.............I don't know about the US types but any UK hoses of this type i.e. 2614, 862,638,1224 that I have experienced have had a tendency to 'sweat' now and again which leads to dirt / fluff being attracted to the surface of the hose making it look grubby and slightly sticky, why is this ?
Regards, Walter.
Post# 56221 , Reply# 1   12/13/2008 at 18:33 (5,611 days old) by vintagehoover ()  
I've discussed this peculiar phenomenon with several collectors in the UK. At first, individually, all of us thought the hoses must have been exposed to kitchen grease, until we compared notes! It seems very common with the blue hose, as well as dusting tools made from the same material.
I have no idea what causes it. I've found that wiping it off with a duster and plenty of furniture polish gets rid of the stickiness, and seems to stop it returning.