Deciding on a carpet extractor for your business can be challenging, particularly as there are many different makes and models to choose from with a vast range of advanced features.
The team at Commercial Cleaning Equipment understands just how critical it is to make the right choice of machine to suit your business needs and circumstances. We have over 25 years’ experience assisting our customers, coupled with extensive product knowledge to help you make an informed decision. Different facilities have different demands, and this can dictate the type of equipment required. Purchasing a carpet extractor is a long-term investment which, if chosen well, will provide you with cost & time savings and a machine that is reliable and delivers superior cleaning results. We can help you make the best decision for your site.
The following article will help you make an informed decision when choosing a carpet extractor and is intended for carpet cleaning businesses as well as commercial businesses looking to maintain their facilities.
What is a Carpet Extractor exactly?
A carpet extractor is a specialised machine for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery through the use of powerful warm water extraction technology. resulting in improved appearance of the carpet, a healthier indoor environment and prolonged carpet life. They are particularly effective for cleaning carpets and mats in busy public areas such as those found in hotels, entertainment precincts, restaurants and offices.
This process enables a deep and thorough clean of embedded dirt, debris, grime, stains and allergens from the fibres,
Carpet extractors first spray a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution onto the surface before using a powerful vacuum to suction and lift the loosened particles as well as remove any excess moisture.
When choosing a carpet cleaning machine, we recommend you consider the following factors:
- What are your needs?
- Types of carpet extractor and their applications
- What features do you need to have? Some are on every machine, such as a pump and vacuum motor, whereas some are optional such as a heater to keep the water warm.
- Power source and performance
- Manoeuvrability, portability & storage
- Maintenance – is the machine easy to work on? Are spare parts readily available?
- Cost
- Brand & Warranty – consider reliable, trustworthy brands with full manufacturer’s warranty.
1. Cleaning Requirements – What are your Needs?
Some of the questions we generally ask our customers include:
- The size of the area to be cleaned.
- Requirements of the environment (noise-sensitive, congested, tight corners around furniture and equipment, volumes of foot traffic, downtime restrictions etc)
- The frequency of cleaning required.
- The type of surface involved (carpet, upholstery, mats etc)
- The geographical location of the site. For example, is the area exposed to contaminants? Are there lots of food spills or other stains? Is the carpet in a high-visibility public space where aesthetics are vital?
- Will you be cleaning across multiple sites? If so, portability is a consideration.
2. What are the Different Types of Carpet Cleaning Machines & their Features?
- Types - there are two main types of carpet extractor:
- An extraction only machine which features a pump to spray a detergent solution and range from lightweight and handheld machines to large portable fibreglass units.
- A machine that also incorporates a brush to provide mechanical agitation of the carpeted surface.
- The latter is well-suited for cleaning smaller, tight areas and upholstery, whilst the former is the first choice for deep cleaning larger areas. Truck-mounted extractors are another option for large-scale commercial use.
- Power - the pump is a key component of a carpet extractor as it determines the spraying force. A pump of up to 300 PSI is generally suited to smaller jobs whereas a more powerful pump with a PSI of up to 700 would be required for commercial and heavy-duty environments. For cleaning tile and grout, you will a pump with PSI in excess of 1000.
- Suction Power - the vacuum system is another crucial component. This determines the machine’s suction power. The more powerful the vacuum, the more effective the clean - plus the carpet will dry faster which means reduced downtime. Many machines have dual motors for all purposes.
- Heated Water - some extractors feature a water heater. Carpet extractors with an effective heating system deliver superior results as the warm water helps to dissolve stubborn stains as well as remove odours and sanitise the fibres.
- Accessories – consider whether you require adjustable handles and nozzles to suit the height of the operator. There are numerous attachments available to suit specific cleaning applications and surfaces including brushes, upholstery tools, and crevice tools.
3. Power Source
Carpet extractors can either be corded or battery powered. It’s important to consider the size and the nature of the environment that needs to be cleaned when examining your options.
- Does the unit have sufficient reach from power points to achieve a thorough clean?
- Is the area to be cleaned highly congested?
- Will a cord be a potential trip hazard?
- What battery size would best suit your needs? What is the run time and charge time of the battery?
4. Manoeuvrability and Portability
Innovative engineering, smart design and technological advances have revolutionised carpet cleaning machines in recent times.
Now many machines use lightweight materials, such as fibreglass, & ergonomic design to make them easy to maneuver & transport.
If you have a carpet cleaning business, you will need a machine that is easy to transport – will it fit in your vehicle? How heavy is the machine? Where will it be stored at the end of the day?
Bulky, heavy machines can slow you down and reduce your productivity so it’s important to consider the weight of machine, construction materials and its dimensions.
5. What are the Maintenance Requirements for a Carpet Extractor?
In order to get maximum outputs from your cleaning machine, it’s important to give it the appropriate level of care and attention.
Modern technology has led to substantial improvements in terms of their design as well as the materials used in the construction of these hard-working machines, and a number of ground-breaking innovations have resulted in improved reliability, longevity and ease-of-use.
It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s warranty on your intended purchase. We also recommend your machine is serviced at least annually by an authorised service agent.
6. Cost
An experienced cleaning equipment supplier will provide advice in terms of the best machine for your budget and your needs – and will also have information on lifecycle costing (i.e. in terms of operational costs, maintenance, replacement parts etc).
7. Brand & Warranty
Purchasing a carpet extractor is an investment for the long term. Be wary of the cheapest products and ensure the machine is backed up by a warranty period and a local service agent that has easy access to replaceable parts.
A good reference point is to read reviews as these provide genuine feedback and customer perspectives. The more information you have, the more likely you will be to make the right choice of carpet extractor.
Next Steps
The team at Commercial Cleaning Equipment understands that no matter the size or scope of the job, you need a carpet extractor that ensures deep cleaning and thorough stain removal. We can help you choose the right machine for your business – one which delivers on performance, efficiency, ease-of-use and durability – and which is also fit for purpose and meets your budget.
We stock an extensive range of high-quality carpet extractors from leading brands to suit all needs and budgets, without the need to compromise on quality or performance.
Contact us today on 9249 8744 or view our comprehensive range of carpet extractors on our website.
