Thread Number: 37248  /  Tag: Recent Vacuum Cleaners from past 20 years
Does anyone have a diy recipie for kirby shampoo?
[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 397662   9/2/2018 at 20:06 (2,034 days old) by Josh1998 (Colorado )        

josh1998's profile picture
Does anyone have a DIY recipie for Kirby shampoo? We have dogs so I use the shampooer pretty often but the Kirby shampoo is like really expensive.

Post# 397665 , Reply# 1   9/2/2018 at 21:53 (2,034 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hey

lesinutah's profile picture

Sometimes on classifieds ads you find shampoo.  I bought a shampoo attachment for Sentra and 4 bottles of shampoo for $15.  You have to use Kirby shampoo no substitutes trust me I've got roasted.  There is know make it your own.  

Les


Post# 397666 , Reply# 2   9/2/2018 at 21:59 (2,034 days old) by Vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
Only use Kirby brand shampoo! The only time I see the kirby shampooer in for service as because somebody tried using the Wrong shampoo in it.
what is the price of Kirby shampoo bothers you you might just consider stepping up your shampooer game. Just about any carpet extraction unit will clean carpets better


Post# 397667 , Reply# 3   9/2/2018 at 23:37 (2,034 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Vacuumdevil is right. The Kirby shampoo system is only a surface shampooer and not a deep clean shampooer. It's ideal if you want to keep your carpets clean and fresh every 2 or 3 weeks and fluff them up, but it doesn't have the capability to really get down to the backing and suck dirt out.

I have used Bissell's shampoo in my Kirby shampooser before and haven't had any issues in it, but I do know that some chemicals will eat away the hose rubber and weaken it over time by drying out the rubber. Happened to my ancient Bissell shampooer from the 1990s.

The Bissell ProHeat Pet is a more economical and simpler choice than the Kirby if you really want to do some deep cleaning.

You do have to use Kirby brand shampoo though to answer your question, that's no sales hype, it is true. Kirby formula is a special dry suds system and its been specifically tailored to the Kirby equipment and its foamer system.

Try shopping around more and looking for cheaper retailers, or look for old stock from years ago you might be able to get cheaper due to its age. I still have the Kirby shampoo from when I bought it in 2002, but there's just a tiny bit left of it.


Post# 397849 , Reply# 4   9/6/2018 at 23:09 (2,030 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
there is a substitute!!!!!

rivstg1's profile picture
An ex Kirby salesman who runs a vacuum store turned me onto this but I haven't tried it b/c I had just bought a gallon of Kirby's shampoo.. ZEP high traffic shampoo at Home Depot. He says this suds even better than Kirby's and it cheaper! He sells both but says the Zep is a better deal, I was amazed! I will try it but I have too much Kirby stuff for the present.

Post# 397850 , Reply# 5   9/6/2018 at 23:11 (2,030 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

rivstg1's profile picture
www.amazon.com/ZPEZUHTC12...



  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 397853 , Reply# 6   9/6/2018 at 23:58 (2,030 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
Kelton, that stuff you linked to is for Carpet Extractors, not a Carpet Shampooer. It needs to be a foaming detergent with surfactants in it to use in a shampooer. The whole point of a shampooer is the detergent & water get scrubbed in & the surfactants raise the dirt to the surface to be vacuumed away.

I would agree with Alex / Vacuumdevil, Kirby or Aerus Electrolux carpet shampoo detergent would work best. As Huskyvacs pointed out, Bissell used to make their own carpet shampoo as well, don't know for certain if it's still available. It's easy to find in most hardware stores.

As for making homemade carpet shampooer detergent, I read years ago in a book, Haley's Handy Hints, that you can use water & powdered laundry detergent to shampoo carpets with. I believe you could do it by hand or in a machine, & you had to add a couple other ingredients as well. If only I had my hands on that book right now, but it's in public storage :(

Rob


Post# 397864 , Reply# 7   9/7/2018 at 09:38 (2,030 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

You don't want to use a Laundry product on a carpet, unless you will be doing a rinse. The residue will cause resoiling very quickly. Kirby's suds, though does leave a residue, is encapsulating and traps the dirt so it can be vacuumed. The dry laundry product will become a binding agent to resoil.

Also, NEVER use a fabric softener on carpeting. Yes it leaves a pretty smell. Yes it temporarily makes your carpet feel soft. You don't want your carpet to be soft, you are walking on it. You want the carpet fibers to be able to withstand the crushing grinding motion of walking on it, as well as not putting more substances that will attract further soiling.



Post# 397876 , Reply# 8   9/7/2018 at 15:53 (2,029 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        

kloveland's profile picture
Using a home brew shampoo is a bad idea! Kirby is a dry foam system. As the shampoo dries it encapsulates the dirt so it can be vacuumed up. I imagine the Kirby company has chemists that created the shampoo for use in the Kirby shampoo system. Using the correct PH values, etc..

Creating your own shampoo would probably ruin your carpets by leaving large amounts of residue.

Like this lady who used Pine-Sol to clean her carpets.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO kloveland's LINK


Post# 397880 , Reply# 9   9/7/2018 at 17:23 (2,029 days old) by Josh1998 (Colorado )        

josh1998's profile picture
Yeah I guess it would be a bad idea. I will just have to buy the Kirby shampoo for now. I intend to get a steam cleaner as soon as we can afford it. Do you have to get a real expensive one for it to work well?

Post# 397885 , Reply# 10   9/7/2018 at 17:32 (2,029 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        

ultralux88's profile picture

Keep your eyes out for a Rug Doctor is my suggestion, or the Bissell Big Green, the new one that looks like a Rug Doctor. I don't recommend any of the typical household machines myself, I feel like the higher spray pressure and stronger suction do lead to better cleaning.


Post# 397906 , Reply# 11   9/8/2018 at 00:56 (2,029 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
Yep, I used wrong one..

rivstg1's profile picture
I linked the incorrect one I guess, I'll get the preferred one tomorrow. Again, this ex-Kirby salesman and repair guy swears by it, sells both zep and Kirby, but suggests Zep

Post# 397939 , Reply# 12   9/8/2018 at 11:35 (2,028 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
I Was right

rivstg1's profile picture
THe zep red bottle IS the correct shampooer alternative to Kirby. I’m at that Kirby repair shop and the owner supporter what I wrot. It has a stronger enzyme formula than Kirby’s and does have a better foaming agent as well. Get the zep!!!!

Post# 397972 , Reply# 13   9/8/2018 at 22:17 (2,028 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
VAcuum

lesinutah's profile picture

I know Kirby is dry shampoo.  Vacuum with a Kirby and you will have a much easier time with any shampooer.  I agree use a carpet shampooer.  I have a Bissell and it does wonders but vacuuming with a good vacuum helps shampooer alot.

Les


Post# 398106 , Reply# 14   9/11/2018 at 23:28 (2,025 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

myles_v's profile picture
This carpet shampoo works quite well, but it isn't very much cheaper than Kirby shampoo. Be careful to only use dry foam shampoo concentrates in the Kirby.

I highly recommend the Rug Doctor or Bissell Big Green carpet cleaners that another reply mentioned. They're both excellent machines, I have a Rug Doctor myself and I've been shocked by how effective it is.

smile.amazon.com/Franklin-F53802...


Post# 398108 , Reply# 15   9/12/2018 at 00:08 (2,025 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

rivstg1's profile picture
It's half the price of Kirby shampoo and it is a dry shampoo , smells really nice too

Post# 398126 , Reply# 16   9/12/2018 at 14:04 (2,024 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        

ultralux88's profile picture

Zep, and Landaus make a good alternative, but they key thing is it has to be a dry foam shampoo. These detergents were designed to not leave a sticky residue behind. I don't know of anything one can purchase inexpensively and mix up to create the proper effect, by the time one goes to such trouble, its better to get the right shampoo and better results from it.


Post# 398134 , Reply# 17   9/12/2018 at 15:26 (2,024 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Also an entire GALLON of Kirby shampoo is only $23. It's not expensive at all, and a gallon should last you an entire year or several years depending on how often you shampoo. A gallon has lasted me 16 years, lol

www.amazon.com/Gallon-Lav...

It's not worth ruining your equipment for $20.


Post# 398558 , Reply# 18   9/21/2018 at 23:43 (2,015 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

rivstg1's profile picture
Here's the extractor stuff some of you thought the red bottle was...that I posted earlier in this thread. THIS is the one thats a no-no for the Kirby Renovation Shampooer. The red bottle one is very good for the Kirby.

www.amazon.com/gp/product...

images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/...


  View Full Size
Post# 399943 , Reply# 19   10/23/2018 at 09:13 (1,984 days old) by Paul (USA)        

I was skeptical about using Zep High Traffic Carpet Cleaner in my Electrolux Model 1522 Floor Pro, because the directions state that it should be blotted with a damp cloth or sponge after it has penetrated a stain. So I called Zep's commercial division and asked for the company's recommendation.

I was told that ZEP COMMERCIAL DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING ITS HIGH TRAFFIC CARPET CLEANER IN ANY MACHINE, because it's a potential fire hazard and could otherwise damage a machine. The company insisted that said cleaner is formulated only for spot cleaning by hand.

Zep Commercial used to carry "High-Foam Carpet Shampoo" but has since discontinued it. In case some stores haven't sold all their stock I've posted a photo of the container with the label below.

I've actually been using Kirby Shampoo with satisfactory results in the Floor Pro since it's cheaper than Aerus's Turbo Shampoo, and I can get it at a local Hardware Hank store at a fixed price (Aerus's pricing varies from franchise to franchise). There are other slightly less expensive commercially-formulated dry foam shampoos such as Stain-X and Franklin that are available.

Homemade carpet shampoos may appear to work fine but will likely leave residue and may eventually cause premature wear unless well-rinsed and extracted afterward. It's too risky. Also, it would be more labor-intensive and use more resources if rinsed.







  View Full Size
Post# 399944 , Reply# 20   10/23/2018 at 09:23 (1,984 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
I used it ...finally

rivstg1's profile picture
The red bottled one, from the suggestion of an ex-kirby sales guy and repair technician. It worked beautifully, and smelled great. I"d recommend it

Post# 399948 , Reply# 21   10/23/2018 at 10:11 (1,984 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Zep High-Foam Carpet Shampoo company description:

Environmentally preferred carpet shampoo designed for deep cleaning. “Dry” foam allows for rapid drying and a quicker return to use. Inhibits surface resoiling and leaves behind a fresh fragrance. Safe on stain-resistant treated carpets.
• For use with bonnet cleaning
• “Dry” foam formulation allows carpets to be cleaned without excessive wetting of carpet and pad, prolonging the life of the carpet
• Resists resoiling
• Safe on stain-resistant treated carpets
• Does not contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, ozone-depleting ingredients, carcinogens, "butyl" solvent or chlorinated solvents
• See label for dilution rates


Zep High-Traffic Carpet Cleaner company description:

•Enzyme action for removing pet stains and odors
•Designed to clean tough spots
•Ideal for everyday use
•Not for use with or in extractor/steam carpet machines
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from carpet
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from fabric
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from upholstery
•Removes coffee stains out of carpet
•Removes dry ink stains out of carpet


  View Full Size
Post# 399949 , Reply# 22   10/23/2018 at 10:38 (1,983 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
good post Paul,

rivstg1's profile picture
I haven't tried the 'high-foaming' one, just the high traffic one, its suds were perfect! better than my Kirby shampoo for sure.

Post# 399997 , Reply# 23   10/24/2018 at 13:54 (1,982 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

What about a Rainbow shampooer? How does that compare. I alway thought the Kirby shampooer was the bomb??

Post# 400018 , Reply# 24   10/24/2018 at 21:55 (1,982 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
I have both

rivstg1's profile picture
I like them both...I feel the rainbow ‘truly cleans’....b/c it’s an extraction type of cleaner ( water in and water coming out), I feel it’s a more thorough cleaning Device ... but I like the ease of the kirby dry foam...less water...but I still use fans to help accelerate the drying just like I do with the Kirby. I don’t get the slaw feeling of ‘clean’ ....probably b/c I can’t see the results like I can with the dirty water of the rainbow

Post# 400348 , Reply# 25   11/3/2018 at 12:33 (1,972 days old) by S_Brisowitz (Omaha, NE)        

Ammonia, Summer's Eve, and bleach... Nothing stands a chance not even the brine incident of 76!

Post# 400349 , Reply# 26   11/3/2018 at 12:41 (1,972 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        
Oh, hold the line, the brine isn’t always on time...

ultralux88's profile picture
Smells like the spirit of 76...

Post# 400351 , Reply# 27   11/3/2018 at 12:47 (1,972 days old) by S_Brisowitz (Omaha, NE)        
Morris Mattress

In all actuality my uncle Mark used a Kirby to make a few small repairs on the Morris Mattress (had stains of various shapes and sizes) back in 1970! The Morris Mattress was a town legend in the town of Morris, just an old stone's throw from Minneapolis. Let's just put it this way, we faced something other than the Nation, but the bed was saved!

Post# 400497 , Reply# 28   11/6/2018 at 23:27 (1,969 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@S_Brisowitz I concur ammonia and bleach is the best homemade Kirby shampoo out there! Leaves no residue in the carpet too .

Post# 400513 , Reply# 29   11/7/2018 at 13:27 (1,968 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
ammonia and bleach

I would caution using these two together. The resulting chlorine gas cloud will clean out your lungs pretty fast.

Post# 400526 , Reply# 30   11/7/2018 at 15:53 (1,968 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@Kirbysthebest Nonsense ! Ammonia and bleach is Safe :D



  View Full Size
Post# 400530 , Reply# 31   11/7/2018 at 18:41 (1,968 days old) by luxflairguy (Wilmington, NC)        

Mix bleach and ammonia together? NO WAY! It's a ticking bomb!!

Post# 400539 , Reply# 32   11/8/2018 at 08:38 (1,968 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Throw in a big squirt of Dawn to the bleach and ammonia mixture before adding to your Kirby. It's the same formula that Martha Stewart uses for 'personal cleansing'. It will also take grease off your oven walls, so I know it will help the Kirby renovator do the very best job of removing spilled Pepsi from the rugs.

Post# 400544 , Reply# 33   11/8/2018 at 08:57 (1,968 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

myles_v's profile picture
I personally add a few drops of lavender essential oil to my bleach/ammonia/Dawn mix, it really helps give the house that special fragrance. There's no need to worry about your carpet smelling bad if you're cleaning it with bleach and ammonia!

Post# 400551 , Reply# 34   11/8/2018 at 11:37 (1,967 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
Since we are going to the bizzar.

No one has mentioned using gasoline. IT's a great solvent, now comes with 10% alcohol for disinfection purposes, and ensures that your guest won't smoke in your house. (At least more than once.)


Post# 400553 , Reply# 35   11/8/2018 at 11:55 (1,967 days old) by royalfan (Chicago)        

royalfan's profile picture
@luxflairguy Don't be a pussy! Try it with lavender!

Post# 400564 , Reply# 36   11/8/2018 at 14:03 (1,967 days old) by S_Brisowitz (Omaha, NE)        
Dysonman1

When my grease trap needs emulsified, I only use Mustard Gas! I use the moth ball attachment on an old Kirby to turn my rainy day to a sunny one.

Post# 400589 , Reply# 37   11/8/2018 at 23:49 (1,967 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
Wonderful advice! @S_Brisowitz

Post# 400676 , Reply# 38   11/11/2018 at 19:56 (1,964 days old) by hooverkid (PA,USA)        
Encapsulating Shampoos

hooverkid's profile picture
The most important difference between extractor shampoos and dry shampoos is an encapsulating polymer. That's what makes dry shampoos dry into a brittle film that can be vacuumed away. Without an encapsulator in your diy solution all your gonna do is leave soap all over the carpets and dirt is going to stick to the carpet a lot faster. Currently I'm using hot knife extreme from VacAway and it is a really good cleaner. Assuming the kirby tank holds 1/2 gal,you would use between 1 1/2 teaspoons-1 tablespoon of cleaner per tank and that works out to 9-18 cents per tank and between 256 to 512 tanks per gal depending on strength. Compare that to kirby solution your looking at 2 tablespoons of cleaner per tank,that means 1 gal of kirby shampoo will last for 128 tanks and cost about 24 cents per tank.If you like the convenience of the kirby shampooer it is worth getting an encapsulating shampoo.


Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy