What Makes a Good Carpet Extractor?

A carpet extractor is an important tool to consider when you have a large carpet-cleaning project ahead of you. While an ordinary carpet steam cleaner can go a long way in removing dirt and stains, a carpet extractor can help tackle very tough deposits. As the name suggests, these cleaning machines are best suited for removing sedimentation and stains that have soaked into the carpet or have been ground into the fibers. But before you invest in one, it’s important to know what kind of unit to buy.

Hot or Cold?

When it comes to buying a good carpet extractor, you need to consider what your cleaning needs are. For instance, if you’re dealing with a carpet made of synthetic fiber that has deep-seated grease stains in it, a heated carpet extractor would be an effective choice. The heat will work to dissolve the stubborn grease and help to lift it out of the material completely. However, in some cases a heated machine isn’t the best option. For example, if you’re dealing with stains that are colored, a heated unit might cause the pigment to spread and soak further into the carpet material.

Another matter to consider with a carpet extractor is the nature of the carpet material. Natural fibers like wool will shrink or become altered if hot water is used - in their case, it’s best to go for a non-heated carpet extractor.

It’s also important to assess your cleaning environment. An industrial location will need more vigorous cleaning and a machine that can help clear commercial debris and deposits as well. A cleaning unit for domestic needs should be far less powerful and be portable as well for easy use.

What To Look For

When looking for the right kind of carpet extractor, it’s important to ensure they have a number of important features. For example, if you’re looking for a non-heated cleaning model that can be used continuously in industrial settings, the industrial carpet extractor should have a pressure rate of at least 100 psi, a 200 cfm air flow and water lift of 150". Ideally, it should also have a minimum of a 15-gallon water tank and a 17-gallon solution tank so that you can clean continuously.

For a more flexible cleaning machine, it’s a good idea to opt for a unit that can do extracting work as well as cleaning or shampooing. If opting for a heated model, a unit which can reach temperatures up to 210º F is a sound choice. Bear in mind that if you need the carpet to dry quickly, it’s best to opt for a carpet extractor that has low-flow technology.

In the cases of carpet shampooers, it’s best to use cleaning chemicals with the machines that are ecologically friendly. Remember that using harsh chemicals doesn’t guarantee clean carpets and in many cases, they leave behind chemical traces that can cause allergies. When looking for a good carpet cleaning fluid, it’s best to go with environmentally friendly green chemicals.

For even the toughest carpet cleaning job, the right carpet cleaning products and the right carpet extractor can help you tackle the job quickly and effectively.