COUPLE OF KIRBY QUESTI ONS 500 SERIES

[jeschbac]

I've noticed in quite a few Ebay sales that the old 1950s Crystalaters (red plastic) are often covered with some kind of white powder-like substance. I just got one today and I'm trying to clean it up. What is this stuff? Is it some mold that grows on old plastic? How best to clean it? So far I've scoured off some of it with Comet. Not perfect, but improved. Has anyone dealt with this?

Second, in the same delivery today, there was a tan Kirby hose requiring the old suction coupler. What model would this match? Does it go to something like a 561 or 562, or is it a generic hose that Kirby sold later?

Thanks,
J

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

J.,

You're not alone. Over the years, after heavy use, these plastic bodies become oxidized, hence that white powdery substance you see on many of these.

The crystals that were to be used with this device were made of paradichlorobenzene.

~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

J.,

And about the hose you got: that belongs on a 562, even though it could also be used on any Kirby before that model as long as you pay attention to which respective suction and blower couplings belong to which respective model groups (505-515, 516-562). The tan hose you mention w/o couplings was also used in replacement for all models 505-562 since the late 1970's.

The 562's successor, the Sanitronic VII (1963-65), was the first machine to feature a universal suction/blower coupling already mounted on the hose.

~Ben

 

[jeschbac]

Thanks

Very helpful! Can those oxidized crystalators be cleaned?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

J.,

They can be cleaned somehow. You did say you've used Comet although it didn't get it all off. I know someone else here may explain better to you about this.

~Ben

 

[jeschbac]

OK

Thanks for your help.

 

[electrolux137]

Actually it's not oxidation or moth crystal residue. It's mold. Certain types of plastics attract this particular strain of white mold. Anyone who's had a G.E. Roll-Easy will immediately recognize the stuff, because it also builds up on the Roll-Easy attachments and plastic trim parts.

EASY solution: Put some chlorine bleach in a spray bottle. Put the affected pieces in a deep bucket or sink. With the spray bottle setting on mist, give the pieces as good dousing with the bleach. The mold will disappear almost immediately. Don't leave the bleach on the pieces longer than 30-45 seconds -- wash it off right away.

When you're finished with the bleach treatment you can shine up the pieces with furniture polish or ... or ... damn ... a brain fart right before your very eyes! ... What's that spray stuff used to clean and polish vinyl trim in cars? That same stuff makes plastic attachments and trim look really nice.

 

[jeschbac]

Incredible!

Can't thank you enough for the bleach idea. And I have that vinal liquid sold for cars - I often use it on trim parts. I'm going to do this right away!

 

[jeschbac]

Hoses

Is this same kind of mold also responsible for the white residue I find on old Kirby hoses, especially from the Classic Series? Would using bleach compromise the color?

 

[jeschbac]

results

Hey, the bleach took care of everything, but I did need to let it soak a bit. Rinsing off after 45 seconds didn't quite do the trick. I also scrubbed a bit to get the final layer of residue removed. Looks as good as new at this point, just hope that this mold is not disease-producing around humans!!