I would really like to wash the outer bag of my vacuum, but I have a problem. I can remove the outer bag from the vacuum, but the plastic 'frame' that is inside the outer bag is sewn to the bag. So what am I supposed to do about that if I want to put it in the washing machine? I have the Oreck XL Silver.

Yes as long as you don't mind your next 3 washes of clothes to have fine dust washed into them. Just buy a new outer bag for $10 or hand wash it.

https://www.evacuumbags.com/dirt-devil-plus-503-103-outer-vacuum-bag.aspx

You ARE using the disposable paper bags with it??

https://www.google.com/search?q=dirt+devil+model+103+bags

..

I had a similar problem with a smelly filter, even after multiple washings and finally discovered an actual solution, which I can’t believe Dyson won’t tell you. Those filters that slide out of the top can be disassembled by removing the outer fabric from the plastic frame. When I did that, I found a massive clump of debris inside that would never have come out just by rinsing it under a faucet. Perhaps they don’t want you to know this, but it’s a two minute fix and actually addresses the source of the odor, rather than just covering it up.

Make sure that your bag is pushed all the way past the lip on the connector tube and that the "U" shaped part of the plastic assembly is in it's slot behind that lip, or it will not seal properly and you will get dust into the outer bag.

Amy, not sure from your description whether the outer part is what came off or the smaller, inner part came off. If it is the outer part, all you need to do is squeeze the two prongs of the inner part of the bag holder together and slip the two pegs into the holes on the outer part of the holder. If the inner part came off then you have to spread it, so that it will go over the opening on the handle, and then follow the directions I gave to install the outer part. Hope this helps.

Twist the bag emptor left to remove it from the upright then your need a sharp narrow pointy object (like a metal dental pick cost $1 in most stores) push it under the plastic band around the rubber on the bottom of the cloth bag roll it across and take off the plastic tie once off pull the rubber bottom part of the bag emptor take out the inner plastic tube and zip the bag put in the washer by itself and wash with soap and softner and let hang dry you can also wash the inner plastic tube with hot water and fabuloso I recondition kirbys and do it all the time.

Please make sure that the plastic pieces that holds the outer/inner bags on the vacuum are attached properly. Push the outer (permanent) bag down against the vacuum. It will go over a black lip. Put first piece of the bag dock on..make sure it is behind that lip also. When you reattach the second piece to the dock, this will tighten the docking system. It will keep the outer bag on and keep the inner (disposable) bag in place so that it is catching the dirt...not the outer bag.

In order to remove the outer jacket from your Kirby do the following.
Detach the top bag clip from the handle support. There is a plastic piece, just below the outer jacket, called the mini emptor. Turn it to the right to remove the entire bag assembly. Removing the outer jacket is dificult and even harder to put back on so this is what I would do.
Unzip the outer jacket as you were going to change the bag. Remove the paper bag. You will then see a long black tube, that has a 90 degree elbow at the top. That elbow is attached to the inside of the bag with a snap type strap. Remove the strap, then you will be able to move the tube, while you clean out the inside of the bag. When finished put everything back where it was.

Greetings from GoVacuum,

Actually you can even wash this outer bag in the washing machine under a gentle cycle. It's best however not to put this in the dryer, but instead let it air dry completely before using it again in the vacuum cleaner.

You can remove the outer bag by first unclipping the top of the bag from the handle. If you look up at the top where the vacuum bag and the handle meet, on teh backside you can push the arm that the bag connects up into, allowing the bag to fall down. Then you'll need to remove the boot, or the mini emptor part at the bottom of the bag.

Standing on the side of the vacuum cleaner, with the bag right in front of you, grab the plastic boot part of the bag with both hands, and rotate the boot away from the vacuum cleaner, or counter clockwise until it is released from the vacuum cleaner. It may take some elbow grease, but this boot will come off I promise.

Once you have the outer bag off of the vacuum completely, make sure to remove the inner disposable bag first before washing the outer bag. If you'd rather not throw this into the washing machine, you may also just let the outer bag sit in a sink or tub full of hot water and simple green, then take it outside and use the garden hose to rinse it off. Again VERY IMPORTANT do NOT use the vacuum again until the bag has completely dried.

If you have any questions, or would like some clarification, please email me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to answer any further questions or concerns.

If this was helpful, please rate this repair tip by clicking the 4 Thumbs Up iconds in the top right hand corner of this Solution.

Thanks so much,

Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com

Greetings from GoVacuum.com,

Yes, you certainly can take off the outer bag of your Oreck and wash it in the washing machine. You DO NOT however want to put the bag through the dryer!!!!! Just hang the bag outside, and let it air dry. It is important to make sure that the bag is 100% completely dry before you use the machine again. If the bag is wet, it will cause dirt to turn to mud in the bag, and probably cause a foul odor when you use the bag.

There are 2 different types of bag systems with Oreck vacuums. The one pictured below is the older style that uses a metal clamp to hold the bag in place. The newer docking system, will be a white plastic clamp that holds the outer bag in place. They both will be removed the same way however. Simply take a screwdriver and pry off the clamp;


Once you have removed this clamp, simply pull the outer bag off. Once it has been washed, and the bag is 100% completely dry, put the outer bag back over the bag housing as far as it will go. When you put the clamp back on, it is imperative that the clamp go behind the plastic ridges, to ensure that it is tightly fastened. If the clamp is not put on correctly, this will cause the inner paper bag to fall off during vacuuming. Make sure that the clamp is in the right position when putting the bag back;


If you have any further questions, please feel free to email them to me. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge an passion about vacuum cleaner, and vacuum repairs. We do stock all Oreck parts, so if you need any parts, please let me know.

Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com
[email protected]

Here is a link to my guide for cleaning the Kirby cloth bag...

 

http://reviews.ebay.com/DEODORIZING-CLEANING-THE-KIRBY-VACUUM-OUTER-CLOTH-BAG_W0QQugidZ10000000003719865

 

It should be helpful. :0)

 

Marci