How to Shampoo With a Kirby Vacuum

The main benefit of a Kirby vacuum is its versatility. Through a series of attachments and extra parts, the cleaner isn't just a vacuum, but can also be used as a shampooing system. It's simple to attach and easy to use, and does a great job on most carpets.

Things You'll Need

• Kirby vacuum
• Kirby shampooing attachment
• Carpet shampoo

Instructions

Attaching the Shampooing System

1. Vacuum the area well before taking the vacuum cleaner apart. Go over the room two or three times. Unplug the vacuum cleaner from the wall, and remove the vacuum head. On the front of the vacuum, there is a knob. Rotate it so that the green arrows match up, which detaches the belt. Flip the top latch and pull the head away from the main vacuum unit.

2. Unclip the bag from the bag holder. Find the plastic cuff on the base of the bag, where it attaches to the vacuum's core. Grasp the back end of the cuff and rotate it away from the body of the cleaner. Pull the bag attachment off and set it aside.

3. Assemble the front of the shampooer. Slip the belt around the roller, place it into the slots on the tray and clip the back shield into place. Slide the nozzle over the roller, and then plug the hose into the center stalk. Push the riser pedal to the bottom, lifting the front of the vacuum as high as it will go.

4. Attach the shampooing front onto the vacuum body, and latch it into place. Rotate the knob on the front until the belt is reconnected. The knob will become more difficult to turn as you line up the red arrows.

Shampooing Your Rug

1. Verify that the suds screen and sponge are in place on the tank. Fill the tank with shampoo and water. There are three marks on the tank, each of which corresponds to the number of caps of shampoo; for each mark, add one capful.

2. Attach the tank to the vacuum body where you install the bag. Place it at an angle on the bag chute, and rotate it toward the base of the vacuum cleaner. Connect the hose from the front tray to the shampoo tank.

3. Lower the tray as low as it will go. Turn the vacuum on, engage the drive (if your vacuum has it) and open the tank valve.

4. Pass the shampooer over the carpet. It will work the lather into the carpet and leave foam. When you've covered the carpet in foam, turn the tank knob to the off position and go over the area again to suction up the foam. There is not a lot of moisture sprayed into the carpet, so don't worry if you miss a spot.

5. Leave the carpet to dry while you clean out the shampooing attachment and put the vacuum back together.

Tips & Warnings

• If the suds screen keeps falling out of place, use plumber's tape to hold it. Don't glue it, as you may need to remove it for cleaning.

References

• Kirby Shampooer Manual: Good Vac

Resources

• Kirby Co.