thread: vaccum cleaner (bags)

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Hork-Bajir Valley
    5,722

    vaccum cleaner (bags)

    How often do you empty your vacuum???

    I'm in the middle of one of my cleaning binges, and have had this vacuum in this house for nearly a year...(had it alot longer than that - its like 20 years old in itsself), and I just had a thought... I vacuum about once a week...and i dont recall actually seeing where all my dirt has got too....and then i had a worse thought! it its like 20 years old...it would take bags...and i wouldn't have a clue what type!! i'm terrible... and now i'm dreading opening it...


    in saying that...it still sucks like nothing else...so cant be too full...right?


    *here i go*

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Perth
    3,299

    vaccum cleaner (bags)

    I have a dyson so it's bagless and I can see the dirt in the barrel. I usually empty it out after every vacuum.

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Add ~clover~ on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    travelling
    9,557

    lol, I empty mine about once every month or 2. When the suction starts to die
    I clean all the filters as well.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    lol

    When I had a normal vacuum, I emptied the (reusable) bag every time I used it... With the paper bags, usually when it was half full.

    You just go to Godfrey's and tell them the make and model of your vac and they will give you the right bags.

    But yes, you should prolly change it! lol Maybe see if they have a reusable bag that will fit your cleaner, then you won't have to buy any more ever

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Hork-Bajir Valley
    5,722

    obviously..i should do it more often =P
    I opened it...and i think it was only JUST full!
    it had a bag...but was a cloth one with rubber rim..so makes me think its not disposable....but man its rough...i got most of the dirt out (which is now sitting in my lungs)

    is there any way to i guess wash? the bag??? If it helps the vacuum is a Phillips P72...but like i said...atleast 20yo...so i doubt anyone has it too...its a little trooper tho!! I never noticed a lack of suction...but i guess we will see when i vaccum soon (including all the dust that didnt make the rubbish bag =P )

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Add ~clover~ on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    travelling
    9,557

    Does it have plastic along the bottom? Mine has a plastic strip that you slide off & empty it that way.
    I don't wash mine. Not sure if you can or not though.

  7. #7

    Nov 2007
    Earth
    4,434

    I have a Kirby system - cost a HUGE amount of money, but after the flamin sales display, I couldn't cope with the thought of what my other vacuum wasn't missing, LOL! Anyway, it originally came with a cloth bag, but when I went to buy some more, they arrived as paper bags. Like, tough paper, almost cardboard. Anyway, not sure if I was supposed to throw the cloth one out, but I did, and the paper ones work just fine

    Also, mine is one of the standup types, and I was given one big inside the vacuum and one spare when we bought it 4 yrs ago, and only just bought new ones. I vacuum most weeks, but it took just that long to fill the bag! So don't feel bad about not changing the bag very often I use all Enjo at home, and I've noticed that Enjo clings onto what its wiping, so it doesn't drop it on the floor to be vacuumed - hence, less going into the vacuum bag. Thats my story anyway, and I'm stickin to it!

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    5,951

    I change mine every 1-2 months. A lot of dust mites and other nasties in there which I don't like being in there too long for.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    Yes you can wash them. And should fairly often - every few months or so.

    Like Clover said there should be a plastic bar along the bottom that slides off to reveal a large opening so you can empty it easier


    We have a Kirby too Berenice!! You can buy more HEPA bags but exxy and the paper ones work just as well hey!

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Hork-Bajir Valley
    5,722

    the 'bag' is completely open on one end, so empting it is really easy...or atleast should be if there wasnt 10 years of dust inside..but how do you wash them? just hand wash? I wouldnt wan to put it in the machine i wouldnt think...plus its got a rubber rim around the opening.

    Thanks for your help girls...one day I will get a new vacuum....maybe =P

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Hork-Bajir Valley
    5,722

    LMAO!!

    I googled it..to see if i could get replacement bags...
    and I came across a dudes site who collects 'vintage' vacuums....and there is mine standing proud with him saying its one of his faves!!!!


    ...yea i'm ashamed...i think i should just get a new one...

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    Chuck it in the machine, some tea tree oil, by itself then hang it on the line

  13. #13

    Nov 2007
    Earth
    4,434

    Oh its BRILLIANT Lime! LOL, its so good, that I frequently loan it out to friends who couldn't afford it, so every few months they'll do a really good vacuum of the house Actually, maybe they've been changing the bag, which would explain why I never have to...never thought of that!!

    Yeah, just bought a pack of 15 paper bags for $20 off ebay, they work just fine

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    SE suburbs, Vic
    1,377

    With my old vac I had to empty it every 2-4 vacs, the new one we will have to wait & see

    Lime & Berenice - We got a Kirby 2 weeks ago. It's sooo good. We told the sales guy he'd have to throw in some extra bags & the heavy traffic spray. So I think we have 3 or 4 spare bags, but the bags arent that expensive from them anyway seeing how long they last before needing to be changed

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    Sal - yeah, we thought the same, I think they said it would be 3 months before they needed to be changed...uh not quite! lol I found the suction does get affected by the bag being half full lol

    But having said that, I LOVE it, DH - not so sure - he hates having to change it to a barrel vac to do the hard floors, I don't nind, find it easier in fact. But it has paid for itself twice over already (we have had it nearly 5 years) just in cleaning the carpets - our RE agent couldn't tell the difference between Kirby clean and Steam Clean rofl.