Thank You all for the information. I do understand about keeping it as original as possible. To do this, how do you sanitize the brush roll, wheels, etc?
Hi Bud,
My best suggestion is to do nothing. If you mean bacteria removal, there is no actual way to fully "sanitize" a used vacuum unless you totally dismantle it and still no way to render it totally or even near germ free. As well, there is nothing to be gained except a lot of work and possible problems.
However, if you want to clean the machine's underside up a little . . .
If you also own a vacuum with a blower, attach the hose and crevice tool and blow away any dust, cobwebs, etc., that may be found in the recesses on the front wheels. Use a natural bristle brush or even a clean paint brush to get into wheel recesses. Also, since you'll probably want to install a fresh drive belt, remove the plate covering the fan chamber plus the machine's belt and brushroll and blow out the brush chamber. You can use the brush I mentioned here as well to loosen dust that doesn't easily blow away. This is a job better done outdoors or in a workshop.
[Please note that my not making mention of complete removal of the cleaner's wheels is totally deliberate.] Moisten a paper towel with a little window cleaner and turn the wheels with your thumb as you use your fingers and the moistened toweling to quickly remove any foreign matter like dust or shampoo residue.
The wooden "disturbulator" is not meant to be exposed to water. A stiff brush with natural or plastic bristles may be helpful in dislodging adherent dust and dirt between the tufts of bristles on the brushroll. If there is black residue that sometimes develops on a brushroll, do no more than LIGHTLY moisten a cloth or paper towel with window cleaner or a spray cleaner like Fantastik and clean it as best you can.
As far as collectibles go, clean up is a good thing only to the extent that original parts and finishes are not altered or damaged by over-cleaning.
Best,
Venson
