Hey There, I have been desperately trying to figure out some the carpet shampooer brands that existed in the late 1980's and early 1990's. I know there was Rug Doctor, Thermax and Rinse N' Vac. I remember some tall metal one but not the brand name. Also my Mother swears there was a brand called H and R. Have you heard or seen any of these? Any input would be wonderful.
I think I remember seeing from commercials that it stood "Household Research" Institute. I do remember the machines. Their steamers were rebadged Rinse N Vac models. I was never sure who made their shampooers, but I remember they were very sturdy. Don't forget Blue Lustre either. Bissell also had rental machines until the 80's It was a machine called the "Electro-Foam", also rebadged for both Compact and Rainbow as a shampooer that each tried to sell as their own. There's a "Rainbow" shampooer that pops up on eBay every so often because the seller thinks it's worth a fortune, but I never saw anyone place the opening bid.