Carpet extractors are truly an essential tool for anyone doing professional interior detailing. Although they require an initial investment, they will pay for themselves in no time at all if used regularly for a business.
For any serious detailer, a carpet extractor is not something to operate a business without. The powerful vacuum motor combined with hot, pressurized water will yield results that manual scrubbing won’t — and much more quickly. Not only will a carpet extractor make you more profitable, but it will also yield a much more professional end result.
What is a Carpet Extractor?
Carpet extractors are specialized cleaning machines designed to deep-clean carpets, upholstery, and fabric surfaces. They don’t just simply clean the surface but get deep down into the fabric to get embedded dirt out through a combination of water pressure and then vacuum suction. Using the proper cleaning chemicals, along with the hot water, will make stain removal easy.
Extractors are equipped with two hoses: one for dispensing water, and one for vacuuming it back up. They mix pressurized hot water with a cleaning solution and then create suction to remove grime and dirt. The loose soap and hot water quickly loosen up and break down dirt and grime before being vacuumed into the recovery tank.
Although some people refer to these machines as “steamers,” these are quite different from vapor steamers, which heat water to the point of boiling, and are meant more for surface cleaning on components that can withstand high temperatures.
When purchasing a carpet extractor, consider the following:
- Water Temperature: Heat is vital when it comes to cleaning efficiently.
- Tank Capacity: The larger the tank, the more area you can clean without refilling.
- Suction Power: A strong vacuum is essential for effective water extraction. The more suction the machine has, the less water it will leave behind.
- Attachments and Accessories: Look for various nozzles and accessories suitable for different surfaces and stains. Having interchangeable accessories enhances the extractor’s versatility.
- Portability and Maneuverability: Consider the weight and size of the machine, especially if you require mobility for various detailing jobs.
Types of Carpet Extractors
- For hobbyists: With a one-gallon water tank, the Mytee Tempo Spotter or Heated Tempo Spotter is ideal for treating small areas. This makes it a solid choice for car owners who want to clean up spills as they occur as they are not affected by its water capacity.
- For mobile detailers and smaller shops: The Mytee Lite III 8070 is a popular choice for its reasonable size and great performance. The four-gallon water capacity will typically get through a full-sized vehicle without needing to refill.
- For high-volume shops: The HP90 Stingray and HP120 Grand Prix are fitted with the same powered-up vacuum motor and upgraded heating system with different-sized water tanks. These machines are prepared to keep up with as many back-to-back detailing jobs as you can throw at them.
- For commercial use: Truck-mounted extractors are available for use in commercial cleaning applications other professions requiring large-volume, heavy-duty extractors.
Carpet Extractor Side-by-Side Comparison
Extractor Model |
Heated |
Tank Capacity |
Best For |
Portability |
Temp Spotter |
Both options available |
1 gallon |
DIYers, light-duty jobs |
High (very compact) |
Mytee Lite 8070 |
Yes |
4 gallons |
Mobile pros & shop-based use |
Medium (compact yet powerful) |
HP90 Stingray |
Yes |
5 gallons |
High-volume shops |
Low (heavier footprint) |
HP120 Grand Prix |
Yes |
12 gallons |
Commercial-scale operations |
Very low (truck-mount required) |
Benefits of Carpet Extractors
Though carpet extractors require an up-front investment, the benefits far outweigh the costs and they pay for themselves in no time. Benefits such as:
Spend less time scrubbing
Scrubbing stains out of carpets can be incredibly labor-intensive, and won’t ensure that dirt is completely removed from deep within the fibers. With the combined power of Detail King’s Extractor Soap and a carpet extractor, you’ll get immaculate results in a fraction of the time, with much less effort!
You can’t beat the heat
Hot water is a necessity for proper stain removal since it breaks down grime without the use of harsh chemicals. The heating units in our automotive carpet extractors heat the water up to 210 degrees.
Save on water
Extractors significantly reduce the total amount of water needed to clean carpets by evenly distributing the hot water over the carpet and then sucking it back up. This allows you to NOT oversaturate the areas and to return the vehicle to the customer without soaking wet seats, or long drying times.
Fully remove dirt and stains
Arguably, the biggest benefit of carpet extractors is the ability to remove dirt, stains, and soap residue entirely from a vehicle’s upholstery or carpet. The high-powered vacuum, combined with the hot water removes dirt trapped below the surface along with excess chemicals.
How to Use Carpet Extractors
Before using your extractor, the surface you are working on should be free of dirt and debris. Carpet extractors are not intended to be used in place of vacuums.
Vacuum the carpet and upholstery thoroughly. Then, use a Tornador Air Blow Out Tool to blast away any lingering dirt that may be trapped in the carpet fibers.
Treat the surface with an extractor-friendly soap. Detail King’s Extractor Soap is low-foaming, making it the best choice to achieve a perfect clean without risking damage to the extractor. After letting the product set for 30 seconds or so, agitate with a scrub brush. For areas with lots of ground-in mud or dirt, we recommend pre-scrubbing with a foaming shampoo like our Carpet Shampoo.
If scrubbing with a foaming shampoo is necessary, wipe up foam and dirt with a terry cloth towel prior to extracting to avoid potential damage to your machine. (foam/dirt build-up can get sucked into the vacuum motor and cause issues)
With proper prep work, you’ll maximize the benefits of your extractor. Using it is as simple as flipping some switches and pulling the trigger.
Start by doing a wet pass followed by two dry passes, and repeat. This helps prevent over-soaking the fabric or upholstery, and it gives the machine time to keep providing consistently heated water.
Vacuum in neat rows to ensure that no spot is missed while creating a manicured appearance.
Maintenance & Storage Tips
Regular maintenance of your carpet extractor is crucial for its longevity and efficiency:
- Clean After Each Use: Empty and clean tanks, filters, and solution lines to prevent residue buildup.
- Inspect for Wear: Check hoses, fittings, and nozzles regularly and replace when necessary.
- Flush with Extractor Maintainer: Run Extractor Maintainer through your system monthly to remove buildup and keep internals in top shape.
- Store Dry and Safe: Keep your machine in a dry, temperature-controlled area—never allow it to freeze.
- Train Your Team: Operator misuse is one of the top causes of extractor failure. A quick overview on extractor usage and maintenance goes a long way.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Low Suction?
- Check the recovery tank lid and drain, vacuum hose, and lid seals. Clean or replace clogged filters.
- Leaking Water?
- Tighten hose clamps, inspect for cracks or damaged fittings.
- No Heat?
- Make sure the unit is plugged into the right outlet, check reset buttons and power switches.
- Too Much Foam?
- Only use low-foaming soaps like our Extractor Soap, not regular carpet shampoos
Remember, proper care and maintenance extend the extractor’s lifespan and guarantee excellent cleaning results for your interior surfaces. Cheers to cleaner, fresher car interiors!