Carpet Extractors and Carpet Cleaners

A carpet extractor is a cleaning machine designed specifically for deep cleaning carpets. It uses a combination of low moisture technique and high-quality cleaning chemicals, or compounds, to encapsulate the dirt, stains, grime and other debris from carpets and upholstery. The compound bonds with the dirt & stains and separates them from the carpet or fabric fibres. The powerful vacuum motor then sucks up the dirt and debris along with the dirty cleaning solution, leaving the carpet or upholstery clean and dry.

A carpet cleaner or carpet shampooer is a cleaning machine that uses a combination of water, cleaning chemicals (or detergents), and sometimes powerful scrubbing brushes and a vacuum motor to remove dirt, stains and grime from carpets. The cleaning solution and water is injected into the carpet fibres, the brushes (if present) agitate, scrub and loosen the dirt and the vacuum suctions the waste into the recovery tank.

If you want to clean your carpets but not sure what cleaning machine is best, we explain the key differences between a carpet extractor and a carpet cleaner so that you can make an informed decision.

Carpet cleaners and extractors are different types of cleaning machines serving slightly different purposes. They are both excellent machines for removing stains from carpet and for general carpet cleaning however their operation is different.

Carpet Extractors

• A carpet extractor uses deep cleaning action to remove dirt, stains, and other debris from carpets. They generally have large tanks that hold water and a cleaning solution. Some models also have built-in heaters that keep the water and solution at a consistent temperature.
• Carpet extractors work by spraying pressurised water onto carpet through a wand. The dirty water and debris are then sucked up into the machine’s recovery tank by vacuum suction.
• Carpet extractors are often used in commercial settings, such as offices, hotels, and restaurants.

Carpet Cleaners

• A carpet cleaner is a machine that uses water to remove dirt and debris from carpets. Carpet cleaners are designed for use on carpeted floors and are not recommended for hardwood or tiled floors.
• Carpet cleaners use a combination of water, concentrated detergent and mechanical brush or pad agitation and sometimes suction to lift deep-down dirt from the carpet pile.
• Most carpet cleaners come with two tanks, one that stores clean water and another for dirty water. Carpet cleaners often have brushes, rollers or pads that help loosen dirt from carpets as they clean.

A carpet extractor is considered more effective at deep cleaning of carpets, particularly for cleaning heavy traffic areas. It is ideal for the removal of stains & grime, bacteria and allergens and so on. Carpet extractors are designed for cleaning quickly with shorter drying times and may be more suited for use in commercial or industrial settings or for use by a professional commercial cleaner that specialises in carpet cleaning. Extractors can also be used to clean other floor surfaces such as hard floors and tile & grout.

Carpet cleaners are more compact and generally lighter than a carpet extractor making them easier to use in a light commercial or domestic environment. Carpet cleaners are generally cheaper to buy than an extractor and may be a better option for use in cleaning small areas.

Whether a carpet cleaner or extractor is more suited to your carpet cleaning needs it is important you do your homework first. Talk to an expert in the supply of cleaning equipment that understand the differences between the two types of machines and can recommend a number of different brands and models. Ask for a demonstration of the machine and only buy a high-quality carpet cleaner or extractor from well-known brands such as Karcher, Tennant, Steamvac, SV Equipment and Numatic. Ensure there is a full warranty, training and after sales service is provided.

The following considerations are important when choosing a carpet cleaner or extractor:

• The size and layout of the area to be cleaned. This will determine the size and manoeuvrability of the machine.
• The frequency of cleaning required.
• The type of surface to be cleaned (type of pile, short or long pile, upholstery, hard floors, mats)
• Preferred power supply (battery, electric) and reach from power point.
• Tank size and waste water removal. Smaller tanks will require more frequent emptying, thereby lessening operator productivity.
• Vacuum motor – there generally two types being two stage or three stage motors. Three stage motors have increased water lift meaning less time until the carpet is dry, and the facility can be used again.
• Heater – heated water breaks down oily residue better than cold water and helps detergents work more effectively. Therefore, an on-board water heater can be useful for keeping the water warm.
• Pump PSI – The pump’s PSI (pounds per square inch) determines with how much pressure the cleaning solution is sprayed. Some extractors have adjustable PSIs that allow operators to change the pressure depending on the type of fabric or amount of soil while some only spray at pre-set levels.
• Mode of operation (wet and dry, dry only or wet only)
• Operator skill & training requirements

Our extensive range of carpet cleaners and extractors covers every cleaning requirement, so whether you need a large-scale heavy duty commercial carpet extractor a or a portable carpet cleaner for spot cleaning we have the right product for you.

Commercial grade carpet extractors offer numerous benefits for deep cleaning carpets down into the deep layers of the pile. They offer the following benefits:

• Deep cleaning – Carpet extractors are effective at high quality cleaning. The speed and ability to remove stains quickly and efficiently is second-to-none and most stains can be removed from carpets including make-up, tea, wine, coffee, blood, carbonated drinks, food and oil.
• Quick drying – As most carpet extractors use small amounts of water and powerful extraction to remove the dirty water from the carpet, this leaves the carpet with minimal residue. Carpets can be dry in 2 to 4 hours allowing the facility to be walked on shortly after cleaning. Alternative cleaning methods can leave a soapy residue with over wetting exposing the carpet to mould and mildew growth. The drying process can be shortened by use of fans to speed up the drying time.
• More efficient & cost-effective – Carpet extractors come in various models with different sized solution and recovery tanks. Large carpet extractors allow you to clean for longer without emptying and refilling the tanks. Commercial cleaners and Facility Managers can clean large areas quickly, saving on labour costs and potentially reducing the frequency of cleaning.
• Environmentally friendly – Using a carpet extractor with hot water extraction uses much less cleaning chemicals or detergents than carpet shampooing. The extraction method also does not waste as much water to achieve excellent cleaning results.
• Hygiene and health – As carpet extractors leave less reside and dry more quickly, this limits the potential for mould and mildew to be left in the carpet which could lead to respiratory and lung related health problems. Air quality is also improved with the removal of allergens, dust, and other pollutants that could cause health issues. The extraction method ensures the dirty solution is removed immediately with less likelihood of cross-contamination in commercial and industrial environments where hygiene is critical.
• Versatility – Carpet extractors can be used on a variety of floor surfaces including carpets, hard floors, tile and grout. They also come with a number of attachments allowing you to clean upholstery and tile and grout.
• Prolonged Lifespan – Carpet extractors restore the condition of carpets and rugs to their original state (or close to this state). This is particularly important in large areas where the cost of replacing the carpet is high.

• Clear the space – It is important to plan ahead as the carpets will be wet for several hours after cleaning and it is recommended to leave overnight to ensure the carpet does not stay damp under the furniture.
• Vacuum the carpet thoroughly in order to lift the pile and remove as much loose dirt, hair and dust from the carpet as possible.
• Water & detergent – Fill the cleaner with water (warm or cold) and detergent according to the operator manual. It’s important not to use more cleaning products than instructed as it will leave the carpet with soap residue. Cold water may be required on wool carpets.
• Pre-spray any soiled or stained patches. If there is a hose attachment for cleaning upholstery this can be used. Remember don’t use too much water as this can encourage mould growth.
• Method – Start from the furthest point from the door and clean in a straight line to the opposing wall, then return in the opposite direction traversing in lines like using a lawnmower. The lines can slightly overlap so that you don’t miss any sections. Don’t push in random directions.

Carpet cleaners work by spraying the carpet with the clean soapy water and then sucking up afterwards. It is recommended you move slowly to ensure you achieve a deep clean but not too slowly where too much liquid is being used on the carpet.

• Water Tanks – Ensure you keep an eye on the level of water tanks and most models will alert you when recovery tank is full. It is recommended you empty outside as the waste may block drains.
• Rinse – If the carpet is very dirty you may go over twice. Once you’ve finished cleaning fill the water tank with cold water and start at the original point and go over the room again. Rinsing ensures any soap and dirty water is extracted from the carpet.
• Drying – Leave the carpet to dry for as long as possible and this will depend upon the machine being used and the thickness of the pile. Open any windows and doors or use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
• Maintenance – Empty and rinse the water tanks and set aside to dry.

Carpet extractors are safe to use on all types of carpets. The low-moisture method of cleaning extraction means that they are ideal for sensitive carpets such as wool or synthetic fibres. They can also be used on upholstery, rugs, tile and grout, if equipped with adjustable pressure and tile and grout cleaning tool.

Carpet cleaners and extractors come in many shapes, sizes and for different uses to clean large and small areas. From highly portable, lightweight models to heavy duty deep cleaning carpet extractors, there is a solution for all carpet cleaning applications.

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• Carpet Spotters – These are small, lightweight, portable machines used predominantly to remove stains, spots and spills, quickly and easily. They are ideal for use on carpet and upholstery and used in commercial environments such as hotels, schools, offices, pubs and clubs. Quality brands include Karcher, Tennant.
• Walk Behind Carpet Extractors & Carpet Cleaners – These cleaning machines are designed to be pushed along or pulled by the operator and widely used in medium to large spaces such as hotels, large office areas, recreation facilities, schools. Either using conventional spray extraction or the encapsulation method to economically clean large areas of carpet deep into the pile. Quality brands include Karcher, Tennant, Numatic.
• Self-Contained Carpet Extractors are generally larger in size with high-capacity tanks and used to clean larger areas much more quickly. The encapsulation method is also used to agitate more dirt and provide a deeper clean with low moisture, leaving floors dry sooner than other methods. Due to their size, they may be less portable than other types of carpet cleaning machines. Quality brands include Steamvac, SV Equipment, Windsor/Karcher.
• Ride-on Carpet Extractors are large cleaning machines ideal for deep extraction cleaning of large, high traffic areas including convention centres, airports and other large facilities.  With low moisture cleaning the carpet is clean and dry in minutes. Quality brands include Tennant.