What Is A Carpet Extractor & How Is It Used By Professionals?

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

One of the most popular pieces of equipment in restoration is the deep cleaning, versatile carpet extractor. This piece of equipment comes in a variety of designs, but the basic design involves a combination of heat, pressure, suction, and a cleaning solution. Attacking stains, odors from mold and mildew or pets, and soil is a tricky task. Vacuums, even the highest quality designs, can only lift dirt from the surface of the fibers. Whereas carpet extractors can remove the dirt or stain from the deepest areas of the carpeting, making them a vital tool.  

Both professionals and homeowners can use this equipment, although it is important to know the proper procedure and to use the correct equipment. The different product designs range from portable to truck-mounted and include:

• Canister cleaners – these are simple to use and avoid lengthy setup times. This product is usually heavy duty and includes a large tank which means more time cleaning and less time refilling.
• Interim cleaners – these are for small and hard to reach areas. These cleaners are smaller than canisters, which means more time will be spent refilling the tank. However, the tanks are typically small enough to refill under a sink faucet.
• Portable cleaners – these machines are useful for spot cleaning. They can be great for using on small jobs and can be used on rugs, upholstery, and in cars.
• Dual cleaners – these are one of the larger cleaners available, but they often get the job done in one pass. This product uses technology such as dual rotating rollers to clean more deeply into the fibers. The size is effective for covering large areas quickly
• Rapid drying carpet extractors – these machines do just what they say. They provide a thorough cleaning while avoiding saturation, so the carpeting will need less time to dry.  

There are more designs on the market that can be used to fit almost any need. Professionals can achieve the most effective results because in conjunction with a powerful carpet extractor, they also have access to the most powerful detergents. Unfortunately, some of the chemicals required for tough stains and odors are not available for homeowners to use. Professionals also use truck-mounted machines to provide the most effective cleaning service. They provide a deeper clean without the time-consuming task of refilling the tank. They also provide superior suction, and the water can be heated to the perfect temperature for the best results. Professional grade equipment can also mean less drying time, enabling home or business owners to get back to their routine as quickly as possible.  

While some choose to tackle this task on their own, home or business owners considering having their carpet cleaned should hire a certified professional for the best results.

Article written by: IICRC