Does anybody use their Kirbys to shampoo carpets?

[robgwisdala]

Does anybody use their Kirbys to shampoo carpets?
I have a carpet cleaning business. I started it in March 2004. I have a Kirby G3 with attachments and shampooer. I also have a Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition with attachments and shampooer and ZippBrush. I use Kirby Allergen Formula shampoo...It works great! I charge $20 per room.

 

[robgwisdala]

Hello

I also have a Hoover F5914 SpinScrub SteamVac and Hoover bagged self propelled WindTunnel. I use Bissell steamvac shampoo and Hoover steamvac shampoo...Both work great!

 

[converto-skip]

Rob

Rob I have used my Kirbys to shampoo the carpets but the only down fall is the carpets stay wety for a long time but they do get out the stains but I rather use my Eureka Alantis shampooer and also use My Kenmore canister shampooer and sometimes times my e-series Rainbow

Skip...

 

[electrolux-dude]

Using a Kirby to Shampoo Carpets

Hi, Rob--Nathan Thomas here, I would not recommend using a Kirby to Shampoo your carpets. Reason Why, is they don't do any extraction. A Kirby is basically a "Dry-Foam System" that after the solution dries, it crystalizes the dirt, and then you're supposed to vacuum it after it dries. Another potential problem is, a lot of the products out there leave a lot of foam or residue in the carpet and make it that much harder to clean. The best way to clean your carpets is to have them professionally cleaned once every 6 months to a year. Professional Carpet cleaners like myself, have Truck-Mounted steam cleaning units, and they do a tremendous job at extracting the dirt from the carpets. The Heat, High Pressure, and High Suction from the Truckmount will thoroughly flush the fibers of your carpet and the cleaning results are astonishing! I have seen carpets that looked like they were "ready for the dumpster", and after being cleaned with a truckmount they look like brand new! These little Bissell, Hoover, Etc. so called "Steam" Cleaners that you buy at Wal-Mart, cannot match the power, high heat, and suction of a truckmount. All the Bissells, Hoovers, etc. are good for is really just spot-cleaning. For a truly deep-cleaning, you can't beat a Truckmount!

 

[tolivac]

I don't use my Kirby shampooers much eihter-in this humid climate here-the moisture left in the carpets is just asking for mildew and rotting of your subflooring.Even truckmounts really can't get them dry enough to aviod this problem.I use dry carpet cleaners such as Host and Capture-I was really surprized at how they work-no wet carpets.and most of the dirt gone.I would love it if Kirby went to the Dry carpet clean system-they could provide an attachment to work the Host or Capture cleaner into the carpet-then you can use the Kirby to vacuum it up after it has worked.

 

[alex]

Kirby Rug Renovator

YES! Not only did I use carpet shampooing as a way for my trainees to get in to demo but made a good living with the Kirby shampoo system on a private basis. It's not for deep cleaning, or stain removal, but for light shampooing of apartment models, and so on it works great.

 

[rocketwarrior]

Nathan's probably right

I like my G3 for one floor 2000SF cleaning. My son borrowed it for shampooing and things just got too wet. No extraction.

 

[frkirby511]

Kirby to Shampoo

I have had excellent results with the Kirby shampoo system -- G-6 and Legend. And yes it can leave too much moisture. You have to be careful with it.

I have also learned -- when I want really deep cleaning -- to team up the Kirby shampoo system with one of the new "vapor-steam" vacuum systems. I got mine last spring. I have been watching them for some time on various web sites. It is different than the usual extraction machines in that they actually use steam vapor. There is no solution in the tank, just water for the steam. None of the vaporvac systems have any type of revolving brush; only a nozzle with both suction and steam jets. It makes a perfect pair with the Kirby. I use the steam without suction first to loosen the dirt. I use the Kirby shampooer. Then I use the steam WITH suction to "rinse." When it's dry, I vacuum with the Kirby. Then I use a clean [i.e. not ever used on the floor for buffing] Kirby floor buffer to fluff the carpet. It sounds like a lot to do but it really doesn't take that long and it gives excellent results --- better than with any single unit I have ever used.

I also get excellent results with the Kirby alone when the carpeting doesn't seem to warrent the both processes. Last summer I used just the Kirby system on a very expensive oriental rug that was left in the residence I moved into. It did an exceptional job. One person I know who is in the carpet and flooring business who had seen it before and after asked me where I sent it out to be cleaned.

Anyway in tandem with the vapor vac system or all by itself, I have found the Kirby shampoo system to be effective and consistent.

Bruce C.

 

[swingette]

tolivac

yours was an excellent suggestion. i hope Kirby was listening. btw, ive used the Rug Doctor and classic style Hoover Steamvac with rotating brushes and had excellent results. technique has a lot to do with the result. the trick to drying is turning on the AC to very low temp and use a fan too. the AC removes the moisture from the air. also thick carpets should be raked to speed drying.

 

[vegaslux60]

Kirby for shampooing !

Greetings!
My Wife, is a big Kirby fan! She has a G-5 and does like the shampooer! It does do a great job, however our big complaint is that it leaves the carpets too wet! If we use it to shampoo, we then go over the carpet with our Hoover SteamVac to extract the wetness! Then we "dry" the carpet with the blower outlet from an Electrolux! This works well in combination however it is quite an ordeal to use three different machines to shampoo carpeting, especially in a 2,ooo + square foot house! Their is no perfect machine for shampooing!
Once the carpets are dry, we then vacuum thoroughly with either the Kirby or a Hoover Convertible with an empty bag! We do really like to use the floor buffer as a "nap-lifter" with our plush wall-to-wall...it works great!
Kenny

 

[alex]

Kirby Rug Renovator

As a former Kirby trainer I can tell you that most people have trouble with saturating the carpet. Our trainees did it all the time! The term we used was "laying down the suds." The point is to start with the toe-touch controll at the lowest setting. The higher you go the more suds. Not a good idea! Make ONE backward pass then move the Kirby over, roll it forward and overlap the line of suds and repeat till the entire section is done. Now with the suds down work them in with the brushroll. Let the carpet dry and vacuum. If done RIGHT there is no problem and the carpet is dry in two hours.

I did this professionally for several years during the years I worked for Kirby and between assignments.

Most people don't like Kirby because they don't know how to use the tools like the Run Renovator, or the Handi-Butler. But then most people buy a Kirby set it in the upright mode and NEVER use the hose and tools. By following the instructions in the owners manual shampooing the carpet of waxing the floor is easy.

In reality the hardest part of shampooing with a Kirby is cleaning the Rug Renovator assembly and suds dispenser.

I also suggest that people switch to the Mirical-Head to work in the suds after the carpet is damp and the suds have been worked in. This gives the shampoo a chance to work.

 

[frkirby511]

Miracle Head

Alex,
By the "Miracle Head," do you mean the floor buffer?



Bruce

 

[dualsanitronic]

The Bubble Bunch

Also,after you have "worked the suds in" ,you should go back over the room without dispensing.On all renos from the D50 to the Heritage,you'd take the hose off,put saran wrap over the suds screen,then the hose back in place.By going back over the room without dispensing,the hinge covered drum brush will pick up excess suds and dirt,"hurling" them into the tray.BTW,the Heritage II introduced the Stop Suds feature,a plastic cap hanging off the hose's end to be used for that purpose or to spot scrub without excess "soaping".I like the renovator alot,but there ARE much better suds out there than Kirby's own brand.

 

[frkirby511]

What brand of suds do you recommend using with the Kirby?
Bruce

 

[dualsanitronic]

foam,foam on the range

I don't know if they make it anymore,but Bissell Wall-to-Wall shampoo for foaming shampooers was suprisingly very good,as well as commercial foaming shampoos that state that they dry to a "crisp" non-sticky residue that vacuums away when dry,such as Von Scraeder dry-foam carpet shampoo or janitorial supply brands.

 

[vacuumkid3]

Kirby Carpet Cleaning...

Hi,

I found that Kirby's do a better job making the carpet smell better than getting out stains. I think the vacuum alone does a better job vacuuming that "renovating rugs". I have used my Rug Renovator with my Kirby Heritage and it made the carpet smell nice, but did not get out pet stains. I was dismayed in that... How does the Rainbow equivalent handle carpets? Thanks!

~~Kyle~~

 

[alex]

The real reason for the Rug Renovator

The various features like the Rug Renovator, Miracle Head, spray gun, crystalator and Handi-Butler were all designed to 'close the sale.' Kirby WAS designed as a vacuum cleaner but the carpet shampoo process DID dazzle the customer and did in fact close many a sale! Kirby was not however, in the carpet shampooing business, nor was Electrolux so they were limited to 'light cleaning.' I always told the prospect that "this will not remove deep stains." It DID in fact remove light dirt.

The same with the Handi-Butler it got the husband interested, suddenly he had a set of power tools, right! Once in the closet the Kirby was just the houshold vacuum cleaner.

 

[tolivac]

Yes,the Kirby Shampoo system did "Dazzle" some customers-but after the sale and all is said and done--the shampooer spent most of its time in the closet-usually never to see the light of day again.during the short period me and another guy were selling TRiStars-we got Kirby shampoo systems that were UNUSED!To some users the Kirby shampooer is too much trouble.I do use mine on occasion.

 

[kirbykid]

Kirby Shampooer

I use my Kirby shampooer on my Diamond Edition and it seems to be the only way I can get these darn Berber carpets clean... If anyone else has a suggestion how to clean berber let me know please...KIRBYKID

 

[scott55405]

I used to do it now and then. I thought the results were respectable and I never had the too wet carpet issue. The tank is a bit small, and mine was always clogging, but I later learned I was missing some sort of filter, so that was hardly the fault of the unit. I think it'd be great to do a room here and there, some traffic areas or a small apartment. it would be more work than it was worth to go beyond that all it one time.

These days I use my Hoover Floor-a-Matic for shampooing, with some "Zep" shampoo I found at Home Depot made for this type of unit. It cleans well, works great and barely wets the carpet. I like that the tank is big and I control the flow of the solution to the rug. Does a great job on some area rugs I have too.

Eventually and occasionally, I will have it professionally done, since I know it's good to get that stuff extracted out of there. I will say however that I think scrubbing/agitation is necessary for good cleaning, just a steam wand is not going to do the trick. Just my opinion.

 

[luxg]

Scott, I have to agree with you. I think if you really want clean carpets you have to use some type of scrubber first and then the steam hot water extraction. I have always found this to do the best job, but there again, just my opinion.

 

[myvacsrock]

I use mine weekly!!

I love my Kirby carpet shampooer! It smells wonderful and really get the stains out! I also use it when i clean people's house and they LOVE the results!!

Kyle Krichbaum

 

[Elektrolux]

Kirby Shampooer...

I do actually use mine, in part for fun to demo a classic like my D50 for friends in a rental clean up. I agree w/ above said, I find most who found issues were not using them to best technique or as directed in most cases. I do as Alex does above. I find if using different commercial foams, they do well but some require less flow so adjust as needed then shut off as soon as u put down the suds. This is another area I hope Kirby reads. I am working on a cable operated rotary valve control to handle mount to control suds flow on the spot as with an Electrolux Floor Pro. My prototype works much like a throttle or choke on a lawnmower and fixes to the upper handle to b finger controlled. I've used mine for years and never had wetness issues and in fact family or friends were impressed with how soon they can move things back or walk on.

I have part BerBer so for this I find I like my Electrolux rotary 3 brush system of the Floor Pro Again, w/ a finger control of suds you lay them down where you want when you want and agitate and scrub as desired. I like that you can spend more time on needed areas without sucking up foam too soon. I like The Electrolux Floor Pro system in general for an every day on stand by use especially in a busy furnished home. It just gets in and around things so much easier and quick to put away and set up again. I honestly just leave a mixture in machine ready for next spot clean up.

I do like using both. I like my Kirby for a nice wide open area and a good cross pattern grooming then follow with fluffier brush. I primarily use Electrolux's Turbo dry foam but I do like Kirby's non scented or for rentals I use the commercial grade w/ a stronger sanitary odor but people like that it smells clean. If you got an empty room, the Kirby is great, lay down the suds, and groom. I don't use this for a day to day at home as it is more work to take down and clean for storage then would prefer. In our case we own several Kirby's so we can keep 1 set up as a full time shampooer , vacuum and buffer.

To add, the trick to limit the wetness is to keep it moving, do not stop with suds flowing, If you must stop for an interruption, power off. The G series have much more power so use that suds control. I can clean 1 10x12 room with my D50 w/ its small tank. The Sentria , if left wide open will blow out more water. The Electrolux Turbo Floor Pro is very good with its flow control.

Kristopher

 

[Elektrolux]

Kirby Heritage 1-HD in shampoo mode

here's my example of my Heritage ready to use, and that we did. Even the family dog likes it.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

I have one for my Classic III but my mom is concerned of me using it to shampoo the new carpeting this house has had installed in 2010 and 2011... she warns it may leave unattractive stains.

That is also the reason she does not want me looking for a Rainbow canister vacuum since dust filtration is via clean, warm water and spilling that over the carpeting would also leave unwanted stains.

~Ben

 

[Elektrolux]

Kirby shampooer on new or old carpet...

I was concerned with this as well. But I waited 1 yr b4 I did mine, the new carpet. I did use the Electrolux 1st though as it was or seemed more gentle with more control. The same I found for older carpet of 10+ yrs. I found that the Kirby's can loosen up the weaken under matting if too wet. I found they can pull up the carpet from padding if too low setting of brush roll. If care is taken, I got great results with old carpet as much as 15 yrs to look nice, especially using the fluffier brush. This is where I like the Kirby option over the Electrolux. The Electrolux Floor Pro has a set of rake type brushes, the nap lifting brush, you put in place but I always felt they were too rough on an old carpet.

 

[electrolux137]

.
.

I've used my Legend II renovator a couple of times and think it does a really great job -- much better, actually, than the Electrolux B8 Carpet Beautifier.

I was also shown the technique of covering the suds outlet with saran wrap and going over the carpet a second time. My Lord, the crap that got scrubbed out of the carpet! It looked beautiful afterward and wasn't so wet that it took longer than a few hours to completely dry.

I was recently given a complete G4 and look forward to trying out the renovator.

 

[super-sweeper]

yes!

I love the Rug-Renovator on my 1-CR, it works great on both my plush, frizzy carpets, and my short pile carpets! The carpets always smell fresh and clean, plus the crap it pulls out of the carpets is always astonishing!

 

[vacuumssuck213]

wish i could...

Every time I get my g6 shampoo powerhead attatched as soon as I twist the belt lifter towards on the head buckles and falls off have no idea what's going on I perch it right. Very frustrating