Chemicals to use with an Extractor

[98LowRanger]

So today I just picked up a gently used Durrmaid 1600 hot water extractor (sells new for $880, but I scored it for $430). After some research I found out that I can use some chemicals with it to get the best results. Only thing is I want to make sure they are safe for the extractor.

So I hear an anti-foaming agent is nearly a must. What do you guys use and where do you get it because it seems like it is hard to even find online. Also do you guys add any special detergent that is safe for extractors to the tank?

 

[VISITOR]

most use only water in the extractor. you can spray apc/carpet cleaner, agitate with a brush and then extract...

 

[wdmaccord]

CG Lightning Fast I believe is safe to use right in the extractor. It is formulated to be low foaming for that purpose. But like Visitor said, many of us only use the extractor with hot water as a way to rinse after cleaning. You can also use the hot water in the extractor before you clean to dampen the carpet/upholstery a little bit.

 

[octane]

I bought some anti foaming at homedepot in Canada, for about 15$ a gallon. they probably sell it in the US too.

 

[WA.Detailer]

I have had a MityVac Spider for years and I never put any chemicals into the water tank..

I know lots of people in the floor/carpet cleaning business do, but they have huge horsepower and water lift units in vans or trucks that can put down the hot water with cleaner into the carpets and then extract it all out pretty well with clean water and go pretty fast..

The big problem with this in Automotive applications is the amount of moisture and soap you do not remove from the carpets, and the amount of this mixture you shove too far down past the carpets into the pad below them..

I have been able to incorporate my VX5000 Steamer at times on really bad carpeting after spraying the bad spot/s with something like Meguiars APC+ mixed at 10/1 and brushing it in, hitting it with the Steamer, then Extracting everything with very little water from the Extractor needed so I have less water to pull out..

You want to get as much moisture out and NOT have to run the car full blast with the heater on and all that nutty stuff..
This happens because the user wet everything way too much in the first place..

And carpet guys who do your house carpets are guilty if not more of leaving you with really wet carpets, when they could adjust how much water they inject AND spend more time Extracting it all out - which we all know, they dont..

Some Extractors will not like having chemicals run through their motors a lot and can cause failures..

Be sure to run some Distilled White Vinegar through it to really clean it out nicely and safely, and then you will have to run a bunch of clean water through it to remove all the Vinegar...

Your extractor will thank you for doing this and your jobs will come out better..
Good luck !
Dan F