Using the Makita XLC02ZB is a piece of cake. First, if you want to use it as a handheld vacuum, just grab it and start cleaning small messes or tight spots. For larger areas like floors and carpets, attach the floor nozzle extension. When it's time to charge, make sure to use a genuine Makita charger and an 18V LXT battery. Remember, with a fully - charged 18V 5.0 Ah LXT battery, you can get up to 33 minutes of cleaning. As for maintenance, the bagless 2 - stage cloth filtration system is easy to clean. Just remove it and get rid of the debris. Empty the vacuum regularly to take advantage of its increased storage capacity. Also, always use genuine Makita batteries and chargers to keep your vacuum running smoothly and to maintain the 3 - year limited warranty.