Thread Number: 39477  /  Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
Is it bad to use a antique vacuum as a evey day cleaner?
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Post# 418871   1/21/2020 at 11:01 (1,527 days old) by 4501933ho (Canfield ohio)        

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Is it a bad idea to use my 1934 hoover 450as a every day vacuum so what's your answer?

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Post# 418872 , Reply# 1   1/21/2020 at 11:32 (1,527 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I was JUST thinking about that!!!!!

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They were so well-made, they've lasted sooooo long.
My ONLY concern would be: as long as you oil them, and can get belts and brushes for them........ go ahead!!!!!!! I have numerous antique, classic, vintage vacs and have thought about using them more.
John


Post# 418878 , Reply# 2   1/21/2020 at 14:08 (1,527 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

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Mechanical things, be they cars, kitchen appliances or vacuum cleaners, need to be run at least occasionally to stay in good condition. Sitting unused isn't good for any machine. In addition to the things John mentioned above, the question of whether a particular machine is up to the rigors daily or even weekly use would also largely depend on the condition of its wiring and power switch and possibly the brush roll as well. There's really no reason not to, if everything is in good shape.

Post# 418880 , Reply# 3   1/21/2020 at 14:24 (1,527 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
THanks,

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I forgot to mention the cord and wiring. After all, they WERE made to be used. Look at how long they have lasted!!!!!!


Post# 418882 , Reply# 4   1/21/2020 at 15:12 (1,527 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        
Of course not.

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Unless you have bad allergies or something. One of my friends on here only uses vintage vacuums from the 70's and below. Enjoying using what you like. There's nothing wrong with it. Perception can be/is different for everyone.

Post# 418883 , Reply# 5   1/21/2020 at 15:16 (1,527 days old) by superocd (PNW US)        

I rotate through my vacs -- new and vintage -- as I enjoy using each one. There isn't a specific vacuum I use every day, though lately I am really enjoying my Dual Sanitronic 50 with its new HEPA bag conversion and Mini Emptor and tend to use it a bit more often than my other vintage vacs (1974 JCPenney Hoover convertible, 1984 Royal 880, 1988 Royal 884 and a 1988 Kirby Heritage II Legend) along with my modern Sanitare SC886 and Kirby Avalir (I have no desire to use my wife's Dyson Animal 2, -- it's there because she doesn't like using 1920's technology, as she puts it, lol).

My Kirby D50 practically a brand new vacuum -- when I restored it last summer, I installed brand new front and rear bearings, motor brushes, a brushroll, new trim and wheels, a new Amodel fan (not to worry, the fan installed in it was not metal, but Lexan, otherwise I would've kept the metal fan) and a new aftermarket bag on it, which was recently taken to a tailor to have a zippered back added to it to facilitate a disposable bag. The HEPA conversion has made it comparable to a modern machine -- yet it's the oldest in my collection so far (something like a Kirby Model C or 505 with a HEPA conversion would be REALLY cool!).

As long as you are maintaining your machine(s), are confident in being able to track down and obtain critical parts should it need service down the road and are confident in either finding a vacuum shop willing and able to service your specific machine or doing the repairs yourself, I don't see why you couldn't use it daily or semi-frequently. There are exceptions to the rule, however -- you probably would want to avoid using something like a Hamilton Beach metal upright on a daily basis as parts are surely unobtanium since H-B hasn't been in that business for decades.





Post# 418888 , Reply# 6   1/21/2020 at 16:25 (1,527 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

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I use a Hoover 541 or a Hoover 105 on my Karastan rugs all the time.

I know the other day I was thinking is it wrong to vacuum a rug with a vacuum that's almost 100 years old, but as long as you take care of them they last a LOT longer then the Craptastic Plastic that's out there now.


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Post# 418889 , Reply# 7   1/21/2020 at 16:28 (1,527 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

These are decorative items. They may well contain asbestos in the bag and electrical parts, plus lead, and the dirt in the bag it'self may be contaminated from when ever it was actually in use.
The filtration I doubt is good.

And it's a practical thing. Cleaning or replacing the bag on these, I can only imagine....
In my experience, there was always a "smell" to old appliances older than say 1970. I don't know what it is but...... not good.

I remember when I was a kid, finding an old vacuum like this in someones basement where it probably sat for years. Then plugging it in and it shot sparks out of it. Probably from the frayed wiring.

I have old vacuums too that are fun to look at, but not practical to use. I don't want to get them dirty and new stuff is just so much better.





Post# 418892 , Reply# 8   1/21/2020 at 16:55 (1,527 days old) by 4501933ho (Canfield ohio)        
I thank all of yo for your input

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I like that hoover 541 its nice and to note in 17 thank you all!

Post# 418895 , Reply# 9   1/21/2020 at 19:21 (1,527 days old) by superocd (PNW US)        
Smell of old appliances

I know what you speak of. All of my vintage acquisitions had that slightly musty, mothball smell (save for my Heritage II Legend, which actually smelled of ironing starch, oddly enough). Even the Model 640 Hamilton Beach/Scovill InstaBlend I bought from a thrift store and restored smelled like that (I actually left the bare motor out in the sun for a few days to help rid itself of that smell, which worked well).

As for my vacuum acquisitions, a thorough disassembly, a date with my shop-vac and air compressor AND a thorough washing, rinsing and sanitizing of everything that wasn't a bearing or an electrical component, the smell completely went away. While they never had that "new, out of the box" smell after cleaning, they all now smell fresh and clean instead of smelling like it came out of a mildewy closet or basement after 30 years.

I also collect and restore vintage computers. While it's a LOT harder to thorougly clean a computer, I've been lucky in the sense that my acquisitions so far haven't "smelled" and I've never came across anything that smelled like it came out of a smoker's home, a household where a lot of deep-frying and odorous cooking took place, etc. The most I'm able to do for computers is left at removing all the components out of the chassis, washing the chassis and letting it dry, blasting the components with my air compressor and swabbing as much as I can with cotton balls and rubbing alcohol -- so far it's worked out well.


Post# 418896 , Reply# 10   1/21/2020 at 19:41 (1,527 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
superocd

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I also rotate between all the Kirby and Royal uprights I have.

~Ben


Post# 418899 , Reply# 11   1/21/2020 at 19:50 (1,527 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Wow

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If you look at the armatures off 1920's,1930's,1940's are made of the same material except fan on armature. There is even bigger carbon brushes on newer vacuums. If you use type c bags on the bellows it's better filtration and no bag exhaust sir.
The asbestos cord you have to be kidding me.
I guess Tom Gasko and John long should be dead with all the old vacuums running excessively.
In all reality use the vacuum. If you love it and you love to vacuum it's like therapy.
You can't use the vacuum when your dead. Use it love it enjoy it. I'd get life insurance because i guess it's a serious health hazard. It gets offset by the therapy sessions.
Use your vacuum.
Les


Post# 418901 , Reply# 12   1/21/2020 at 20:02 (1,527 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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Just like old cars - they are made to be run. You cannot leave them sit or the rubber belts will harden and snap, and the grease will gum up or leak away from the parts from gravity and leave them dried out. It does not hurt them to use them at all. Now maybe every day for hours upon end for years - yeah that might be bad for it. Just use it as a daily vacuum for a month, switch it out and use another the next month, and so on and so forth. Or even every 2 weeks, whatever you want to do.

The main issue is just parts wear and tear and you would need to keep spare parts on hand or know where to get them when they wear out to avoid being stuck with a paperweight. One challenge is finding a proper spec belt for a modern vacuum that will fit these old vacuums, it takes some ingenuity to find one that is close to the same size. Also the bristles are horsehair I think? So those can also be a challenge and I think those have to be manually re-threaded by hand, I have no idea how that's done.

Phaeton, (I think that's his name if I remember it right), many years ago when I first started collecting sent me two tiny little handle screws for my 700 series Hoover that I needed because my handle was detached. I mean so tiny "you would need a magnifying glass to find them" tiny. I would have been totally stuck without his help sending me those screws, so I thank him for that.

But yeah, use them and enjoy!


Post# 418903 , Reply# 13   1/21/2020 at 20:03 (1,527 days old) by bnsd60m9200 (Akron OH)        

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the average of the vacuums i use is 40-55 years old. i restore, service and maintain all my machines so i know they're cleaning properly. most "hepa filtered" vacuums today may fliter better (barely), but cleaning performance is generally (except like new kirbys and rainbows) is far inferior to anything i use.

dont be afraid or worried to use vintage machines for daily use. i rotate mine out and use a different one each week, sometimes different ones per floor. the older machines long as like everyone else says you have belts and brush strips for them, will clean far better than anything today most people have in thier homes.

even an old coffee can like this is perfectly fine in daily use. long as its serviced every 5-10 years youll be fine


Post# 418928 , Reply# 14   1/22/2020 at 03:26 (1,526 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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Here we go again with the asbestos rant. >_< I'm lookin' at you, Greg.

Is asbestos-phobia a thing?


Post# 418934 , Reply# 15   1/22/2020 at 06:39 (1,526 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Funny,people have been using these vacuums and other appliances for YEARS without mishap.The amount of asbestos in the wiring and insulation isn't anything to worry about UNLESS it is coming apart.Even then not that much.Not like you are stripping asbestos fireproofing during shipbreaking operations.You can use the old vacuum OK.

Post# 418938 , Reply# 16   1/22/2020 at 08:56 (1,526 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

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Yes the bristles are horsehair, they didn't start using nylon bristles until the late 1940's.

And as far as I know horsehair doesn't contain asbestos.

I clean all of my vacuums when I get them, so none of my vacuums have any smell to them. People have come to the hobbit hole and been amazed that I had so many vacuums but they don't detect any vacuum odor.


Post# 418939 , Reply# 17   1/22/2020 at 08:57 (1,526 days old) by Oreck_XL (Brooklyn, New York 11211)        

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You know it's funny. Vintage vacuums are a testament to the fact that you DON'T need a gas-guzzling 12 amp or 15 amp motor to get your carpets clean. Save for filtration, new vacuums have NO advantage over vintage ones. And build quality has definitely suffered on the whole in the last 25 years. Personally, I love the soothing hum of the 2.8 amp motor in my Oreck XL100C. It's no powerhouse, but it gets my carpets clean and it's what I enjoy using. I agree that problems develop simply from lack of use. Use them, maintain them, take care of them and they will last FOREVER.

Post# 418956 , Reply# 18   1/22/2020 at 18:11 (1,526 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)        

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Say what you want about Asbestos, when left alone it can do you no harm.
We have a farmhouse with a roof from the 1940s, asbestos shingles. Doesn't leak a drop and it never will.
They were the best brake pads, and asbestos insulation was the best you could get.
I agree, run them. It wont do you (or them) harm


Post# 418965 , Reply# 19   1/22/2020 at 21:05 (1,526 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)        
Yep.

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Asbestos there’s no harm unless it’s disturbed. I’m pretty sure I have asbestos tiles under my carpet. My home was built in 1967. If left alone it’s fine. It’s when it becomes airborne is the problem.

Post# 418967 , Reply# 20   1/22/2020 at 22:21 (1,526 days old) by electro (Indiana)        

I agree with John. I don't have a collection and I don't rotate. I just keep using the 3 old machines from my family. They still work great and no dust with their Air-Way bags. What I enjoy is how quiet their motors were even the 66 Air-Way will still lift the braided rug off the floor.
My family Hoover is in need of some gentle servicing and it will be ready to go again. One of the vac collectors has graciously offered to help me get the Hoover serviced. It is 47 years old. With the new hepa bags,it too does not leak dust.
So I guess for me I am going to keep on using my family's old machines.


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Post# 418973 , Reply# 21   1/22/2020 at 23:07 (1,526 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

Asbestos that is not disturbed is fine, such as those solid tiles under the carpet or cement-asbestos siding that is kept whole and painted. Even asbestos tape on furnace or air handler ducts that is whole and taped over to hold it in place.

You want to avoid using things that are flexible and frayed inside your home because that is when the particles become air-borne.
It's just common sense.

Asbestos curtains and carpeting that contains it you'd want removed ASAP because there's no way to avoid them fraying.

A vacuum with a fabric bag, either on outside or in the bag compartment, OR that has a fabric/woven hose and has a fabric wrapped cord, I would find HIGHLY suspicious not only because the bag and/or hose is flexible, but because when the vacuum is running it is actively blowing air through the fabric and blowing particles out into the air. A fabric hose you're putting your hands all over and getting the asbestos directly on yourself. Same for the cord.

For those too young to remember, there have been entire houses and buildings that appeared fine from the outside but were condemned because they had been so heavily sprayed with asbestos insulation when we didn't know any better, that they were a health hazard and were demolished.

After the world trade center and other buildings collapsed in 2001 it was discovered that they had tons of asbestos sprayed in them and if you look at the videos you'll see all this gray/white dust that inevitably covered the area. That was a combination of cement and asbestos. Two terrible things you don't want to breath. That dust no doubt floated and covered miles.

Coincidence that since then deaths in that region of NY has seen spikes from lung cancer and other such issues? The statistics prove it, not me.

And anyone who's paid attention to remodeling shows knows that asbestos abatement is something that's expensive and time consuming.
Same goes for lead paint removal.

Oh, and if you happen to find any 100 year clocks or other appliances or parts thereof that mysteriously glow in the dark without being plugged in...... avoid. We can talk about radium if you want.....the radium girls.

But heah, no one's going to stop any of you from using any vacuum you choose. It's your health. There are over 7 billion people on the planet already so if we loose some from failing to heed warnings...... I guarantee you it will happen.

We were warned of these things in the 80s.
The warnings don't disappear with time. It's not a passing trend.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO gregvacs28's LINK


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This post was last edited 01/22/2020 at 23:22
Post# 418976 , Reply# 22   1/22/2020 at 23:26 (1,526 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Wow

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They had a Nationwide effort and it was massive and swift. There is no loose asbestos lying around. If the house had been bought sold refinanced or anything it wouldn't have asbestos.
Kirby Hoover and other vacuum companies wouldn't have old vacuums on display with any possible minute chance it was an issue.
The issue would be if some knucklehead chopped up and start munching on an ectrical cord.
There is no harm.
In California where you get cancer if you get out side your car and knock on the car three times. It's California proposition 59. It's on every Honda if you don't believe me read up it's true.
If these baby killers are on the loose in California where it rains cancer what do you think they would do if there was any chance it could happen. The tree huggers would have a bonfire burn everything.
So Greg do you eat asbestos cords, do you live in a house that has Ben condemned, do you make your vacuum bags out of cancer I mean asbestos.
You don't none of us do. This farse idea is fine down the rabbit hole. Just let the asbestos go. We're not dead and not going to be.
Asbestos buscuit? There tasty.

Les



Post# 418979 , Reply# 23   1/22/2020 at 23:31 (1,526 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
Experience

I speak from experience and exposure.

I was unknowingly exposed to asbestos and ended up getting a benign hip tumor when I was 12 in 1979. It was creepy. I wasn't even the one who noticed it.

I had this baseball sized protrusion growing on the back of my hip bone.

Fortunately it was surgically removed and like I said, it was benign. All I have left is the 6" scar where they had to enter.


Post# 418980 , Reply# 24   1/22/2020 at 23:41 (1,526 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
1979

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I'm sorry about your tumor.
I'm just trying to get across you have a fear justifiably so.
You got the tumor 41 years ago. Billions maybe trillions of dollars have been spent on disposing of asbestos.
I hope you get over that trauma.
Les


Post# 418981 , Reply# 25   1/22/2020 at 23:43 (1,526 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

Les, It's always amusing, and perhaps human nature, when a situation is unfolding or happening, those that are in the middle of it with their hands deep in it render a gibberish response.

 

denial runs high.

 

I've lived long enough to see it again and again.  I've probably even done it myself.

 

A wife asking a fallandering husband when caught with his pants down and actively engaged with his current trick what's going on: "honey, it just happened.....it's not a big deal.....who.... who's here?  I don't know....."

 

 

 

 


Post# 418983 , Reply# 26   1/23/2020 at 00:22 (1,526 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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My god, you really do have asbestos-phobia.

Greg... did someone seriously tell you that you got a tumor on your hip because of asbestos exposure? I'm sorry to tell you this, but they were mistaken. Especially given that you believe a *carcinogen* caused a *benign* tumor... on your hip. Not in your lungs or internal organs. I'm afraid it doesn't work that way. Please do some more research on the topic. Asbestos isn't even really a carcinogen per se, as it's chemically inert. It causes lung cancer because its fibers are sharp and barbed, and get stuck in your lungs, and your lungs develop a bunch of scar tissue and eventually cancerous tumors.

Not benign hip tumors, I'm afraid.

Of course, now I understand where you're coming from, you want to protect other people from what you thought had been a danger to you in the past. But it's important that you go about it in a way that informs and educates other people. And not to cause them to have an irrational fear about something they don't fully understand. Your current way of talking about asbestos is like: "this thing will kill you, and it's everywhere, avoid it like the plague." Whereas when I talk about asbestos, I inform, I say "this is what it is, this is how it works, handle it like this." As I just explained a second ago, the process by which it causes lung cancer.

Also, don't attack Les over this. He's always speaking gibberish! That's not evidence that he's wrong or in denial or whatever. Let's not go down that road.

Just as an aside, I have no intention of licking the radium off of my vintage clock dial. But just as with asbestos, I've educated myself on the topic. I know what it is, what it does, and under what circumstances it is a danger. And because I know it and understand it, I do not fear it. And that's kind of how everyone should look at it.


Post# 418986 , Reply# 27   1/23/2020 at 08:34 (1,525 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

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WOW do you ever go outside? Are you worried about lead, radon, sunlight causing sink cancer? Do you live in a bubble? If you're worried about any risk in life do you seal yourself in a baggie? There could be dangers in plastic as well.

I intend to enjoy what I do and collect what I want and not worry about any of this.

Now go save a koala and donate to help Australia, I have.


Post# 418987 , Reply# 28   1/23/2020 at 09:36 (1,525 days old) by 4501933ho (Canfield ohio)        
Specking of odd smells from old appliances

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Old tube radios and TV sets have a weard smell I know this because I collect old radios and some of them contain aspetos and radium

Post# 419004 , Reply# 29   1/23/2020 at 17:23 (1,525 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

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Anyway back to the thread at hand, I use my vacuums but I do plug them into a variac just as a precaution so if they were made to run on 100 to 110 I set the voltage at 110, if they were made for 115 I set the voltage for 115, if the vacuum is new it can handle 126 V AC. I just don't want to burn out the motors with excess voltage.

Here's a picture of my Hoover Special model 102


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Post# 419006 , Reply# 30   1/23/2020 at 17:44 (1,525 days old) by 4501933ho (Canfield ohio)        
I had my 450

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I had my hoover 450 on a vareac for the first cupel runs until the brushes wore in but should I keep runing it on a. Vareac because it is rated at 100-155-105-120volts ac or DC and I'm looking for a dust tool set for it ?

Post# 419007 , Reply# 31   1/23/2020 at 18:17 (1,525 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

As for the smells of older appliances, I don't know exactly what it is but I suspect it was the type of oils they were using.  I've noticed it particularly on motors and motor windings. Everything has some type of oil or coating on it.  I think in the 70s they started adding a subtle scent to the oils.  Even plastic items will have a form of oil on them.

 

I wouldn't describe it as musty but it's interesting that letting it air out, perhaps letting it sit in the sun, helps to dissipate it.

 

A relative worked at a community museum and they were always getting retro stuff donated.  A lot of stuff from the 40s and 50s.  They had this jukebox from that time period someone donated and it had fabric wrapped wire inside.  

She asked if I'd look at it to see if it would work.  

 

I wanted to look inside before plugging it in.  Make sure there was no blaring problems that could easily be avoided.  I took the back off and there was the smell.  There was also a few mouse nests in the bottom which is a different smell.  Anyway, it looked OK, but sure enough, plugged it in and some of the wires stapled to the side started melting off the fabric covering with little sparks as it went along.  It didn't even blow the fuse.  I quickly unplugged it.  I didn't want to ruin it.  

 

I can still picture and smell my mother's 1950s/60s Pencrest sewing machine and the smell.

My great grandmothers automatic ironer from the 50s and opening it up and there was the smell.


-

-



bikerboy-- "Anyway back to the thread at hand..." Where did you go? No one else here left.  Did you have a mental lapse?

And for the three mooks (The three stooges) here who are apparently immune to good sense health advice and feel the need to protest in the most predictable way, remember, you can go out and ruin your health all you want.  My words aren't apparently meant for you.

 

You may not be concerned about helping other members who have concerns and you may not care about your health, but I care.

 

Just as I have before, I will continue to warn innocents of these legitimate concerns. 

If you don't like that than YOU have more than one problem.  

 

"A phobia of asbestos"   ?  

Yes, you should.  And lead paint, and radioactive paint, and walking in traffic, and drinking toxic chemicals.... and so on.

If you don't than seriously, there is something wrong with you. 

.

 

Collecting artifacts from the past is fine when proper precautions are taken to protect yourself from known defects with them.

 



CLICK HERE TO GO TO gregvacs28's LINK

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Post# 419025 , Reply# 32   1/23/2020 at 21:04 (1,525 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

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The reason I said back to the thread was because we seem to be wandering off of vacuums and on to peoples phobias. So, no I didn't have a mental lapse.

Post# 419026 , Reply# 33   1/23/2020 at 21:58 (1,525 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

madman's profile picture
Yeah, there's no need for name-calling, Greg.

I'll admit I had a hand in derailing this thread, though.


Post# 419977 , Reply# 34   2/13/2020 at 15:27 (1,504 days old) by luxz80 (England)        

Is there asbestos in old vacs or hoses ?? Never heard of that before. Or is this not true??

Post# 420000 , Reply# 35   2/14/2020 at 14:02 (1,503 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

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Only if the vacuum was used for sucking up asbestos, otherwise No

Post# 420030 , Reply# 36   2/15/2020 at 12:18 (1,502 days old) by luxz80 (England)        

Good to know. Not sure why the subject came up in this thread.

Post# 420078 , Reply# 37   2/16/2020 at 23:17 (1,501 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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Because Greg.

Post# 420081 , Reply# 38   2/16/2020 at 23:29 (1,501 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Hey bikerray, how does your old Hoover do on those tiny throw rugs? I have been looking for a good old vacuum that can clean them without eating them, aqnd having just bought my second 700 series Hoover I never really seen many people cleaning with them in day to day life. Pretty much every modern vacuum I have is a PITA to vacuum small mats and rugs.

I have a bunch of Electroluxes too but none of them are operational right now.


Post# 420083 , Reply# 39   2/17/2020 at 01:13 (1,501 days old) by dartman (Portland OR)        

Well if they work like the Kirbys and Royals I'm familiar with they should do fine. My Royal uprights do a awesome job deep cleaning and grooming my low pile carpet. Small throw rugs might be a problem as it would try to suck them up but being old machines they might not have the suction power some of the newer vacs I run. I have a 12 amp Royal and that thing is a loud beast that tries to pick up everything. The lower amp Stark/Royal 5700 is much quieter and does a great job without being so quick to grab everything.The others here should be able to give you a users perspective on how well the oldies actually do.

Post# 420089 , Reply# 40   2/17/2020 at 02:06 (1,501 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Yeah I seen that the Kirby Ultimate Diamond Edition I do believe has a 2 stage motor that has a slow speed mode for cleaning throw rugs - but I have not found one cheap yet so I've been trying to get information on which of my vintage vacs can do throw rugs good, as I kind of have to stand in a tripod pose with my foot on each end of the rug to hold it down, and then vacuum from a sideways standing position. lol

Post# 420093 , Reply# 41   2/17/2020 at 08:35 (1,500 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

bikerray's profile picture
The Kirby only has one fan it's not a 2 stage

Kirby has had a High Low speed ever since the Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50.
The Kirby Ultimate Diamond Edition has a switch next to the handle spring that divides the motor speed again giving you four speeds.

I have one small rug that I have to hold down when I vacuum, all the other rugs have pads underneath that hold them in place.



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