Does the outer bag fabric still matter?

[rowdy141]

The cloth outer-bags we're all familiar with were originally designed to allow air to pass through whilst still being fine enough to trap the dust within. Outer bags needed to be a specific thread-count or weight.

Now that we can retro-fit some earlier machines (such as the Kirby Tradition) with Hepa Filtration Disposable Bags, does this mean the outer fabric doesn't need to be so fine? I.e. can we use ANY breathable fabric when making a replacement outer-bag? Such a denim, corduroy, or a herringbone upholstery fabric?

Would a less-dense fabric actually improve airflow, offering less obstruction after the internal Hepa Bag?

The reason I'm asking, is because so many of the vintage machines we have here in the UK, have moth-eaten and faded bags which are beyond salvage. Although a new outer bag fabric would detract slightly from the original look of a vintage machine, a new fabric could really lift the look of these vintage vacuums.

Another attraction of course, is to move away from those kirby Sentria patterns, which don't compliment any decor.

 

[repairman]

I can't imagine it being a big deal. After all, Hoover would use the thinnest vinyl on their outer bags for all the Convertible units.

 

[jo]

I tend to agree

I had a Hoover convertible once and the outer bag was perforated vinyl. I would just choose something that will hold up well over time to any creasing and wear or repeated rubbing it would get because you do t want your efforts of hand making a bag to not last. I do like the denim Idea…sounds fun and durable. Perhaps a canvas too…just depends on how good air flow would be through the replacement material. I imagine if it’s too restrictive it will affect the performance of the cleaner.

Jon

 

[huskyvacs]

Like with any antiques you need the repairs to be historically accurate. That's what my preference is. I try and have as close a match to the original bag as possible. 1:1 match. But I will always save the original bag in a vacuum-sealed bag and store it away for future reference or when the vacuum is sold.

 

[rowdy141]

Oh yes, I completely agree with you Huskyvacs, the original outer cloth bag needs to be kept, no matter what its condition.

In-particularlr the Kirby Tradition bags haven't responded well to washing. Even if we find what appears to be a good one for sale, it often looks much worse up close. And sellers so often say "I've washed the bag for you!"

OldCrankman's thread "Which Kirby do you like?" (43312) inspired me to reconsider a different fabric, such as a blue tartan/check. It doesn't look out-of-place at all.

Sadly our old loom businesses, which could replicate any weave/pattern, have now gone. We have a similar problem sourcing Speaker-cloth for our vintage Valve Radios too.

 

[huskyvacs]

Most Kirby bags after the 500 series I believe are supposed to be cold water, Woolite detergent, hand wash in a pail, dry on a clothesline. And people say the colors can still bleed a bit.

There's a lot of old threads here about specifically washing Kirby bags but there's not been a cohesive method that doesn't result in bleeding of the dyes.

 

[kirby519]

Maybe time to consider using the Rit color setting agent before washing any vacuum bag to preserve the color.

https://www.ritdye.com/instructions/how-to-use-rit-color-stay-dye-fixative/