From spot cleaning to large commercial spaces, the right carpet extractor depends on your needs.
A carpet is a welcome addition to any space, whether residential or commercial , for the unique set of benefit it offers. Along with the enhancement in aesthetics, the variety of fabrics, colours, patterns and textures can help achieve, carpets significantly contribute to the overall comfort.
From improving indoor quality by trapping allergens and reducing noice by muffling sound, to offering thermal insulation, saving energy and boosting safety, there's more than one reason in favour of these floor-covering decor elements. Despite these advantages, dirt, dust, grime, and stains are common issue with carpets in both light and high traffic areas.
These are times when vacuums won't do, especially in the case of tougher stains and deeper dirt and dust. This is when you can go all out with a reliable machine like the carpet extractor that can help you maintain a clean environment at a superior level easily and with minimal effort. On the plus side, it's a tool you can rely on to prolong carpet life.
1. What is a Carpet Extractor
Unlike traditional vacuums and cleaners that rely on the dry cleaning method, an extractor, also known as a deep cleaner and hot water extractor, is a machine created for more thorough cleaning, deeper in the floor covers fabric strands. The convenient carpet extractors are available in hot and cold water models, fit for residential and commercial use.
Regardless of the type you choose, they're all made to efficiently remove the toughest of stains, dirt, odours and deep-seated grime. They do this by spraying a mixture of water and cleaning solution deep in the fibres, then extracting the dirty water with powerful suction. To be able to do so, the carpet extractors are equipped with specific parts chosen for these tasks.
This includes tanks, one to store the cleaning solution mixture with water and the other to collect the dirty water. Then there are also brushes and rotating pads to agitate the fibres right after the application of the solution mixture and before the extraction. Additionally, there are spray and nozzle jets to spread the solution on the surface of the carpet, vacuum motors, pumps, heating units, filters and control panels.
2. Types of Carpet Extractors
When it comes to shopping, you can simplify your search by considering the different types of carpet cleaning extractors, which are:
Upright - Think of this type as your regular upright vacuum - just with more power, efficiency and coverage. Thanks to the capacity, you can use upright cleaners for deep cleaning entire carpeted rooms seamlessly. To make the most of the purchase, ensure the extractors comes with the needed attachments, in the example as an upholstery tool.
Portable - Small and lightweight, these are extractors perfect for spot cleaning and targeting small messes like spills and pet accidents. Easy to use and manoeuvre, they're just as ideal for cleaning difficult areas like dirt on upholstery and staircases as much as for car interiors.
Heavy-duty - When it comes to heavy-duty commercial tasks, it calls for the use of professional-grade carpet extractors built with powerful motors, large tanks and durable components. They're designed for large spaces and frequent use in environments like schools, offices and hotels. They're available as portable and self-contained, with some also in ride-on carpet extractor style, fit for the maintenance of very large facilities.
3. Recommended Carpet Extractors
Depending on what it is you require the extractors for, specifically the type of area and environment you intend to use them at, you have some popular models for:
Residential use: Lava 4 in 1 Wet/Dry Extractor 1000W
If you are looking for a highly versatile model, an all-in-one solution, this option can easily become your go-to choice. This wet and dry vacuum can be used with upholstery as much as a car detailing applications, handling all tasks with impressively quiet operation. It's got a 20L capacity, weighs only 15kg, has a hose length of 2m and a power rating of 1000W.
Commercial use: Nilfisk ES300 and ES4000
For a smaller area where you get to do some spot cleaning, a smaller cleaner like the Sabrina Spot Cleaner can handle the tasks with ease. If you need something more professional-grade, however, it calls for the job of big machines like the walk-behind carpet extractor with Nilfisk ES300 and ride-on carpet extractors like Nilfisk ES4000 as notable examples.
With a larger solution and recovery tanks, 34L and 26.5L of the first and 105L and 105L of the latter, respectively, followed by different cleaning modes and adjustable handles for manoeuvrability in tight spaces, they're perfect for every level of carpet care in both high and light traffic areas.
Automative use: Kerrick Riviera
When looking for a machine built for keeping your car's interior in top share, look no further than the Riviera. With dual vacuum motors, it's designed for superior water extraction of up to 90% of moisture, allowing for fast dry times. With a power rating of 2000W, 25L solution and 50L recovery tanks, push trolley feature, it offers spotless operation with minimal interference.
4. Factors to Consider Before Buying
To make the shopping process even easier than merely considering the types you have available at the retailers and stores, be sure to also keep the following factors in mind:
Size of area - It's important to buy the right model for the size of the area you're planning on using it. Besides the potency, it's essential to consider the size of the extractor itself to make sure it works optimally. Large, wall-to-wall carpet areas require large extractors like the more powerful upright, walk-behind and ride-on models, whereas for smaller spaces you can get by with portable spot cleaners.
Frequency of use - It's just as crucial to think about how often you'd get to use this type of machine, as not all of them can handle heavy-duty use. Professional-grade machines are durable and built for frequent cleaning
Heated vs Non-Heated - Depending on the area, you can choose the more affordable non-heated extractors, lightweight and easy to use, or the heated extractors that can tackle tough stains and grime with more efficiency and faster drying times.
Tank capacity - Think of the capacity you require for the solution and the recovery water tanks. Remember, though, large tanks, though leading to fewer cleaning interruptions with fewer refills, can also result in a heavier machine.
Attachments - The more attachments there are, the more versatile the extractors is. Look for models that you can use in different areas, from upholstery to crevices, to make the most of them besides carpet cleaning.
Portability - Weight and design have a lot to do with how easy an extractor is to use. Portable spot cleaners are lightweight and often handheld, but there are also heavier designs equipped with wheels that you can move from one spot to another.
5. Conclusion
Choosing the right carpet extractor comes down to understanding your cleaning requirements, the size and type of area you're maintaining, and how frequently the machine will be used. From portable spot cleaners for light-duty tasks to walk-behind and ride-on carpet extractor designed for large commercial environments, selecting the correct machine can significantly improve cleaning results, efficiency, and carpet longevity.
By considering factors such as tank capacity, heating options, portability, and attachments, you can ensure your investment delivers long-term value and reliable performance. Explore our full range of carpet extractors or contact the Capital Equipment Hire team for expert advice tailored to your application.