Rainbow D4 Vacuum

Refurbished D4 Vacuums Are Still A Good Choice

The product of 5 years of planning, engineering and testing, the Rainbow D4 was undeniably the most advanced vacuum cleaner on the market until it was replaced in 1998 by the Rainbow E series.

Instead of collecting dirt into bags or cups, Rainbow vacuum cleaners use a reservoir of water to trap dirt and prevent dust from being expelled back into the air in the vacuum cleaner's exhaust.

One of the unique features of Rainbow systems is their ability to purify the air of allergens and other airborne particles.

It is the ideal vacuum cleaner for people who suffer from asthma or allergies.

A new Rainbow costs $1500-$2500, a price that puts this powerful system beyond the reach of many consumers.

Rainbow D4 Review

Features of the Rainbow vacuum model D4:

• Powerful motor
• High speed power nozzle with edge cleaning brushes
• Stainless steel adjustable wands
• Rexair's exclusive water filtration
• Various tools and attachments
• Weight: 34 lbs
• Price: Approximately $300-$600

If you have always wanted a Rainbow, but couldn't afford a new one, a refurbished older model may be the solution you have been looking for. Refurbished Rainbow D4s are a popular item for sale on sites such as Ebay and Amazon. There are several reputable sellers who rebuild older Rainbows for resale online.

The average price for a refurbished Rainbow D4 is approximately $300-$600, which seems surprisingly expensive for a vacuum cleaner that is more than twenty years old. No other brand of vacuum cleaner can sell for that price at twenty years of age, because most of them have long since expired and are useless.

The demand for older Rainbow systems is quite high. In fact, the D4 model is the most commonly sold refurbished vacuum. This is mainly due to the Rainbow's remarkable life span.

It is not uncommon to see previous Rainbow models that are still perfectly operational, dating as far back as the 1940's. A properly rebuilt Rainbow model D4 will run like new and give you many years of problem-free vacuuming.

When buying a used Rainbow, one of the important things to look for is whether or not the brush roll in the power head has been replaced. A good brush roll is essential for cleaning, and it is one part that is frequently worn out on older machines. A good rebuilder will usually replace the bearings, seals and belt as well.

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of the Rainbow D4 is its price. A reconditioned Rainbow D4 can be bought for only a few hundred dollars, which for some people can make the difference between owning a Rainbow and not owning one.

Like other Rainbows, the D4 is ideal for allergy sufferers and pet owners. Because Rainbow systems have been in existence for so long, parts are easy to find, so maintaining an older model such as the D4 is relatively easy.

Many vacuum resellers have commented on the large number of Rainbow owners they encounter that are opting to have their older models rebuilt instead of buying new ones. When properly rebuilt, the D4 vacuum cleaner will run like new for a very long time.

Disadvantages

Most Rainbow D4s are more than twenty years old, so they may need to have some of the parts replaced due to normal wear and tear. With an older model, you may miss out on some of the more advanced features found in new models, such as the E2's two speed motor and new safety switch.

Complaints about this model of Rainbow are similar to the complaints about other models. The water reservoir makes the Rainbow D4 quite heavy, and elderly people may have difficulty maneuvering it. People complain that emptying the sludge and water from the reservoir each time they vacuum is inconvenient and sometimes messy.

Some users have also complained that it is noisy. It does not trap every type of dust. Fireplace ashes and drywall dust are too fine to be trapped in the water. Rexair solved this problem in newer models by adding a HEPA filter.

Some Rainbow users have recommended against using a Rainbow to clean up cat litter, particularly the clumping kind, because it creates a sticky mess once inside the water reservoir.

Consumer Reviews

Consumers like: Powerful suction Purifies the air -- great for allergies Wet/dry capabilities -- optional wet attachments Long life span Affordable price for refurbished models

Consumers don't like: Not new -- may need rebuilding Heavy Noisy Inconvenient to empty

Summary

With the Rainbow D4, it is possible to own a Rainbow for about one quarter of the cost of buying a new system. This means that even more people can have the pleasure of owning one of the most powerful cleaning systems ever built.

The incredible life span of these machines means that even the older models will be in operation for many years to come.

VacuumWizard Rating

Have you been using a Rainbow vacuum and was the investment worth the price? Share your Rainbow review and help others make the right choice!

Back from Rainbow D4 to Rainbow Vacuum Cleaners

Back from Rainbow Vacuum D4 to Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

---