Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

[JoeDirt]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

One part of this that I have not seen mentioned is that you need to really clean the carpets of the embedded particles before even thinking of going to a extractor of some kind. Brushing the carpet fibers and giving a good vacuum is key to the overall outcome of the carpet.

Agreed- I know that a buddy had used the LGM and wasn't inpressed, until he told me that he didn't vacuum very well first. Well no, of course it won't work very well. I had a small LGM years ago, and did ok, I think my larger Shop Vac does a better job of "extracting" but for me, I like the APC/brush/blot/water/ShopVac system. But, I don't have anything against extractors either, I just wouldn't use one often enough to justify the investment.

[MrCLRider]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

One part of this that I have not seen mentioned is that you need to really clean the carpets of the embedded particles before even thinking of going to a extractor of some kind. Brushing the carpet fibers and giving a good vacuum is key to the overall outcome of the carpet.

[qid]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

What do you think of "Carpet Cleaner" like Hoover, is that ok to do some minor cleaning?

[anna1]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

I use an extractor for carpet cleaning as i do have almost all types of extractors and it works excellent as compared to shop vac and yeah its usage also depends on how much dirt carpets are having and the type of fabric you have so as to always maintain carpet's quality and beautiful look..

[TKDDAD]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

I have a 30+ year old Craftsman shop vac set up as just a wet vac...***** the **** out of things and nothing new has come close to it...It's worked great for me as long as the right product is used on whatever your cleaning.

[DrdetailNashville]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

I use a steam cleaner and a shop-vac. I debated a long time on whether to go with the steam cleaner or extractor (they are very similar in price). In my opinion an extractor is better for carpet and fabric. By better I mean it is faster, I can achieve the same results with my steam cleaner in just a little more time.

The steam cleaner has many more applications though. I can clean crevices, vents, headliners, pretty much anything on the interior of the car. I have used it to clean engine compartments and wheels on exterior details.

[CAShine]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

I am a big advocate for the extractor. I used to use just a shop vac and some brushes when I started detailing professionally. I saved up and got a 4 gallon extractor and I have been happy ever since. I believe that there is a difference in results and ease of use. Yes it is another thing to lug around and of course the expense, but I think it is an asset.
Thats my 2 cents.

[HCAD]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

You need the shop vac for the big dirt, regardless of whether you have an extractor or not. If you do use an extractor you don't want to vacuum up chunks, only the dirt, and coffee, and soda, and so on.

My Duramaid is da bomb. Much more thorough of a job than I could do before. I personally feel like I'm giving the customer a cleaner carpet/seat and it's easier on the old joints. I also like replacing the the scrub brush with a rotating brush on my PC. Again, easier on the joints.

So I voted ... both.

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

Shop Vac here

Saw a guy on Autopia rig up a nice extractor though for the low low

[Chris Thompson]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

Secondly I can upsell my service from a "spot clean" to a "full shampoo" - just my 2 cents

This is 100% true. From a marketing aspect, an extractor gives you an edge as will a steam cleaner. Having said that, I know that personally, I achieve very good results with a brush and a shopvac. I tried the LGM and I am not impressed. I do not think it has enough suction to warrant using it over a 6.5 hp Shop Vac. Plus, it was just one more machine I had to tote around that now no longer is necessary. Back to the original question, no I do not use an extractor although I have nothing against them.

[fredcandetail]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

I use the MyTee Lite II and wont ever turn back!
My typical process is to mist the seats, spray my APC, agitate and then extract. My machine gets the water to 200 degrees and the power of the little pump mimics that of a pressure washer (200psi) and really busts up stains.... if you dont think pressurized, hot as coffee water doesnt help then your nutz
Secondly I can upsell my service from a "spot clean" to a "full shampoo" - just my 2 cents

[Tuck91]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

Shop vac.

[Andrew C.]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

Lgm!

[FRS]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

I'm glad I've found this tread .. Looking for some time to buy a machine of this sort.

Is Bissell available in Australia, if someone knows?

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Shop Vac or Extractor for carpet Cleaning?

I bought a Bissell LGM with Pro Heat (kind of a poor man's extractor) for $50 off CraigsList. Used it last week on some mats with APC+ and was impressed with the results