Electrolux Yellowed Plastic Remedy & Dusting Brush Styles

[paul]

I recently purchased a first generation Electrolux PN-1 with the plastic wand. When I got it home and compared it to my others, the wand and hood was quite yellowed (perhaps from cigarette smoke?). Before I try to restore the color (if possible), I wanted to get your opinions about it.

Also, are dusting brushes (not the plastic holders) identical as to how they are connected to the holders? I have a newer dusting brush/upholstery tool (all ivory) whose brush is removable with a slight turn and tug. However, I also have an older one with an ivory holder and teal sides that looks different where the brush connects and does not seem removable with the turn and tug. Any help you can provide will be appreciated.

 

[rugsucker]

Electrolux atts

The yellowed plastic can be from smokers or wood stove & fireplace.There has been a mixture to be applied in sunlight that is said to help.Others will know more.
The brisles on metal ring have always been replacable.Not often needed if the brush is used properly but some use it as scrub brush.There are 4 tabs in the rubber that hold the metal.To change bristle the rubber should be warm as from lying above heat vent,in hot car in sun,blow dryer,etc.Then with CAUTION use a flat screwdriver evenly around edge to remove and then to push new bristle in place without pointing at hands and removing skin instead.

 

[paul]

Thanks for the reply, Jimmy. I appreciate the info.

Do you know when the small tool was redesigned? Was it with the 1205 or later?

 

[mercuryman73]

Small Tool

Hi Paul,

To my knowledge, the small Electrolux dusting brush/upholstery tool was introduced in 1954 with the Model E and remained unchanged for decades. That attachment was quite ingenious in that it not only served as a dusting brush, but as very effective upholstery tool. The hinged "arms" would adjust themselves to concentrate suction around, say, the arm of a couch or the edge of a cushion.

The bristles that were used in that brush were made of horse hair and were quite soft so as not to mar any surfaces. Many people would use the brush at the end of the two aluminum wands as a high-dusting tool. What most likely would wear those bristles out over time would be a textured ceiling or door moulding, or even the fins of a cast-iron radiator.

I have replaced the bristles on the brush that matches my 1956 Model S...and it was quite a challenge to remove the old bristle ring without damaging the brush. However, as Jimmy mentioned, heating the brush up a bit and using a flat-head screwdriver sounds as if it would make replacement much easier.

Furthermore...it sounds like the brush you have matches the turquoise Model G.

Are you able to post a photo of the PN-1 that you say has yellowed? I'd be interested to see if it's the same color as my PN-1.

 

[paul]

Hi Brian:

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your information.

I agree that the overall style of the small tool has remained the same since 1954, but a closer look reveals that the brush "holder" was restyled at some point, so that all a person would have to do to replace it would be to "turn and tug" instead of the procedure Jimmy mentioned with the older style.

As for the photo of my PN-1 I do not presently have a camera, so below is sirluxomatic's photo of one that is identical to mine. I am going to try removing the yellowing with hydrogen peroxide.