Vintage bagless vacuum cleaners

[scvacuumguy]

I had an interesting comment from a very old customer this afternoon. She brought in her Hoover Steam Vac to trade it in on a new Steam Vac. We, of course, asked her if she wanted to purchase a new vacuum cleaner as well. She commented that "everything is bagless" nowadays and then said that she finally got a bag for her vacuum a few years after she bought the machine. She is the owner of an Elecrtrolux model XXX with bag adaptor and would not part with it for the world.

The comment she made was that back in her time, a lot of the latest vacuums were bagless or used tiny bags with a spring (I assume she was referencing Hoover). She was astonished that vacuum cleaner companies did not learn their lesson from all of the dusty, bagless machines from the 30s, 40s and 50s. I do know she was referencing a number of vacuum cleaners that used dump bags or clean-out bags but she does have a great point.

She also said she was glad her vacuum cleaner didn't have a HEPA filter. Why filter the air in her house for less than 1 hour per week????

While I will not use her as the spokeslady for TV commercials...she will certainly remain a loyal customer and friend with an interesting viewpoint.

 

[eurekastar]

I'll bet those disposable bag adapters are extremely rare. Were those made by Electrolux or is that an aftermarket item? If her Model XXX is still running strong, why change? I have my grandmother's, which she bought in 1938. That was the year my Mom was born. It still looks good and runs strong. When she had the house fully carpeted, she bought a Kirby. I have no idea what happened to that vacuum. It was a "bagless" model with red trim. I remember using it as a kid, so I know it was a 500 series Kirby.

 

[scvacuumguy]

I offered her an even trade on anything in the store. She has all sorts of original goodies and attachments she has never used. I believe she mentioned having the original footstool/box.