Looking to buy a steam cleaner.. need advice!

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boostedGS

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Hey everyone! I'm thinking of buying a steam cleaner, something in the $750-$1000 max. I've been doing a little research, what do you guys think about the VX-5000 steamer? If I were to get this, I would get a Rigid wet/dry vac to vacuum all the water. OR hows the Vapor Clean Desiderio? I've read some people saying the all-in-ones like the Desiderio isn't too good, but it would be better to have a steam cleaninng machine just to do that, and getting a wet/dry vac just to vac up the water.

What do you guys think?

Thanks
 
BobbyG said:
:welcome: To Autogeek Online!

Here's a line that you might find helpful. It explains the functionality of Hot Water Extractors, what they'll do and how much they'll cost.

Carpet cleaners & hot water extractors, carpet shampooer, auto carpet cleaning machine, carpet extractors, carpet cleaning machines, carpet cleaner,

A good shop vac is essential to remove all of the dirt and debris before you tackle the carpet.
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Thanks! I thought that the Desiderio is the only all-in-one on the market? At least from what I read from reviews, etc. The MyteeLite is pretty much the same thing, right? I'm new to the carpet steam cleaning game, from all these different reviews of different products, I don't know what to decide on. What do you personally use and what do you recommend under $1000? What specs should I look out for? Do the PSI matter? 65 vs. 100? Does the 100 have more cleaning power?

Klink10 said:
I purchased the VX5000 and love it. Already had the Rigid.
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Thanks! Not one single complaint? hmm.. VX5000 or MyteeLite or Desiderio.. still trying to decide, reeading reviews, etc. I don't want to make the wrong decision on such an expensive equipment.
 
I have the VX5000 and the Aztec Hot Rod. Love them both!
 
mcpp66 said:
I have the VX5000 and the Aztec Hot Rod. Love them both!
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Why did you buy both? I see that the VX5000 gets the water almost 100 degrees hotter, does that mean its more efficient? Or is the 200 degrees from the Aztec Hotrod sufficient enough for any carpet stains, etc?

Thanks
 
boostedGS said:
Why did you buy both? I see that the VX5000 gets the water almost 100 degrees hotter, does that mean its more efficient? Or is the 200 degrees from the Aztec Hotrod sufficient enough for any carpet stains, etc?

Thanks
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Actually I bought the hot rod before I even knew that steamers were being used in detailing. I still use both though, don't know if both are really needed.
 
I mainly purchased the Vx for the steam clean ability not specific to carpets. If I wanted something that really did the job for carpets then the Aztec or something like it would have been my choice. Which by the way as soon as funds allow I will be getting. From what I've learned here alot depends on just what it is you want to get done (how well & fast) and if there is enough work to justify the expense.
 
AeroCleanse said:
I'd look at VC-4000-C-Steamer
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Thanks! I'll check it out..

mcpp66 said:
Actually I bought the hot rod before I even knew that steamers were being used in detailing. I still use both though, don't know if both are really needed.
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If you are local to Los Angeles and are interested in selling, let me know! thanks!

Klink10 said:
I mainly purchased the Vx for the steam clean ability not specific to carpets. If I wanted something that really did the job for carpets then the Aztec or something like it would have been my choice. Which by the way as soon as funds allow I will be getting. From what I've learned here alot depends on just what it is you want to get done (how well & fast) and if there is enough work to justify the expense.
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Well I'm mainly going to be using for auto carpets/upholstery, so I'm guessing the VX5000 wouldn't be for me. Looks like its between the MyteeLite and the Aztec Hotrod.. I'm going to have to think about it, do a little more research. Thanks for the info guys!

does the PSI and the temperature make a big difference? Higher the better? Is it noticeable?

And as for quality, which would be better? Mytee Lite vs. Aztec Hot Rod? Also, I tried looking for different accessories for the two machines, but I cant seem to find any. Will other company's accessories work with the Mytee or Hotrod?
 
A steamer will do a great job on carpets and upholstery. It's all I use for them. Once you start using a steamer, you find plenty of other things to use it on.
 
does the PSI and the temperature make a big difference? more cleaning power?
 
boostedGS said:
Well I'm mainly going to be using for auto carpets/upholstery, so I'm guessing the VX5000 wouldn't be for me. Looks like its between the MyteeLite and the Aztec Hotrod.. I'm going to have to think about it, do a little more research. Thanks for the info guys!

does the PSI and the temperature make a big difference? Higher the better? Is it noticeable?

And as for quality, which would be better? Mytee Lite vs. Aztec Hot Rod? Also, I tried looking for different accessories for the two machines, but I cant seem to find any. Will other company's accessories work with the Mytee or Hotrod?
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If you are getting an extractor - PSI is BIG, being heated is BIG - I have used some 65 PSI units, and they do garbage compared to say a 100 PSI unit IMO. I have always used an extractor until mine went down on me a few months back........... I will be getting the vx5000 first thing next week FINALLY - been talking about it for a month lol. I will make it work for me as an extractor with a wet/dry vac (if needed) and will also use for wheel wells, engine bays, interiors, etc. That is the perk that I like about it personally...... Very tough decision - bought I am goin with the steamer this time around. Hope I didn't throw you off here lol!
 
I don't think it should be either / or ....you should have BOOTH. I have booth a steamer and an extractor and I believe you need both. They aren't the same type machines and they serve different purposes. They each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Steam will emulsify most soiling/grime and disperse it. It is good for "cleaning" lightly soiled areas. It is awesome for cleaning nooks and crannies such as center consoles, dash, door panels, etc... We do use it on carpet and upholstery with great successes if they are very lightly soiled.

The extractor injects fluid (hot water) into fibers and sucks the dirty solution out. This action rinses the fibers and flushes cleaner, soap, dirt, etc.. from them. We like to steam carpets and upholstery then quickly follow with an extractor. You can't clean the dash, door panels, etc... with the extractor.



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No sense in choosing between an extractor, and a steamer. You need both. One can not replace the other by any means. Very different tools.

That's like trying to choose between a buffer, or a vacuum, ha. Get both!
 
Kristopher1129 said:
No sense in choosing between an extractor, and a steamer. You need both. One can not replace the other by any means. Very different tools.

That's like trying to choose between a buffer, or a vacuum, ha. Get both!
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I like the way you think :dblthumb2:
 
Thanks everyone!

So if I'm mainly looking for something to clean carpets, what I'm looking for is an extractor, right? What kind of wetvacs do you guys all use? Rigid? What extractor do you guys recommend in the $500-1000? Mytee Lite? Aztec Hotrod?
 
boostedGS said:
Thanks everyone!

So if I'm mainly looking for something to clean carpets, what I'm looking for is an extractor, right? What kind of wetvacs do you guys all use? Rigid? What extractor do you guys recommend in the $500-1000? Mytee Lite? Aztec Hotrod?
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I personally have both the Mytee Lite II and the Hot Rod. The Hot Rod hasn't been used yet though cause it's going in the mobile van. But I've got nothing but great results with my Mytee. :xyxthumbs:
 
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