How To Use The Kirby Carpet Shampoo System

The two-in-one Kirby system allows you to vacuum and shampoo your carpet with the same machine. The Kirby shampoo system attaches to the front of a Kirby vacuum after the vacuuming head is removed. This attachment cleans by generating foam to apply to the carpet and does not saturate the carpet with water, making it quick and easy to use.

Vacuum the carpet to be shampooed. Move as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. Place sheets of wax paper or foil under the legs of furniture remaining in the room, to prevent staining of any wood. Pretreat heavily soiled areas, scrubbing with a hand brush before using the Kirby shampooer.

Unplug the vacuum. Remove the vacuuming head from the Kirby vacuum by turning the belt knob to match the red arrows. This releases the belt. Remove the vacuuming head and bag assembly from the right side of the vacuum.

Turn the knob on the front of the assembled shampoo attachment to match the red arrows. This sets the belt to the open position.

Slide the shampoo attachment into place and turn the belt indicator to match the green arrows. Some models may have a raise/lower switch that needs to be depressed to attach the shampooer and lock it in place. Other models may have a knob or lever to turn that will lock the shampooer in place.

Fill the tank with warm tap water and shampoo. The quantities depend on the size of the room to be vacuumed.

Attach the tank to the top of the shampoo attachment on the right side of the unit, and lock it into place. Connect the solution tank to the collection tray on the front of the unit with the hose.

Plug in the vacuum, turn the Kirby on and turn the knob on the top of the shampoo tank until a light fluffy foam is being dispensed onto the carpet. The valve does not have to be opened fully. Keep adjusting until just foam is being dispensed.

Apply the foam to the carpet in a slow, back and forth motion until an area approximately 3 feet by 5 feet is covered in foam. Allow the foam solution to sit on the carpet for five minutes. Turn the knob on top of the shampoo tank to the off position.

Pull the machine backward over the foam to remove it from the carpet. The Kirby does not vacuum up the foam. When pulled backward the brushes pick up the foam and deposit it in the tray. Use smooth motions with the machine to avoid sloshing dirty solution out of the pickup tray onto the cleaned carpet. Empty the collection tray as needed.

Allow the carpet to dry from two to three hours and vacuum thoroughly.

Disassemble the shampoo unit and rinse all the parts, except the brushes, with clear water, and allow to air dry.