Update for my Avalir....
I have completed my spring cleaning, I usually use a canister for this job, however I wanted to put my Avalir through the paces. I bought an extension hose a few months back that attaches to the end of the Kirby hose, friction fit, which allowed me to reach my vaulted ceilings and ledges that I have in my two bedroom landominium. When I use a canister, I have to hold a canister in one hand and the hose and attachment in the other, and climb a ladder. This can be a little tricky.....I still had to climb a ladder, but only had to carry the hose, wand, and brush of the kirby, with it still being on the floor. I was even able to clean my ceiling fans at the tallest point of my vaulted ceilings without reaching them with a static duster....
With that said, I was able to clean blinds, ledges, drapes, upholstery, hard surface floors and of course the wall to wall carpets. The only place, I wasn't quite satisfied with was under my beds, where I always use a power nozzle. Instead my option was to use the surface nozzle under my beds. I was able to use the Zipp Brush in tight spaces, like where my carpet butts up to my fireplace...and a few other places like that.
Today, I decided to use the multi surface cleaner to shampoo my carpet, which was the last thing I needed to do. It has two settings, one for hard surface and one for carpet, I actually used the one for hard surface, as I tend to get too much foam. This worked well for me, just enough foam and you didn't feel like you were in a race with the foam.
Here are my overall thoughts using only the Kirby......
Maneuvering the Kirby Avalir seems to be easier, which I am contributing to the rounded front wheels.
This is the first year, that I was able to climb the ladder, without holding a canister, hose, wands, and tool. Note: I am going to find a canister extension hose, at least for one of my canisters, so that I can leave it on the floor when climbing a ladder for my high areas.....This is kind of dangerous when you are climbing holding canister, wand, and tool. I actually fell last year, but I was only like on the 3rd rung of the ladder and I landed on my feet and did not drop anything. If I had been higher up, I would have dropped and damaged the canister, let alone myself........learn from this if you have high ceilings, extension hose to attach to whatever, will save you. It needs to be 8 to 10 ft plus you regular hose. Invaluable item.
I did have to keep switching the Kirby from tools to carpet, but I honestly, that is no big deal.
I have blinds, some valances, and drapes. The Avalir handled them well.
I have a small hardwood floor in my entrance way, and tile floors in the kitchen, laundry room, and two baths. The Kirby Avalir handled all that, plus vacuuming under my range, and under my fridge with ease. I have a horse hair floor brush in black to do these jobs. It is a standard fit all.....which worked with the Avalir as well.
Carpet was no problem at all, the Kirby Avalir groomed it very well.
Multi Surface Shampooer did a nice job on my carpet, I normally use an Electrolux Floor Pro, but wanted to try the new Shampooer. I didn't use it on my tile floor as I use a micro fiber mop and Kirby floor cleaner, which works great. Unless I had stained grout lines, I don't think I would use it on my hard floor. You also would have to buy a tile and grout brush, which Kirby makes. I did use the grout cleaner in a few spots and wiped after sitting with a micro fiber cloth. It helped some and would have probably came out if I had used a tooth brush. ....
Last step after carpet dries, is to vacuum thoroughly with the Avalir, then use a carpet fluffer from another Kirby to raise the nap as much as possible. Won't do that until late Monday.....
So which for me is the easiest to do my Spring and Fall Housecleaning? I may choose to use the Kirby Avalir and a canister, depending on which job I am doing, like vacuuming under the beds....
I really like the Avalir, it is well made and is after all the 100th Anniversary Edition. I like the black and red, it reminds me of a newer updated Kirby 505. I also bought mine from a great guy, who also gave me what I thought was a very fair price, for the Avalir, Shampooer, and Zipp Brush. I won't disclose the price, but if anyone is interested, I can put you in contact with the dealer. Like I said, he was great to deal with and I am very pleased with my Avalir.
I also have the 3 year warranty and lifetime factory rebuild program.
Sincerely,
PR-21
Bud
[this post was last edited: 4/19/2015-20:27]
