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Carpet Cleaning Machine Cleaning Carpeted Floor

How to Choose a Carpet Extractor for Your Business

What Is A Carpet Extractor

Let's start out this article by quickly going over what exactly a carpet extractor is and how it works. 

A carpet extractor is a special cleaning machine designed specifically for cleaning carpets by removing dirt, stains, and allergens embedded deep in the fibers of the carpet. Unlike regular vacuum cleaners that only remove surface dirt, carpet extractors use a mix of water, cleaning solution, and a powerful suction motor to fully clean carpeted areas with ease.

How It Works

1. Water and Cleaning Solution Application:

The machine starts by spraying a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet. This mixture goes deep into the carpet fibers, loosening the dirt, grime, and stains.

2. Agitation:

Depending on the type of carpet extractor you purchase, you may have a regular carpet wand, or it may have a built-in brush or agitation mechanism that helps to work the cleaning solution into the carpet. These brushes help to dislodge more dirt and debris from the fibers, making it easier to extract. 

  • If your machine does not have a brush you can do this yourself with a carpet rake or broom to help work in a cleaning solution prior to extraction. 
3. Extraction:

After the water and cleaning solution has been sprayed into the carpet, the vacuum system then sucks up the dirty water, cleaning solution, and loosened dirt and debris from the carpet. 

4. Recovery and Drying:

The extracted dirty water is collected into a separate recovery tank within the machine for easy disposal. The more powerful the carpet extractors the higher-powered suction and airflow it will have, helping to minimize drying time.


Now that you have a basic understanding of what a carpet extractor is and how it works, let's help you find the right machine for your business. 

Determine What Services You’re Going to Offer

Before you pick a carpet extractor, let's take a minute to think about your business. What services do you plan to provide, what type of facility are you cleaning and what messes can you expect? A machine for Automotive carpet detailing is not necessarily the best choice for larger commercial cleaning jobs. 

Common carpet cleaning services:

Standard carpet cleaning

Standard residential carpet cleaning services to keep carpets looking clean and fresh. For small to medium sized carpet cleaning jobs you can get started with a good quality entry level carpet cleaner. Something that is within your budget and can be moved around without too much difficulty. 

Commercial carpet cleaning

Tailored for businesses and commercial spaces, usually meaning larger spaces and multiple floors. This service addresses the high-traffic areas and unique needs of commercial businesses. You will want to make sure you have a machine with more power, capable of larger jobs and quicker clean times. 

Automotive detailing

Automotive carpet detailing is a great service that doesn't require a large carpet cleaning unit. Not to mention the satisfaction of a clean car interior. Since most work will be done with a handheld tool connected to your machine, most spotters or smaller commercial carpet extractors will do. 

Upholstery cleaning

Upholstery cleaning is a specialized service that targets fabric furniture, removing dirt, stains, and odors. Applicable to both homes and businesses, this type of cleaning is typically done with a hand tool attachment. That being said, you will still want a reliable and commercial grade extractor to get the job done right. Choosing a versatile machine from the start also allows you to clean carpets as well as upholstery in the future should you wish to do so. 

Spot removal 

Spot removal services are specialized stain removal services to target tough, stubborn stains such as wine, coffee, ink, pet urine, and more. While choosing the right extractor with enough power and suction is important, choosing the right chemicals for the job is just as crucial to ensure happy clients. You can start with a small carpet spotter such as the Mosquito Spotter (3-Gallon). Or you can jump straight to a larger carpet extractor with a handheld attachment to get those hard to clean spots.  

 

Facility Demands 

When choosing a carpet cleaning machine for your business, you must consider the type of location you are going to be cleaning and the machine best suited for the job.


Common Facilities:

    • Office Buildings
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Residential Buildings
    • Family vehicles 
Common Carpet Cleaning Issues:
    • High Foot Traffic: Requires frequent maintenance and powerful cleaning capabilities.
    • Common Spills: Coffee, ink, food, and drinks stains that need effective stain removal solutions.
    • Deep Cleaning Needs: Essential for hotels and high-traffic areas to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
    • Grease and Oil Stains: Particularly common in restaurants, necessitating specialized cleaning methods.
    • Quick Drying: Important in restaurants to minimize downtime and prevent slip hazards.
    • Variety of Carpet Types: Residential buildings often have different carpet materials requiring versatile cleaning machines.
    • Hard to reach places: Some locations have multiple floors without an elevator, or tight spots such as the back seat of a vehicle. Plan to have the right equipment for the right job. 

 

Type of Extractor (Box or Self-Contained) 

Self-contained carpet extractors

These extractors remove the need for a hose and wand, making them very efficient for large open areas like hallways. These machines dispense clean water mixed with carpet cleaning solution, scrub the carpet with a high-speed motorized cylindrical brush, and vacuum up the dirty water, resulting in faster drying times. Unlike canister carpet extractors, self-contained models are typically operated by pulling the unit backwards by the handle, keeping the operator off the freshly cleaned, wet carpet.

Box Extractor

These extractors use a hose and wand, dispense clean water mixed with carpet cleaning solution into the carpet through the wand end. The wand scrubs the carpet and vacuums up the dirty water, ensuring quicker drying times. These extractors are highly maneuverable, making for cleaning around furniture, stair steps, and upholstery a breeze.

 

Motor options Single or Double? (Two stage or three stage)?

Motor Anatomy

The most common terms you will find when it comes to Carpet Extractor Motors are Single or Double, and 2-Stage or 3-Stage. 

Single and Double refer to the number of motors in the machine, 2-Stage (2 fans) and 3-Stage (3 fans) refer to the number of fans in the motor. 

For example the following: E-Steam 200D Extractor with Dual 2 Stage Vac has a Dual 2 stage motor, that means it has 2 motors, each with 2 fans. 

Why does any of this mean anything to you? Well the more motors and fans your machine has the more suction power and water lift it will be capable of, it will also be more expensive.

Pros and Cons of Single Motor Carpet Cleaners

Pros:

  • Generally less expensive
  • Lighter weight and more compact
  • less maintenance and simpler repairs.
  • Typically consumes less power

Cons:

  • Lower Suction Power
  • Slower Cleaning
  • Better suited for small to medium-sized areas

Pros and Cons of Dual Motor Carpet Cleaners

Pros:

  • Higher Suction Power
  • Better for large areas and heavily soiled carpets
  • Longer lifespan and better performance under heavy use.

Cons:

  • Higher Cost
  • Heavier Weight
  • Higher maintenance needs and potentially more frequent repairs.
  • Uses more power

It's important to keep in mind that these are generalities and every machine is different, it's important to talk to a sales rep if you are unsure about what machine is best for you. If you wish to speak to someone about your questions just call 1-800-497-5797.


Heaters and Tank Capacity

Some carpet extractors have built-in heaters to heat the water used for cleaning. The heated water helps to break down dirt, grease, and stains more effectively than cold water when sprayed onto the cleaning surface.


There are many different opinions revolving around whether or not you should get an extractor with a heater. Some say it is just another thing to break, others say it significantly improves the final clean. 


Types of Heaters

  1. Inline Heaters: These heaters are built into the extractor and heat the water as it passes through the machine. They provide consistent hot water throughout cleaning.
  2. Tank Heaters: These heaters are located in the water tank, heating all of the water before it is used. They can take longer to heat the water initially but maintain a consistent temperature once heated.

Benefits of Heated Carpet Extractors

  1. Improved Cleaning Efficiency
  2. Faster Drying Times
  3. Deeper Cleaning

Drawbacks of Heated Carpet Extractors

  1. Higher Cost
  2. Increased Energy Consumption
  3. Potential Maintenance Issues

Tank Capacity

Carpet Extractors come with varying sizes of tank capacity but generally they are between 3 and 12 gallons. Some larger models go up to 20 gallons but they are usually unnecessary unless you are handling very expansive spaces. 


Choose what you think is right for you, but anywhere between 5 and 12 gallons should be a good starting point. Larger capacity means a larger heavier unit but less emptying and filling your tank, smaller capacity the reverse. 


A good 6 Gallon extractor that can fit in the trunk of your car is the E-Steam E-600 Portable Hot Water Extractor


If you are looking for something a little bigger (10 gal) with some more power we recommend the E-Steam Ninja Classic 200 PSI Portable Extractor

Pump PSI


PSI determines the pressure at which the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the carpet.


The PSI of carpet extraction machines vary greatly going from as low as 55 PSI Spotter Extractors all the way up to over 1000 PSI Extractors for Tile and Grout cleaning. 


Different jobs require different levels of PSI so it is important to know what type of carpet cleaning you plan on doing to narrow down your search. 


The lower the PSI the less power the water will have going into the carpet, and the longer the cleaning will take. That being said, higher PSI usually comes with increased cost, and too high of a PSI could cause damage to certain types of carpet so do your research. 


55-150 PSI: Light Duty Cleaning

  • Carpet Types: Suitable for delicate carpets, area rugs, upholstery cleaning. 

200-300 PSI: Medium Duty Cleaning

  • Carpet Types: Suitable for standard residential carpets and lightly to moderately soiled commercial carpets.

400-500 PSI: Heavy Duty Cleaning

  • Carpet Types: Suitable for commercial carpets, industrial settings, and heavily trafficked residential carpets.

600-800 PSI: Very Heavy Duty Cleaning

  • Industrial carpets, heavily soiled commercial carpets, and situations requiring intensive cleaning.

1000+ PSI: Specialty Cleaning

  • Carpet Types: Not typically used for standard carpet cleaning due to the risk of carpet damage. Used for hard surface cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, and specialty cleaning tasks.


(Some carpet extractors have variable PSI options to switch between a higher and a lower PSI.)

Maneuverability, Portability & Storage (Will It Fit Into Your Vehicle)

Chances are if you're just starting your carpet cleaning journey you do not have a full sized van to hold a large multistage extractor and hundreds of feet of vacuum and solution hose! 


If you do, awesome! You do not have to worry about the size of your equipment, at least when it comes to getting it around town. 


For the rest of us trying to run our company out of a 2012 Honda Civic we have to think a little more carefully about the machine we purchase. 

A couple things to consider when choosing your Extractor:

  1. Can you fit it in your vehicle? 
  2. Can you maneuver it around your work site (house, apartment building, etc.)?
  3. Do you have a place to store it when you are not working?

Each of these questions must be answered and will help you determine what machine you choose. 


Most product pages will include the dimensions of the machine so you can measure your trunk or back seat to see if it will fit. With most smaller cars, you can get a smaller 5-6 gallon machine that should fit in your trunk, or take out a seat to fit a larger machine in with a bit of a squeeze. 


Whatever you do, just get started. Eventually you will have enough business to upgrade your vehicle and start cleaning larger facilities. 


Attachments, Tools, Accessories and Equipment

Which ones do you need and which ones do you want?

Carpet extractors come with a variety of attachments, tools, accessories and additional equipment, choosing what you need to get started and what is a nice to have is a must for anyone looking to start their own business.


  1. Vacuum Hose: This is a must! This is the hose that will be sucking up the dirty water and debris from out of the carpet into your tank. That being said you can decide on the length of the hose based on your estimated jobs but generally somewhere between 25 and 75 ft is a good starting point. You can always get more later on. 
  2. Solution Hose: Like the Vacuum Hose, this is also a requirement as this hose handles the high pressure water going out of the machine into the carpet, this must be the same length as your vacuum hose. 
  3. Upholstery hand tool: Use this tool for upholstery like couches, or car interiors. If you are cleaning upholstery or auto detailing you will need one. Otherwise it's nice-to-have for difficult spots. 
  4. Carpet Wand: This is a must have to get your cleaning business off the ground if you plan to clean carpets. This wand will attach to your solution and vacuum hose and drag across the floor to spray the solution and clean it up.   
  5. Heater: As discussed prior, this is a nice to have and comes with its own pros and cons. Do your research and make a decision on whether or not you want one. If you are just starting out and on a budget, we recommend waiting. You can get started without one. 

 


Brand & Warranty 

There are plenty of brands out there selling carpet extractor machines. Which one to choose is completely up to you. We would recommend first finding machines that fit the specifications listed prior, then look into the brands and their warranties. Some brands emphasize higher quality with a higher price point, while others have more affordable options for those just starting out. 



Determine Your Budget


Determining your budget for a carpet extractor is sometimes said to be one of the first things you should do. Here at KleanBase, we believe the opposite to be true. 


First you should decide on what machine fits your needs best than look at the price and make sure you are comfortable with it. If not, go to the next best option. 


Commercial carpet cleaning machines can range in price anywhere $1,000 to $10,000.


Remember, this is a business expense and you are purchasing a machine that is going to repay itself 10 times over and more, possibly even in the first year. 


Don’t put yourself in a difficult place financially, but do not be afraid to put money into purchasing a good machine that will handle the work you put it through and last the test of time. 



Choose Your Machine and Get Cleaning


Let's review what we have covered so far. 

  1. Determine what services you are going to offer.

  2. Choose a type of Extractor (Box or Self-Contained).

  3. Determine the size of motor you need.

  4. Do you want a heater?

  5. What tank capacity do you need?

  6. Choose a PSI strength.

  7. Ensure it will fit in your vehicle and is movable.

  8. Choose Attachments, Tools, Accessories and Equipment.

  9. Look at Different Brands and Available Models.

  10. Determine your Budget.


Some Carpet Cleaners We Recommend

1. Esteam Ninja 200 Classic Carpet Extractor (For Residential Carpet Cleaning)

ninja 200D carpet extractor unheated left side view with carpet wand and vacuum / solution hose

The Esteam CSA-US approved NINJA CLASSIC™ 200 PSI portable carpet cleaning extractor is very easy to use and reliable on the job. Trusted worldwide, these extractors are perfect for anyone looking to start their business or replace an older machine.

With an affordable price and great warranty, this is a great Canadian carpet extractor.


View this product here: Esteam Ninja 200 Classic Carpet Extractor

 

2. Esteam E600 Carpet Cleaning Machine (For Automotive and Small-Medium Jobs)

E600 carpet cleaning extractor left side view with wand and vacuum and solution hose

The E600 is a professional-strength yet affordable carpet cleaning powerhouse for Canadians. Whether you are detailing automotive carpets or cleaning residential this carpet cleaning machine will do the job.  Designed for ease of transportation and storage, the E600 has a fold-down handle, making it easy to fit into almost any vehicle.


View this product here: Esteam E600 Carpet Cleaning Machine

 

3. Mosquito Spotter (3 Gallon)

Mosquito Spotter (3-Gallon)

This 3 Gallon spotter from Mosquito is a light weight, low cost option for those looking to do only upholstery work. Great for furniture or automotive detailing. If you are looking to clean carpeted floors in residential or commercial settings this is not the right product for you. 


View this product here: Mosquito Spotter (3 Gallon)

 

4. Esteam E1200 Hard Surface and Carpet Cleaner (1200 PSI) (For Hard Surfaces and Larger Jobs)

Esteam E1200 hard surface cleaner left side view with vacuum and solution hose and carpet cleaning wand

The E1200 is a portable extractor engineered for professional hard surface cleaning (tile and grout) and carpet cleaning.

This extractor has enough PSI for any job you will face. Speeding up your carpet cleaning and allowing you to clean grout and tile. 


View this product here: Esteam E1200 Hard Surface and Carpet Cleaner



There are many factors to consider when choosing a carpet extractor, with many different brands and models to consider. Hopefully this article has helped you narrow down the options. Now you are ready to choose a machine that fits into your needs and budget. Best of luck with your business!

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