How to Use a Kirby Shampooer

Kirby vacuums have been around for more than 85 years. They have always been sold by door-to-door salespeople and come with a complement of attachments to do specific cleaning tasks. Although the Kirby has come under criticism for its costliness and awkwardness, Kirby owners appreciate its sturdy dependability. Traditional Kirbys were so solidly built that parts and "rebuilds" are still available for units sold 50 years ago. Where the Kirby really excels, though, is in its shampooer function. It rivals most commercial cleaners and leaves carpets drier than rental units or commercial cleaners.

Things You'll Need

• Carpet Shampoo System or Floor Care Kit (depending on model), including:
• Shampoo tray, brush and belt
• Nozzle assembly
• Shampoo tank and solution
• Connector hose

Instructions

1. 

   Thoroughly vacuum the area to be shampooed, cleaning carefully along walls and in corners. Raise the front of the Kirby unit all the way by pushing the elevation lever on the left side of the vacuum. Unplug the machine and remove the permanent bag by unclipping or unhooking the top and turning the back side of the heavy plastic base away from the unit. Remove the power nozzle from the front of the unit by lifting the hood, pulling out the crank on the nozzle belt lifter and turning the crank three-quarters of a turn so the red arrows line up on the top of the unit. Turn the lock to release the top of the nozzle and lift it gently off the post on which it rests.

2. 

   Remove the shampoo system nozzle, tray, tank and hose from the box and slide the nozzle down over the slots on the tray. Catch the belt up in the belt lifter and turn the lifter crank so the belt twists once as it's stretched upward. Tilt the nozzle bar onto the hooks, press firmly against the vacuum and lock them together; then lower the belt by cranking the lifter clockwise until the green arrows match. Snap the ridged end of the flexible hose into the center of the tray.

3. 

   Follow the mixing directions for shampoo, using the tank cap to measure and filling with warm to hot water. Attach the large opening of the tank (it contains a filter that looks like a sponge) to the air exhaust port (where the bag goes), set it on the pegs and turn clockwise toward the unit until it locks. Attach the smooth end of the hose to the small, muslin-covered opening near the front of the tank.

4. 

   Move the machine to the area to be shampooed and lower the unit to its lowest position by tapping the control on the left side. On newer models, turn the off-on switch on top of the tank to the on position and draw the Kirby across the carpet in slow strokes, overlapping slightly to avoid streaks. Shampooing can be done in either neutral or drive on newer models, depending on preference. Turn the tank off and draw the shampooer across the area just covered to spread the suds evenly. Do one area about 4 feet square at a time. Let the suds sit on the carpet for about 5 minutes.

5. 

   Go back over the area at right angles with the suds tank off, then move the unit as if vacuuming to move the nap and break up the regular lines left by the brushes. When finished, remove the tank, hose and nozzle tray. Disassemble the nozzle and tray and wipe out pet hair and fibers. Clean the brush---it tilts out of the nozzle. Rinse all parts thoroughly with warm water and let dry before repacking. Reattach the power nozzle and bag. Vacuum the carpet when it dries.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions refer to the Sentria model. Older models may not have hoods but will have a nameplate that turns to lift the belt. They may also have connections on the front of the shampoo tank rather than the bottom due to the design of the exhaust port. Older units may not have neutral and drive gears. Although arrangements may differ a bit, all Kirbys share the same locking system. Check to make sure that the belt is correctly set before using either shampooer or vacuum--the belt lifter is a little tricky even with the newer models with "cranks." For best coverage, lower the suds tray all the way and draw the machine back slowly--it's the pull stroke that does the best cleaning, not the push stroke.

• An unmounted belt will not run the brushes and a loose one will slip, overheat and burn. Stop the unit immediately if you smell rubber burning. The newer tank designs are easier to attach but be careful to avoid spilling water on the main unit.

References

• Kirby Sentria Owner Manual

Resources

• Kirby Company
• Kirby Parts and Bags