I got my Kirby Legend out today and hand washed the bag. This was my vacuum bought new in 1989 and used until 2005. I sure wish they could do something to prevent the bags from leaking and smelling. I used only Kirby genuine bags and now the hepa bags but they always start smelling.  Once I started using the Rainbow-no more smell or bags to buy and no more dusting . 

The old Kirby has sure been dependable and long lasting. If it just didn't have the nasty bags to buy and change. It is also very heavy to lift and carry up and down the stairs and much harder to use in this house with hardwood floors,thick carpeting and area rugs.

I have used all the extra tools over the years.  Still runs like a champ! 

Here is the bag drying on the porch. It is amazing how dark the water turns from the fine dust that seeps through the hepa bags over time into  the bag's  fabric. I have washed the bag maybe 3 times in all these years. I hand  wash it in a vary mild soap and cool water. Then I hang it up and let it air dry.

I never wring it or put it in the washer. It comes out very nice and a lot cleaner. 

Anyone know what the retail price on this model was in 1989? I found my paperwork and I paid $735.00 but I think he discounted the machine. Of course $735.00 was a LOT of money back in 1989. I already had a Rainbow but I did not understand or appreciate the Rainbow at that time and the house we had just built in 1988 had wall to wall carpeting EVERYWHERE and was all on one floor.