4501933ho
Member
Is it a bad idea to use my 1934 hoover 450as a every day vacuum so what's your answer?
Is it bad to use a antique vacuum as a evey day cleaner?
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I was JUST thinking about that!!!!!
They were so well-made, they've lasted sooooo long.
My ONLY concern would be: as long as you oil them, and can get belts and brushes for them........ go ahead!!!!!!! I have numerous antique, classic, vintage vacs and have thought about using them more.
John
They were so well-made, they've lasted sooooo long.
My ONLY concern would be: as long as you oil them, and can get belts and brushes for them........ go ahead!!!!!!! I have numerous antique, classic, vintage vacs and have thought about using them more.
John
human
Well-known member
Mechanical things, be they cars, kitchen appliances or vacuum cleaners, need to be run at least occasionally to stay in good condition. Sitting unused isn't good for any machine. In addition to the things John mentioned above, the question of whether a particular machine is up to the rigors daily or even weekly use would also largely depend on the condition of its wiring and power switch and possibly the brush roll as well. There's really no reason not to, if everything is in good shape.
THanks,
I forgot to mention the cord and wiring. After all, they WERE made to be used. Look at how long they have lasted!!!!!!
I forgot to mention the cord and wiring. After all, they WERE made to be used. Look at how long they have lasted!!!!!!
Of course not.
Unless you have bad allergies or something. One of my friends on here only uses vintage vacuums from the 70's and below. Enjoying using what you like. There's nothing wrong with it. Perception can be/is different for everyone.
Unless you have bad allergies or something. One of my friends on here only uses vintage vacuums from the 70's and below. Enjoying using what you like. There's nothing wrong with it. Perception can be/is different for everyone.
I rotate through my vacs -- new and vintage -- as I enjoy using each one. There isn't a specific vacuum I use every day, though lately I am really enjoying my Dual Sanitronic 50 with its new HEPA bag conversion and Mini Emptor and tend to use it a bit more often than my other vintage vacs (1974 JCPenney Hoover convertible, 1984 Royal 880, 1988 Royal 884 and a 1988 Kirby Heritage II Legend) along with my modern Sanitare SC886 and Kirby Avalir (I have no desire to use my wife's Dyson Animal 2, -- it's there because she doesn't like using 1920's technology, as she puts it, lol).
My Kirby D50 practically a brand new vacuum -- when I restored it last summer, I installed brand new front and rear bearings, motor brushes, a brushroll, new trim and wheels, a new Amodel fan (not to worry, the fan installed in it was not metal, but Lexan, otherwise I would've kept the metal fan) and a new aftermarket bag on it, which was recently taken to a tailor to have a zippered back added to it to facilitate a disposable bag. The HEPA conversion has made it comparable to a modern machine -- yet it's the oldest in my collection so far (something like a Kirby Model C or 505 with a HEPA conversion would be REALLY cool!).
As long as you are maintaining your machine(s), are confident in being able to track down and obtain critical parts should it need service down the road and are confident in either finding a vacuum shop willing and able to service your specific machine or doing the repairs yourself, I don't see why you couldn't use it daily or semi-frequently. There are exceptions to the rule, however -- you probably would want to avoid using something like a Hamilton Beach metal upright on a daily basis as parts are surely unobtanium since H-B hasn't been in that business for decades.
My Kirby D50 practically a brand new vacuum -- when I restored it last summer, I installed brand new front and rear bearings, motor brushes, a brushroll, new trim and wheels, a new Amodel fan (not to worry, the fan installed in it was not metal, but Lexan, otherwise I would've kept the metal fan) and a new aftermarket bag on it, which was recently taken to a tailor to have a zippered back added to it to facilitate a disposable bag. The HEPA conversion has made it comparable to a modern machine -- yet it's the oldest in my collection so far (something like a Kirby Model C or 505 with a HEPA conversion would be REALLY cool!).
As long as you are maintaining your machine(s), are confident in being able to track down and obtain critical parts should it need service down the road and are confident in either finding a vacuum shop willing and able to service your specific machine or doing the repairs yourself, I don't see why you couldn't use it daily or semi-frequently. There are exceptions to the rule, however -- you probably would want to avoid using something like a Hamilton Beach metal upright on a daily basis as parts are surely unobtanium since H-B hasn't been in that business for decades.
bikerray
Well-known member
I use a Hoover 541 or a Hoover 105 on my Karastan rugs all the time.
I know the other day I was thinking is it wrong to vacuum a rug with a vacuum that's almost 100 years old, but as long as you take care of them they last a LOT longer then the Craptastic Plastic that's out there now.
I know the other day I was thinking is it wrong to vacuum a rug with a vacuum that's almost 100 years old, but as long as you take care of them they last a LOT longer then the Craptastic Plastic that's out there now.
gregvacs28
Well-known member
These are decorative items. They may well contain asbestos in the bag and electrical parts, plus lead, and the dirt in the bag it'self may be contaminated from when ever it was actually in use.
The filtration I doubt is good.
And it's a practical thing. Cleaning or replacing the bag on these, I can only imagine....
In my experience, there was always a "smell" to old appliances older than say 1970. I don't know what it is but...... not good.
I remember when I was a kid, finding an old vacuum like this in someones basement where it probably sat for years. Then plugging it in and it shot sparks out of it. Probably from the frayed wiring.
I have old vacuums too that are fun to look at, but not practical to use. I don't want to get them dirty and new stuff is just so much better.
The filtration I doubt is good.
And it's a practical thing. Cleaning or replacing the bag on these, I can only imagine....
In my experience, there was always a "smell" to old appliances older than say 1970. I don't know what it is but...... not good.
I remember when I was a kid, finding an old vacuum like this in someones basement where it probably sat for years. Then plugging it in and it shot sparks out of it. Probably from the frayed wiring.
I have old vacuums too that are fun to look at, but not practical to use. I don't want to get them dirty and new stuff is just so much better.
4501933ho
Member
I thank all of yo for your input
I like that hoover 541 its nice and to note in 17 thank you all!
I like that hoover 541 its nice and to note in 17 thank you all!
Smell of old appliances
I know what you speak of. All of my vintage acquisitions had that slightly musty, mothball smell (save for my Heritage II Legend, which actually smelled of ironing starch, oddly enough). Even the Model 640 Hamilton Beach/Scovill InstaBlend I bought from a thrift store and restored smelled like that (I actually left the bare motor out in the sun for a few days to help rid itself of that smell, which worked well).
As for my vacuum acquisitions, a thorough disassembly, a date with my shop-vac and air compressor AND a thorough washing, rinsing and sanitizing of everything that wasn't a bearing or an electrical component, the smell completely went away. While they never had that "new, out of the box" smell after cleaning, they all now smell fresh and clean instead of smelling like it came out of a mildewy closet or basement after 30 years.
I also collect and restore vintage computers. While it's a LOT harder to thorougly clean a computer, I've been lucky in the sense that my acquisitions so far haven't "smelled" and I've never came across anything that smelled like it came out of a smoker's home, a household where a lot of deep-frying and odorous cooking took place, etc. The most I'm able to do for computers is left at removing all the components out of the chassis, washing the chassis and letting it dry, blasting the components with my air compressor and swabbing as much as I can with cotton balls and rubbing alcohol -- so far it's worked out well.
I know what you speak of. All of my vintage acquisitions had that slightly musty, mothball smell (save for my Heritage II Legend, which actually smelled of ironing starch, oddly enough). Even the Model 640 Hamilton Beach/Scovill InstaBlend I bought from a thrift store and restored smelled like that (I actually left the bare motor out in the sun for a few days to help rid itself of that smell, which worked well).
As for my vacuum acquisitions, a thorough disassembly, a date with my shop-vac and air compressor AND a thorough washing, rinsing and sanitizing of everything that wasn't a bearing or an electrical component, the smell completely went away. While they never had that "new, out of the box" smell after cleaning, they all now smell fresh and clean instead of smelling like it came out of a mildewy closet or basement after 30 years.
I also collect and restore vintage computers. While it's a LOT harder to thorougly clean a computer, I've been lucky in the sense that my acquisitions so far haven't "smelled" and I've never came across anything that smelled like it came out of a smoker's home, a household where a lot of deep-frying and odorous cooking took place, etc. The most I'm able to do for computers is left at removing all the components out of the chassis, washing the chassis and letting it dry, blasting the components with my air compressor and swabbing as much as I can with cotton balls and rubbing alcohol -- so far it's worked out well.
superocd
I also rotate between all the Kirby and Royal uprights I have.
~Ben
I also rotate between all the Kirby and Royal uprights I have.
~Ben
Wow
If you look at the armatures off 1920's,1930's,1940's are made of the same material except fan on armature. There is even bigger carbon brushes on newer vacuums. If you use type c bags on the bellows it's better filtration and no bag exhaust sir.
The asbestos cord you have to be kidding me.
I guess Tom Gasko and John long should be dead with all the old vacuums running excessively.
In all reality use the vacuum. If you love it and you love to vacuum it's like therapy.
You can't use the vacuum when your dead. Use it love it enjoy it. I'd get life insurance because i guess it's a serious health hazard. It gets offset by the therapy sessions.
Use your vacuum.
Les
If you look at the armatures off 1920's,1930's,1940's are made of the same material except fan on armature. There is even bigger carbon brushes on newer vacuums. If you use type c bags on the bellows it's better filtration and no bag exhaust sir.
The asbestos cord you have to be kidding me.
I guess Tom Gasko and John long should be dead with all the old vacuums running excessively.
In all reality use the vacuum. If you love it and you love to vacuum it's like therapy.
You can't use the vacuum when your dead. Use it love it enjoy it. I'd get life insurance because i guess it's a serious health hazard. It gets offset by the therapy sessions.
Use your vacuum.
Les
huskyvacs
Well-known member
Just like old cars - they are made to be run. You cannot leave them sit or the rubber belts will harden and snap, and the grease will gum up or leak away from the parts from gravity and leave them dried out. It does not hurt them to use them at all. Now maybe every day for hours upon end for years - yeah that might be bad for it. Just use it as a daily vacuum for a month, switch it out and use another the next month, and so on and so forth. Or even every 2 weeks, whatever you want to do.
The main issue is just parts wear and tear and you would need to keep spare parts on hand or know where to get them when they wear out to avoid being stuck with a paperweight. One challenge is finding a proper spec belt for a modern vacuum that will fit these old vacuums, it takes some ingenuity to find one that is close to the same size. Also the bristles are horsehair I think? So those can also be a challenge and I think those have to be manually re-threaded by hand, I have no idea how that's done.
Phaeton, (I think that's his name if I remember it right), many years ago when I first started collecting sent me two tiny little handle screws for my 700 series Hoover that I needed because my handle was detached. I mean so tiny "you would need a magnifying glass to find them" tiny. I would have been totally stuck without his help sending me those screws, so I thank him for that.
But yeah, use them and enjoy!
The main issue is just parts wear and tear and you would need to keep spare parts on hand or know where to get them when they wear out to avoid being stuck with a paperweight. One challenge is finding a proper spec belt for a modern vacuum that will fit these old vacuums, it takes some ingenuity to find one that is close to the same size. Also the bristles are horsehair I think? So those can also be a challenge and I think those have to be manually re-threaded by hand, I have no idea how that's done.
Phaeton, (I think that's his name if I remember it right), many years ago when I first started collecting sent me two tiny little handle screws for my 700 series Hoover that I needed because my handle was detached. I mean so tiny "you would need a magnifying glass to find them" tiny. I would have been totally stuck without his help sending me those screws, so I thank him for that.
But yeah, use them and enjoy!
bnsd60m9200
Well-known member
the average of the vacuums i use is 40-55 years old. i restore, service and maintain all my machines so i know they're cleaning properly. most "hepa filtered" vacuums today may fliter better (barely), but cleaning performance is generally (except like new kirbys and rainbows) is far inferior to anything i use.
dont be afraid or worried to use vintage machines for daily use. i rotate mine out and use a different one each week, sometimes different ones per floor. the older machines long as like everyone else says you have belts and brush strips for them, will clean far better than anything today most people have in thier homes.
even an old coffee can like this is perfectly fine in daily use. long as its serviced every 5-10 years youll be fine
dont be afraid or worried to use vintage machines for daily use. i rotate mine out and use a different one each week, sometimes different ones per floor. the older machines long as like everyone else says you have belts and brush strips for them, will clean far better than anything today most people have in thier homes.
even an old coffee can like this is perfectly fine in daily use. long as its serviced every 5-10 years youll be fine
madman
Well-known member
Here we go again with the asbestos rant. >_< I'm lookin' at you, Greg.
Is asbestos-phobia a thing?
Is asbestos-phobia a thing?
Funny,people have been using these vacuums and other appliances for YEARS without mishap.The amount of asbestos in the wiring and insulation isn't anything to worry about UNLESS it is coming apart.Even then not that much.Not like you are stripping asbestos fireproofing during shipbreaking operations.You can use the old vacuum OK.
bikerray
Well-known member
Yes the bristles are horsehair, they didn't start using nylon bristles until the late 1940's.
And as far as I know horsehair doesn't contain asbestos.
I clean all of my vacuums when I get them, so none of my vacuums have any smell to them. People have come to the hobbit hole and been amazed that I had so many vacuums but they don't detect any vacuum odor.
And as far as I know horsehair doesn't contain asbestos.
I clean all of my vacuums when I get them, so none of my vacuums have any smell to them. People have come to the hobbit hole and been amazed that I had so many vacuums but they don't detect any vacuum odor.
oreck_xl
Well-known member
You know it's funny. Vintage vacuums are a testament to the fact that you DON'T need a gas-guzzling 12 amp or 15 amp motor to get your carpets clean. Save for filtration, new vacuums have NO advantage over vintage ones. And build quality has definitely suffered on the whole in the last 25 years. Personally, I love the soothing hum of the 2.8 amp motor in my Oreck XL100C. It's no powerhouse, but it gets my carpets clean and it's what I enjoy using. I agree that problems develop simply from lack of use. Use them, maintain them, take care of them and they will last FOREVER.
Say what you want about Asbestos, when left alone it can do you no harm.
We have a farmhouse with a roof from the 1940s, asbestos shingles. Doesn't leak a drop and it never will.
They were the best brake pads, and asbestos insulation was the best you could get.
I agree, run them. It wont do you (or them) harm
We have a farmhouse with a roof from the 1940s, asbestos shingles. Doesn't leak a drop and it never will.
They were the best brake pads, and asbestos insulation was the best you could get.
I agree, run them. It wont do you (or them) harm
