Demothing Units

[frkirby511]

Just looking over the new S & F manual [Thanks Fred] and wondering...why did vacuum manufactures stop including demothing units as standard attachments?

For some time it seems that they were always included; but eventually stopped. Was there some research that showed they were simply not effective? Did folks discover that merely putting the crystals around clothing and in closets was just as effetive? Was it all too much trouble to fool around with? Just thought somebody out there would know for sure some info on this.

Bruce

 

[tolivac]

It may be that the moth crystal vapors are toxic to people.In most vacuum manuals today-they warn NOT to use the vacuum cleaner blower port to vaporize and dispense moth crystals or moth balls.also the moth crystal vapors can damage some newer vacuum cleaner plastic parts.The older Kirby "Crystalators" were made of a plastic that was not as effected-but after much use-caused it to crack or fog.

 

[normvac]

Vacuum Demothing

Take it from an old timer the moth battle was a real one, up
to and part of the 50's. Everyone had wool carpeting, rugs,
mohair sofa and chairs. Which the moths loved! Any housewife
or home that did not have a carefully vacuumed fabric (wool)
chairs, drapery or heavy furniture moved to vacuum the dust
away on a regular basis (hence weekly,monthly cleaning on
friday or sat.)were destin to attrack moths. Who would eat
away the wool fibers and leave literal holes in anything wool.
Sweater and scarfs in drawers and coats in closets were possible moth damage. Especially if not packed with demothing
during the summer! The months feed on the dust particals!
Hence the dawning of man made fabric for clothing, and then
501 nylon carpeting in the early 60's, You know all the current fabrics that come from that erra.
Those early days of cleaning and vacuuming were important, due
to coal furnaces which left a layer of dust from the coal and or wood. Plus if you did not vacuum clean a good wool rug to
remove small particals of sand and grit, they would cut the wool fibers and hence worned areas in well travel hallways or
in front of ones favorite chair. Hence another reason for the housewife to either turn the wool rug to change traffic pattern. Then If wall to wall wool, change the furniture so the
favorite chair would not always be in the same place!
Hope that helps answer the housekeeping question!!
Norm

 

[hygiene903]

Demothing units

Part of the reason you don't see them any more is they're not needed as much due to changes in clothing manufacture. 100% wool, which was moths' favorite food, is almost a thing of the past, largely replaced by polyesters & blends that moths don't care for,so moths are not the problem they were 50 or so years ago.
Jeff