[REF: Vacuum Cleaner Reviews 2008] The Rainbow vacuum cleaner has been a staple of the American home for the last seventy years and has a wide variety of functions and features. Their vacuum cleaners use a water-based filtration system to trap dirt and the company uses the catch phrase “Wet dust can’t fly” in it’s marketing materials... [REF Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner Reviews 2008]
Who Are Rainbow?
Rainbow is actually the brand name of the vacuum cleaner that is made by a company that is commonly known as Rexair LLC. Rexair was founded in 1929 in Troy, Michigan. Leslie H Green was the man responsible for the company but was not the individual that designed the first company vacuum cleaner. Instead, that honour went to John W Newcombe. He actually designed the first ever bagless vacuum cleaner, which was initially marketed by the company but later modified in order to incorporate a unique water filtration system. However, the Rainbow brand still did not hit the market for some years to come.
It was 1955 before the Rainbow brand was introduced and four years later J V Sanders bought and revolutionized the company. The business format he adopted is still in place now and keeps Rainbow popular among the general public. He was actually a salesman by trade and introduced a program of door to door sales. Many people in the industry view this as unsolicited direct marketing, but the company itself claims that the “appointments only” system that they advertise has been in place for some years and continues to provide happy customers.
The Products
There is only one Rainbow product on the market at the moment – the Rainbow cleaning system itself, which is commonly known as the Rainbow vacuum by the public at large. The Rainbow system incorporates the water filtration system that was patented in the 1950s. It is an effective and efficient system that can be used throughout the home and has been proven to effectively get at dirt and grime. The system itself is rather bulky and also fairly expensive in comparison to other products on the market, but the company justifies the price by indicating that the vacuum can do the kind of job that would require several other vacuums.
The Features
The features of the Rainbow cleaning system are actually unique at the moment because the product offers the total cleaning package for your home. It incorporates air cleaning, carpets, wet floors, bard floors, mattresses, upholstery and cushions so you do not need multiple vacuuming devices.
The system is designed to last for years and is extremely durable and hard-wearing. If you consider the cost out over the years it may be a fraction of the money that you would pay for multiple cleaning systems during the same period of time. However you do have to purchase carpet shampoo to ensure that deep cleaning is at its optimum.
I have a Rainbow. My husband wanted it. It works great but I HATE it. It is cumbersome and what do I do with the results? I strain it into a plastic colander but it still clogs the drain. You have to empty it frequently while vacuuming because it fills quickly and I can't just do the entire house with two dogs without changing the water. My kids sometimes neglect to empty and it reeks. Again...does a great job but not worth all the effort required.
First off you really shouldn't be putting that down your drain at all. Simply step outside and dump it where dirt goes...plus...you should be able to do the whole house. even when you think its too dirty...it will do more.
I always dump the dirty water in the toilet and never use the spout otherwise it gets dirty with time and is difficult to clean, pour the water from the side...
I've had my Rainbow for 17 years. Yes, it is somewhat cumbersome to use, but the results are so worth it. I have a wire strainer used only for the Rainbow. Take the residue straight to the outside trash, because, yes, it will smell. The versatility (water pickup, air cleaning, etc) this unit offers, plus the longevity makes it the only system I will ever buy. I paid full price for mine, but have since seen websites where you can buy for less.
I go to clean my granfaher's house every two weeks and use an old version of a rainbow vacuum cleaner. I asked my mom how old it was and it has to be at least 20-30 years old.. It still works completely sufficient. I am always shocked at how much dirt it picks up. His house always looks so pistine and clean when I get there. It was expensive at the time, but after use for so long its worth it.
I have had a Rainbow for 20 years. It is only one of two vacuum systems on the market that get the dust OUT of the house. One can tell by the air smelling fresh and clean while vacuuming. The only comparable vacuuming system is a central vacuum system which exhausts outside the house.
My Rainbow is now 37 years old, and it still works like a charm. It is the best cleaner on the market, and the air does smell so fresh when I'm done cleaning the house. My husband says the house feels "lighter".
I purchased my 1st Rainbow in 1985 and it finally "died" last month March 2011! Yes, it was a little cumbersome, however it sure did clean my home better than any "bag blower" ever did. I will be purchasing another as soon as $$$$ permits!
Great vacuums but not for lazy people. It's really not that big of a deal once you get into the groove. I have learned that changing the water is easier if it's done more frequently. Say you're vacuuming a room.....Watch the water and about 15 min's later stop and go dump it down the toilet (BEFORE it gets to the point where you can't dump it) If you dump and change the water more frequently then you shouldn't have an issue dumping it down the toilet.
I've also noticed that after vacuuming thoroughly a few times, the water doesn't get NEAR as dirty as it did when you first start using it. So you have to do this less often.
Another hint. Put a couple of drops of Jetdry or liquid Rinse Aid in the basin (just two or three drops..NO MORE than that) and it will actually make the water "wetter" and enhance its ability to capture dirt.
My family had a Rainbow when I was a child, and that was 25 years ago. I still remember the demonstration that was done in our home by the sales person. Rainbows are amazing and can do a lot more than vaccuum your floor. While it is not practical for apartment living if I ever buy a home the Rainbow will be purchased shorthly thereafter.
I've had my rainbow for 15 years. We just traded up for the new model which is even easier to use, and better with more power. It is amazing how well it keeps our carpets looking new. Our carpet is 11 years old and still looks new. People ask us often how we keep those areas looking so good. We let them know that regular vacuuming, and annual shampooing with our rainbow is the trick. We have been grateful for the wonderful job the machine does and for the return value on the investment. Plus the filter system keeps dust at a minimal-we only dust our house once a month as a result of the power and filtration with the machine. It may be a little more work to use than a regular vacuum cleaner but the results and clean house is worth it.
I HATE USING THIS VACUUM. The rainbow does a good job but pulling it around with the hose is maddening. It hits furniture and baseboards. The hose always gets twisted. The cord comes out of the wall with the slightest movement. The cord is so long that it is always being run over and I have to stop what I am doing to pick the cleaner up and move the cords. Yes I want my rooms clean but this does not make my life easier. I am not lazy but I also don't want to double my workload. It definitley is not worth the effort. My husband insisted we have one. Well since he doesn't vacuum, it is sitting in his closet while I use my Dyson. Total waste of money!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Lori,
Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with your Rainbow. I have 3 different models of them and have never had a problem. Using any type of canister you always have to be careful of bumping walls and furniture. As far as the cord coming out of the wall plug, you may need to replace the outlet as they do wear out after time. I had to replace all of mine as my house was built in 1954. hope this helps. Try your Rainbow again.
We have had a rainbow for 16 years. We moved up to the 2 speed model in 2006 and the power diffence gave noticeable results. We have a central vacuum system that we use for quick cleanups and stairs. Our rainbow does a much better job and we use it for routine cleaning every two weeks. Our house looks great, very little dust and our carrots still look new after 14 years. We do use the shampoo system once a year and people ask us who we get to professionally clean our carpet every time. The rainbow is not for everyone but if you are willing to put effort into maintaining a dust free and clean house you really should consider a rainbow system. The return on eh investment over time reall makes it affordable and a smart purchase. Every quality home should be cleaned with a rainbow.
We've had a Rainbow for 35 years and yes I do most of the vaccuming. My only complaint is pulling the thing around, but it's the best at what it does. I like the look and smell of the carpet once I've used the thing. I wouldn't have another brand when it comes to cleaning where I live and where my grandkids come to visit. I'm sold on it.
The new E2 model is awsome i have one in my home and it is so upgraded its awesome... you should give a distributor a call they might be able to give you something if you trade in your old model.
I have 4 dogs and wood floors. I swiffer twice a day and currently have a dyson. I can't use my dyson on the wood floors, too much suction and the beater bar damages floor. Does anyone know if the rainbow vacuum would work for my situation?
It works perfectly on wood floors. It has a great attachment that acts as a broom with camel hair brissels that are soft on the wood surfaces! I just bought one and it is magic.
We have had a rainbow for 18 years, just traded for the new model in December. It is amazing and the house looks brand new after a good rainbow cleaning. We built with a central vacuum system which we use for quick clean ups but the rainbow is the machine of choice - does an amazing job. It is a little more work to use but the results are amazing. Hands down it is the best vacuum on he market. Try one in your home for a week and you will see for yourself what the machine does for your floors and indoor air quality.
Just purchased my first rainbow tonight, absolutely thrilled with it! Yes i have noticed it is bulky, but it put my 3 month old dyson to SHAME! Does anyone know of any homemade scents i can put in the tank?
