The Kirby Vacuum, as it was since its introduction, is still sold only through in-home demonstrations, along with its fabled carpet cleaning system. Finding an antique cleaner from Kirby could be likened to finding money as, unless they were exceptionally abused or damaged, most will usually provide the suction power they had when new, as well as the quality construction that helps them last through generations.

Replacement parts, such as bag, belts or other drive system parts may be difficult, but there are a few repair shops that may have hoarded a few for the antique cleaners Kirby vacuum units require. It will, however take a diligent and thorough search.

When Jim Kirby made a decision never to work for anyone but himself, one of his first inventions was a vacuum cleaner to help his mother sweep the floor. Continued improvement on his idea of 1906, led to the first commercially available vacuum cleaner a few years later. Insisting on quality in the product, which has helped antique cleaners Kirby vacuum produced in the late 1900's still work today.

While the cleaner he designed initially for his mother used water to separate the dirt, he later turned to a cloth bag, and then included the replaceable filter bag to make it easier to dispose of the vacuumed dirt and do away with the need to handle the heavy water reservoir. However, the basic design and power of an antique Kirby vacuum cleaner is still part of the top ranked cleaning system on the market.