How to use the Kirby Carpet Shampoo System

[@LeNuKillSwitch]

Also using my parents kirby g5 for shampooing. They bought this in the early 90s and the machine is still working amazingly. The book instructions left me scratching my head. I googled for a tutorial ave this came up. By far one of the best tutorials I've ever come across. Detailed, thorough and so easy to follow. Thank you❤

[@mam564]

I'm back again (2024) because I don't remember how to shampoo my carpet with my Kirby! I'm so happy to see this video is still available! Thanks again!

[@constance486]

Although your video is almost 9 years old, it is still helping folks. As other folks have said, I've had my Kirby for years and never used the shampooer until last year (2019l so this video made it so easy to operate the vacuum. Thanks!

[@Analog_Momo]

Oh yeah it is! I just picked up the same vacuum sure I have a Crosswave but Kirby has much higher quality and can clean up WAYYYY bigger messes! It's important to document these because nothing will ever compare in quality anyone smart would save a vacuum like this one!

[@thepianoroommusic]

I’m using the Kirby shampoo system today, I bought mine in 2016. My Kirby was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. This video helps so much!

[@Scumgod666]

Gonna be my first day using it

[@catdadreloaded376]

2023 and I was just checking to make sure I was doing it right. I've had mine since 2017 and I loved it so much that I bought a used one on eBay a year later for $400 with all attachments. I freaking love these vacuums. I set one up for carpet and the other one for Shampoo. Makes it convenient ya know?

[@meghanfern8740]

Oh yes I've been around kirbies since I was little. Now at 32 I wanna shampoo some carpet. 😂🥺🤦‍♀️ 2023 here. Still helping folks.

[@victorialadybug1]

I'm so glad videos like this are still around. I just shampooed my carpet today with my parent's Kirby G6! First time I've ever shampooed my carpet!

[@jtc119]

20 years this attachment has been sitting in the box. Had no clue how to put it together. Thank you for the easy to follow video!! Worked flawlessly.

[@jtdusenberry]

Sincerely the best shampooer I've ever used and I'm almost 50.

[@ninjagumpi]

Same here lol

[@sundown798]

Very clever attachment! I always will pre-spot stains first. Their spotters work well but even the shampoo works fine as a general spotter. Shampoo like in this video. Don't let the pan get too full or you could spill dirty foam back on the carpet. Clean the tray. Always give the foam to work at least 5 minutes. Then turn the valve off. Shampoo in multiple directions. The Squeegee at the bottom will skim off the excess foam and moisture. This product will dry quickly. When completely dry vacuum again to extract left over residues/soil and fluff up carpet.

[@Poopdeck90210]

Great job on the video. I have had my Kirby Senria II for about 12 years. I am finally going to use the Carpet Shampoo system to clean a rug in the sitting area of my new home. This video gave me a great refresher on how to use my Kirby Carpet Shampoo system.

[@cybermollusk]

I'm glad they haven't changed their model much over the years. I bought mine in like the early 90s and that's probably when I last did the shampooing too. The tutorial was much appreciated. Thanks.

[@wendystuck7503]

Ditto... My machine is from 2005(?). This helps a lot.

[@mam564]

I bought my Kirby in the 90's and just now was hoping to learn how to use the carpet cleaning tools. Your video is extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@teresafortnerballentine825]

I know this is an old video but WOW! What an awesome tutorial! One of the best how to videos on KZbin! Thanks so much 😊

[@katedevlin9425]

My system has been siting in a box on the shelf for 20 years and thanks to you I now know how to use it. *pulls box off shelf*

[@ksingleton101]

My wife and I bought our Kirby G6 almost 20 years ago and today 8/4/2021 I cleaned our carpet again (once every year) and it worked as good as it did the first time we cleaned our carpets. Awesome machine. Thank you for the instructional videos!

[@Rowebot15]

Ditto - G5, 25yrs, good as new😃👍

[@jeaniebartholomew6979]

We bought our Kirby G4 in the 90’s. We still have it! It still the best vacuum we ever bought. We also bought others over the years but they were plastic and failed. The one thing about this vacuum is that it has a strong motor and will push through plush carpets. It’s also one that has the shampoo kit, so you have a shampooer that is self propelled. A must for shampooing plush carpet! Thank you Kirby. Btw, I pulled my back out trying to push a popular brand shampooer thru the plush carpet. So never again. I’ll use my Kirby. ❤

[@ayowheredeeway]

18 years later and we still have this vacuum! i just found the shampooer system in my attic after 18 years of being up there! im going to shampoo my carpet this week! excited!

[@mlwooten17]

great video. I have had my Kirby for 15 years or so and the VHS instructions are now useless. Your video was easy to follow! Thanks!

[@purpleorchid671]

O

[@Mahje]

My mom still uses hers

[@makingahomemaker]

My in-laws (who met selling Kirbys!) gave us a Gen 3 when we got married 9 years ago and the shampoo system has sat in the box ever since because I had no idea how to use it. I finally decided to look it up now that we're moving and I was wondering whether to get rid of it. Thanks to your video I am definitely keeping it and wish I had been using it all these years! (I know, I should have just asked the in-laws! 😂) This is awesome and will surely come in handy since we have 3 young kids! Thank you!

[@easilysunburnt]

My dad bought his Kirby before my parents were even married, long before I was ever born. I inherited the Kirby when I moved out and it has served me well. My Kirby is older than the one in the video, but still works fantastic. The ease of use of the shampooer is the icing on the cake. It’s well worth whatever my dad paid for it in the 90’s.

[@majesticoolmuffin7992]

It's nice to see your reply. I just bought a well-used kirby G4 off marketplace and doubted the reliability of the shampooer. Wished I waited for a newer generation to pop up second-hand. But, if your kirby is still performing well, I have less anxiety!

[@blessedqueen1]

thank you so much! i am so non technical: and your calm voice and precise instructions allow me to shampoo my carpets without calling the serviceman each time!

[@liltcup76]

Most helpful video right here. I know the video is old ....it's helpful because even the new model has basic nuances. Hoses and placements are still the same. It was quick I just needed to know where a couple of pieces needed to be placed. Thanks Sir

[@judirodgers359]

Thank you so much for this tutorial video. We bought a Kirby Sentria + shampooer about 10 years ago... and never used the shampooer. We moved into a condo and I couldn't find the paperwork to see how to operate it so I Googled Kirby shampoo system. Yay! You are a great teacher. I shampooed the carpet in the family room + 3 area rugs successfully, got everything cleaned up and put away. Bless you!

[@salthatgal]

I’ve had my Kirby for over 25 yrs and never used it as a shampooer til I found your video. Very good directions! And my Broyhill rug looks amazing!!! The dry foam formula dries the rug so quickly. I’m so happy I gave it a try…thx for a great video❣️

[@meganh4011]

Thanks I just inherited a Kirby vacuum No instructions. But all of the attachments. And even the shampoos etc. this was perfect my carpet is now looking better than ever

[@Whammytap]

I am not affiliated with Kirby, but I can tell you that at least with my Heritage II model, only a small amount of water (just a little over a quart) is used to shampoo an entire room. The Kirby lays down a foam rather than dousing the carpet with a lot of water. The carpet surface gets damp, but not soaked. This small amount of water is deposited in the pan after shampooing, along with dirt and loose carpet fibers. Rather like using foaming hand sanitizer as opposed to washing one's hands.

[@EdsterL]

Great explanation...thanks for this great video...I've had my Kirby G-Force for over 15 years and it works like a brand new. Expensive in the beginning but worth it in the long run.

[@RyanOlsen]

Excellent video. I was dreading this and avoiding it, but you made it so easy. Thanks for posting this.

[@LiteBriteRainbow]

Thank you for sharing this tutorial. I have had my Kirby for 4 years and until now, I was still paying for carpet cleaning. I was too intimidated to tackle a shampooing job with my Kirby until I saw your video. My carpet is clean any drying now. Thanks again!

[@davidbaker8418]

0

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

Thank you for viewing the video. You are right that I move fast, however speed depends on the carpet and how dirty it is. A commercial carpet that is short and glued down as is the one in the video will foam up real fast, even with the knob turned way down it will foam up quickly. The thicker the carpet, the slow you will need to go. Also our carpet was mostly clean, if it had been dirtier I would have slowed down. Thanks for bring up a great point for others that my be going too fast too!

[@benshuetrim9640]

Bought a 2nd hand Avilir off a lady recently. Came with the shampoo accessory and some carpet shampoo. I tried it today with a thought that it may give me an "ok" result. Man I was actually stunned as to how well that shampoo worked on some pretty dirty carpet. Absolutely happy with this item!

[@cleanhabitats108]

I've been a Kirby guy for over 30 years. I've come in after all kinds of professional carpet cleaners and have always been able to remove stains they left behind. I don't spend that much time vacuuming before renovating. I also use the tile brush for better scrubbing unless carpet is prone to fraying. Blow dry carpet then vacuum again to lift out maga deep sand. Many of my cleaning jobs result in Kirby sales.

[@mildredmccormick9440]

Where did you buy the Kirby shampoo at

[@mildredmccormick9440]

Where can I buy Kirby shampoo cleaner at

[@mildredmccormick9440]

Where can I buy Kirby shampoo at

[@kirbycollins3223]

Had my Kirby Vacuum Since 2005, Using the Shampoo System for the 1st time! Works Great 🥰👍🥳

[@Laurazanopro]

Would love to see a video demonstration of how to shampoo stairs!

[@elsitabebe]

Thank you for such clear I instructions. Have had my kirby for 12 years and this is the first time I'll be using the carpet shampooed since I have 3 small dogs and in severe need of a shampooed carpet.

[@janetnunez7585]

Did it work good for dog accidents?

[@YaDyRRa]

Thank you, no more waiting on someone else to show me how to do it. Carpet getting shampooed today thanks to this wonderful tutorial.

[@nicholaspaley876]

Picked up a used Sentria on Craigslist with the shampoo kit and floor buffer/fluffer for $275. Always loved these Kirbys to use as a pre-vac before a hot water extraction. My other kirby is a heritage 2. I happen to own a carpet cleaning business with a Pro-Chem 405 cfm truck mount. Hot water extraction with a rotary shampoo machine paired is king! Takes a few guys. Just for fun tried this Kirby attachment in my house and was pretty impressed for what it is! You may have to repeat this process 1 to 3 times to get decent results. It works lol. I also have a Dri-Eaz carpet dryer to dry the carpet quicker for the encapsulating process to complete. Anyone else could just use a home fan. When dry vac it up! Not bad results when I have a $20 grand machine to use outside lol. Always get a professional hot water extraction to property rinse/clean your carpet once in a while!

[@paulbeach7129]

Nicholas Paley The Kirby floor care system was meant to eliminate the need for hot water extractions by individual homeowners. It was recommended to continually vacuum your home for a certain amount of time before even attempting to use the shampooer, to give the Kirby enough time to remove as much dirt from below the carpet as possible, and believe me, it will. I know because I worked for Kirby after the Sentria 2 was released. We demo cleaned behind truck mounted machines and were still filling dirt pads in older houses, and pulling construction dust in the newer ones.

[@raelenehouck3674]

Bought our Kirby 28 years ago and this is the first time I used the shampoo attachment! Worked well although mine seemed to generate WAY more foam. I had to scoop it off the front and top of the tray. Thanks for the video!

[@carolstrotman8226]

WOW...I watched 2 other videos and was giving up. THIS Video made it easy to use. THANK-you

[@nebraskatpp]

My wife and I bought a Kirby G several years back. (my wife and I had a kinda vacuum cleaner contest between us... she ended up winning with the purchase of a Kirby Ultimate G system complete. The joke was we only had a rug that was about 8 ft by 6 foot. Well we have since moved to a carpeted home and remembered that we have the Kirby with shampoo system. Lucky for us. We have the all the manuals and para that came with the unit, but just now decided to come here to look to see if there was a video that could help us with our anticipated first use of the Kirby and its accessories. Glad to find it and thank you for sharing this information.

[@nebraskatpp]

Well, I have to tell you. The first few times I used the shampoo system..... it worked great, and the carpet looked Wonderful, .... however, the last two times I used it, I cannot get the collection tray to collect the dirty water coming off the carpet... AND I CANNOT FIND OUT WHY THESE LAST TWO TIMES ARE SO DIFFERENT. ..... Do something is wrong.

[@bridgetries1749]

Very useful demo~Thank you! I keep my Kirby because all the cheap vac's quit on me.... They are lighter, but all plastic and I work my equipment hard! Thanks! It's unusual for me to have a watch a video to figure out my vacuums! But I finally took the time and am about to tackle a bunch of carpet, stairs, upholstery! Yay!

[@gloomyrain2]

Bought one last year been trying to find a good tutorial thank you so much

[@RonDombroski-cp9ls]

Nicely done! Consider the system and your tutorial was very helpful. I have a coworker that has a Kirby shampoo system and loves it. Gonna give it a try. Thanks

[@tlrmd4you]

Terrific video, had to keep stopping it and then watch it again...but...i think I got,it!!! Now, for the test time...see if it dies a good jib!!! Thank you so much!!

[@mtsieve551]

My husband bought a second Kirby when nothing was wrong at all with the first (we still have it). Well, as his new wife I took a look at it and wondered what was so great. I continued to use the one I had. Then it came time to clean the carpet . Good grief I can't possibly learn how to use that. But, my hubby won out. Learn. So I got on line, followed step by step. And WOW! So easy simple even this 59 yrs old could do it! I'm proud of myself , but mostly I'm so happy to have these videos at my fingertips!!!

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

Kirby Carpet shampoo is solvent free with no phosphates to attract dirt like soap dose. The shampoo technical term is encapsulation. It adheres to the dirt and separates it from the fiber so that it can be vacuumed up leaving no residue that attract dirt.

[@Scrapfuzz]

Vacuums Etc - Kirby, Dyson, & HeatSurge Specialist ...I love the shampoo. When my daughter was a toddler, I shampooed our carpets every month. After a few cleanings, our carpet even looked newer. I always felt comfortable having babies down on my carpets.

[@larallysa5433]

This tutorial was awesome. I had never used a kirby before in my life and I needed to shampoo the carpet of the room I'm moving into, even though some of the parts were slightly different (the hose going from the front to tank) I was able to follow your directions and successfully shampoo my carpet. Thanks for your awesome tutorial!

[@bethanytaylor7656]

1.Vacuum carpet 2. Remove bag & power nozzle (raise front vacuum platform) 3. Attach front tray if the belt seems to be in good condition. 4. Fill tank with water and soap, attach final hose from tank to tray.

[@lilnilu]

thanks

[@eclipsegst9419]

I love my Kirby. Its a G5 my parents traded their G3 for sometime when i was a kid. I begrudgingly used it my entire childhood haha. But now i alpreciate it. They bought an ultimate diamond and gave me the G5. It has all the bits and a shampooer. I also have a Classic from my grandma i want to find the neat old style special attachments for.

[@LinetteMiles]

Great video! I need to watch it every time that I'm going to use the shampoo system

[@OOGBash]

I borrowed a friends Kirby, watched the video and it was very easy to follow with outstanding results. Thanks for the video.

[@tawnw]

i've referred to this video multiple times. Thanks for such clear & easy to follow directions.

[@shannongood8598]

Is there anything I should keep in mind when using my shampoo system on a Wool low nap carpet? Thanks for this great video - very helpful indeed.

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

Good Question. It is a good idea to make sure the horn is clean before attaching the shampooer tank, but more important is to make sure that the sponge filter is on the shampooer tank (located where the tank attaches to the Kirby-aka-the "Horn" ). Thanks for the question, next time I will include that in the video. Dave

[@tammycooper3331]

This is the best video on how to use the Kirby G series shampooer so he gets a thumbs up. Problem is the kirby shampooer it self is horrible!!!! I used 2 tanks full for a small area and when I was done shampooing the water/shampoo did not suck back up. So I guess I'll get the fans out to dry it and rent a shampooer like a normally do. I'd also like to know where the dirt goes since the kirby doesn't pick it back up. Must just spread it around.

[@bobclough8003]

Excellent step by step. Used Kirby shampoo as well and it did the job. Very pleased, carpet like new now!

[@kathyarndt]

Would love a tutorial on how to use the hand tool Thank you for this one! Very helpful

[@shanapeete1581]

Sooooo very helpful! That tip about the filter was golden. Thanks for posting.

[@barnycanuck6234]

Back on the farm in the mid 60's I used my mom's Kirby to paint my first car. She had some kind of a paint attachment for it.

[@Msambitious88]

Wow this is the same Kirby my mom had in the 90s she still talks about how Kirby is the best vacuum she was so mad when the cord stop working she still say to this day how she wish she would’ve took it to a repair place

[@mariapenaloza5112]

Thank you so much for your instructors because I have my vacuum but I never use I keep it for close to 15 years but it's really easy I want to try you always I pay for clean my carpets

[@wendyonstott8988]

Kirby doesn't get the credit it deserves. I've had mine for at least 40 yrars. It works just like it did when I got it. I got on this video cuz I forgot how to shampoo, and I'm too lazy to read it. Thanks for this wonderful video.

[@HeadstoneRestorer]

Very informative video, thanks. How long would you say it takes the carpet to dry enough to do the final vacuum?

[@allspice_and_company]

I decided to clean a carpet with the Kirby my (at the time, future-) wife bought in 2001, 3 months before I met her. Now that we've been married for 17 years, I decided it's time to remove the parts from the original bags and clean a carpet. I found the video manual, but I couldn't get the VHS tape to play on our Blu-Ray player, so I went online and found this video. Looks simple. Keep in mind I haven't actually used the shampooer yet, but, since it looks like part A goes into slot B, I'm sure it will work. One question: I'm going to clean a wool area rug, do I need a special cleaner solution or should I just go for it?

[@marshadavis9735]

Excellent and very detailed video

[@wmmtigger]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!! I just got a big spot out of my daughter's carpet in her room I have attempted to remover several times in the past by hand because I didn't know how to attach and use my Kirby carpet cleaning system. Just watched your instructions and done!!!!!!!!!

[@msbrickkitten6882]

Thank you, that was very well demonstrated. Now I know how to use this attachment with the Kirby my parents gave me.

[@OmanOman-mz8st]

Iam from Oman i bought my kirby for more than 15 years now.i still use it with perfect profomance was good. Thanks man

[@Shiznitttt]

Thanks this helped a lot. Works like a champ after all these years.

[@mikeanderson3670]

Great to refresh the memory. Well done!

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

Thanks for the video! I couldn't find my manual, but you made the process very easy.

[@Laurazanopro]

THANK YOU! I have my manual but seeing the video really helped! Great job!

[@aplomado75]

I watched a few how-to videos, and this was the most helpful. Thanks. Side note: When pet carpet cleaners claim to discourage "re-soiling," I wonder is this just some marketing bull, or has this claim been tested scientifically? Because if so then my cats don't seem to have read the studies.

[@Tatanyablue]

Paul Jenkins Depending upon the solution you use many can. Products such as Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer have bacteria destroying enzymes that target the bacteria from the urine. Many times after cleaning this bacteria is left behind and dogs and cats can still smell it and will often continue peeing in that same spot. Removing the bacteria "discourages" re-soiling by ridding this scent encouragement. Hope this answered your questions, I've worked in various pet shops and shelters in case you're wondering how I know.

[@flhandster4395]

Great video. It would’ve been great to have listed some recommended specific cleaners (brands, shampoo key contents, etc.) to use with the Kirby Shampooer.

[@lynnehalterman8578]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I purchased my Kirby years ago along with the shampoo tool. I have not been able to remember how to work it. I'm embarrassed to say I even had rented another item because I couldn't figure it out. Thanks to you, I can now use it they way it was meant to be. Thank you

[@ltalib6436]

who is still watching and finding it so useful in 2022 and beyond, really informative video😊

[@josephlucas502]

Thank you for these tutorial videos! They are very informative and helpful.

[@marcgomez1013]

Thanks so much for posting, I'd forgotten how to use the shampoo attachment!

[@singmenow4u]

Thanks, I have a kirby that has been used for many years, long ago I threw the attachments away (DUMB) an now just picked up the shampoo system from a resale shop. This pretty much explained how to use it. Rod

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

In some cases you wont see much if any dirt in the tray. You may be waiting too long after you apply the foam to pick it up again. The dirtier the carpet the more will be in the tray, if the carpet is not too dirty you wont see much back in the tray.

[@flyingthings93]

Thank you so much for making and posting this. Very helpful.

[@kamsavart]

I remember selling these door to door years ago. It was hot and sometimes arduous but those machines are amazing.

[@garysmart1]

+Andre Wallace r u in Iowa coz i think the one that sell us was a black guy? i think it was u

[@kamsavart]

No, I live in California and this was back in 2003.

[@garysmart1]

no i mean have been in Iowa coz it was a black guy that sell me this vacum?

[@cleanhabitats]

I always mist the area with a pump sprayer using some Melaleuca concentrate (solumel) sometimes just plain water. You'll get better results and use less shampoo.

[@bethanytaylor7656]

Same except I use Theives All Purpose Cleaner from Young Living.

[@chestyvulva]

Thank you! Hope you're well after a decade.

[@Destinynuckols]

Thank u 4 the video!!!!!! I m a proud owner of my Kirby & shampooer. No probs wutsoeva. All I can say is LUV IT, LUV IT, LUV IT : )

[@Steph-es9zt]

I watched this video and tried this last night. I used the kirby shampoo and I didn't get nearly as many suds as shown here. The only suds I saw was as wide as the small hole that it came out of. I just rewatched this again. The only thing I did different was keep it in neutral, would that really make a difference?

[@barbaratapella]

Thank you…great help…and I love the dog barking in the back

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

You must use "Dry Foam Shampoo". There are a few manufactures but from what I have found is that they cost the same or more, but have less ingredients like Kirby Guard and the lavender scent. My recommendation is to use the Kirby Carpet Shampoo. You can purchase it from our website if you like as well as other supplies like bags and belts.

[@noisetrust]

Sick, can't wait to get these carpets looking good.

[@khamsaaful]

When I finished shampooing my area rug I didnt have any access water to dump is that ok?

[@totravska]

Thank you for the extremely clear instructions.

[@elviraschonlaub8927]

What happens to the water you start with in the tank. Does it stay in the carpet?

[@nicholasbrummel9381]

So, vinegar/water + or bitter apple? Smoosh some baking soda into the carpet using a broom before starting. Make sure your windows are open for ventilation. Use H2O2 on difficult spots before starting.

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

I used to work for Kirby, I retired after 10 years of selling. good luck with your carer!

[@robertrukidding3055]

Hi, you look like you would be the person to ask this question. I have one of these Gen 3 vacuums from 1993 with the shampooer attachment. It has never been used and is new in the box. The retail price at that time was around $1500 I believe. I'm curious if you'd like to make an estimate as to what this is worth currently as we would like to part with it. Thanks in advance!

[@abuhudhaifa9162]

Thank you sir great video , saved me time , money and being ran around

[@anasalazartejeda5806]

My carpet looks AMAZING ! thanks for this very helpful video ! :)

[@donttrip4107]

ur a cutie

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

We used a G Six just because it was there.. All the Generation Series Kirby's (1990 - Current) are the same system, only the color is different.

[@kelleyharvey6363]

Do you have to use Kirby cleaner? Or can I use any carpet cleaner solution?

[@laurengillett5054]

Thanks so much for this video! Just learnt how to do it 👍

[@philhogan5978]

I'm missing the lid on the tank. I'll order another one but it in the meantime can I just cover it up with duct tape or does this need to be vented? Also, I'm not getting any soap out. What might that be?

[@barbchapman]

Thank you so much! Valuable information and well done.

[@vacuumsetctacoma]

Sounds like the suds screen is missing or out of place. It should be connected to the tank where the small hose connects. Also be sure you are using the proper amount of shampoo (one 2oz cap full per line on the tank. there are 3 lines so for a full tank add 3 cap fulls). Also make sure the brush is spinning. Hope this helps you!