It’s not often that I find one I haven’t heard of. (Kenmore DryClean’n Vac)

[broomvac]

Today was one of those days.

Here, at my one of the routine vacuum sources (recycling center), I discovered a Kenmore DryClean’n Vac. It’s bizzare for a number of reasons, including the fact that 80% or so of the bag is covered by a hard cover, but there is a soft panel on the back. Clearly, it is a dirty-fan vacuum.

Tell me about this. I suspect these are pretty uncommon, and I’m debating going back to save it while I still have the opportunity.

For fun, I’ve included pictures of the other vacuums I spotted today, too. Not shown because I have encountered them on previous visits as well:
-A vintage Eureka F and G upright
-A Dirt Devil Broom Vac
-A complete Electrolux Ambassador III
-A rather unused older Riccar upright
-Several more Orecks (4100(?) and XL2(?))
-A Hoover Concept I in solid “mint-chip ice cream” color
-Kirby Heritage 84 & attachments etc.
-Kirby 516(?) and attachments etc.

and more.

 

[fan-of-fans]

I never seen one myself either, but in this thread it was discussed with a catalog page. I'd say very rare.

https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?15479

 

[dysonman1]

It is extremely rare. They made them for a short time only. They used bags that clogged with the powder almost immediately. That machine is what inspired James Dyson to design the dry tech carpet cleaning machine for Sears that used his dual cyclone.

 

[broomvac]

Hmmm. I’m curious to see more of it now. I think I’ll go rescue it tomorrow morning. For $5 I just can’t go wrong. It’s worth that just to learn about it and share some pics, even if I re-donate it later.

 

[dysonman1]

They didn't sell very many. At the time, the Bissell carpet shampooer that hooked up to the sink with a 50 foot water hose, was what was flying off shelves. Sears had a hard time convincing people that a dry powder would remove spilled Pepsi. Capture was the powder used with those machines. The Dyson design worked MUCH better. You should get the machine, for $5 anyway, because it IS a rare piece of history.

 

[broomvac]

I went back today and bought it. More to come!

 

[bvac6]

There are lots of machines there that need rescuing!

 

[panasonicvac]

Reminds me of the vintage Panasonic MC-6100.

 

[vacuumdevil]

So whats what came before the Capture Carpet Cleaner By Fantom .

 

[broomvac]

A cursory external wipe-down of the machine has made it clear to me that this vacuum has not seen much use. I was actually finding remnants of the original styrofoam packaging around the handle and switch panel. It runs like a top, too. It better, considering it has to have been used only once or twice!

Thoughts:

-It is actually a twin-motor vacuum. I can’t think of many other dirty fan vacuums that use this system. Regina Power Team and Vorwerk are the only which come to mind. The user can actually run the brush but not the suction motor to scrub the powder into the carpet. Since the brush still turns strongly, I suspect this vacuum uses a toothed belt.

-This vacuum seems to be made from the exact same plastic as my Amway CMS 1000.

-The brush roll is wooden and seems very reminiscent of that from a Fantom.

-The switch panel appears to be from a 1980’s blender. There is also a button on the handle grip for releasing the dry cleaning agent.

-With a fresh bag, I think this vacuum may actually perform decently.

Any of you know who made this vacuum for Sears?

@dysonman1 Ironically, sitting next to this vacuum was that very Bissell you mentioned!



Here are some pictures taken after the initial cleaning. If any of you want to see more of this, let me know! I’m glad I could share this one with you all!

 

[broomvac]

The original bag, perhaps? I’m hanging on to this just in case I need it to make one to-fit.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Interesting. 175 model prefix makes it a Singer sourced model. They were making the Kenmore Spraymate carpet cleaners at the time as well.

There was another vacuum that Sears sold that used that Capture powder. It was a hand vac with a headlight, very similar to the Kirby Vacuette and I think there was a Craftsman version. It was white and gray and there was a knob to shut off the suction to allow the brushroll to scrub in the powder. I saw one in the box at a thrift store many years ago. Kind of wish I had gotten it.

 

[crazykirbydude]

Please rescue those Electroluxes and Kirbys!