Does anyone have a diy recipie for kirby shampoo?
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Hey
Sometimes on classifieds ads you find shampoo. I bought a shampoo attachment for Sentra and 4 bottles of shampoo for $15. You have to use Kirby shampoo no substitutes trust me I've got roasted. There is know make it your own.
Les
Sometimes on classifieds ads you find shampoo. I bought a shampoo attachment for Sentra and 4 bottles of shampoo for $15. You have to use Kirby shampoo no substitutes trust me I've got roasted. There is know make it your own.
Les
vacuumdevil
Well-known member
Only use Kirby brand shampoo! The only time I see the kirby shampooer in for service as because somebody tried using the Wrong shampoo in it.
what is the price of Kirby shampoo bothers you you might just consider stepping up your shampooer game. Just about any carpet extraction unit will clean carpets better
what is the price of Kirby shampoo bothers you you might just consider stepping up your shampooer game. Just about any carpet extraction unit will clean carpets better
huskyvacs
Well-known member
Vacuumdevil is right. The Kirby shampoo system is only a surface shampooer and not a deep clean shampooer. It's ideal if you want to keep your carpets clean and fresh every 2 or 3 weeks and fluff them up, but it doesn't have the capability to really get down to the backing and suck dirt out.
I have used Bissell's shampoo in my Kirby shampooser before and haven't had any issues in it, but I do know that some chemicals will eat away the hose rubber and weaken it over time by drying out the rubber. Happened to my ancient Bissell shampooer from the 1990s.
The Bissell ProHeat Pet is a more economical and simpler choice than the Kirby if you really want to do some deep cleaning.
You do have to use Kirby brand shampoo though to answer your question, that's no sales hype, it is true. Kirby formula is a special dry suds system and its been specifically tailored to the Kirby equipment and its foamer system.
Try shopping around more and looking for cheaper retailers, or look for old stock from years ago you might be able to get cheaper due to its age. I still have the Kirby shampoo from when I bought it in 2002, but there's just a tiny bit left of it.
I have used Bissell's shampoo in my Kirby shampooser before and haven't had any issues in it, but I do know that some chemicals will eat away the hose rubber and weaken it over time by drying out the rubber. Happened to my ancient Bissell shampooer from the 1990s.
The Bissell ProHeat Pet is a more economical and simpler choice than the Kirby if you really want to do some deep cleaning.
You do have to use Kirby brand shampoo though to answer your question, that's no sales hype, it is true. Kirby formula is a special dry suds system and its been specifically tailored to the Kirby equipment and its foamer system.
Try shopping around more and looking for cheaper retailers, or look for old stock from years ago you might be able to get cheaper due to its age. I still have the Kirby shampoo from when I bought it in 2002, but there's just a tiny bit left of it.
rivstg1
Well-known member
there is a substitute!!!!!
An ex Kirby salesman who runs a vacuum store turned me onto this but I haven't tried it b/c I had just bought a gallon of Kirby's shampoo.. ZEP high traffic shampoo at Home Depot. He says this suds even better than Kirby's and it cheaper! He sells both but says the Zep is a better deal, I was amazed! I will try it but I have too much Kirby stuff for the present.
An ex Kirby salesman who runs a vacuum store turned me onto this but I haven't tried it b/c I had just bought a gallon of Kirby's shampoo.. ZEP high traffic shampoo at Home Depot. He says this suds even better than Kirby's and it cheaper! He sells both but says the Zep is a better deal, I was amazed! I will try it but I have too much Kirby stuff for the present.
rivstg1
Well-known member
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kirbylux77
Well-known member
Kelton, that stuff you linked to is for Carpet Extractors, not a Carpet Shampooer. It needs to be a foaming detergent with surfactants in it to use in a shampooer. The whole point of a shampooer is the detergent & water get scrubbed in & the surfactants raise the dirt to the surface to be vacuumed away.
I would agree with Alex / Vacuumdevil, Kirby or Aerus Electrolux carpet shampoo detergent would work best. As Huskyvacs pointed out, Bissell used to make their own carpet shampoo as well, don't know for certain if it's still available. It's easy to find in most hardware stores.
As for making homemade carpet shampooer detergent, I read years ago in a book, Haley's Handy Hints, that you can use water & powdered laundry detergent to shampoo carpets with. I believe you could do it by hand or in a machine, & you had to add a couple other ingredients as well. If only I had my hands on that book right now, but it's in public storage
Rob
I would agree with Alex / Vacuumdevil, Kirby or Aerus Electrolux carpet shampoo detergent would work best. As Huskyvacs pointed out, Bissell used to make their own carpet shampoo as well, don't know for certain if it's still available. It's easy to find in most hardware stores.
As for making homemade carpet shampooer detergent, I read years ago in a book, Haley's Handy Hints, that you can use water & powdered laundry detergent to shampoo carpets with. I believe you could do it by hand or in a machine, & you had to add a couple other ingredients as well. If only I had my hands on that book right now, but it's in public storage
Rob
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
You don't want to use a Laundry product on a carpet, unless you will be doing a rinse. The residue will cause resoiling very quickly. Kirby's suds, though does leave a residue, is encapsulating and traps the dirt so it can be vacuumed. The dry laundry product will become a binding agent to resoil.
Also, NEVER use a fabric softener on carpeting. Yes it leaves a pretty smell. Yes it temporarily makes your carpet feel soft. You don't want your carpet to be soft, you are walking on it. You want the carpet fibers to be able to withstand the crushing grinding motion of walking on it, as well as not putting more substances that will attract further soiling.
Also, NEVER use a fabric softener on carpeting. Yes it leaves a pretty smell. Yes it temporarily makes your carpet feel soft. You don't want your carpet to be soft, you are walking on it. You want the carpet fibers to be able to withstand the crushing grinding motion of walking on it, as well as not putting more substances that will attract further soiling.
Using a home brew shampoo is a bad idea! Kirby is a dry foam system. As the shampoo dries it encapsulates the dirt so it can be vacuumed up. I imagine the Kirby company has chemists that created the shampoo for use in the Kirby shampoo system. Using the correct PH values, etc..
Creating your own shampoo would probably ruin your carpets by leaving large amounts of residue.
Like this lady who used Pine-Sol to clean her carpets.
http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Z_XU1j5nE
Creating your own shampoo would probably ruin your carpets by leaving large amounts of residue.
Like this lady who used Pine-Sol to clean her carpets.
http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Z_XU1j5nE
Keep your eyes out for a Rug Doctor is my suggestion, or the Bissell Big Green, the new one that looks like a Rug Doctor. I don't recommend any of the typical household machines myself, I feel like the higher spray pressure and stronger suction do lead to better cleaning.
rivstg1
Well-known member
Yep, I used wrong one..
I linked the incorrect one I guess, I'll get the preferred one tomorrow. Again, this ex-Kirby salesman and repair guy swears by it, sells both zep and Kirby, but suggests Zep
I linked the incorrect one I guess, I'll get the preferred one tomorrow. Again, this ex-Kirby salesman and repair guy swears by it, sells both zep and Kirby, but suggests Zep
rivstg1
Well-known member
I Was right
THe zep red bottle IS the correct shampooer alternative to Kirby. I’m at that Kirby repair shop and the owner supporter what I wrot. It has a stronger enzyme formula than Kirby’s and does have a better foaming agent as well. Get the zep!!!!
THe zep red bottle IS the correct shampooer alternative to Kirby. I’m at that Kirby repair shop and the owner supporter what I wrot. It has a stronger enzyme formula than Kirby’s and does have a better foaming agent as well. Get the zep!!!!
VAcuum
I know Kirby is dry shampoo. Vacuum with a Kirby and you will have a much easier time with any shampooer. I agree use a carpet shampooer. I have a Bissell and it does wonders but vacuuming with a good vacuum helps shampooer alot.
Les
I know Kirby is dry shampoo. Vacuum with a Kirby and you will have a much easier time with any shampooer. I agree use a carpet shampooer. I have a Bissell and it does wonders but vacuuming with a good vacuum helps shampooer alot.
Les
myles_v
Well-known member
This carpet shampoo works quite well, but it isn't very much cheaper than Kirby shampoo. Be careful to only use dry foam shampoo concentrates in the Kirby.
I highly recommend the Rug Doctor or Bissell Big Green carpet cleaners that another reply mentioned. They're both excellent machines, I have a Rug Doctor myself and I've been shocked by how effective it is.
https://smile.amazon.com/Franklin-F...26398&sr=8-5&keywords=dry+foam+carpet+shampoo
I highly recommend the Rug Doctor or Bissell Big Green carpet cleaners that another reply mentioned. They're both excellent machines, I have a Rug Doctor myself and I've been shocked by how effective it is.
https://smile.amazon.com/Franklin-F...26398&sr=8-5&keywords=dry+foam+carpet+shampoo
rivstg1
Well-known member
It's half the price of Kirby shampoo and it is a dry shampoo , smells really nice too
Zep, and Landaus make a good alternative, but they key thing is it has to be a dry foam shampoo. These detergents were designed to not leave a sticky residue behind. I don't know of anything one can purchase inexpensively and mix up to create the proper effect, by the time one goes to such trouble, its better to get the right shampoo and better results from it.
huskyvacs
Well-known member
Also an entire GALLON of Kirby shampoo is only $23. It's not expensive at all, and a gallon should last you an entire year or several years depending on how often you shampoo. A gallon has lasted me 16 years, lol
https://www.amazon.com/Gallon-Lavender-Scented-Allergen-Shampoo/dp/B017DXO3DG
It's not worth ruining your equipment for $20.
https://www.amazon.com/Gallon-Lavender-Scented-Allergen-Shampoo/dp/B017DXO3DG
It's not worth ruining your equipment for $20.
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rivstg1
Well-known member
Here's the extractor stuff some of you thought the red bottle was...that I posted earlier in this thread. THIS is the one thats a no-no for the Kirby Renovation Shampooer. The red bottle one is very good for the Kirby.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=D9ZA3VBVSHB421HP3XP6
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41xOlVb1YUL.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=D9ZA3VBVSHB421HP3XP6
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41xOlVb1YUL.jpg
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
I was skeptical about using Zep High Traffic Carpet Cleaner in my Electrolux Model 1522 Floor Pro, because the directions state that it should be blotted with a damp cloth or sponge after it has penetrated a stain. So I called Zep's commercial division and asked for the company's recommendation.
I was told that ZEP COMMERCIAL DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING ITS HIGH TRAFFIC CARPET CLEANER IN ANY MACHINE, because it's a potential fire hazard and could otherwise damage a machine. The company insisted that said cleaner is formulated only for spot cleaning by hand.
Zep Commercial used to carry "High-Foam Carpet Shampoo" but has since discontinued it. In case some stores haven't sold all their stock I've posted a photo of the container with the label below.
I've actually been using Kirby Shampoo with satisfactory results in the Floor Pro since it's cheaper than Aerus's Turbo Shampoo, and I can get it at a local Hardware Hank store at a fixed price (Aerus's pricing varies from franchise to franchise). There are other slightly less expensive commercially-formulated dry foam shampoos such as Stain-X and Franklin that are available.
Homemade carpet shampoos may appear to work fine but will likely leave residue and may eventually cause premature wear unless well-rinsed and extracted afterward. It's too risky. Also, it would be more labor-intensive and use more resources if rinsed.
I was told that ZEP COMMERCIAL DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING ITS HIGH TRAFFIC CARPET CLEANER IN ANY MACHINE, because it's a potential fire hazard and could otherwise damage a machine. The company insisted that said cleaner is formulated only for spot cleaning by hand.
Zep Commercial used to carry "High-Foam Carpet Shampoo" but has since discontinued it. In case some stores haven't sold all their stock I've posted a photo of the container with the label below.
I've actually been using Kirby Shampoo with satisfactory results in the Floor Pro since it's cheaper than Aerus's Turbo Shampoo, and I can get it at a local Hardware Hank store at a fixed price (Aerus's pricing varies from franchise to franchise). There are other slightly less expensive commercially-formulated dry foam shampoos such as Stain-X and Franklin that are available.
Homemade carpet shampoos may appear to work fine but will likely leave residue and may eventually cause premature wear unless well-rinsed and extracted afterward. It's too risky. Also, it would be more labor-intensive and use more resources if rinsed.
rivstg1
Well-known member
I used it ...finally
The red bottled one, from the suggestion of an ex-kirby sales guy and repair technician. It worked beautifully, and smelled great. I"d recommend it
The red bottled one, from the suggestion of an ex-kirby sales guy and repair technician. It worked beautifully, and smelled great. I"d recommend it
Zep High-Foam Carpet Shampoo company description:
Environmentally preferred carpet shampoo designed for deep cleaning. “Dry” foam allows for rapid drying and a quicker return to use. Inhibits surface resoiling and leaves behind a fresh fragrance. Safe on stain-resistant treated carpets.
• For use with bonnet cleaning
• “Dry” foam formulation allows carpets to be cleaned without excessive wetting of carpet and pad, prolonging the life of the carpet
• Resists resoiling
• Safe on stain-resistant treated carpets
• Does not contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, ozone-depleting ingredients, carcinogens, "butyl" solvent or chlorinated solvents
• See label for dilution rates
Zep High-Traffic Carpet Cleaner company description:
•Enzyme action for removing pet stains and odors
•Designed to clean tough spots
•Ideal for everyday use
•Not for use with or in extractor/steam carpet machines
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from carpet
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from fabric
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from upholstery
•Removes coffee stains out of carpet
•Removes dry ink stains out of carpet
Environmentally preferred carpet shampoo designed for deep cleaning. “Dry” foam allows for rapid drying and a quicker return to use. Inhibits surface resoiling and leaves behind a fresh fragrance. Safe on stain-resistant treated carpets.
• For use with bonnet cleaning
• “Dry” foam formulation allows carpets to be cleaned without excessive wetting of carpet and pad, prolonging the life of the carpet
• Resists resoiling
• Safe on stain-resistant treated carpets
• Does not contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, ozone-depleting ingredients, carcinogens, "butyl" solvent or chlorinated solvents
• See label for dilution rates
Zep High-Traffic Carpet Cleaner company description:
•Enzyme action for removing pet stains and odors
•Designed to clean tough spots
•Ideal for everyday use
•Not for use with or in extractor/steam carpet machines
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from carpet
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from fabric
•Cleans pet stains such as vomit, urine and feces from upholstery
•Removes coffee stains out of carpet
•Removes dry ink stains out of carpet
rivstg1
Well-known member
good post Paul,
I haven't tried the 'high-foaming' one, just the high traffic one, its suds were perfect! better than my Kirby shampoo for sure.
I haven't tried the 'high-foaming' one, just the high traffic one, its suds were perfect! better than my Kirby shampoo for sure.
tekjunkie28
Well-known member
What about a Rainbow shampooer? How does that compare. I alway thought the Kirby shampooer was the bomb??
rivstg1
Well-known member
I have both
I like them both...I feel the rainbow ‘truly cleans’....b/c it’s an extraction type of cleaner ( water in and water coming out), I feel it’s a more thorough cleaning Device ... but I like the ease of the kirby dry foam...less water...but I still use fans to help accelerate the drying just like I do with the Kirby. I don’t get the slaw feeling of ‘clean’ ....probably b/c I can’t see the results like I can with the dirty water of the rainbow
I like them both...I feel the rainbow ‘truly cleans’....b/c it’s an extraction type of cleaner ( water in and water coming out), I feel it’s a more thorough cleaning Device ... but I like the ease of the kirby dry foam...less water...but I still use fans to help accelerate the drying just like I do with the Kirby. I don’t get the slaw feeling of ‘clean’ ....probably b/c I can’t see the results like I can with the dirty water of the rainbow
s_brisowitz
Member
Ammonia, Summer's Eve, and bleach... Nothing stands a chance not even the brine incident of 76!
Oh, hold the line, the brine isn’t always on time...
Smells like the spirit of 76...
Smells like the spirit of 76...
s_brisowitz
Member
Morris Mattress
In all actuality my uncle Mark used a Kirby to make a few small repairs on the Morris Mattress (had stains of various shapes and sizes) back in 1970! The Morris Mattress was a town legend in the town of Morris, just an old stone's throw from Minneapolis. Let's just put it this way, we faced something other than the Nation, but the bed was saved!
In all actuality my uncle Mark used a Kirby to make a few small repairs on the Morris Mattress (had stains of various shapes and sizes) back in 1970! The Morris Mattress was a town legend in the town of Morris, just an old stone's throw from Minneapolis. Let's just put it this way, we faced something other than the Nation, but the bed was saved!
vacuumdevil
Well-known member
@s_brisowitz I concur ammonia and bleach is the best homemade Kirby shampoo out there! Leaves no residue in the carpet too .
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