emiejo's Full Review: Kirby G5 Bagged Upright Vacuum
I hate door-to-door salesmen. If I see them coming....I may as well get out my checkbook....I rarely can say no.
However this particular salesman had me sold before he even crossed the threshold. You see, Kirby Vacuum cleaners have been in my family for as long as I can remember. My grandpa bought the newest model for my grandma as soon as it was out and in turn, my mother got the older model....and I remember learning to "run the sweeper" when I was five.
I bought the Model G5. It has the Maroon colored bag, and a "transmission-type" drive system. This drive system actually is in the unit and not handle so when you are pulling back it knows and changes into reverse instantly...and the same with forward. It makes it MUCH easier to use than the older units and less tiring overall.
I purchased the entire system except the floor polisher and sander. This includes the regular carpet head, the hose, two extenders, a round brush, a bare floor brush, a smaller rectangular brush, a slanted nose, a flat nose for hard to reach areas and a scalp massager...yes, a scalp massager, the canister-vac conversion handle, and the carry-case.
The carpet Shampoo system includes, the tray attachment, the shampoo container, and the Zip Brush, along with all the attachments for sofas, car seats etc.
The cord on the G5 is 30 feet long and makes getting around without having to find a new outlet, much easier. I like the weight of the head personally and really don't have a reason why. It may be that it gives me the feeling of "really getting down to the dirt"...but it may also just be the feeling of being "Durable"....as opposed to the plastic machines I have used in the past.
I use the hose and extensions on my lamp shades, blinds, valances, along baseboards and along the top of our ceiling fans.
At first, I was a bit disappointed in it....but I really think that was just buyers remorse....which anyone can understand. $1800 plus finance charges is a bit steep for most people.
But after the buyer's remorse was over...I found that I really did enjoy what I could do with it.
I have three children and a mini-van. That alone must bring nods of understanding from many of you. Trying to keep the floor and seats clean is an ongoing task and sometimes overwhelming!! In preparation for a long road trip, I wanted the van to look great. A spilled Snickers Blizzard, dirt, french fries and ground in cheeseburgers were my enemy.....and although the task was enormous....it was great to see how well my Kirby did. Thesuction power got dirt and food out of every crevice....and the shampooer was fantastic.
I must add, that unlike some shampooers, the G5 does not put loads of water into your carpet or fabric. It actually covers the surface with a foam that absorbs the dirt. You can use pre-treaters or the Zipbrush to loosen tough dirt and stains.
In addition, I only use Kirby shampoo products and treaters. They seem to work best.
The only drawbacks I can see about any of the Kirby Vacuum cleaners is, #1. that they are very heavy. The same thing that makes them durable is the thing that makes them impossible to use for people who are elderly, perhaps have some upper body strength troubles or carpal tunnel syndrome etc. Moving it from room to room is fine on the neutral rollers, but to carry from one floor to another or even from surface to surface may be difficult...and #2 the vaccum cleaner bags are available only from a Kirby dealer and can be spendy. I pay $18.95 for a pack of nine.
All in all the Kirby is a good product and long lasting....and you may even be able to find a used one for a better value.
Good Luck and Thanks for reading.
HOW DOES THIS THING WORK?? This instruction manual ON VHS will take all the guesswork out of learning to use your Kirby home care system!! It offers G...More at eBay
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