How to Shampoo with a Kirby Vacuum

May 29, 2023

How to Shampoo with a Kirby Vacuum

How to Shampoo with a Kirby Vacuum

Did you know that Kirby vacuums can also be used to shampoo carpets? Today we’re going to show you how to use your Kirby shampooing system with your Kirby vacuum cleaner!


Important Safety Tips

  • Always make sure your machine is unplugged and the power button is turned off before servicing your vacuum.
  • Always make sure your hands are dry and free from moisture before servicing your machine.
  • Be sure to wear gloves when servicing your machine to prevent any cuts or scrapes.
  • If you are uncomfortable working on your vacuum, please don’t hesitate to contact us at service@greatvacs.com and we can help you through the process or you can send it into us to fix it for you.

Supplies Needed

Step 1: Filling the Kirby Shampoo Tank

To start, we’re going to fill up the tank before attaching it to the vacuum. This is an easier method since you need to shake it to mix the cleaning solution and water.

Kirby vacuum shampooing tutorial showing how to use a Kirby shampoo system for carpet cleaning

Adding Water and Cleaning Solution

First thing you want to do is take off the cap and grab your water. You’ve probably noticed that there are three lines on the tank.

  • First line: For small spaces and requires one cap full of solution.
  • Second line: For medium spaces and requires two caps of solution.
  • Third line: For large spaces and requires three caps of solution.

Whether you need shampoo or spot remover, we’ve got it all. If you need to purchase some click 

Kirby shampoo tank being prepared before attaching it to the vacuum cleaner

Mixing the Shampoo Solution

For this example we’re going to go up to the first line and use one capful of shampoo solution. Dump the solution into the tank and replace the cap.

Give the container a good shake, but be sure to cover the filter, otherwise water will go all over the place.

Understanding Kirby Shampooer Tank Settings

Here are two Kirby shampooer tanks. They look similar, but they have a minor difference.

  • G3 to Centurion models: Keep the knob in the off position while setting up. When you are ready to shampoo, turn it to on.
  • Avalir and newer models: Choose between hardwood and carpet settings depending on the floor surface you are cleaning.

    Removing the Kirby shampoo tank cap and adding water and cleaning solution based on tank fill lines

Step 2: Attaching the Shampooer to Your Kirby Vacuum

Since we’ve got the tank taken care of, let's get your Kirby shampooer hooked up to your Kirby vacuum! This method will work for the G3 models up. We’re using the Avalir model for this example.

Comparison of Kirby shampooer tanks showing different settings for various Kirby vacuum models

Prepare the Vacuum

  • Raise the height adjuster all the way up.
  • Lift up the lid and turn the belt lifter to the belt off position.
  • Remove the vacuum head and bag before attaching the shampooer.

Attach the Shampooer Body

Put the shaft in the opening, secure the latch, and turn the belt lifter to the on position.

Now the main part of your shampooer is connected!

Kirby Avalir shampoo tank showing carpet and hardwood cleaning settings



Attach the Shampoo Tank and Hose

  1. Line up the tank on the bag connection.
  2. Turn clockwise until it snaps into place.
  3. Attach the hose to the shampooer body first.
  4. Connect the other end of the hose to the tank.

Your Kirby vacuum is now ready to shampoo!


Kirby vacuum height adjuster being raised before attaching the shampooer system


Kirby shampooer attachment being connected to the vacuum cleaner body


Step 3: Disassembling the Kirby Shampooer

Now that you’re done shampooing your carpets, let's get the Kirby shampooer disassembled. Disassembly is even easier than assembly - you just need to reverse the steps.

  1. Disconnect the hose.
  2. Turn the tank counter-clockwise and disconnect it from the vacuum.
  3. Lift the lid.
  4. Turn the belt lifter to the belt off position.
  5. Undo the latch and remove the shampooer head.

Returning Your Kirby Vacuum Back to Normal

  1. Reconnect the vacuum bag by twisting it clockwise.
  2. Reattach the top to the handle.
  3. Slide the head back on.
  4. Secure the latch.
  5. Turn the belt lifter back to the belt on position.

Your Kirby vacuum is now back to normal!

Need Kirby Shampoo Supplies?

If you need to buy any Kirby shampoo you can click here.

Need the Kirby Shampooer? Click here!

Learn More About Kirby Vacuums

If you are curious which model of Kirby vacuum cleaner we think is the best you can read this post.

Need Help With Your Kirby Vacuum?

Here at Great Vacs we’ve serviced and rebuilt nearly 100,000 Kirby vacuum cleaners, so if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave us a comment!

You can also head on over to our YouTube channel to see more educational videos.