Thread Number: 29495  /  Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
A LITTLE REVIEW OF THE NEW KIRBY AVALIR SHAMPOO SYSTEM
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Post# 329215   7/13/2015 at 21:39 (3,180 days old) by Jeschbac (Texas)        

I used my Avalir Shampoo system for the first time this morning. I cleaned two rooms and got the feel of the system. It's different in several respects from older models. For me, the two biggest changes are the lift-out tray where the spent shampoo collects and the brush roll itself. I really welcome the lift-out tray. It's deep enough to collect an entire tank's worth of residue, and probably more. Detaching it from the unit itself is easy: It just lifts out, then balances itself so that no liquid spills from it. On older models, you had to detach the entire unit from the front - uncovered - and carefully thread through the house to the closest sink to empty. By just pulling up and removing the tray, the process is easier, with little risk of soiled water splashing about. The shape of the brush rows is different, and maybe another Kirby person can tell us what the advantage is to that. Also, the "rollers" that allow the brush to be attached to the unit are identical. I don't think it matters which way the brush is inserted.

My only reservation is the tube connecting the tank to the brush unit: it's in a fairly stiff rubber or plastic which makes it difficult to manipulate into position. I hope this feature is reconsidered by Kirby. Most definitely awkward, especially at first.

But the results were excellent: the carpet is clean and fresh, and dried in record time.


Post# 329224 , Reply# 1   7/13/2015 at 23:59 (3,180 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Very interesting.

gottahaveahoove's profile picture

Would you be ok having your review go into our next newsletter? Think about it.

 John


Post# 329229 , Reply# 2   7/14/2015 at 04:34 (3,179 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        

pr-21's profile picture
I have used the Avalir Shampooer after I first got mine several months ago. I agree with you. It shampooed my carpet well, but Kirby needs to put back the flexible hose going from the tank to the shampooer. A shorter flexible version with the same ends that attach to the suds screen cap....would fix the problem.

I had to look in my manual to see the picture of how the brush should be installed. I too feel like it would work either way....


PR-21


Post# 329235 , Reply# 3   7/14/2015 at 08:19 (3,179 days old) by Jeschbac (Texas)        
John

Go right ahead.

I hope there are people from Kirby Headquarters that read these posts from time to time!


Post# 329236 , Reply# 4   7/14/2015 at 08:48 (3,179 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Actually....................

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
There are!!
John


Post# 329238 , Reply# 5   7/14/2015 at 08:57 (3,179 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
Call me crazy, but the shampooer is one part of the Kirby Avalir I feel should be discontinued. Carpet shampooing is so outdated & leaves so much dirt & detergent residue behind, & nowhere near as efficient as a carpet extractor. I would NEVER use my Kirby carpet shampooer kit, it's for show only. What Kirby should develop, is a way for the Kirby to scrub in a product such as Host dry carpet cleaner, or Capture.

Rob


Post# 329249 , Reply# 6   7/14/2015 at 11:42 (3,179 days old) by Jeschbac (Texas)        
Disagree

I've never had bad results, and my carpets don't resoil faster because of this process. The crap I pull out of those carpets every 6 months is amazing.

Post# 329259 , Reply# 7   7/14/2015 at 14:20 (3,179 days old) by charleskirby66 (Manteca, CA)        
Avalir Multi-Surface Shampoo System

charleskirby66's profile picture
I purchased the Avalir Multi-Surface Shampoo System for my Mom's Sentria II. I also found the shampoo delivery tube to be stiff and awkward to attach. I found that attaching it to the nozzle part first, then up into the tank, made it *slightly* easier to manipulate. Still tricky though.

I used the system to "mop" her kitchen floors, which are dark wood. I used the cleaning nozzle without any water in the tank, just sprayed the ready-to-use solution onto the floor and let the Kirby scrub it up. I thought it did a good job of loosening up tough grease,and oil. My mom, however, did NOT like the job it did. She complained that it left a residue on her floors, which she later mopped up by hand. Kinda disappointing, because I really wanted this system to provide her with some ease in keeping her kitchen floors immaculate, as she likes.

All in all, I am a fan of the new shampoo system. I would prefer a more flexible shampoo delivery tube, as we've all mentioned, however I love the job it does on carpets and really like the mop function, no matter what Mom says. :-)


Post# 329261 , Reply# 8   7/14/2015 at 14:52 (3,179 days old) by Jeschbac (Texas)        
Charles

I haven't yet used the mop attachment. Sounds to me like the Kirby cleaning solution is leaving something behind. I wonder if you could mix up your own vinegar-water solution and use it instead of the Kirby product? I always mop with a vinegar solution and have no residue left behind.

Post# 329267 , Reply# 9   7/14/2015 at 16:18 (3,179 days old) by charleskirby66 (Manteca, CA)        
Jeschbac

charleskirby66's profile picture
I think your intuition is correct. There is probably some detergent residue being left behind. My Mom mops her floors with vinegar-water only, as well. I think that's probably a winning combination... vinegar-water and Kirby power.

I noticed that there were streaks left behind from the wheels, which occurred to me as food particles and such getting stuck to the wheels and tracked behind. However, given the ease of scrubbing while using the Kirby to mop, I would gladly hand-mop the left behind streaks in order to avoid hand-mopping the entire floor. We shall see, I really hope it works! Please do keep me updated as to your results!


Post# 329271 , Reply# 10   7/14/2015 at 17:25 (3,179 days old) by Miskini (Northville, Michigan )        
Jeschbac

miskini's profile picture
I agree with you on the new shampoo system. It works like a charm for me. As far as the hard floor cleaner goes, I can take it or leave it. It's easier for me to grab the Hoover floormate.

Alphonse


Post# 329275 , Reply# 11   7/14/2015 at 18:54 (3,179 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Crap I pull out of those carpets every 6 months is amazing

kirbylux77's profile picture
Ha! Jeschbac, there ya go, you just contradicted yourself! How can you be pulling crap out of your carpets every 6 months with the Kirby shampooer if it doesn't leave a residue behind to attract dirt & cause re-soiling? You just proved by your own statement that it DOES leave a residue & causes re-soiling! Any dry foam carpet shampoo system, such as Kirby, Aerus Floor Pro & Koblenz, to name a few examples, are old & outdated, & so ineffective there should be consumer warnings about them. Capture & Host are much better alternatives for consumers to clean their carpets at home who are worried about using a extraction cleaner & over-wetting their carpets.

If you REALLY think your Kirby isn't leaving residue behind & causing re-soiling, here's a challenge for you....Go down to your local store & rent a Rug Doctor, use it to clean your carpeting & rinse afterwards with plain hot water, & then rent it again 6 months later. I bet it won't get up nearly as much dirt after 6 months have passed that you are getting with your Kirby shampooer now.

Rob


Post# 329336 , Reply# 12   7/15/2015 at 15:16 (3,178 days old) by charleskirby66 (Manteca, CA)        
"How can you pull crap out of your carpets every 6 month

charleskirby66's profile picture
@Rob

How, you ask? They are intruders called "dust, dirt, grit, oils, and debris". They begin to accumulate on and in your carpets from the moment you finish vacuuming and/or shampooing. The carpets in a home act as indoor air filters. Anything that goes into the air of your home settles into your carpets. This includes cooking oils, polishes, hairspray, skin oil, dust, dead skin, dust mites and their faeces, etc. This is what Jeschbac is pulling out of carpets every 6 months.


Post# 329347 , Reply# 13   7/15/2015 at 16:31 (3,178 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Charles

kirbylux77's profile picture
Yes, that's exactly right. And that's also the reason WHY dry foam shampoo systems are a poor choice to clean carpeting. The sticky residue they leave behind will definitely help attract dirt & cause carpet re-soiling much faster than using a extraction cleaner. The fact that you can rinse the carpet after extraction cleaning is a MAJOR advantage that method of carpet cleaning offers.

Rob


Post# 329354 , Reply# 14   7/15/2015 at 18:12 (3,178 days old) by jeschbac (Texas)        
Sorry...

but there's a bunch of very shallow thinking going on around here. CharlesKirby got this exactly right. Crap accumulates starting immediately after the shampoo process finishes, especially for those of us with pets. I'll do you one better. If there is "sticky residue" as you maintain, a damp sponge wiped over the carpet surface would pick it up. I'll go do that test this evening, then a week later. I maintain that if the Kirby directions are followed explicitly, this is a safe and effective process. One must allow the carpet to dry completely: bone dry!! Then the dried surface has to be vacuumed thoroughly. Why would I want a second machine to store and use only every six months or so when one contraption does it all???

Post# 329361 , Reply# 15   7/15/2015 at 20:09 (3,178 days old) by charleskirby66 (Manteca, CA)        
"Sticky residue"

charleskirby66's profile picture
I have shampooed with different Kirby systems many times, on more than just my carpets. I have never experienced this "sticky residue" that is all the rage of this thread. I check the carpets' drying-progress after they are shampooed, with bare (clean) feet, and have never felt this "sticky residue" at all. However, I, like Jeschbac, am a stickler for following instructions explicitly to the letter.

I have heard of "over-foaming" due to using too much Kirby shampoo... I wonder if this is where the "sticky residue" is coming from, using too much Kirby suds solution?


Post# 329364 , Reply# 16   7/15/2015 at 20:19 (3,178 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        

Jeschbac said: "Why would I want a second machine to store and use only every six months or so when one contraption does it all???"

It's not that the process you describe is not safe and effective. It's that the process you describe takes too long and is way more work than the Host/Capture.

That's why I chose to store a second machine: to begin with, carpets cleaned with the Host or Capture process stay cleaner longer (I usually clean my carpeting once a year). The carpet is not wet during the process, which means even if a pet or someone walks on the carpet before you vacuum, it doesn't get messed up, so the room is not out of commission until it's bone dry. The carpet is barely damp with the dry cleaning powders and is bone dry in 30-60 minutes. Just vacuum and you're done. The machine I use (Sebo Duo Brush Machine) is way smaller than a vacuum cleaner, you can brush the powder in an average room in no time at all. If you don't want to buy a machine, you can buy an ordinary brush and get more exercise on top of it... ;-)

Cheers,
-- Paulo.


Post# 329384 , Reply# 17   7/16/2015 at 03:46 (3,178 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

This brings us to ANOTHER thing the Kirby machine can do besides shampooing the carpet or floor-You can use it as a carpet dryer-and it doesn't take long.configure the machine as a blower.Put the wand on the hose connected to the Kirby blower opening.Now you have a carpet dryer.Start the unit and sweep the wand end over the area you want to dry-few min later----Its dry.Then you can vacuum with the Kirby to remove the residue.Host or Captue is a MAINTENACE system to be used in between shampooing and extractor cleaning.And you need to use the Host or Capture with the spotter activator spray.I use the machine designed for the Host or Capture cleaning.The one that can dispense,work in and vacuum it up in the dump bin.Or I pick up the Host or Capture with a Royal cleaner outfitted with a commercial dump bag.Saves on disposable bags.

Post# 329435 , Reply# 18   7/16/2015 at 18:03 (3,177 days old) by jeschbac (Texas)        
Tolivac

You're brilliant! I'll try it! That said, I shampoo about 9pm, finish my evening in another room, go to bed, and by 8am, the shampooed carpets are ready for final vacuuming.

Now, as for the results of the white glove test:::: TA DA !!!!

I did swipe a pure white cloth over a 2 foot square area 48 hours after the shampooing. There was no trace of any kind of residue that would promote faster resoiling. I shampoo my carpets about every 6 months. Things get tracked in, pets shed. If you allow street shoes, it's just the nature of the thing. For my uses, the Kirby system is excellent, but only if directions are followed exactly.


Post# 329458 , Reply# 19   7/17/2015 at 00:58 (3,177 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

A Kirby salesman showed me the Kirby carpet dryer-you know the deal during the demo-the Kirby guy shampoos the floor for free during his demo-and he would say the floor would by dry for your evening party!And I am sure you will have to shampoo the floor AGAIN AFTER the party!

Post# 329511 , Reply# 20   7/17/2015 at 16:39 (3,176 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Jeschbac

kirbylux77's profile picture
Yes, I would agree with you the Kirby carpet shampoo system is a safe process. But effective? NO!

All the carpet extractor manufacturers recommend that if you are cleaning a carpet which has been carpet shampooed previously that a Anti-Foam solution be used in the recovery tank. Rug Doctor even markets & sells their own Anti-Foam solution. The reason you can't feel that sticky residue with your hand is because it settles at the base of your carpets, where it attracts the dirt & the dirt settles in. Also, notice how only ONE carpet manufacturer reccommends dry foam carpet cleaning? And although the Kirby Avalir carpet shampoo system gets a Gold by the Carpet & Rug Institute, they rate the Rug Doctor extractors Platinum....so there ya go, there's PROOF you can't dispute by a independent testing body with scientifically proven techniques that carpet extractors do a better job cleaning carpets than carpet shampooers.

"Why would I want a second machine to store and use only every six months or so when one contraption does it all???" Well, I would want that second machine if it deep cleaned carpets better than a all-in-one system would. Even if I did prefer to store a all-in-one system instead of a separate vacuum & carpet extractor, I would much prefer buy, use & store a Rainbow E4 Black than a Kirby, it's Aquamate carpet extractor attachment would do a MUCH BETTER job than Kirby's carpet shampooer, & I could live with filling & dumping the water to vacuum each time.

Rex - Host may be classed as a "maintenance system", but when used correctly & on a proper schedule, it CAN take the place of carpet extractors & carpet shampooers, & produce equal results. There's a reason why there are LOTS of professional carpet cleaners that have switched from truck-mounted extraction systems to Host....IT WORKS, & it can also be safer. Also note that for Oriental & Persian rugs, carpet shampooers & carpet extractors are NOT an option....the only way to clean those rugs is to either use Host or Capture, or have the carpets sent off to be professionally cleaned in a factory. I do own a Persian rug, & have used Host a couple of times to clean it, with fantastic results.

Rob


www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the...

www.carpet-rug.org/CRI-Testing-Pr...


Post# 329516 , Reply# 21   7/17/2015 at 17:51 (3,176 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Hi

kirbymodel2c's profile picture

I've always got on great with the Kirby shampoo system when used as directed with genuine Kirby shampoo.

We even had a professional shampoo a carpet with a extractor system (I forget the name of the machine he used at this moment in time) and I'd say the Kirby got better results. The carpet seems to of got dirtier quicker as well.

 

Why I understand that there are extractor systems rated better than the Kirby in the (platinum level) there are plenty of extractor systems in the same (gold) level as the Kirby and plenty of extractor systems rated worse than the Kirby in the (silver and bronze) levels. So to say this method is bad and this one is good isn't true.

 

But at the end of the day the Kirby has still meets the CRI gold level standards for

  • Soil removal!
  • Water removal
  • Resists Re-soiling!
  • Does not affect carpet dyes or fibers

And for a domestic home shampooer system that's very good. So yes it is effective.

 

Jamescool

 

 


Post# 329518 , Reply# 22   7/17/2015 at 18:02 (3,176 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)        

sptyks's profile picture

Well Rob, I noticed that on the second link you provided, The Kirby Avalir has won the CRI Gold seal of approval for it's carpet shampoo system.

 

I use my Kirby shampoo system every 6 months with excellent results. My carpets do not re-soil themselves shortly after shampooing.

 

You should refrain from trouncing on another's opinion just because their Avalir shampoo results differs from your own. Just sayin.


Post# 329521 , Reply# 23   7/17/2015 at 18:52 (3,176 days old) by Miskini (Northville, Michigan )        

This post has been removed by the member who posted it.



Post# 329531 , Reply# 24   7/17/2015 at 22:22 (3,176 days old) by Jeschbac (Texas)        
For my money...

... there has been ample discussion and sufficient evidence. I've used the Kirby system here since 1992 and am well pleased. Thanks, James, for your contributions. I certainly will not be investing in an entirely different machine that is only used twice a year!! Once and for all, my carpets do NOT resoil due to any residue.

Post# 329538 , Reply# 25   7/18/2015 at 01:40 (3,176 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

I haven't seen any Host commercial cleaners in my area-maybe it just hasn't caught on here.The big advantage to Host and Capture here is that it doesn't wet the subfloor.Most homes made here have particleboard subfloors-wet systems can make them warp and buckle unless promply removed and the area dried with carpet dryer blowers.Thats why I like the idea I mentioned of using your Kirby as a carpet dryer.I would like to see Kirby offer a Host or Capture carpet cleaning system.
A thing that makes me nervous about rental carpet cleaner machines-What did they last clean up in someone elses home or business?Think about it!That is where having your OWN machine is good.The Kirby can fulfill that.Same with Host or Capture machines you can own.


Post# 329545 , Reply# 26   7/18/2015 at 07:03 (3,175 days old) by Miskini (Northville, Michigan )        

miskini's profile picture
I've been using my Kirby shampoo system for years also. My carpets still look like brand new. Like some of the other members, I use mine every six months. Theirs no sticky residue left behind.

Post# 329568 , Reply# 27   7/18/2015 at 10:33 (3,175 days old) by cuffs054 (monticello, ga)        

I use both the Kirby and a Bissell steamer depending on mood. Pleased with both. Tolivac made an excellent point. I don't want to use some rental machine that was used to clean up after the pet cat puked up a colon.

Post# 383506 , Reply# 28   1/3/2018 at 14:01 (2,275 days old) by Paul (USA)        

I just recently shampooed the halls of an apartment complex using the tried-and-true Electrolux dry foam rotary system (used worldwide from the 1960s at least until AB Electrolux and Lux International separated in 1998—maybe longer). Admittedly, I cannot unequivocally say that the system is better than extraction, but it's greener, easier, and just as effective. In addition, since the sub-floors are wood and have buckled in some areas the dry-foam method prevented further damage.

I agree that the manufacturers' directions need to be followed exactly. This includes THOROUGHLY vacuuming after the shampoo has crystallized. I accomplished this by making three passes (forward and backward) on each section. I was pleased by all the debris that I pulled out of those low nap, tightly-woven carpets, and the brightness of the carpet afterward.

One improvement Aerus has made with its current model S165-series of Lux Floor Pros was to remove the cord winder. I used an older model 1522 from the 1980s which has one and found the machine to be heavy after a period of use.

Regarding the extraction method it also leaves some chemical in the carpet from the extraction cleaner and requires a thorough vacuuming afterward.

Regular, thorough vacuuming and outside shoe removal are two ways to help carpets stay cleaner in between reconditioning.


Post# 383508 , Reply# 29   1/3/2018 at 14:36 (2,275 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
Confused

I guess I don't get how a dry foam is "greener" than extraction. Are you stating greener because you don't have the heat the water, or is it the water usage itself.

Though any method will leave some residue, I feel that extraction uses less, especially if you do a rinse pass.

If you are saturating the carpeting to the extent of wood buckling, you are definitely doing something wrong. Most carpet manufacturers recommend, in fact demand hot water extraction in order to maintain their warranty.



Post# 383580 , Reply# 30   1/4/2018 at 20:22 (2,274 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Confused ... Seriously?

It's pretty easy to observe that the dry foam method is greener in terms of the lesser amount of water heated, used, and discarded compared to the extraction method.



Post# 383583 , Reply# 31   1/4/2018 at 21:15 (2,274 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

Then wouldn't it be "greener" to just get rid of the carpet?


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