Sirena refurb worth it? What about Quantum X?

[lux_luthor]

One thing I did find odd was the separator on mine is black instead of white/yellow. I did use white paper towel to wipe it off after using the vacuum, and there was no dirt come off of it. Maybe it’s an after market part?

 

[lux_luthor]

[No message]

 

[chris]

I think the very first e series had that color separator. That doesnt mean you have one of the first ones though. That separator may have been added later as a replacement.

 

[mark40511]

Yep

I've seen that color on the one speeds. You can always buy another separator for the one speed that's yellow and the separators aren't expensive.
I wonder why those were 2 piece?

http://www.goodvac.com/RAINBOW_E_SERIES_SEPARATOR_p/r-prt-r10827.htm

 

[lux_luthor]

I’m not worried about the separator. Just thought it was odd.

So I did take off the filter and there was a little dust. But that could be my doing. The first use I had a lot of crud in the water, which I couldn’t see until I was finished because the eucalyptus stuff foamed. The second use I didn’t put as much water, just up to the top of the dome where first time I put an inch or so above it. Either way, it wasn’t much dust.

 

[mark40511]

I wouldn't go

a full inch above the dome......Just a wee bit above. Also, eucalyptus essential oil (if that's what you're using) shouldn't foam. If anything, it should cut foam. I rarely use the bottles of Rexair scents. I usually use pure Lemon or Eucalyptus essential oil...just a few drops. I keep them in the fridge. No chemicals. Since oil/water don't mix, I think it slightly improves the waters ability to capture dirt and at the same time they smell awesome. I've read that some people use fabric softener but I can't stand the smell of fabric softener. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Rexair scents...The problem I have is the green solution for killing germs. It foams terribly in my machine, and I have hard water. When I do laundry, there are barely any suds..

 

[lux_luthor]

I was told essential oils can cause problems for cats, even if they’re only breathing the scent. So I don’t use those.
It wasn’t bad, but it was enough that I thought the water was clear because it splashed around white.

I use the Rexair scent in the picture below. I do want to try the germ killing stuff though.

 

[mark40511]

I have a cat

she's never seemed to have been bothered by it. She's over 15 years old. But I'll have to research that. I had no idea.

 

[chris]

For me the rexair fragrances don't really foam but they do turn the water cloudy. The fresh air does foam but I've not had a problem with overfoaming. Just ordered some today. Gonna start running my rainbow 24 7 with all that's going on. Dont know if it will do any good but it cant hurt

 

[lux_luthor]

I had checked it online and found different sites saying that about essential oils. But I’m sure like with everything else, it’s circumstantial.

I really need one of both electrical and non electrical 14ft hoses. But I’m hesitant to spend much with the economy going to trash with COVID-19. Sigh.

 

[mark40511]

I know this whole thing is surreal Twilight Zone crazy.

When/if you do ever get the 14-foot hoses, I didn't get the electric 14-foot because I want all the airflow I can get at the PN. The longer the hose, the less airflow. However, I will say this, there's PLENTY of airflow with the non-electric 14-foot hose, so it may be fine. They also make 30-foot hoses (no thanks, 14 is fine)

I still have an OLD bottle of the Green air freshener that originally came with my rainbow. Over the years, I've used it here and there and there's a small amount left. I never liked using it because it foamed too much. Yesterday, I put some in, but only like 25% of a capful and it didn't foam at all. I swear that stuff smells exactly the same as it did 14 years ago. I'll bet with the new smaller bottles being more concentrated I would only have to use drops

 

[chris]

The cheapest place for anything rainbow related is Rainvac.com. 99% of all my rainbow stuff comes from them. I got the 14 electrified hose for stairs and i think i only paid

 

[chris]

$128

 

[rivstg1]

mark40511

your foaming comments are puzzling to me. I've used the green floor/air cleaner for decades and don't ever recall it foaming too much. I do like the smell !!!!

 

[mark40511]

Puzzling to you?

It's been puzzling to me for years.....Especially my water is moderately hard. The Smell of the stuff is awesome though. I can get away with using a little of it, I just can't use the full amount per directions.....but that's OK, because even using a little, the smell still fills the house. I think if/when I buy the next bottle, I'm going to use drops of it instead of a capful because you can still smell it big time with just a little.

 

[mark40511]

Oh yea

I use Rainvac.com too. Or Goodvac for my rainbow stuff. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's where I got the 14-foot hose and another dusting brush because I wore my first one out.

 

[lux_luthor]

The electric hose cost has went up. It’s $149 now .

 

[lux_luthor]

I’m definitely giving more serious thought to a longer hose. Today while using the Rainbow I had to lift the machine up so I could reach my bathroom vent with the hose.

Using the electric hose with the tools today I noticed that I can’t dial down the suction for dusting. The non electric hose has a ring that opens up on the wand handle that would help with this.

I realized too that the white splashing around in the basin can be residual soap from when the apartment management “shampooed” the carpet. I remember pulling up white powder from the carpet in my V11 when I first moved in. That would explain the foam I’ve noticed.

I brushed off the separator which did have a little bit of dirt come off, but it wasn’t bad. This was after the 3rd use.

My power nozzle still agitates grit out of the carpet hard enough that it lands on top of the nozzle. I’m really impressed that it works so we’ll. The belt being in the center makes me do over lapping passes, which I know has to allow it to pick up more debris.

Really kind of wishing I did have an SRX. I have to carry mine up and down stairs, and the dolly likes to pop off when I’m carrying the machine, which is irritating. Also I’d like the lesser noise and power level adjustments. But I don’t regret my purchase at all. It works and does an amazing job. My carpet always feels softer and fluffier after using the Rainbow.

When I emptied it this time, it had the usual hair and white residue. The water was black and had a black sand in the bottom which was puzzling. I did clean out a closet today, that I hadn’t had the chance to vacuum before moving in. I’m wondering if that was where it come from.

And I’m now realizing just how fascinated I am by my Rainbow.

 

[mark40511]

I've been so bored lately

since I got my rainbow back I've been cleaning up a storm.

May I ask what that dark separator feels like? Is it a hard rubberized hard plasic type feel, or is it metal? Mine is that yellow one piece and it has the texture of like a soft but hard rubber plastic combination. I don't know how to describe the way it feels, but it's not metal. My point is, whatever it's made of, it seems like dirt doesn't want to stick to it as much. It eventually WILL stick to it if you don't clean it though.



Still... I would clean the separator every single time you use your Rainbow. When I'm done, I shut rainbow off and the first thing I do is wrap the cord up before I do anything. Then I take it off the basin, dump the water grab the rainbow off the dolly and just sit it beside the sink on its side on the kitchen counter right beside the sink. (no bending while cleaning things) clean the basin with soap/water/ then take off separator and scrub it with soap/toothbrush. I have my clean wet rag and I wipe off the shaft, the rubber area and the seals where the basin meets the intake. Sounds elaborate but it takes like 3 or 4 min's. But if for some reason I only briefly use my rainbow, I scratch all that and just leave the separator on without cleaning it at all. Making sure that seperator is clean like new always is what keeps the fans clean, that and changing the water if needed.

anyway - I really hope everything in the world goes back to normal soon.

 

[lux_luthor]

The separator feels the same as what you described yours.

I’m going to do my best to take care of it. I need it to last me for a few years at least.

Me too. I can tell this is bringing a lot of people down, myself included, and I do worry about what will happen with the economy. Regardless we’ve gotta keep on keepin’ on.