Rainbow E2 two speed

[rainbowkristy]

Hi everyone, I got a Rainbow E2 two speed the other day from a storage auction and clearly it wasn't all that taken care of. The separator was black, and I really don't think it has ever been cleaned. The inside has dirt caked on from where the hose hooks up and under where the separator goes. It still runs, but needs a real good deep cleaning. The outside of the unit doesn't look bad but it has some paint marks from going up against the walls I am guessing and other than being dusty it looks pretty good. The power nozzle is also in good shape other than being dirty as well, but there are some brushes missing on part of one brush strip. What would be the best way to get this back in top shape and clean again, like what are some good cleaning products anyone would recommend?. I plan on taking pictures of everything later tonight and posting them on here tomorrow. Does anyone know of any good sites, that sell rainbow products that are 100% real?

 

[venson]

Sounds like your in for quite an adventure.

For economy's sake, I'd browse eBay. A large amount of Rainbow parts show up there, especially filters. Have you checked behind the HEPA? It sounds as if the machine needs to be almost completely disassembled AND I am assuming you've done this before.

No need to go overboard regarding special cleaning products. Use what you have around the house. Since it's largely plastic, take the dirty pieces to a sink and use dish detergent and warm water with a little laundry bleach added in. OR, use a solution made with dishwasher detergent and warm water. It will help quickly dissolve caked on dirt (it's great on bathroom tile too). A tablespoon or two per gallon of warm water should do it. Note: do not mix chlorine bleach with other household chemicals.

Also employ a sponge plus an old toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies as best you can. Mix no chemicals, use no abrasives and do wear rubber household gloves if your hands are sensitive. Rinse all parts you've washed thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reassembly.

Best of luck.

 

[mark40511]

Yea. It's definitely going to have to be completely taken apart and fans cleaned on the inside and hepa replaced. GRRRR - I can only imagine what the fans/housing looks like if the separator was black. Taking a two speed apart is tricky. I personally wouldn't attempt it but I've seen a video of it done, but I can't find it. If there is a Rainbow dealer in your area I think they charge 60 dollar to take apart and clean it.

 

[venson]

Tearing down a Rainbow E . . .

Hi rainbowkristy,

mark40511 has a point. Since he mentioned there being a repair video around, I checked out YouTube and came up with the following. You may want to take a look at it before proceeding with the clean up yourself.

If it's a little too difficult to broach, go to www.switchboard.com, enter your zip code and do a search for "Rainbow vacuum".

Again, good luck.

Venson

Venson

 

[mark40511]

Venson - That particular video is of the E series one speed. The 2 speed is completely different on the inside. If I had a one speed rainbow, I could probably do this - but that video I saw of the two speed being taken apart was made by Joel here on the forum and I was too intimidated watching it to even begin to try it with mine. Not that mine needs to be taken apart and cleaned - but I still thought it was cool to see one taken completely apart.

 

[rainbowjoel]

Mark I still have it. I have it private.

 

[rainbowjoel]

My video taking two speed apart.

Video one. it sure hard filming awhile taking apart.

 

[rainbowjoel]

My video taking two speed apart.

Video 2

http://my video taking two speed apart.

 

[rainbowjoel]

mmm the link is not work

maybe this one works.

 

[venson]

@rainbowjoel / mark40511 . . .

Thank you! Here's one machine that kind of dispels the "fan in a can" theory.

Rainbowjoel, thanks for the videos and all that effort. What was the stuff you used when you re-seated the motor? An adhesive or a sealant of some kind?

Mark40511, Rainbow only charges 60 bucks for that much work?

Thanks again and best regards to you both.

Venson

 

[rainbowjoel]

verson

I used lotion so it can slide easier.

 

[venson]

@rainbowjoel . . .

I see! How long did it take to become able to disassemble and reassemble these new models as quickly as you do? To a novice, the job appears totally baffling.

Venson

 

[rainbowkristy]

Thanks everyone for the help, I have spent most of today trying to clean it up the best I can. I know the basics, how to clean the hepa filter, the separator and all that but there is no way I will be able to take it all apart and put it back together right. The filter was nasty, it has taken the most to clean and still doesn't look very clean to me, the water is running a little clearer but there is still more dirt to come out. I plan on calling around Monday to see how much it will cost for it to be cleaned on the inside from someone who knows what they are doing. I have taken a few picture and I am uploading them now so I will be posting the before pics soon.

 

[rainbowkristy]

just nasty!

I really don't understand how someone can spend all that money on a Rainbow or any vacuum for that matter and then not take care of it.

 

[rainbowkristy]

another one...

 

[rainbowkristy]

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[rainbowkristy]

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[rainbowkristy]

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[rainbowkristy]

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