What product to use for cleaning and shining Kirby rubber trims?

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gj3476

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 11, 2017
Messages
803
Location
Prosper,TX
Hi everybody! So I have a question for anybody that knows a lot about Kirbys. What do I use to clean and shine up the rubber trims on Kirby vacuums to make them like new? Because I brought my Classic III back from the storage unit yesterday so I can finally replace the metal fan and install a new kevlar fan that should be delivered today and also clean it up too. Thanks! Also my family and I are finally getting close to move to our new house and it’s probably going to be at Prosper, TX!
 
dont use solvents on rubber to clean them! that will all break down and degrade the rubber! use simple green and a blue scotchbrite sponge to clean the schmutz off, and and oil based vinyl or rubber protectant like meguairs ultimate protectant to "shine" it. any type of solvent is very bad for rubber/ vinyl, especially alcohol based.
 
Really? I’ve shined all of my Kirby trim up with alcohol and Pledge and I’ve never had any issues with it. It. The results are quite impressive as well.
 
People in past topics on this say to use Flitz for both the metal and rubber, as it is what the Kirby refurb centers use officially. As for the scuffs, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, but test it first to make sure it doesn't leave abrasions.

Never use rubbing alcohol on plastics and rubber, because it will dry out and eat the rubber as well as stripping the dye right out of plastic. Pledge is also no good at removing scuffs because it is designed to be used on wood, and not plastic or metal.
 
As for the rubber trim on the pre-G series, I find that most of it looks bad just from years of dust and dirt and humidity (which sets it in).
In all of my restorations, straight simple green and a good rinsing has brought out the best in all the soft parts. Even the nasty parts of my 505 turned out clean and shiny.
I personally do not use any shining agents as many can damage plastics and rubber over time, or make them attract dirt and/or feel nasty.
Now scuffs are different and will require a different approach, something I have not tried yet.
 
I use these

Yes , acetone is strong and abrasive, but it cleans off so easily, then, Mequiars Vinyl &Rubber takes care of the shine and ‘nutrients’ For long life on rubber

rivstg1-2018111810315204466_1.jpg
 
I use pretty much only automotive products for my vacuum restorations, and most of the vacuums I work on are plastic.

There are many automotive products, such as Mother's VLR (VLR = Vinyl, Leather, and Rubber), which do a great job cleaning. I have also had great success cleaning with automotive detailing spray.

After cleaning, I'll follow up with spray carnuba wax on the plastic and Armor-All on the rubber bumpers to protect the freshly cleaned surfaces. For UV light protection, use Aerospace 303, a product designed to protect leather or vinyl convertible car roofs.

I get out the isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for the preparation of surfaces to be glued/sealed or for the removal of permanent marker ONLY. Alcohol has the potential to dry materials out.

Those of you who have seen my some of my before/afters can see that this system works pretty well.
 
Alcohol-based products, Acetone, Windex, Brasso... etc. affect plastics & rubber. You can sometimes get away with it, so people advocate those products, but there's a high risk of damage.

I use 'Mirror-Glaze' plastic headlight polish or car door-seal cleaner/rejuvenater. They're safe on all plastics, vinyls, and rubber.

For a lasting protective shine; wax polish containing carnuba wax.
 
@completenutt I have little trust in adhesive removers. It may be a lot of work, but, honestly, I scrub it off with water, a soft microfiber towel, and a ton of elbow grease. That’s the best solution I’ve come up with so far, but I have yet to try Goo-Gone per texaskirbyguy’s recommendation.
 

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