Thread Number: 39949  /  Tag: Recent Vacuum Cleaners from past 20 years
Kirby Shampooer leaving rugs and carpet rough/flat
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Post# 424079   4/23/2020 at 18:56 (1,434 days old) by mariotron (Texas )        

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Been using my Ultimate G Diamond with a G4's shampoo system and I'm pretty sure I followed the instructions correctly but even after going over it again and again the rugs (which I never even walk on with my shoes) which are pretty much like a standard texture carpet and even after vacuuming carefully they still aren't getting soft.

Anyone else have this problem and were able to fix it?



Post# 424087 , Reply# 1   4/23/2020 at 21:01 (1,434 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
They're junk

Vacuum wars did side by side comparisons and well, Kirby is junk. Don't ruin your carpets using them.

I remember years ago my mother had use of an aunts kirby to clean our low-pile carpets. The results were under whelming. It was like it made it worse.



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Post# 424098 , Reply# 2   4/23/2020 at 21:35 (1,434 days old) by Gabowenjr (tampa fl)        
Check your suds screen

First question I would have is are you getting a full width of suds when you pull the machine backwards?. If it's streaking then you may be not getting the proper air water ratio. There is a little screen that goes on the shampoo outlet that actually makes the foam. That should be cleaned and attached when using it. Also check the foam ring in the exhaust connection making sure that is clean. Other than that your shampoo might be old or you are using to much per tank.

Post# 424103 , Reply# 3   4/23/2020 at 22:08 (1,434 days old) by Marks_here (_._)        

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I used mine only once and made it worse after it dried. I thought I should have left it alone then I used a Hoover SpinScrub which took the streaks out after 3 times and that's all I'll use on the carpets now.

Post# 424107 , Reply# 4   4/23/2020 at 22:53 (1,434 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
gregvacs28

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I completely disagree from your rash judgement of it. That cleaning video you posted a screenshot of is not what the Kirby Shampooer is intended for. If there is a stain to that degree, spot cleaning it first is highly recommended. Kirby's shampooer is not intended to be an extraction level carpet cleaner..

2nd: I've used it several times and it doesn't level streaks....doesn't leave the carpet stiff with excess shampooer etc. It may not be the cats meow....but it is FAR from junk.


Post# 424129 , Reply# 5   4/24/2020 at 11:37 (1,434 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
rivstg1

"If there is a stain to that degree, spot cleaning it first is highly recommended"

 

So the carpets should be cleaned BEFORE they are cleaned with the kirby?  

 

Why screw around with that silliness when something like the Bissell or Hoover Spin-scrub will do it all in a few swipes and be dry in about an hour?  DONE !

 

We have to remember that the shampooer type carpet cleaners like the Kirby are only intended as a first step.  After one is to apply the carpet shampoo and rub it into the carpet, then it's supposed to sit and dry for a day or so,

THEN one is supposed to vacuum the carpet and all the crusty suds crystals that are attached to the dirt are supposed to get picked up.  Correct?

 

How impractical is that?  And we've seen what a piss poor job it does.

 

Again, why would anyone want such a ridiculous, impractical, out-dated thing?    

 

Just because it's got chrome on it and someone may have been tricked into paying a ridiculous amount of money for it doesn't by default make it a "quality" product.  This goes for automobiles or really anything, as well.

 


Post# 424143 , Reply# 6   4/24/2020 at 15:31 (1,433 days old) by ralph123 (Little Rock, AR)        

It would be more accurate and politically correct to say the Kirby was ineffective at removing the Georgia mud, rather than calling it "junk".

Post# 424163 , Reply# 7   4/24/2020 at 20:46 (1,433 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

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hmmm, well, my comment was partially from my own experience using 3 different Kirby shampoo systems and partially from what ex kirby technicians/salesmen have shared with me. Their system is not full proof and not intended for carpets THAT contaminated! I would agree with you there...and I wouldn't use mine in that situation either. Their intention/design for their system is for maintaining carpets and they advise and sell spot remover chemicals (heavy traffic solutions) for more intense stains. Yes, that situation would be more of a hassle like you suggested.

My motorcycle is designed to carry me all over paved roads....it CAN go on unpaved and broken up dirt roads but its not recommend ( very heavy bike)....thus a HASSLE trying to balance it....fearing it falling over. But it can be used in that situation....just not advisable ....even though they advertise it as an awesome/capable/fast ride. See the logic? doesn't that translate to the KIrby's intended use claim?'

I agree with you on the automobile etc comparison. I would never pay the asking price for a new one as well.
fyi: I've never had to let the treated carpet dry for a day....

Hope that sheds some logical explanation to the assertion that its 'junk'


Post# 424179 , Reply# 8   4/24/2020 at 23:40 (1,433 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

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I would immediately get a carpet extractor even if you have to rent one.

The Kirby shampooer is more of a novelty. It has no way of really extracting the soap from your carpet. That's why shampooer function is not approved by the carpet and rug institute.




Post# 424186 , Reply# 9   4/25/2020 at 04:48 (1,433 days old) by beagledad (Florida)        

The Kirby thing seems like more trouble than it's worth unless the carpet is already clean and you just want to fluff it up. But it's still going to leave a residue on your carpet. But you can have the same issue with an extractor. Most people don't rinse their carpet with clean water after cleaning it. Soap residue will attract dirt and your carpet will get dirty again quickly. The vacuum wars guy really should include that step.

Post# 424320 , Reply# 10   4/26/2020 at 22:20 (1,431 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

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So I just used a Kirby shampooer after thinking of this thread, I paid extra attention as I did the cleaning . Stains are gone afterwards ( I pretreated the concerning spots)& it didn’t take a whole day to dry Instead, it took 1.5 hrs. I vacuumed , then shampooed, then dried then vacuumed again and finally used the carpet fluffer on one area of the room and didn’t on the other part of the room. Both areas feel great, I don’t feel any residue and if the soiled areas are clean again, the shampooing DID Remove the soil ! So, don’t believe those you always may say that these are just junk or a waste of time or ‘ they can’t remove dirt/grime. For those who have ears to hear....

Post# 424356 , Reply# 11   4/27/2020 at 20:33 (1,430 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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A lot of people here who do not own and have never used a Kirby shampooer are always jumping right on the ball to say how terrible and crap it is - when they do not know how to use it properly - and make comparisons to totally different types of shampooers.

The Kirby shampooer is a maintenance cleaner, used to keep your carpet fresh and fluffed between heavy steam cleaning services or a full on "empty the room out" shampoo. It is not an extraction shampooer. It is not a deep cleaning shampooer.

As for why your carpet was rough and matted down and crusty (is it also kind of greasy and soapy feeling?) it's more than likely because you used too much shampoo or the wrong kind and let it dry into your carpet.

Check that you are using proper Kirby brand shampoo. It has a special formula in it made for Kirby's shampooing system, random shampoo cleaner for extraction and water jet upright shampooers will not work.

Check that you did not make the mixture too soap laden and had a bit more water in it, and used hot water.

Make sure that your carpet is not colorfast or sensitive to the cleaning solution and you did not ruin the fibers.

What I suggest doing is going over the whole area you shampooed again with an upright shampooer with only water in it. Rinse and extract the solution out of the carpet and let it dry. Then go over it a couple times with a vacuum and see if it has made an improvement. You may need a carpet rake to fluff the fibers back up again.

Carpet cleaning takes a lot of practice to get right, which is why people make big money in carpet cleaning careers when they do a proper job.

Also I had to laugh at the suggestion of renting a carpet extractor. They are not sanitized or sterilized after being returned to the store, so if someone had a mite or insect problem, that's now yours. They also only clean one direction on most models, and they do a terrible job due to how narrow the suction path is. A good $200 upright Bissell or a vintage Hoover shampooer will clean a lot better than a rental Rug Doc or Bissell Big Green.

Also that Vacuum Wars channel makes a lot of terrible clickbait garbage for quick money and none of it is accurate in the slightest. It's just made for money and he throws whatever he can find on some Facebook and blog post in there. You can tell by how he uses the shampooers in the video that he has never used one before either. Also the channel just parrots "Shark and Dyson is the best vacuum" videos - whatever the hottest trend is to maximize views.


Post# 424360 , Reply# 12   4/27/2020 at 21:54 (1,430 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

Some of us HAVE used or dealt with a kirby on more than one occasion and KNOW what a heavy, awkward, noisy, unattractive, easily broken, difficult to move, impossible to clean stairs with, impractical, and over priced vacuum it is when new, and know the shampooer is a joke, so we can speak from experience.

But, but, but, it's each person's opinion on what vacuums they like and want to collect. No one has to sacrifice their collection for group think here.
The vacuum club isn't about weeding out the chaff so that only the "BEST" can exist.
We're here to support each other in our unique and rare hobby and interest in vacuums, which ever models they might be.

Every vacuum has it's goods and bads.
Some people however, have the belief that their particular model(s) of choice are some how the top of the class and their interest in them is simply because they want that glory.

When it comes to collecting, people who go through the hassle of collecting, no matter WHAT it is, it is TOPS to them.

I had people rudely harrassing me when I first joined AW in 2002 about the appliances I like because of their delusions of grandeur.

So there is no room for fake snobbery and pointless competitiveness. It's a small group afterall.

Like what you like and be proud of it. And keep it in perspective. If you don't, other's will.

Hey, the portable vacuums I like from the 70s and 80s weren't the best. Some were rather low quality, but that doesn't change what they mean to me.


Post# 424370 , Reply# 13   4/28/2020 at 08:29 (1,430 days old) by Air-WayCharlie (USA)        

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gregvacs28: Amen, Amen and AMEN!!

Post# 424371 , Reply# 14   4/28/2020 at 08:57 (1,430 days old) by mariotron (Texas )        
Quick update...

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Bought new shampoo and it foamed btter than the last one but didn't seem as uh... smooth as here


but I made sure to use 2oz of shampoo per line of warm water and cleaned out the suds screen.

Wating on it to dry but the crusty parts still feel crusty and the soft parts still soft but I'll give an update when it drys and I vacuum it.


Post# 424373 , Reply# 15   4/28/2020 at 09:03 (1,430 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

There has been a Kirby in our house every since I was born. I once sold Kirbys. With that said, I never cared for the shampoo or Renovator system, though it is not totally bad.

One thing you have to remember with the renovator is that it is a three step process. The video, from vacuum wars, was very misleading towards the proper usage, but maybe demonstrated that it does require additional work.

1st step: (after a through vacuuming, of course) You Lay down the suds, when the tank is empty, you switch to the next step

2nd step: Go back over the area and pick up the suds while scrubbing the carpet. By picking up it is not an extraction process, but the revolving brush will deposit the loosened dirt and excess suds into the tray. This step can take as long as necessary why you scrub and work the trouble areas.

You clean up and drying the equipment follows as the carpet is drying.

3rd step: After a drying period you dry vacuum, at which time you pick up the encapsulated dirt and fluff the carpet. Do this stage slowly and allow the machine to do the work.

This process will not leave a severely soiled carpet in like new condition, but the difference will be dramatic. As was stated by another poster, this system is not designed to be restorative, but to maintain the carpet. It was designed prior to the extraction machines, and was/is still pretty effective if it is the only system available to you.

My dislikes: I always felt the system left the carpet too wet. The older suds solution did tend to leave the carpet "sticky" and re-soiled at a quicker rate.
Though Kirby designed this system to be a do all machine, I feel that there are others that can do a better job in a quicker manner with less re-soiling.

These dislikes don't necessarily make the Kirby renovator a bad system, just my preference does not include it in regular cleaning regime. As with any vacuum, cleaning system, etc. There are pros and cons. It comes down to your preferences, and expectations as to how effective it will be and what results you obtain.


Post# 424374 , Reply# 16   4/28/2020 at 09:20 (1,430 days old) by mariotron (Texas )        
One more thing....

mariotron's profile picture
I should be noted the rugs never get real dirty just needed to freshen them up and the only thing that was ever spilled on them was unsweetened iced tea

Post# 424375 , Reply# 17   4/28/2020 at 09:24 (1,430 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        

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I have several Kirby carpet shampooers, the latest is the Avalir, which I like best of all. The tray

lifts out and you empty it and resume cleaning. It has a shield which keeps the used foam from 

overflowing the tray.....I have burgandy carpet, jade green, and royal blue carpets. All of them

have been shampooed with one of my kirby's. I let my carpet dry for at least 24 hours before 

vacuuming and after I use the Kirby polisher brush from my G series to fluff the carpet.

 

I do have shading in my carpet. Depending on the way you vacuum it. My carpet is 7 or 8 years old

and you can tell where my walkways are.......kitchen to hallway, hallway into the bedrooms, etc...

 

PR-21

Bud


Post# 424643 , Reply# 18   5/2/2020 at 09:30 (1,426 days old) by mariotron (Texas )        
Update after vacuuming several times...

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The new shampoo helped a little bit but the carpet remains "crispy" or rough. It's kinda hard to tell from the photos but you can tell a little bit where it almost looks a bit matted.

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Post# 424647 , Reply# 19   5/2/2020 at 12:03 (1,425 days old) by mariotron (Texas )        

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A big thing I noticed is that I'm getting a foam but not that thick white blanket.

I cleaned the suds screen and filter so it shouldn't be that only two things I can think of is the tank is damaged or my water is too hard.


Post# 424662 , Reply# 20   5/2/2020 at 16:41 (1,425 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Wow

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You are suppose to vacuum before using the shampoo system. It's a dry foam base and it's not going to help stiff carpet. It's not a novelty of used correctly. You could say anything is a novelty just based on ones opinion.
You prep vacuum and the next day you vacuum where you shampooed. If your comparing a dry foam system to an extraction system it's apples to oranges. It would be like saying Kirby vacuums much better than the Bissell proheat 2. The Bissell has a vacuum on it.
If you are to use it as intended and used correctly your fine. If you are trying to get your carpet from being stiff it won't. Your carpet is either made stiff or it's got too much excess buildup. If it's dry vacuum with Kirby before. Use a carpet extractor like a Bissell proheat 2. Put a fan on it and once it's dry vacuum with Kirby vacuum again.
If you use the rug rennovator by itself your going to yield better results to fix your carpet.
If you think about it anything more than using a broom is a novelty. Carpet you can consider it to be a novelty. Vacuuming can be considered a novelty. Vacuuming carpet would be a double novelty. Posting on a message board using your phone is a novelty.
I vacuum my carpet and then I use my phone to post a message on a vacuum forum.
Les


Post# 424904 , Reply# 21   5/5/2020 at 15:13 (1,422 days old) by sanitaire (anchorage, alaska)        

the foam is a ecap type cleaning. the crystlals left behind contain the broken up soil. when the rug is dry vacuum it.

Post# 427031 , Reply# 22   6/15/2020 at 21:12 (1,381 days old) by Clearlipstickk (Australia )        
Hi all. First post..

I’m new to this but feel some of the replies are nasty towards the Kirby. I’ve owned different brands and like this brand for its durability and ability to swap out broken parts. I own second hand units and would not buy new. It’s my understanding that the Kirby shampoo doesn’t only encapsulate the dirt, but it binds to sticky stuff and makes it..well..un-sticky. This then stops the filth binding to the fibres. The after vacuum then takes the broken down sticky matter, which is now a powder, and removes it. Until I understood that, the Kirby seemed like a gimmick to me too. It should be noted, I also like the extraction method. So alternating makes the best sense as extraction shampoos can be sticky.

Post# 427457 , Reply# 23   6/21/2020 at 11:00 (1,376 days old) by mariotron (Texas )        
Late update but felt it was worth mentioning

mariotron's profile picture
Bought a Hoover Spin Scrub 50 and it managed to definitely pull out some dust judging by the grey water but it failed to soften the carpet.

Thinking about trying out a Bissell Pro Heat 2X but not sure if it'll work or if o should just keep the Hoover


Post# 427464 , Reply# 24   6/21/2020 at 13:39 (1,375 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        

Looks like the carpet is a looped yarn carpet. That style of carpet will never feel as soft as a cut yarn plush carpet.

Do you know what the carpet fiber is. Nylon? Olefin? Natural fiber like wool or cotton?


Post# 427513 , Reply# 25   6/22/2020 at 09:22 (1,375 days old) by mariotron (Texas )        

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I believe its Nylon.
It's still really soft on about less than 1/4 of it but the parts I took pictures of feel almost as flat and rough as commercial carpeting


Post# 427549 , Reply# 26   6/22/2020 at 22:55 (1,374 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Nope

lesinutah's profile picture
Carbon fiber is made of strings of carbon filaments bound together.
It's also described is small cotton strands that are subjected to heat.
Carbon fiber is made very similar to how Kevlar is made.
If you know Kevlars history it makes it easier to understand carbon fiber.
Les



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