Using my Hoover Floor Washer!

[hoovercelebrity]

So, the kitchen floor needed to be cleaned. <br
Hmm... which floor cleaning machine should I use <br
I'm gonna go with my Hoover Floor Washer (the predecessor to the Floor A Matic), from 1963/1964ish. The blue model was the second, as the first was yellow. <br
It's a very neat machine - again, way ahead of its time for when it was introduced and sold. I don't think they sold very well - they were viewed as somewhat gimmicky - as there are not many in existence anymore. <br
I've had this for probably 6 or so years (thanks, Mike!) and have used it here and there, just to play with. But I have never really had a large enough area of linoleum to make it worth actually using to clean. Until now <br
Enjoy the photos and video <br
~Fred

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Flip this lever up to unlock the tank.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Remove the tank.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Remove the dirty water "bladder."

 

[hoovercelebrity]

I'll use powdered Spic and Span... I believe that's what came with the machine in a little trial box.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Spic and Span added... Fill with hot water.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Fold up the dirty water "bladder" to rest on top of the clean water. As the clean water is dispensed, the water level lowers. When the dirty water comes into the machine, it will go into the bladder and fill up the space once occupied by the clean water
I think modern Bissell carpet cleaners use this same system.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Ready to go back into the cleaner and get to work!

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Cleaning time! <br
Lets see if this works... I'll post the real link right after <br
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[hoovercelebrity]

If that didn't work <br

 

[hoovercelebrity]

All done! Look at that filthy water! Ick <br
Yay! For clean floors! <br

 

[dial-a-nap]

That is pretty cool - I didn't realize the bag was inside the clean water chamber <br
That water was pretty icky, it always amazes me how dirty floors really are. (I guess a photo of emptying your bladder was a little too much for public consumption? ;-)

 

[unimatic1140]

Love the Creativity

Yay Fred, great pictures and video, I'm totally impressed! I love all the fancy transitions you made in the video. The Hoover Floor Washer is pretty cool and I love the baby blue color with the huge Hoover logo on the machine, although after seeing the Floor-a-Matic in action I think that later machine is still my favorite.

 

[luxg]

Fred that was a great video! From the looks of the dirty water that machine must do a darn good job! I remember when they first came out and always thought it would be so fun to have. YAY for clean floors!!!

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Great Insight into a Fun Machine!!!

(One more time with feeling. I've tried 3 times to respond and keep hitting the mouse pad and somehow delete my draft. Problem fixed by the tech guy so now I'll try again <br
Hey Fred <br
Great Job!! When I was helping you pack your collection we talked about the Floor Washer but we didn't get into it. Instead, you demoed the Floor-A-Matic. With this production, it was great seeing the Floor Washer in action. Loved the video. Hoovers back in the day definitely had style. I do have a question. The handle switch indicator identifies - water, scrub and dry. Right??? What does the machine actually do during scrub. Since there aren't any scrubbing brushed swirling around, what actually happens?? <br
By the way, I do agree with Robert. I like the Floor-A-Matic, especially the part where the brushes retract and it starts to suck. Kind of reminds me of .... hmmmm ... I think I better stop here <br
Anyway, loved the photo summary and the video. If you do more of these, I'll be your biggest fan. Thanks for taking the time to produce the demo essay. Again, Great Job! <br
Pa

 

[swingette]

wha... the wheel array is the switch too!? wild.

 

[myhooverco]

Fred.. <br
Aren't these FUN to use? I have to say that I do like the blue color better than the yellow. Hoover was very innovative in these years <br
--Tom

 

[hoovercelebrity]

<i> The handle switch indicator identifies - water, scrub and dry. Right??? </i <br
Yep! The button says "Press to Dry&quot <br
<i> What does the machine actually do during scrub. Since there aren't any scrubbing brushed swirling around, what actually happens?? </i <br
Nothing... there are two rows of stationary brushes; the scrubbing is accomplished by you pushing the machine back and forth across the floo <br
<i> If you do more of these, I'll be your biggest fan. </i <br
That's flattering, but I already have one! :-
Doesn't mean I won't make more videos, though... <br
<i> The wheel array is the switch too!? </i <br
Yep, and the whole wheel assembly folds up so you can swivel the machine into tight spaces, or hang the machine up for storage! <br
~Fred