Rainbow vacuums are made by Rexair LLC, a private company headquartered in Troy, Michigan, that has been a subsidiary of Rhone Capital since 2019.
Rainbow vacuums are best known for using a water based filtration system instead of traditional bags or cyclonic filters, and the brand is sold almost exclusively through in home demonstrations rather than retail stores.
Newell Brands previously owned Rexair before selling the business to the private equity firm Rhone Capital in a 2019 deal.
But why does a vacuum brand still rely on door to door style sales demonstrations in an era dominated by big box retail and online shopping?
This guide will explore who owns Rainbow vacuums, where they are actually built, the brand history, common concerns about the sales model, and whether the investment is worth it.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns The Rainbow Vacuum Brand
Rainbow vacuums are made and marketed by Rexair LLC, headquartered in Troy, Michigan.
Rexair has been a subsidiary of Rhone Capital, a private equity firm, since Newell Brands sold the business in February 2019.
Before the Rhone Capital deal, Rexair had passed through several corporate owners, including a period as part of Jarden Corporation before Jarden merged into Newell Brands.
Rexair remains privately held today, without public stock available for everyday investors to buy.
Where Are Rainbow Vacuums Manufactured
Rexair designs and manufactures Rainbow vacuums at its own factory in Cadillac, Michigan.
This US based manufacturing sets Rainbow apart from many competing vacuum brands that rely heavily on overseas contract factories.
Rexair corporate headquarters in Troy, Michigan handles product design and company operations, while the Cadillac plant handles actual production.
Keeping manufacturing in house and domestic has remained a consistent part of the Rexair business model across its various corporate owners.
The History Of Rexair And Rainbow
Rexair developed the original Rainbow vacuum system decades ago, built around a distinctive water bath filtration design rather than a bag or standard filter, according to Wikipedia.
The company built its sales model around independent distributors who demonstrate the vacuum directly in customer homes rather than selling through retail stores.
Rexair changed corporate ownership multiple times over the decades, eventually landing under Jarden Corporation, then Newell Brands after Newell acquired Jarden.
Newell Brands sold Rexair to Rhone Capital in 2019, returning the company to a more focused, standalone ownership structure.
What Makes Rainbow Vacuums Different From Other Brands
Rainbow vacuums use a centrifugal water bath separator instead of a bag or standard filter, trapping dust and allergens in water rather than a disposable bag.
This design is marketed as producing cleaner exhaust air compared to traditional bagged vacuums.
Rainbow vacuums are sold almost exclusively through authorized independent dealers who demonstrate the product in person, rather than through big box retailers.
Our guide to who makes Dyson vacuums covers a very differently distributed premium competitor sold through mainstream retail.
Rainbow Vacuum Sales Practices And Pricing Concerns
Rainbow vacuums are known for a significantly higher price point than most retail vacuums, often costing several thousand dollars.
The in home demonstration sales model has drawn criticism over the years, with some customers reporting high pressure sales tactics and confusing financing terms.
Complaints have also focused on financing agreements with high interest rates and short return windows given the large purchase price.
Shoppers considering a Rainbow vacuum should carefully review any financing agreement and return policy before committing to a purchase.
Rainbow Versus Bagged And Bagless Retail Vacuums
Most retail vacuums sold at big box stores use either disposable bags or bagless cyclonic filters, unlike the water bath system used in every Rainbow vacuum.
Our guide to where Bissell vacuums are made covers one of the most common bagless retail alternatives Rainbow indirectly competes against.
Retail vacuums are generally far cheaper upfront and easier to replace parts for through any local store, while Rainbow relies on its network of authorized dealers for service.
Buyers weighing the two approaches should consider both the higher upfront Rainbow price and the ongoing convenience of buying replacement bags or filters at any nearby retailer for competing brands.
Rainbow Vacuum Warranty Coverage
Rainbow vacuums typically carry a limited warranty that can extend up to several years depending on the specific model and authorized dealer.
Warranty service is generally handled through the local independent dealer who sold the unit rather than directly through Rexair corporate offices.
Rexair also issued a voluntary recall and repair program for certain SRX model vacuums in 2020 in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Buyers should confirm exactly which local dealer will handle warranty service before completing a purchase.
Is Rainbow Really Good Or Really Worth It
Rainbow vacuums generate a genuinely polarized reputation, largely tied to the sales experience rather than the vacuum performance itself.
On ConsumerAffairs, reviews frequently describe frustration with sales pressure, financing terms, and slow response from local distributors when problems arise after purchase.
At the same time, many long term owners report strong satisfaction with cleaning performance and machine longevity, sometimes owning the same unit for over a decade.
Positive reviews consistently highlight suction power and the water filtration system genuinely trapping dust and allergens effectively.
For buyers comfortable navigating an in home sales process and willing to pay a premium price, Rainbow vacuums can deliver genuine long term value, though the financing and sales tactics are worth researching carefully before signing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Vacuums
Who Owns Rainbow Vacuums Today
Rainbow vacuums are made by Rexair LLC, which has been a subsidiary of the private equity firm Rhone Capital since 2019.
Are Rainbow Vacuums Made In The USA
Yes. Rainbow vacuums are designed and manufactured at Rexair own factory in Cadillac, Michigan.
Why Are Rainbow Vacuums Only Sold Through Demonstrations
Rexair has built its business around independent dealers who demonstrate the vacuum in person rather than selling through big box retail stores or general online marketplaces.
Were Rainbow Vacuums Ever Recalled
Yes. Rexair issued a voluntary recall and repair program for certain SRX model vacuums in 2020 in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.