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Thread Number: 39684
/ Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
Sirena refurb worth it? What about Quantum X? |
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| Post# 421057 , Reply# 1 3/4/2020 at 10:17 (1,513 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Post# 421098 , Reply# 2 3/4/2020 at 21:24 (1,513 days old) by n0oxy  (Saint Louis Missouri, United States) |
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Sirena and Quantum I would say the Sirena is just as good as the Rainbow, I have not tried the Quantum upright but I have the canister version of the Quantum and it's very good, again, I would say as good as the Rainbow. Mike | ||
| Post# 421113 , Reply# 3 3/4/2020 at 23:41 (1,513 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah) | ||
Refurb | ||
| Post# 421117 , Reply# 4 3/5/2020 at 00:30 (1,513 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
I have a Sirena and Rainbow
The Sirena was a totally stupid purchase for me since I already had a rainbow. I've used my Sirena a handful of times but it's been stored in the closet mostly and I want to sell it because I like my Rainbow better and use it more.
My thoughts on it are this: Build quality is decent but definitely NOT rainbow quality. I think it's definitely worth it for people who want a Rainbow type vacuum but don't want to spend tons of money. It makes the house smell clean and everything is dust-free when you're done cleaning. I don't like the underneath cleaning as there is a sunken area that surrounds the separator that everything sticks to. I don't think that separator is as good at capturing dirt that the Rainbow. The manual says to fill it to the minimum line for vacuuming but I totally disagree with that. It should be filled between min/max. Min is not enough. The hepa filter is easy to take off and check. You have to get used to the odd shape of the vacuum, when taking it off the basin. It can fall over on the latches and they will pop off (but easy to get back on).. annoying though. It takes using it a few times to get a feel for it but once you do it's ok. I'm not sure of longevity. I think the airflow/suction is a wee bit better than my gold 2 speed, but just barely. | ||
| Post# 421160 , Reply# 6 3/6/2020 at 00:10 (1,512 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell ) | ||
@mark40511 I agree with you 100% about the sirena!
my experience was that everyone that was sold by previous company I work for came back at least once under warranty all for different stuff. I was approached at the VDTA to do a video on the Serena which they've come out with a new version with supposedly. I say supposedly because it looked exactly like the old version. I politely declined and shared with them my experience with their quality control problems. | ||
| Post# 421164 , Reply# 7 3/6/2020 at 04:00 (1,511 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I forgot to mention
My PN stopped working like the 2nd month of owning my Sirena. I took it to a vac shop here and they fixed it under warranty. Something about a fuse. No other problems. I'm not sure how many times I've used it but I'd say maybe 20 times.
I remember when I first got it and took it out of the box, when using it, there was no fresh smell like Rainbow. All I could smell was the motor and plastics. It took a couple of uses for all of that to wear off where you actually felt like you were using a rainbow with the fresh smell. I couldn't beieve how dirty the separator got after just one use with not even much dirt in the basin.....with just mop water dirty water and a little cat hair. My Rainbow separator wouldn't get dirty even after using my rainbow to suck the bin of a bagless vacuum clean. I'd get a toothbrush to check the grooves of the rainbow separator to see if they were dirty and they weren't. It takes a few uses of using my Rainbow for dirt to actually start getting on the separator. But 99% of the time I clean it every time I use it when I'm done. Anyway - I started using more water in the Sirena and that made a HUGE difference, but the separator was still a little dirty, but nothing like it was following their instructions to fill it to minimum for vacuuming. I hope they have changed their instructions. I emailed them giving my thoughts that filling to min was not enough. | ||
| Post# 421225 , Reply# 9 3/7/2020 at 09:13 (1,510 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY) | ||
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| Post# 421231 , Reply# 10 3/7/2020 at 14:36 (1,510 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada) | ||
Lux_Luthor, can I make another suggestion here besides Sirena, Quantum, Hyla & Ocean Blue?
What I would suggest is buying a used or refurbished Rainbow E Series 1 speed model. If you go on Goodvac.com & you look at the breakdown of the parts for the Sirena, it's VERY cheaply built. I'm not surprised by Vacuumdevil's statement he saw warranty issues constantly. The Rainbow has a HEPA filter just like the Sirena, NO fancy electronics that can break down, & let's be realistic - how likely would you REALLY use the low speed "air cleaning" setting on either the Sirena or Rainbow E Series 2 speed models? The only "bad" thing about the E Series models was they were still using the old belt-in-the-center powerhead that some feel compromises the vacuum's airflow & cleaning performance. However, you can upgrade the hose, wand & powerhead if you like. GoodVac actually sells 2 powerhead upgrade kits with either the EBK340 or EBK360 universal powerheads, so that would solve that issue if you wanted to. Airflow/Suction should be VERY close, if not identical, to the Sirena. Quantum, Hyla & Ocean Blue would have slightly less powerful motors. Also note that none of those brands come with a HEPA filter, & in my opinion that should be STANDARD on a water filtration vacuum. It's well known that water does NOT capture all the dust, & that certain types of dirt can bypass the water wash process. Price should be only slightly higher for a refurbished Rainbow E Series 1 speed than a refurbished Sirena, & parts are still readily available. For those reasons, I would personally buy a refurbished Rainbow E Series 1 speed & a stash of parts over the Sirena. Rob | ||
| Post# 421244 , Reply# 11 3/7/2020 at 22:45 (1,510 days old) by vaclab (Pickerington, Ohio) | ||
I Second The E2 1-Speed Recommendation
In Mini Meet #19, I measured the highest Rainbow canister airflow ever from an E2 1-Speed (I have not measured the SRX's airflow yet).
Results: 107 CFM filter in and 127 CFM filter out. The measurements start around the 21 minute mark. Newer E2 2-Speeds pull about 10 CFM less from the canister itself. Bill | ||
| Post# 421564 , Reply# 14 3/13/2020 at 19:45 (1,504 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I never had a one speed | ||
| Post# 421568 , Reply# 16 3/13/2020 at 22:29 (1,504 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Ya
I'm sure it's clean inside but my curiosity would kill me I'd have to take a peek with a flashlight.
About the 14 foot hose: I bought the non-electric version a long time ago and it was SOOO WORTH IT. You can park your rainbow and clean all over the place. As much as I like direct connect/one hose vacuums.....I don't like having that big handle (like when you pop a dusting brush on or upholstery brush on them....to me, it's easier to use those attachments with a curved wand than a big bulky handle. | ||
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Post# 421643 , Reply# 17 3/14/2020 at 23:12 (1,503 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs) |
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12 footer | ||
| Post# 421668 , Reply# 18 3/15/2020 at 12:54 (1,502 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Yep
Even if I had the black E2, I'd still buy this to use with attachments because I don't like using attachments with the electric hose because of that big handle. Same with any vacuum that direct connects. After you've used attachments with a wand instead, it's clunky to me to pop them on the electric hose with the big handle.. So much easier with the handle out of the way and just a wand.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO mark40511's LINK | ||
| Post# 421673 , Reply# 19 3/15/2020 at 17:14 (1,502 days old) by Lux_Luthor (Tennessee) | ||
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One thing I did find odd was the separator on mine is black instead of white/yellow. I did use white paper towel to wipe it off after using the vacuum, and there was no dirt come off of it. Maybe it’s an after market part? | ||
| Post# 421717 , Reply# 20 3/16/2020 at 07:09 (1,501 days old) by Lux_Luthor (Tennessee) | ||
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| Post# 421718 , Reply# 21 3/16/2020 at 08:02 (1,501 days old) by chris (WV) | ||
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I think the very first e series had that color separator. That doesnt mean you have one of the first ones though. That separator may have been added later as a replacement. | ||
| Post# 421729 , Reply# 22 3/16/2020 at 11:05 (1,501 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Yep
I've seen that color on the one speeds. You can always buy another separator for the one speed that's yellow and the separators aren't expensive.
I wonder why those were 2 piece? CLICK HERE TO GO TO mark40511's LINK | ||
| Post# 421850 , Reply# 24 3/18/2020 at 14:31 (1,499 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I wouldn't go
a full inch above the dome......Just a wee bit above. Also, eucalyptus essential oil (if that's what you're using) shouldn't foam. If anything, it should cut foam. I rarely use the bottles of Rexair scents. I usually use pure Lemon or Eucalyptus essential oil...just a few drops. I keep them in the fridge. No chemicals. Since oil/water don't mix, I think it slightly improves the waters ability to capture dirt and at the same time they smell awesome. I've read that some people use fabric softener but I can't stand the smell of fabric softener. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Rexair scents...The problem I have is the green solution for killing germs. It foams terribly in my machine, and I have hard water. When I do laundry, there are barely any suds..
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| Post# 421857 , Reply# 26 3/18/2020 at 15:03 (1,499 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I have a cat | ||
| Post# 421928 , Reply# 28 3/20/2020 at 11:33 (1,497 days old) by Lux_Luthor (Tennessee) | ||
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I had checked it online and found different sites saying that about essential oils. But I’m sure like with everything else, it’s circumstantial. I really need one of both electrical and non electrical 14ft hoses. But I’m hesitant to spend much with the economy going to trash with COVID-19. Sigh. | ||
| Post# 421932 , Reply# 29 3/20/2020 at 13:24 (1,497 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I know this whole thing is surreal Twilight Zone crazy.
When/if you do ever get the 14-foot hoses, I didn't get the electric 14-foot because I want all the airflow I can get at the PN. The longer the hose, the less airflow. However, I will say this, there's PLENTY of airflow with the non-electric 14-foot hose, so it may be fine. They also make 30-foot hoses (no thanks, 14 is fine) I still have an OLD bottle of the Green air freshener that originally came with my rainbow. Over the years, I've used it here and there and there's a small amount left. I never liked using it because it foamed too much. Yesterday, I put some in, but only like 25% of a capful and it didn't foam at all. I swear that stuff smells exactly the same as it did 14 years ago. I'll bet with the new smaller bottles being more concentrated I would only have to use drops | ||
| Post# 421936 , Reply# 30 3/20/2020 at 14:56 (1,497 days old) by Chris (WV) | ||
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The cheapest place for anything rainbow related is Rainvac.com. 99% of all my rainbow stuff comes from them. I got the 14 electrified hose for stairs and i think i only paid | ||
| Post# 421937 , Reply# 31 3/20/2020 at 14:58 (1,497 days old) by Chris (WV) | ||
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$128 | ||
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Post# 421939 , Reply# 32 3/20/2020 at 15:40 (1,497 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs) |
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mark40511 | ||
| Post# 421941 , Reply# 33 3/20/2020 at 16:31 (1,497 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Puzzling to you?
It's been puzzling to me for years.....Especially my water is moderately hard. The Smell of the stuff is awesome though. I can get away with using a little of it, I just can't use the full amount per directions.....but that's OK, because even using a little, the smell still fills the house. I think if/when I buy the next bottle, I'm going to use drops of it instead of a capful because you can still smell it big time with just a little.
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| Post# 421942 , Reply# 34 3/20/2020 at 16:33 (1,497 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Oh yea | ||
| Post# 421948 , Reply# 35 3/20/2020 at 17:56 (1,497 days old) by Lux_Luthor (Tennessee) | ||
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The electric hose cost has went up. It’s $149 now 😭. | ||
| Post# 422006 , Reply# 37 3/21/2020 at 20:01 (1,496 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I've been so bored lately
since I got my rainbow back I've been cleaning up a storm.
May I ask what that dark separator feels like? Is it a hard rubberized hard plasic type feel, or is it metal? Mine is that yellow one piece and it has the texture of like a soft but hard rubber plastic combination. I don't know how to describe the way it feels, but it's not metal. My point is, whatever it's made of, it seems like dirt doesn't want to stick to it as much. It eventually WILL stick to it if you don't clean it though. Still... I would clean the separator every single time you use your Rainbow. When I'm done, I shut rainbow off and the first thing I do is wrap the cord up before I do anything. Then I take it off the basin, dump the water grab the rainbow off the dolly and just sit it beside the sink on its side on the kitchen counter right beside the sink. (no bending while cleaning things) clean the basin with soap/water/ then take off separator and scrub it with soap/toothbrush. I have my clean wet rag and I wipe off the shaft, the rubber area and the seals where the basin meets the intake. Sounds elaborate but it takes like 3 or 4 min's. But if for some reason I only briefly use my rainbow, I scratch all that and just leave the separator on without cleaning it at all. Making sure that seperator is clean like new always is what keeps the fans clean, that and changing the water if needed. anyway - I really hope everything in the world goes back to normal soon. | ||
| Post# 422174 , Reply# 39 3/25/2020 at 18:43 (1,492 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Wow | ||
| Post# 422205 , Reply# 40 3/26/2020 at 07:51 (1,491 days old) by Lux_Luthor (Tennessee) | ||
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I don’t see them on Amazon any more, and the direct website is no longer active. I would have gotten one if it were still an option, especially because they did offer a mini power nozzle. But I am glad now I didn’t get the chance if they’re not going to be around to help if something goes wrong. | ||
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Post# 422407 , Reply# 42 3/29/2020 at 17:41 (1,488 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs) |
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lux_luthor | ||
| Post# 422467 , Reply# 44 3/30/2020 at 16:45 (1,487 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I spent 3
hours this morning doing my master bedroom. Stripped sheets, vacuumed the mattress. Dusted the entire room with the dusting brush. I use the floor/wall brush to get under the bed and dresser/baseboards/blinds and then ran the PN. I've never had essential oils foam though. That's weird.
Glad you got the 2 hoses. I think at some point I'm going to order the berry scent from rainvac. The rexair scents smell so good but the one I can't stand is Gardenia...Apple blossom is so so (not horrible but not great) The spice smells amazing to me, as does the Lemon, Pine and Orange. Berry must be a new scent I don't ever remember it so I want to try it. It's crazy how long those little bottles of scent last. When I bought my Rainbow in 2006, I'm still using the 4 pack of scents that came with it and the big huge bottle of green deodorizer is almost gone...I can get away with using a little bit of the green deodorizer without foaming, like half a capful. I might get more.....I still like using essential oil better though. | ||
| Post# 422641 , Reply# 46 4/2/2020 at 12:18 (1,484 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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That's a cool video (LOL).
Here's the thing. Just fill it above the dome....where the dome in the center is totally covered and then add just a bit more water. I vacuumed for an hour on one fill yesterday and when I was done, the water/dirt were still above the dome. I do think anything oil based will make the water surface tension change somewhat, which is a good thing. I think every rainbow scent is water-soluble.. essential oil is not.(at least from what I understand). I think I remember someone on here saying if the planets are aligned just perfectly, that there's a 0.00001% chance that the rainbow cound catch fire when using anything oil based. A super low chance of that happening. I've never had issues with essential oil. After having my rainbow all these years and super clean inside, I can pretty much confidently say that a few drops of essential oil in a rainbow is fine. As for the small bottles of Rexair scents, a little of that goes a long way - just like essential oil. I basically just squirt one quick squirt in (that's it) hardly any. If I had to guess I'd say maybe you put in way too much of the scent? I have absolutely no foam when using those scents. But I've never put in very much each time. You should try the spice. It doesn't sound like Spice would be a pleasant clean smell but for whatever reason it's amazing. Like I said earlier, the Gardenia is NASTY to me. | ||
| Post# 422642 , Reply# 47 4/2/2020 at 12:35 (1,484 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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I forgot to mention
You had said essential oils are pretty much bad for cats. I have to wonder about any scents period, whether it's essential oil or rainbow scents or even candles. Based on what I've read, since they have a heightened sense of smell, it would irritate them. But wouldn't that be the same with any scents? I guess I'm asking myself if Lemon essential oil isn't safe for cats, why would Lemon Rexair scents be safe? See what I'm saying? LOL At any rate, my cat has never seemed irritated or bothered by it at all. She's over 15 years old now and very precious to me. I'm so nervous of her age thinking it's all downhill from here with her at that age, but so far so good. I'll be devastated if something happens to her. She adores me and I adore her.
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| Post# 422671 , Reply# 49 4/3/2020 at 08:10 (1,483 days old) by robsmith1977 (Shippensburg, Pennsylvania) | ||
My personal experience with Sirenna has been this: I bought the refurb. machine for $500 and thought that it was new when I received it. It cleaned great. The attachments and fragrances were up to quality standards like Rainbow however the second adjustable wand for the floor brush is just too short. It is not long enough to enjoy using like the electrified one. Also, I had an electrical smell coming from the motor everytime I used it. I called Sirenna customer service and they said that it most likely was a new motor smell from the carbon brushes and that it would go away. But after about 2 months of weekly use it didn't go away and I ended up taking the whole thing apart and cleaning the armature myself with a stone used for such a purpose but it didn't help. I never figured out why it was smelling like that but I ultimately sold it.
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| Post# 422674 , Reply# 51 4/3/2020 at 08:58 (1,483 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Hold up
To be fair...those clips at the end of Sirena are brittle but so are Rainbows. That's a weak point of the rainbow because I was carrying a hose over my shoulder and the hose was sort of swinging along as I walked and the end of the hose hit the wall in a perfect way (not terribly hard) that it broke that clip. I can see Sirena hoses doing the same thing.
The Sirena motor smell - YES YES YES - Same! I've never figured it out, but there's something different slightly when using Sirena with (rainbow frangrances or essential oil) as opposed to using a Rainbow. The smell is still fresh, but it's not the same. It's like fresh mixed with a plastic hot motor smell. This was especially true the first few times I've used it. You literally couldn't smell anything but that. After a few uses it seemed to taper down somewhat, but not completely. I wish I could sell mine but I've never sold a vacuum. I couldn't imagine what a PITA it would be the pack it all up. I don't HATE the vacuum it was just a stupid purchase for me and I don't need it. If I didn't have my Rainbow I'd be using it a lot probably. But I'm sure if I had been using it as much as my Rainbow something would have broken by now. I already had trouble with the PN that was fixed under warranty. The PN is not my favorite PN in the world. It's so quiet that you can barely hear it over the Sirena running. It feels like it has good airflow but it feels so light weight and doesn't feel like it's digging up a lot. I'd rate the PN as satisfactory. | ||
| Post# 422693 , Reply# 53 4/3/2020 at 17:29 (1,483 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY) | ||
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Ya I'm not bashing it either. I agree with everything you said. The clips that can break. I was just pointing out that can happen in Rainbows too (at least the older ones)
It's an OK machine....It's just a few things I dislike about it that I've mentioned before.... but overall if I didn't have a Rainbow, I'd be fine with this machine. But having both, I can say that Rainbow is definitely better designed and built by far. I still can't get over how many Rainbows I see online or on Ebay that look like they've been to HELL and back. | ||
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