New McCulloch MC1385 Steamer?

I've been reading this thread on and off for a while. After a couple of years away from sideline detailing I'm active again (and back on AGO) and this intrigues me more and more. I've spent a couple of paychecks over the last few weeks updating, replacing and restocking my garage so a steamer -- even this cheap -- isn't in the budget for now, but I've asked the Camels to keep an eye on the price. If it hits $150 again they'll let me know.
 
I have doing a lot of reading on cleaning interiors. I am looking for something to clean carpets and seats with and have been reading on the 1385. I have found very little information on it's cleaning ability on carpets and cloth seats, if any. Can anyone provide some feedback on that? Is it meant to clean cloth seats and carpets? Would I have to foam, scrub, then steam? How exactly do you do carpets with this thing?

I am debating between this and a smaller extractor-like machine like a Bissell but I can't find any information on how to clean carpets with a steamer!
 
Go to the bottom of page 5 of this thread. There is a link to two youtube vies I made on steaming carpets using this steamer.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using AG Online
 
VP Mark said:
Go to the bottom of page 5 of this thread. There is a link to two youtube vies I made on steaming carpets using this steamer.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using AG Online
Click to expand...
Oops. I'm at work and cant watch the videos so I had just been reading.
 
Ordered one a few days ago, I'll post my review once she gets here. And yes all my machines are female, lol!
 
VP Mark said:
Here are a couple of quick vids on the steamer. They aren't what you would consider a "full review" but nicely showcase the carpet cleaning abilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwaYcZlu5Gk&list=UUd_vtQHzmB0aG_h7ZtCssSA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZKGELDv2A4&list=UUd_vtQHzmB0aG_h7ZtCssSA

Here is a link to a Facebook post I did recently. The entire interior detail was done with the same steamer.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.689251954466402.1073741866.168324496559153&type=1
Click to expand...

Do you like the tornado compressor gun from your youtube review/mention or the McCullock 1385 better. I think Id like an extractor better w boiling water, like the rug doctor portable spot cleaner which has a 10 amp motor vs Bissell's 5 amp motor for suction. I'll have access to air, electric, and hot water but air would require a lot more work.

A little mold on my boat carpet is a prime thing Im thinking about cleaning, maybe the exterior rails, floors, etc too so the steamer might be better. I like the idea of sucking it up tho.

Maybe the $164 1385 steamer w a $99 milwuakie 18volt shop vac which I have wanted for a long time.
$264 total

or

$89 Tornado w the $125 rug doctor, but have to lug a spare air tank/compressor and hose to my boat.
$214 total

1385 = Amazon.com - McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam System - Carpet Steam Cleaners

Rug DR w 4 cleaners = Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner Combo Pack

Tornado = http://www.amazon.com/Tornador-Car-Cleaning-Tool-Z-010/dp/B0024J6JMI




here is my thread about it.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...l-portable-steam-cleaner-vac.html#post1358025
 
Bringing this one up from the dead. Just purchased a MC1385 and am not sure if I am sold on it. Have not used the triangle attachment on leather or on carpets yet... just the brush etc for interior parts and switches etc. I was using a small handheld DB one (about 40 bucks) and it seemed to steam hotter. Just not sure if this one is worth $300 more just because the steam lasts longer and produce better results. Are you guys still happy with this one? I know there is definitely an art when using these steamers... Thanks!
 
I WAS enjoying my McCullough 1385. A few times I noticed it wouldn't turn on so I'd flip the power switch and check the connection. Now the power button is stuck and nothing. Anyone else experiencing issues?
 
Sharply Dressed said:
I WAS enjoying my McCullough 1385. A few times I noticed it wouldn't turn on so I'd flip the power switch and check the connection. Now the power button is stuck and nothing. Anyone else experiencing issues?
Click to expand...

Yes my switch jammed up and broke so I replaced it with a more durable switch.
 
I'm not really highly educated on electrical stuff myself so I'm not sure I can give electrical advice and also with this being more than something small run on low power it can be dangerous to your equipment and yourself if not done correctly. So after stating that if you still want to try it, you need to buy a 120v switch that is rated to be used at the amperage of the unit. I don't have a link to the one I bought anymore but it was similar to this one

JR Products 12515 Red/Black SPST Illuminated 120V On/Off Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UC14CO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_131DxbE727WY2


After that there is 3 prongs on it. One is constant one is ground and one is switched. And you can just pop the wires off the one in the unit and put them on this one. The hole needed to be larger also to fit this one in.

Make sure to research it a bit or take it too a qualified repair person if there is even any question about it.
 
I bought the 1385 about a month ago specifically for an interior detail I had booked. The inside of this car was like a bio-hazard. I used Folex and the MC1385 and was very impressed with the results. It cleaned up all of the stains very effectively.
I am not a professional by any means, i do detailing on the side as a hobby and a little extra money. I would recommend this unit to any part time, hobbyist or enthusiast detailer. Its worth the money in my opinion.
 
I took my MC1385 in for switch repair. Company called me to say after replacing the switch the unit still doesn't work as the issue that caused the switch to go bad also got the motor. Unit is 18 months old, used about 10 times. I hope Amex will cover extended warranty.
 
Pulled the trigger on a McCulloch MC1385 today! Excited to try this baby out on an upcoming F250 that I have due in and will report back. Seems like a great unit. I bought the 2yr plan on it too for only $15
 
I have the 1385 and it does what I need. No issues with mine yet. I only live about 20 miles from the service center if I have issues.
 
I've had the 1385 for about 2 years now for my business, and I use it almost every day because I do mainly interiors. I think it's fine for automobiles, and is the best bang for your buck. It's surprisingly durable...nothing broke yet..not even the attachments which feel like cheap plastic, and it takes a beating. The only problem I seem to have with it is moving it around. This thing has wheels but they shouldn't even bother putting the on. It doesn't roll well at all, plus the cord and hose constantly gets tangled. It's very cumbersome, and always seems to get in my way. Other than that, for the price you can't beat it.
 
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