Thread Number: 12157
Future Buy: Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 vs. Kirby Avalir?
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Post# 130257   4/2/2011 at 05:19 (4,744 days old) by adamlau ()        

To shampoo the carpet only, would the Avalir (based experiences with the Sentria and past Kirby models) be as effective as the X3 and/or vice-versa?

Post# 130260 , Reply# 1   4/2/2011 at 06:39 (4,744 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

When someone gets a Kirby Avalir-then we will know.I use carpet cleaners such as Host and Capture.Don't want to wet my particlebaord subfloors.they have had enough dampness already.

Post# 130282 , Reply# 2   4/2/2011 at 09:43 (4,744 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
Rumor has it that the shampoo system will be entirely different on the Avalir. Can't give anymore details other than that.

Post# 130293 , Reply# 3   4/2/2011 at 11:33 (4,744 days old) by Brandon_W_T ()        

Compared to past kirby carpet cleaners, a kirby cant hold a candle to a rugdoctor or hoover etc. They never were long term cleaners, and didn't do much of an impact in the appearance as a good hoover would.

Post# 130582 , Reply# 4   4/3/2011 at 21:16 (4,743 days old) by Trebor ()        
Kirby shampooers

The directions in the manual say 1 capful of shampoo per pint marking on the tank, way too much. Suds are too dry. One capful is more like it, a bit more if carpet is extra dirty, or water is very hard. I have achieved remarkable results with the Kirby shampooer. Extracting with clear water with a little white vinegar results in a much better appearance overall. I have used Kirby shampooers for decades and they do a fine job if you know how to use them.

Post# 130647 , Reply# 5   4/4/2011 at 13:33 (4,742 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
Maybe Kirby will go with the dry cleaning method

pr-21's profile picture

Maybe Kirby will go to a dry cleaning system, like lindhaus and sebo. Maybe a redesign of the polishing brush to scrub it in....That would get rid of the tray in front....and still allow them to have a shampoo system. Quite honestly I have been concidering the dry cleaning method for some time.....

 

 

Bud


Post# 130652 , Reply# 6   4/4/2011 at 14:34 (4,742 days old) by trebor ()        
Me Too!

I have used the Host system with fantastic results, better than any foam or extraction method. People comment on how soft and fluffy the carpet stays long after the cleaning is done. To adapt to the Kirby I have thought that a second counter rotating brush with a hopper on the top for the powder would be a great idea!

Post# 130734 , Reply# 7   4/5/2011 at 04:39 (4,741 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

And for the Kirby to pick up the spent Host or Capture power-how bout the cloth dump bag!Would like to see Kirby go to the dry carpet system-for me the dampness of the shampoos system can damage subflooring-remember in the humid South carpets can take a long time to dry.I have hastened the process by setting the Kirby as a blower-Now you use it as a Carpet Dryer-Use the wand on the blower hose-and dry the carpet with it-it does work.Esp if you did a small area.I would think the present shampoo head could be redesigned to work in the Host or Capture powder.Then you use the regular carpet head and proposed dump bag to pick up the spent cleaner.And the dry carpet cleaners leave a pleasent smell in the area after they have been used and vacuumed up!If you weant to do wet carpet cleaning-would suggest a pro or a Rug doctor machine that uses VACUUM extraction.

Post# 130752 , Reply# 8   4/5/2011 at 10:52 (4,741 days old) by henry200 (Saint Paul MN)        
advancements in carpet cleaning methods

From Lan O Sheen, Blue Luster and Glamorene, to Kirby "dry foam", to hot water vacuum extraction, to the damp powder Capture or Resolve methods, I've welcomed and been sold on each new approach but eventually ended up finding drawbacks.  Either the carpet can be left too wet, or there can be some residue left behind.   I think there is probably no perfect method, just like there's no perfect vacuum cleaner. 

 

If Kirby goes to a dry capture method that might be a significant advance.  I wouldn't want to use a dumpout bag to collect the powder afterwards though.  I learned from experience the stuff clogs the pores in the bag very quickly.  Maybe other people have had better experience.

 

 

 


Post# 130761 , Reply# 9   4/5/2011 at 11:45 (4,741 days old) by Trebor ()        
Dry Carpet Cleaning

The industry term is Low Moisture Cleaning. Argosheen works well, too, with their vibrating towel machine, or a random orbital motion machine, but all low moisture methods work by absorption. The Host system does remarkably well. Any stains not removed can be targeted more effectively and more specifically because they are not masked by dirt, and dirt does not absorb the stain remover. The real benefit is the length of time the carpet stays clean, and how soft it feels afterward. I have had the regular cleaning lady comment on how nice the carpet vacuums after I have cleaned with Host. No method is perfect, but with the Host system you don't have to worry that moisture will seep and get under metal buttons on furniture legs and cause rust, or leach stain into the carpet. The carpet can be walked on at anytime during the process, and any residue that is not removed will continue to absorb dirt and stains until it is 100% dry and simply be removed at the next vacuuming. I have tried all the methods, and Host is my favorite.

Post# 130776 , Reply# 10   4/5/2011 at 13:43 (4,741 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)        
What is Dyson's Zorb?

jfalberti's profile picture

How does one use it?  Is it any good?


Post# 130855 , Reply# 11   4/5/2011 at 20:06 (4,741 days old) by Trebor ()        
Dyson Zorb

Is made from cotton. Host is made from sea sponges. Can't comment on Dyson Zorb, never used it. Host uses a large diameter cylindrical brush to work the compound in. Dyson uses a tool at the end of the wand, or at least they used to. The Host really does work, and because it is more coarse than a typical powder it tends to clog a bag less. A Kirby with a clean bag, a fresh belt, and a clean brush pretty much gets 95% or more of the Host up in one vacuuming.

Post# 130880 , Reply# 12   4/5/2011 at 20:48 (4,741 days old) by HooverCelebrity (Germany)        
What is Dyson's Zorb?

I had an email exchange with Jack a while back -- about zorb... as I had found a bag of it on clearance at Sears and had some questions about it myself.... and here's the fabulous reply I got from him -- giving a fantastic explanation of Zorb:

 

"While I don’t feel that Zorb can be considered a total replacement for a carpet washer like the Hoover Dual-V, it’s quicker and easier to use than an extraction machine. It’s the sort of product you’re supposed to use regularly to stop soiling building up, rather than trying to renovate heavily soiled carpet. I’m sure none of your carpets can possibly be heavily soiled, anyway! :P

The Zorb powder is made up of millions of microsponges, which contain a harmless solvent. As they dry, the solvent breaks down the grease and dirt in the carpet pile, to be absorbed back up by the microsponges. Dyson actually made several model variants (DC03/04 Zorbster, DC05 Motorhead) in the UK supplied with application hoppers designed to disperse Zorb evenly and brush it in to the carpet pile. These give the best results, but it’s simple enough to apply without them.


Just sprinkle the Zorb generously over the area you’re cleaning (enough to cover the area well, but don’t swamp it!), then take the cyclone assembly off the DC28 so there’s no suction through the machine, and use it to brush the Zorb into the pile. You can also brush it in by hand if you prefer – just make sure it’s evenly spread. You might have to experiment a bit to find out what works best for you – different carpet types and thicknesses might give you different results.


The Zorb powder comes out of the pouch/box in damp clumps, but as it dries it becomes the texture of sawdust. Unlike finer carpet cleaning powders, it won’t clog bag pores and inhibit airflow, so it’s great for use for use with bagged cleaners as well. The packet says it takes 30mins to dry - if it’s a warm day, it should dry pretty quickly, but it may take up to 2 hours. Once it's dry, just vacuum it up, and watch as it spirals down into the bottom of the bin!

One of the things I like best about Zorb is how good it smells - it freshens up carpet, and it’ll make the cleaner smell good, too!"

 

...I still have yet to try it... I think I'll wait until it gets a bit warmer out..

 

Fred


Post# 130940 , Reply# 13   4/6/2011 at 01:05 (4,741 days old) by Trebor ()        
It looks just like Host.

The info I had about Zorb being composed of cotton was incorrect, or the composition changed since I was told about it. Sorry.

Post# 130950 , Reply# 14   4/6/2011 at 04:03 (4,740 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

when I have picked up spent Host Cleaner-I use a Royal with a dump bag-no problems.Just think its too much to use the disposable bags-you go thru SEVERAL in a cleaning session-for one box of Host.

Post# 130972 , Reply# 15   4/6/2011 at 09:07 (4,740 days old) by henry200 (Saint Paul MN)        
Thanks Fred....

for sharing that information about Zorb.  The larger granules is a much better idea.  I've had experience with the finer baking soda type stuff sifting right through a thick area rug.


Post# 130978 , Reply# 16   4/6/2011 at 10:23 (4,740 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)        
Thanks Fred,

jfalberti's profile picture

That conversation you had with Jack answered my questions.  I just picked up a brand new Zorb attachment for my DC14, but no powder.  I'll see about picking some up and see how it does.

 

Thanks again!

 

Joe



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