Carpets/Upholstery - steam, extractor, hand?

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rlloyd

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I don't have a detailing business but I like pro tools. I had a Bissel Green Machine that died.
What advantages does an extractor or a VX5000 or Mytee Lite II give you over doing everything by hand? (Other than speed and a lighter wallet)

Here's what I have:
PC 7336 with a carpet brush
Folex (based on everyone's recommendations here)
wet-dry vac
interior cleaning solutions
MF towels
spray bottles
One nasty kid infested mini-van

I was thinking of renting a Rug Dr if they have a hand held wand with it.

Also have some couches, chairs and carpet spots in the house I'd like to remove.
Not opposed to buying something if it's well worth it.

What do you guys think?
 
I have a Dupray steamer and love it. I have a Mytee is its getting fixed but it was my fault it broke. Just depends what your looking for but if I had to choose one I would just buy the Dupray.
 
$1k is way out of my budget for something I'm not going to use to make money with like you guys.
If I could find a used one for $500 I'm OK with that.
So a steam cleaner would be better than an extractor?
 
The first thing you have to weigh out is.....am I going to purchase something to make money with.......am I'm going to "jump in" and do this for a living.

The vx5000 or Dupray-----great machines,I've used them
Mytee lite---great machine,Ive used it also.

If your working on your own stuff and want something to make life easier? and save some cash?

Bissel pro heat auto= $100
McCulloch steamer= around $100-130

look at buying a tornador and you can achieve some amazing results......

and your still under $500 bucks.


Let your Pocketbook be the guide!
 
dad07 said:
The first thing you have to weigh out is.....am I going to purchase something to make money with.......am I'm going to "jump in" and do this for a living.

The vx5000 or Dupray-----great machines,I've used them
Mytee lite---great machine,Ive used it also.

If your working on your own stuff and want something to make life easier? and save some cash?

Bissel pro heat auto= $100
McCulloch steamer= around $100-130

look at buying a tornador and you can achieve some amazing results......

and your still under $500 bucks.


Let your Pocketbook be the guide!
Click to expand...

Yes I agree for sure. Bissel has a deep cleaner it's two machines in one cost about $200
 
I wouldnt rent the rug doctor. They are "cold water" extractors; meaning the water coming out is only as hot as what you put in it.

If I were you, do what I do. I recently started and I dont have the budget for $1k+. So I got in contact with a carpet cleaning my city. I rent a Dual vaccum, 250PSI extractor for $45 for 48 hours, the guy even picks it up and drops it off. Just google "carpet extractor rental ________ (your city)" Be amazed at what you find!
 
I recently bought a carpet express "rug doctor" like machine from ebay. I use the upholstery attachment and it has worked good. I spent $300 on it and feel it was worth it. It helps to spray cleaner on any stains and brush them to loosen them first.
 
I use a Rug Dr Pro (under $500 new) and a Steamfast steamer (under $100).

The Rug Dr does not heat the water and the upholstery wand is ridiculously cheap. I am on my 3rd wand in the last 12 months. The main reason I went with the Rug Dr is because I wanted something I could do the carpets on my home too. With two young boys it has proved to be invaluable. I have also cleaned a few customer's house carpets with it so that alone has recovered the cost of the machine.

With the Rug Dr the fact that the water is not hot has never been an issue. I use the steamer for the majority of the carpet/upholstery cleaning first. The Rug Dr is simply used as an extractor with only pure water. I have also seen people use a microwave to heat the water before pouring it into the machine. I have never tried that but I always thought it was a good idea.

There are also jobs when I don't even need the extractor. If you are on a budget I would definitely recommend starting out with a steamer. They are so much more versatile for interior cleaning. :dblthumb2:
 
Ok so ill see if I can find a vx5000 used and go with that. Wasn't sure how many uses it could have vs the extractor.
If anyone has one or sees a used one for sale let me know...
 
I just finished cleaning out my SUV and realized I need something to thoroughly clean the carpets and upholstery. The interior looks brand new, except the carpet. My Wife and I have also talked about getting a carpet cleaner for the house, since we have a little one and we'll be adding a new Lab to the family soon. After a little research, I found this Bissel BISSELL Lift-Off Pet Deep Cleaner for $260. Seems like a perfect fit for an amateur like me who can't justify spending a lot of money on a pro cleaner.
 
Dallara101 said:
I just finished cleaning out my SUV and realized I need something to thoroughly clean the carpets and upholstery. The interior looks brand new, except the carpet. My Wife and I have also talked about getting a carpet cleaner for the house, since we have a little one and we'll be adding a new Lab to the family soon. After a little research, I found this Bissel BISSELL Lift-Off Pet Deep Cleaner for $260. Seems like a perfect fit for an amateur like me who can't justify spending a lot of money on a pro cleaner.
Click to expand...
This is the one I had till I bought my Dupray and I still have it as a back up. Works great for the price and I would recommend it only thing is to be careful not to push to hard on the handle. It's made of plastic and it could break.
 
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