the reviews of vacs: kirby Gsix

[vacuumssuck213]

so since my last review went pretty well i am going to keep up with the theme. so now that i fixed my Kirby G six nozzle lock and was able to use it most of the day its time to review it while its fresh. starting with the good its motor has a nice sweeping hum to it really hard to explain. its brush roll gives really good agitation to most carpets i have not used it on the shag yet but on flat low carpets it does a good job. in other words it is a Kirby and most Kirby fans would be completely happy. now the not so good. this is part opinion but the new design up until sentria i am not sold i don't really like it they made it work with the sentria but g3 thru Ultimate G diamond im not sold. I think they had it perfect with the heritage/legend models. secondly the tech drive seems really weak not sure if all were like this or if it took awhile for them to prefect self propelled Kirbys. because compared to my hoover power drives its very sluggish. now a few features I like and wish would work better are the carpet cleaning system on this i cleaned a room twice and the carpet still had pet stains? odor the system looks great on paper but in theory i think its a gimmick for now at least until i try a different kind of Kirby shampoo.

 

[human]

H1 vs G6

I kind of agree with you. I own a Heritage I (on semi-permanent loan to my girlfriend) and a G-Six 2001 Limited Edition (my primary vacuum for carpeted surfaces). The H1 in many respects is a more elegant machine. It's well balanced and doesn't take much more effort to push than the G6 with the Tech Drive engaged. Both machines are absolute deep-cleaning BEASTS and I would be hard pressed to say which one actually does a better job. I acquired both machines about two years ago--rescued the G6 from beside a dumpster (needed a belt and a bag) and Dad gave me the H1 a few weeks later when I told him about the G6. Before that, I had never used a Kirby and knew little about them other than they were supposed to be primo vacuum cleaners, a fact of which I am now thoroughly convinced. Now, they are my favorite machines, followed closely by my Electrolux 1205.

 

[danielsand]

I generally agree with the OP (although it was hard to read).

I am new to this whole "interest in vacuum cleaners", although I've been using them my whole life (much more than any of my ex wives, or the current one). I simply like freshly vacuumed house, and I've been vacuuming daily, my whole life.

Recently, I was bitten by a "Kirby bug", and acquired four of them in the quick succession. They are artfully designed, powerful tools, and they remain to be so to this day. Powerful,......but not "artful" any more! I am in the process of restoring a G4,.....great machine! My first "face to face" with a "modern" Kirby. A truly great vacuum, however........the angular design that was introduced with G3, along with the more plastic, and obscuring the roundness of the fan case, took away the "artful" out of Kirby.

Since I am not a collector, and I don't "live and breathe" vacuum cleaners (not that there is anything wrong about that!), I don't know what happened in the early nineties inside the factory. Did they have a big change on the corporate level (the head of the design, marketing, CEO), or they just decided that the "modern Kirby" should look like that? I understand wider rear axle (since few of my friends had Kirbys in the past, I've heard the comments about "tipping", "hard to push around", "too time consuming changing attachments", etc.), and improved maneuverability, I also applaud the power cord being on the opposite side of the bag (introduced much earlier), but I don't understand angular nozzle, headlight cap, and the top cover covering the fan case almost completely. I also don't understand plastic emtor. I can see why it was put on Heritage (many people complained about the weight of the machine), but with self propelled machine, the weight should not be an issue.

Introduction of more plastic was most likely based on savings in manufacture, and trimming down the weight. Since Kirbys are not exactly cheap in retail, I don't thing the savings in manufacturing process were that substantial. Picking up my Omega, side by side with G4, I don't see much difference in weight either.

Omega likes to tip. True. And it's as loud as a jet I used to fly, on takeoff (almost!). But looking at two of them side by side, I can think of a better comparison than looking at 1967 Mustang, next to a modern KIA.

I am aware (before any of you think it!) that I am not nearly qualified enough to post any "reviews" of ANY Kirby (being using Kirbys for a little over a month now), but the comments above triggered my response, for whatever it's worth.

 

[danielsand]

And to add to the OP's comment about the "rug renovator"........at first I was all "gung ho" to get it with one of my machines. Having ALL carpet cleaning needs in one machine sounds great! But I did some research, and some thinking on my own, and went out and bought a Bissel wet carpet extractor (after my Dirt Devil steam cleaner died honorably on the job, after ten years of extensive use).

I found out that there are MANY used Kirbys on the market. A lot of them have rug renovators with them, that sellers claim "never used", or "very seldom". The question is why? I must say, I never used Kirby rug renovator, to really speak from experience! I can believe how it can work well on the dirty carpet, soiled with foot traffic, and the occasional spills.

I can not see how it can work on pet stains (which happen once in a while, if one lives with several pets as I do). I decided that as great as the Kirbys are, as vacuum cleaners, I will pass on the rug renovator, and get an extractor that uses HOT water, enzymes, deodorizers, and shampoo. Extracting with gallons of water, makes me assured that ALL liquids, particles, and shampoo residue is completely removed from the carpet, and the padding, and I fail to see how Kirby rug renovator can pick up urine (example), and remove it from BELOW the carpet.

Am I wrong?

 

[bikerray]

I use to prefer vacuuming with my Kirby 519. I've had G3 through G7 and then I bought a G4 80th Anniversary that I was going to clean up and sell. Once I cleaned it up I really love the unit. With no effort at all you touch it it goes forward, just barely pull and it goes backward, the transmission is incredibly smooth. The ONLY time I've noticed a jerkyness is when it hits a hole in the subflooring under the carpeting.

As to shampooing
Dry foam systems;
I've tried the Electrolux Turbo shampoo with the Floor Pro
I've tried the Kirby system

Water extraction;
I've tried the Rainbow Aquamate

and still keep coming back to a Hoover Steam Vac Deluxe. The Hoover will pull out the left over carpet shampoo from the other systems.

When you're cleaning after foam systems that scrub the stuff into the carpet you have to use an antifoaming agent with the Extractor systems that spray water and cleaner into the carpet and then suction it out, so the recovery tank doesn't fill with suds.

just my point of view.

 

[dysonman1]

The Kirby shampooing system was developed to help the salesmen, not to really shampoo a carpet well. By turning water and soap into bubbles, then scrubbing it into the rug (where it dries) - it doesn't really do anything other than remove the greasy smudge from foot traffic. But, that's all it has to do. It was designed so the salesmen can offer to 'shampoo one room of carpet' when approaching the door of the home. Many salesmen only cleaned half the carpet, putting psychological pressure upon the prospect to buy the cleaner so they can finish the job. Recently, a Kirby salesman came to my door trying to sell the Sentria 2. I told him that I had the best vacuum cleaner in the world already, and he was very insistent and pushy to come in and demonstrate. After telling him I was NOT buying a Kirby, he came inside and started the demo. With regard to the shampooer, I 'accidentally' knocked over my Coke Zero onto the carpet. I asked him to shampoo it up. Of course, after using the Rug Renovator over the Coke Zero, nothing happened. I got out my Rainbow, attached the hose, and sucked the spill right up. The Kirby man ultimately left with his tail between his legs.

I also know how the trick of "he who goes first - loses" goes. After he vacuumed the rug with the Kirby, I put a clean bag into my Maytag M500 and vacuumed AFTER the Kirby. Cut open the bag, and you should have seen the look on the salesman's face at all the dirt the Maytag picked up after the Kirby. Guess he hadn't learned it was a trick yet.

The Hoover Steam Vac is a very good carpet shampooer, one of the best. It will shampoo rings around the Kirby.

 

[ronni]

Re: The Circular Dry Foam Shampoo Method (Encapsulation) used with the Kirby Rug Renovator (since c.1990 called Carpet Shampoo System), Aerus/Electrolux Floor Pro, TriStar FloorStar, et cetera)

Interestingly, both the Kirby and Aerus/Electrolux carpet shampoo systems were introduced in 1965. So, they have been used and improved upon for nearly half a century. They differ in that the Kirby system is attached to the vacuum cleaner and uses a brush cylinder while Aerus/Electrolux's method uses a separate triple-brush machine with rotary-action brushes.

I have successfully used the two methods and therefore find value in both. Ideally, they would be used interchangeably to maximize their pros and minimize their cons. Furthermore, they are most effective when ongoing maintenance and care are given (e. g. frequent vacuuming, use of entrance mats, removal of footwear, immediate treatment of soils and spills--with a clean cloth & spot remover or machine).

There are more types of carpet cleaning methods than the two you mentioned, but I will just focus on them.

Pros I have read ...

Extraction method:

1) More disinfecting qualities with hot water and shampoo
2) Extraction of solution with same machine (immediate recovery)
3) Carpet fibers are rinsed with water
4) Some contain brushes to agitate carpet fibers
5) Some contain nozzles for dispensing concentrated solution for stains or spots

Encapsulation Method

1) Disinfecting, brightening
2) Dust and dirt particles are encapsulated in shampoo and left to crystallize rather than creating a sludge
3) Extraction of crystallized dirt removed by vacuum cleaner (no recovery tank to empty)
4) Does not involve the use of toxic chemicals
5) Very effective in removing dust mite allergens and mold allergens


Cons I have read ...

Extraction Method:

1) User error--not following directions in the owners manual.
2) Not spot cleaning soiled areas in a timely fashion and/or not pre-treating them before extracting.
3) "Shoots" water into carpet base and pad creating a sludge that can't be completely removed
4) Possibility of over-wetting carpet leading to mold and mildew growth, delaminating, and/or shrinkage of jute
5) Not environmentally-friendly (e.g. much water and--sometimes--toxic chemical use)

Encapsulation Method:

1) User error--not following directions in the owners manual.
2) Not spot cleaning soiled areas in a timely fashion and/or not pre-treating them before encapsulating.
3) Possibility of leaving carpet fibers sticky if solution is improperly mixed, over-applied, or a vacuum with poor air flow is used.
4) Possibility of wearing out carpet fibers by using brushes meant for hard surface cleaning or by going over areas with too much pressure or too many times.
5) Results can vary depending on the quality of brushes and/or dry foam shampoo


Extraction and Encapsulation Comparison Chart:
http://www.excellent-supply.com/Comparing-Encapsulation-with-Hot-Water-Extraction_b_10.html

Here is a link that provides an informative and unbiased overview of different carpet cleaning methods:
http://www.apex-carpetcleaning.com/ourservices/carpetcleaningmethods.html

Here is some information on the history of carpet cleaning in the 19th and 20th centuries:
http://www.burrows.com/carpetcleaning/

 

[sptyks]

Thank You Fred, for posting such great information on the pros and cons of Extraction vs Encapsulation methods of cleaning carpets.


 

 

[ronni]

I wanted to amend what I mentioned about the beginning year of the Kirby and Aerus (Electrolux Corporation) carpet cleaning systems.

While 1965 was, indeed, the introduction of the current systems (albeit under the Rug Renovator and Model B-8/Carpet Beautifier names) both companies had earlier rudimentary carpet shampooing methods.

The Kirby system had been in place since at least 1949 with the addition of the Suds-O-Gun feature to its sprayer (since 1980 called the Kirby spray gun). One would presume that Kirby's dry foam shampoo was introduced at the same time. I'm uncertain which, if any, other attachment or accessory was recommended to work the suds into the carpet or to aid in drying and fluffing it.

The Aerus (Electrolux Corporation) system presumably began in 1937 with the introduction of the Model XXX (at least the manual states "Now you can save the cost of rug laundering by shampooing your rugs at home ... ") using your Electrolux sprayer (which had been introduced in 1924) and Nuvo Shampoo, a general cleaner made by Electrolux. The procedure was; 1) vacuum 2) use sprayer to mist Nuvo Shampoo on rugs or upholstery 3) Work in "dew" with the floor and wall brush 4) Wipe up dew with a damp cloth 5) Use floor and wall brush with hose connected to the "air outlet" to air-dry the rug and fluff the nap. Beginning in 1949 the new air-powered Floor Polisher and Scrubber was used to work the dew into the rugs.

1956 marked the introduction of the mult-use Turb-O-Tool that could be used with various attachments such as a drill or hedge trimmer. In 1957 its "Rug Washer" attachment replaced the Floor Polisher and Scrubber. When the Turb-O-Tool was discontinued 1962 the Rug Washer was redesigned as an independent accessory. Electrolux would continue producing it until 1987 (see photo below from a current eBay listing of one in the Model 1521/Diamond J colors). The sprayer, which could also be used for misting plants; or spraying wax, insecticide, or paint had been discontinued in 1978.

 

[ronni]

Re: Reply #7

You're welcome, Stan. Glad you appreciate it.

 

[human]

You know, the more I look at my G6, the more I think it looks like a Cylon from Battlestar Galactica. Look at the two photos below and judge for yourself.