Filter Queen Vacuum Cleaners

[danemodsandy]

Congratulations!

As has been noted here, high-end vacs beat mass-market ones all hollow.

You've received good advice - which it sounds like you're following - to use genuine Filter Queen parts and supplies. Filters are cheap, motors are expensive!

Dave d-jones is being modest (as is his custom) about the Filter Queens he got for relatives. My understanding is that he got everyone the exact model, complete with the correct attachments, that he describes as the vacuum his family had growing up. Now that's devotion!

Dave has not, however, responded to my requests to be considered for adoption.

 

[NYCWriter]

No ...

"Can you empty the FQ bin in the apartment house trash room or dumpster?"

I'd have to walk five flights down and into the back courtyard (outside) to do this ... then of course all the way back upstairs.

 

[countryguy]

I have a FQ and have no problems with flying dust when emptying it in the house.  I just use several layers of newspaper to cover the top of the container and make a tight seal, then quickly flip the container over, wait a couple of seconds for the dirt to settle and slowly remove the container.  Cover the dirt with more newspaper and carefully wrap it up.

 

Gary

 

[hooverwheelaway]

Glad you got a great deal on the FQ, Gary!

I usually empty mine by laying out some newspaper, dumping the bin onto the newspaper, and letting it sit for a few minutes to let the "dust settle."

Then I lift off the dirt bin, carefully fold up the newspaper, and toss it in the trash. We've been using a FQ for cleaning the basement these past few weeks, it's been working rather nicely. They are great, simple cleaners.

 

[volvoguy87]

Filter Queen.

Like Speed Queen, Filter Queen is among the very best. I used mine to un-clog the Oreck at work. It's quiet, very powerful, and the 2-speed motor is surprisingly handy. It's sturdy, simple, and just out performs most everything else.

Dave

 

[NYCWriter]

What is ...

"I just use several layers of newspaper to cover the top of the container and make a tight seal, then quickly flip the container over, wait a couple of seconds for the dirt to settle and slowly remove the container. Cover the dirt with more newspaper and carefully wrap it up."

What is this "newspaper" of which you speak?

 

[countryguy]

Newspaper - printed paper with news articles

 

[abcomatic]

Another update!

My piano student had a lesson here today and her mom came along. I told her that I have a new vacuum and showed it to her. She said that she just received a Filter Queen from her grandmother with tons of attachments; she told me it may be from the '60's.? She had no clue how to use it so I did a demo. for her to show her how. I felt like I was a salesman for Filter Queen. lol
What I noticed was I put a new filter cone in and just used on the foyer carpet to show her how well this cleans with the power nozzle. I had just vacuumed it last night. I went over it a few times, took off the motor and looked at the dirt bin which was covered in dirt and the cone filter had dirt on it too. I can't believe this guys, this carpet looked brighter, is that possible? I would guess that things will get cleaner with each use, pulling the dirt out of everything that was left behind from the Hoover? Thanks, Gary

 

[d-jones]

Gary - It's good to hear that you and your new Filter Queen are off to such a good start. With proper care this machine will easily last you the rest of your life. In fact, that would be true even if you were a young guy in your twenties. Maintenance on them is simple, and parts are readily available. I don't have a real clear idea of exactly what your model looks like, but between eBay, the various online venders, and your local vacuum shop, you'll easily find anything that you need. So here's wishing you many years of happy vacuuming.

 

Of course Sandy is right. I did deliberately set out to assemble a machine like the one I grew up with, and for the most part I succeeded. I've had it for a couple of years now, and when I bring it in to use it it looks and feels so familiar to me that it always makes me smile. It's one of those simple pleasures you here folks talk about, but there's a lot to be said for such things.

 

Sandy - Thanks for your very funny comment above, though I have to say, I think you're a bit older than me. If I tried to adopt you people would talk. LOL - (then quickly ducks and runs!)

 

[tennblondie78]

I just bought what the seller said was a model B-88 off of eBay. It had all of the attachments and looked in good shape and clean. I googled this model but couldn't find much. Can anyone tell me about it? It is dark brown. I can't wait to get it. I currently have a Dyson and am not super impressed. I am looking forward to running the Dyson until the container stays empty and then the FQ to see what the Dyson left.

 

[d-jones]

Stephanie

The seller is probably confused about the model number. The B-88 designation applies to the power nozzle. The actual model number for the vacuum will appear on a data plate below the exhaust cap at the top of the machine (the cap seen under the handle). When your machine arrives you'll be able to retrieve it, then you should have no trouble finding information about it.

 

[tennblondie78]

Oh okay...

Here's a pic of it...

 

[hydralique]

My favorite Filter Queen . . .

I know they're all fine vacs but I just don't get the graphics on most of the later FQs with swirly designs that look like they were copied from  a motorhome or travel trailer. This particular one (is it a 33?) looks clean and simple with the classic Filter Queen slanted grid pattern against the chrome. I believe the same grid pattern is  molded into the top of the power head, a nice touch.

 

If I ever have an FQ it'll be this model, preferably with the cord winder. I do have a couple of Compact/TriStar vacs which use almost exactly the same motor as the FQ, and like the FQ are great examples of quality American engineering built to last.

 

[d-jones]

Hydralique

I totally agree with you about the late model graphics. I sometimes wonder if they put them there to distract people from the dramatic increase in plastic on those machines. As you can probably tell, my personal favorites are any of the two tone machines from the nineteen sixties through the late seventies(like the ones I posted above).

 

Stephanie - That's a very nice looking machine, either well cared for or lightly used.

 

[tennblondie78]

I can't wait to get it. I'll post pictures of it when it comes.

 

[abcomatic]

Thanks for all of your help with my new vacuum. For $10.00 you can't wrong and it cleans so well. Thanks again. Gary

 

[lotsosudz]

Long Lived Vaccuums

I have had mine for over 30 years, and the only thing I have had done to it was to replace the power cord. My friend swore by Rainbows, and is now on his second one. I told him to buy a FQ, and he told me Rainbows were better. Now don't get me wrong, I am not bad mouthing RB's, but when he went to buy his second one, he asked me what I was using, and I told himm my FQ. He couldn't beleive it. He thought it would be weak by now, but i pulled it out,(my FQ you nasty people)and showed him the suction, he couldn't beleive it. I try to buy quality the first time, so as to not have to buy again. Go Healthmor products!
Hugs,
David

 

[abcomatic]

I must have the dirtiest house in the world! I have been over it all, curtains, stuffed furniture, wood furniture, floors, carpets, drapes, mattresses, and even inside of the grand piano! I replaced the filter cone twice. The manual says to change the filter cone once a month. How long do you all go before you change your cones and what more or less tells you to do so? Thanks, Gary

 

[countryguy]

The filter cone should be changed every time you empty the dirt container.

Gary