then allow them to dry.
Note: Any residual water may drip out; it is best to place it in the shower or bathtub. - Empty the container, see chapter Emptying the container after vacuuming.
- Thoroughly rinse the container with clear water.
- If necessary,e.g. if the sieve in the fresh water tank is soiled, rinse the fresh water tank with clear water, see chapter Cleaning the sieve in the fresh water tank.
- Leave the device open to dry.
- After complete drying, attach the spray suction tubes to the accessory holder.
- Store the device in a dry and frost-proof room.
Care and service
General care instructions
- Clean the device and plastic accessory parts with a commonly available plastic cleaner.
- Rinse the container and accessories with water, as necessary, and dry them before further use.
Cleaning the flat fold filter
Note: For an optimum device function, clean the flat fold filter if it is contaminated.
- Unlock the cover on the device head. Illustration AE
- Open the cover and remove the flat fold filter and grid. Illustration AF
- Pull the flat fold filter apart over a waste container and shake it out. In the case of severe contamination, tap the flat fold filter against the edge of the waste container. Illustration AG
- Damp filter cleaning.
- If necessary, carefully wipe the flat fold filter with a damp cloth. Do not rub or brush off.
- Allow the flat fold filter to dry completely before reusing. Illustration AH
Cleaning the spray nozzle
Note: If the spray jet is uneven, the spray nozzle of the spray extracting accessory can be damaged by residues and will need to be cleaned.
- To clean the floor nozzle and spray extracting upholstery nozzle, loosen the nozzle fastener by turning it and pull it out together with the spray nozzle.
Note
Keep the O-ring/sealing ring in a safe place and reinsert it after cleaning. Illustration AI - Clean residues in the spray nozzle under running water.
- Insert the spray nozzle into the nozzle fastener and fasten it again by turning it.
- Also, clean the residues in the spray nozzle of the spray extracting crevice nozzle under running water.
Cleaning the sieve in the freshwater tank
Note: At the bottom of the freshwater tank, there is a filter on which dirt particles can settle and thereby obstruct the water flow. Therefore, regularly rinse out the freshwater tank.
- Taking off the device head, see chapter Taking off the device head
- Remove the fresh water tank from the container, see chapter Filling the fresh water tank
- Clean the sieve.
- Remove the water hose from the tank. The sieve is at the end of the water hose.
- Clean the sieve under running water. Illustration AJ
- Rinse the freshwater tank with clear water.
- Insert the sieve into the fresh water tank.
- Re-insert the fresh water tank into the container.
Troubleshooting guide
No water is emitted from the nozzle
The freshwater tank is empty
- Fill up the fresh water tank.
The freshwater sieve is dirty,
- Clean the fresh water filter.
Fresh water tank not installed correctly.
- Install the fresh water tank correctly.
The connection between the accessory and the spray/suction hose is not correct.
- Establish the correct connection.
The detergent pump is defective.
- Assign Customer Service.
Spray jet uneven
The spray nozzle on the accessory for spray extracting cleaning is soiled.
- Clean the spray nozzle on the respective accessory.
Poor suction performance
The sliding air damper is open too wide.
- Close the sliding air damper.
Accessory, suction hose or suction tubes are clogged.
- Remove the blockage.
The filter bag is full.
- Empty the filter bag.
The flat fold filter is soiled.
- Cleaning the flat fold filter
The flat fold filter is worn out.
- Insert the flat fold filter.
Detergent pump loud
The freshwater tank is empty
- Fill up the fresh water tank.
Warranty
The warranty conditions issued by our relevant sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possible malfunctions on your appliance within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufacturing flaw is the cause. In a warranty case, please contact your dealer (with the purchase receipt) or the next authorised customer service site. (See overleaf for the address) Further warranty information (if available) can be found in the service area of your local Kärcher website under “Downloads”.
Technical data

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Karcher Spray Extraction Cleaner SE 5 Upholstery-FAQs
How do you clean upholstery with the Kärcher SE 5?
To clean upholstery, spray a mixture of water and approved detergent evenly onto the fabric from a short distance. Allow it to sit briefly so the solution can loosen dirt, then slowly suction the moisture back using the upholstery nozzle for deep fiber cleaning.
Is the Kärcher SE 5 suitable for upholstery and hard floors?
Yes, the SE 5 is designed to clean carpets, upholstered furniture, car seats, and certain sealed hard floors when used with the correct attachments.
What is the best method to clean fabric upholstery?
Start by vacuuming the surface to remove loose dust and debris. Treat visible stains if necessary. Then use the spray extraction function to wash the fabric and suction out dirt and moisture thoroughly.
What detergent should I use in the Kärcher SE 5?
It is recommended to use Kärcher-approved, low-foam cleaning solutions specifically made for spray extraction cleaners to protect the machine and achieve the best results.
Can I use vinegar or homemade solutions in the machine?
Using vinegar or homemade cleaning mixtures is not advised, as they may damage internal components or leave unwanted residue inside the system.
Can the SE 5 be used as a regular vacuum cleaner?
Yes, the machine can be used for dry vacuuming. Using a dust bag during dry cleaning helps maintain suction performance and protects the main filter.
How long does upholstery take to dry after cleaning?
Drying time usually ranges from two to six hours depending on fabric type, airflow, and room temperature. Good ventilation or fans can help speed up the drying process.
What are common mistakes when cleaning upholstery?
Common mistakes include applying too much water, using the wrong detergent, scrubbing stains aggressively, and not allowing sufficient drying time after cleaning.
Can I use a steam cleaner instead of a spray extraction cleaner?
Steam cleaners can sanitize surfaces, but spray extraction cleaners like the SE 5 are more effective at removing deep dirt and extracting moisture from fabric fibres.
How do I maintain the SE 5 after use?
After each use, empty and rinse the clean and dirty water tanks, clean the filters, and store the unit in a dry place to prevent odours and buildup.
