Vacuums at Goodwills/thrift stores

[vacuumfreeeke]

Hey everyone. I was at the Good Will tonight and of course I only go to look at vacuums (and kitchen gadgets, everything else bores me to tears!). I didn't come home with anything, but I ALMOST did. I need to use a bit more discretion when bringing vacuums home because I'm really running out of room.

I've always said that if I found a Eureaka 1934 A in good shape I'd get it. Since I said that, I have acquired a similar Sanitaire and a similar light weight Eureka so I passed up on this one but it was REALLY hard. It was in good shape too, just a broken belt. If it had been 10 dollars I'd have gotten it, but I didn't think it was worth 25. Also, they had a GE branded canister (I think made by TTI, I know the older Wal-mart GEs were made by Eureka) that still sells at some Wal-marts for over 100 bucks for 25 dollars. Not a bad deal for a power nozzle canister, and it was in decent shape too. I passed on it as well, since it's not rare enough to justify taking up space in my tiny apartment.

They also had 2 Eureka Bravo 2s, a Hoover Preferred (that was there last time, as was the original Regina carpet steemer and an Electrolux Prolux upright for 40 bucks... passed on all of them), a bagged Bissell (the kind that's like 40 bucks still sells in Wal-mart), and a Hoover Steam Vac... old school style, but without spin scrub brushes. There was also a cheap red dirt devil "toy" looking thing.


I thought it would be a fun idea if we would all take pictures (even if camera phone is all you have with you just like it was with me) on our vacuum runs of what's there... whether we take anything home or not. If no one wants to, that's OK too, I won't be offended, but I thought it would be a neat thread.

Here are tonight's selection... much better than the junk that is usually there!

 

[vacman117]

You are so lucky. There is never any vacuums at my Goodwill. Everyone ALWAYS buys them right away. It's not fair lol

 

[arh1953]

I like to see the vacuums and other things in stores that the members photograph. Keep 'em coming!

 

[bagintheback]

The goodwill near my house NEVER has any good vacuums. Once they had 4 Eureka Optimas at one time! Never any vintage or exiting ones. But I do know of a thrift store in Mesa that has a ton of vacuums each time. That's where I found my Eureka Precision.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

I went back today and they had most of the same vacuums. The GE canister and red Dirt Devil were gone. There was also a green S/P WindTunnel (bagged), but it was missing all the attachments. They had it marked for 24.99. I had just thought about getting one the other day if I find a complete one in good shape for a good price, but I don't "need" one! I didn't get it, but I DID decide to get that 1934A.

I just couldn't resist! It is FUN. I put a new bag and belt on it (the belt was broken). I washed (with sanitizing wipes) it and waxed it with NuFinish car polish. It just shines now! It's really in great shape, bristles are nice, no tears in the bag or cord, only a couple scuffs that aren't very noticeable. I think I overpaid, but still a fun vac. Looks so sleek and sexy in black! It's VERY quiet too! Eurekas are starting to overtake my collection now... I'd never have guessed that I'd have more Eurekas than anything else!

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

I forgot to mention something.... the cord on that Eureka is SOOOOOOO short! I had to replug 3 times just to do my whole very small 1 bedroom apartment... kinda like the Broom Vac, but still just as fun if not more!

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

Orally transmitted Eureaka?

I was looking at reviews for the Eureaka 1934 A and found this site. Check out the description of the thing.

I wonder how it was translated!? FUNNY!!!!!

http://kichenas.com/vacuums/27.html

 

[bagintheback]

Sometimes I'd like to know the story of used vacuums. Most of them at the goodwill just need a new belt and bag, maybe a good clean up, and they run like new! If I know my neighborhood's vacuum shop, they'll most anything to get you to buy a Riccar. When I was like 8 or something, I went to the vacuum shop to get I believe eureka U bags, and I saw a used Eureka for $120. They want me to do the same thing too. I'll go in and ask for some Kirby bags, and they'll ask "Hows your vacuum?" and I'll say "It's fine. I collect vacuums." and they'll tell me how well Riccars preform and I'll walk out annoyed.

Old vacuums with very little features normally work better than highly advertised Dysons or Orecks. Maybe we need to all write a page on Vacuumland telling people how their 15 old vacuums might be better than that Bissell you want to buy. That might even change how current vacuums are made, and everyone will have Hoover Decade 80s and F&G Eurekas proudly cleaning their carpets daily.

And anyone NOT a vacuum expert out of this club thinking about HEPA vacuums, let me tell you this. Any Hoover that takes A or Z bags, can be converted to HEPA by buying Hoover HEPA Y bags. HA! Take that Bissell! Almost any vacuum you can get at Walmart today will die in less than 2 years.

LONG LIVE THE GOODWILL!!!!

Nathaniel