Thread Number: 28467  /  Tag: Vintage Floor Polishers/Floor Care Products
Brand new here...advice on floor polishers, please 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 317956   3/10/2015 at 23:34 (3,328 days old) by mom11 ()        

Hi, I just joined here today after hearing about this group from the automatic washers.org site I've been on for a few years. I need to get a floor polisher because I am about to install a new vct floor in my kitchen. Is there someplace on this site where i can read up on those? I would prefer to get a vintage machine. Just about every large and small appliance I have and use everyday is vintage. I find them all more reliable and much more beautiful. I think even a chore like waxing and buffing your floor can be happier with a pretty vintage machine.

Thanks for letting me join. I can't wait to learn more here.

Post# 317957 , Reply# 1   3/10/2015 at 23:36 (3,328 days old) by kenkart ()        
You will not go wrong..

 With just about any vintage machine, but a 3 brush Electrolux is very hard to beat.

Post# 317959 , Reply# 2   3/11/2015 at 00:58 (3,328 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture
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I agree with kenkart above, and would refine my suggestion to one of the older all-metal Electrolux polishers.

The later plastic-housing machines are not heavy enough to thoroughly do the job. These machines were sold mainly as rug shampooers with floor polishing a secondary duty ....... which is kinda odd since originally it was the other way 'round -- they were primarily floor polishers with optional rug shampooing equipment. So they were made lighter to be easier to push them across carpeting.

You'd want to find a Model B8 - Over the years the B8 was done up in light turquoise, dark turquoise, gold, dark brown, and metallic gray.

Here are some photos of my favorite version in light turquoise. Check out that snazzy mid-century starburst motif on the rug shampoo tank!

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size
Post# 317960 , Reply# 3   3/11/2015 at 03:59 (3,328 days old) by ronni (USA)        

Welcome to Vacuumland! Here is a list of the colors of Model B-8 triple-brush floor machines by years of manufacture. Available attachments: brown scrubbing brushes, green (or taupe) scrubbing pads, white buffing pads, and black shampoo brushes. Electrolux Corporation, now known as Aerus LLC, has always color-coded its household line of products (except for the ivory Model L), so in case you're interested I have included the matching vacuum cleaners--automatic and manual, respectively:

1965-66: Aquamarine Green (aka Aqua); Model G, Model L (ivory)
1966-68: Tan; Model G, Model L
1968-74: Teal; Model 1205, Model L
1974-79: Gold; Model 1205/Jubilee, Model 1401/Super J, Model L
1979-82: Brown; Model 1401, 1401B, 1505/Olympia One, Model 1453/Deluxe Special
1982-85: Gray; Model 1505/Silverado, Model 1453/Deluxe Special

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Moreover, other companies made twin brush machines with metal housing back in the day which may work better for you if you have smaller quarters. Following is a list of some brands with partial model lists due to more limited available data:

HOOVER (various colors):
Floor Polishers: 1940s (Models 0211, 0212); 1960s (Model 5000s, 5100s & 5300s—Mickey Mouse-style, 5450s)
Floor-A-Matic (w/pick-up): Models 3600, 3610, 3614, 3616, F5019, and others
Shampoo-Polishers: Models 5240, 5460, 5471, 5477, Model 5479, 5480, 5486, 5488, 5488-01, 5488, 5498

EUREKA Model 10

GENERAL ELECTRIC/PREMIER: Models FP-1, FP-2, FP-3, et cetera

SHETLAND


In addition KIRBY made polished aluminum nozzle attachments with special polishing brush rolls named:

"Floor Polisher" 1947-70
"Miracle Head" 1970-80

Also, S. C. JOHNSON made machines with polishing brush rolls and single disc brushes. Model prefixes for the latter include RP & HP followed by two digits that marked the production years.


If your purchase can wait I'd recommend checking out your local thrift stores and garage sales for the best potential pricing. You may also want to do some research beforehand to learn about parts availability. Online searches for "vintage floor polisher" will provide information.

Best wishes.


Post# 317967 , Reply# 4   3/11/2015 at 07:44 (3,327 days old) by mom11 ()        
Wow....this is amazing!

 So much good info to chew on. I will have my hands full doing my research. My next question is: which models are there available replacement pads for. I would hate to get all excited about and buy a really cool machine only to find out I can't get pads for it. When I went on ebay there are several that have no pads or brushes with them. How do I know if those are available. And are there generic pads I can buy for these models that will work for them.

Also, I have been searching for one at thrift shops for over a year and have never seen one once. I am in southeast Michigan near the Ohio border/Toledo. Are there any favorite places where people had good luck finding those?

Again, thanks SOOOO much.

Post# 317978 , Reply# 5   3/11/2015 at 09:49 (3,327 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Polishing AND Scrubbing,Buffing,Waxing & Shampooing

 All good information above.The 3 brush Electrolux is better and easier.(For small areas the better 2 brush machines are Hoover,but many with plastic gears,and Regina/Koblenz.)But best to look at Elux B-7(polisher only) or B-8(can polish & shampoo with proper accessories).Great on wood, tile, etc and even scrubbing patio/garage.You might check with estate sales as many bought Elux vacuum and polisher at the same time.Vacs were used daily/weekly but polishers often remain near new with yearly use.Also ask around for semi retired sales reps from the 'good old days' of Electrolux.Should be no problem with genuine or generic pads or brushes.Then it is a matter of proper cleaning solution/wax and types of pads/brushes for each floor type.Good luck.Happy spring cleaning.

Post# 317994 , Reply# 6   3/11/2015 at 12:49 (3,327 days old) by ronni (USA)        

You're welcome for the information.

Have you tried Craigslist for machines?

I also wanted to mention that the Model B-8, while it has been discontinued for 30 years was made for 23 years and were sold in large quantity, so parts are readily available from online auctions and other sources. I'm unsure whether any aftermarket ones are available from online companies. As mentioned above, the Model B-7s (pale gray, 1959-60 and aqua, 1960-62) were only equipped for scrubbing and polishing along with the early Model B-8s (1962-65). Both cover an approximate 12" x 12" swath.

Yet another possibility would be an Electrolux Turbo Rug Washer which is a vacuum cleaner attachment. It uses a single 8" brush. Some were sold with both a brown scrubbing brush along with buffing pads and a black shampooing brush; however, many were only equipped for shampooing. The device was also sold in large quantity and is frequently listed on eBay. Here is a list by year of the colors which coordinated with the tank cleaners and triple-brush Beautifiers as mentioned in my previous post (top/dispenser/bottom):

1962-66: teal/ivory/ivory
1966-68: tan/ivory/ivory
1968-74: teal/ivory/teal
1974-79: gold/ivory/gold
1979-82: brown/ivory/ivory
1982-84: dark gray/light gray/dark gray
1984-87: jade/sand/jade

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As for parts availability of other brands they seem to be available only in used or NOS (new old stock); although the Hoover machines may have after market parts available. The reason I gave you some of the model ids is that they will assist in finding any available parts. For instance "Hoover 3610" will provide specific information rather than "Hoover floor machine".

_______

Sorry, I am unfamiliar with the Toledo-area thrift stores.

Post# 318005 , Reply# 7   3/11/2015 at 16:10 (3,327 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Welcome!!

 gottahaveahoove's profile picture

I have an Electrolux "gold anniversary" polisher, with all of the accessories.  I'd love to sell it.  However,  the postage from Pittston (pocono area) to Ohio might be ridiculous.

  I have numerous HOOVERS, which I love.  Best of l;uck, and, again... WELCOME!!
Post# 318011 , Reply# 8   3/11/2015 at 16:42 (3,327 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Electrolux B-8

 It should be noted that the B-8 handle unlatches and folds in half making it -easy to carry-easy to store as well as easy to use(easier than 2 brush styles as the 3rd brush balances it).
The above Gold B-8(late 70s)might be a good buy on a great machine even with shipping.
Accessories should include--
--for polishing,scrubbing,waxing--3 stiff bristle brushes,3 green scrubbing type pads(both sides usable),3 soft lamb wool type pads(1 sided)or 12 pack of disposable(use both sides till worn)felt type pads,splash guard shield to cover base and catch splashes of wax/cleaner,optional spray bottle as some tile/wood waxes are liquid.
--to shampoo add--3 soft bristle brushes,suds shield under brushes to generate foam as liquid comes from tank(NOT used with stiff bristle brushes!),tank with pull string to release liquid(shampoo & water),triangular tray to rest on when not in use without bristles becoming flattened.
With care and proper storage either set of brushes will last for years.If abused or lost 3 brushes can be in the $75.00 range.

Post# 318020 , Reply# 9   3/11/2015 at 17:22 (3,327 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture
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The green and tan Electrolux scrubbing brushes can be cleaned and reused quite a few times. Soak in a pail of warm laundry detergent for a couple hours, squeeze out excess water, hang on clothes line to dry.

Post# 318089 , Reply# 10   3/12/2015 at 12:23 (3,326 days old) by mom11 ()        
Oh, dear...now my head is spinning!

 I cannot believe how much information is here. Soooo...I have been checking the craigslist in Michigan, Ohio, and even northern Indiana and all I seem to be able to find is the industrial ones with one giant pad. Most are the giant ones that are used in big stores, even ride kinds. Doesn't seem those would fit in the corners or under cabinets. But now, you all have sold me on the 3 brush Electrolux.

I looked on ebay and saw a few with quite a range of prices. I think all of them had parts missing. I will only be using it for the hard floors, not carpet cleaning. But I do like the idea of a tank for the stripping and cleaning solutions. I have always washed my floors on hands and knees so this sounds amazing to me. I am assuming that, after waxing, you buff it with the lambs wool pads. Am I right about that? I think only one on ebay had those. Could I get them somewhere from a vacuum store?

to "gottahaveahoove" : I would love to get your machine. But I googled it and it is over 7 hrs from me. :( I did drive a 16 hour round trip to get my pink 1956 Hotpoint range...so I am a little crazy that way but shipping may be the way to go. How can I get pics and communicate with you? Is it the same machine that is on ebay now (the gold colored one?)

Again, thank you all soooo so much for the help. This is a lot of fun. Thanks :)

Post# 318090 , Reply# 11   3/12/2015 at 12:54 (3,326 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
"tank for --- solutions"

 The tank is intended for shampoo only with liquid stripper mopped on and/or liquid wax sprayed as a mist.Some might want to use a shop type wet vac as a followup after scrubbing or even to pick up foam shampoo.Different floors and cleaner/waxes might have different procedures or pads but the 3 brush Elux is the best in all cases.As above the classic B-8 is often preferred over the newer models whose only so called advantage is mostly the cordwinder.

Post# 318109 , Reply# 12   3/12/2015 at 17:04 (3,326 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
Check the Aerus site out......

 pr-21's profile picture

If you are looking to buy an electrolux/aerus sampooer.  Go to Aerusonline.com and find the tab in the middle of the screen for their online store. You will see a list for shampooer scrubber supplies. They have brushes and buffing pads, and cleaning supplies....

 

You can buy direct from them.

 

 

PR-21

Bud
Post# 318126 , Reply# 13   3/12/2015 at 21:17 (3,326 days old) by ronni (USA)        

Mom11:

Click on "gottahaveahoove"''s name (at the top of his response) to get his personal email. He may not check this thread for a while.

Also, please consider creating a thread in the Household forum on your pink 1956 Hotpoint range. I'm sure many would enjoy hearing about it and seeing photos of it.

Post# 318127 , Reply# 14   3/12/2015 at 21:20 (3,326 days old) by ronni (USA)        

Oh, and btw nice pun about your head spinning ... didn't get it till now! haha


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