Carpet: Extractor vs Steamer

Reflections said:
While I had not considered this idea, this machine specifies not to use any chemicals in the boiler tank because they may damage the solenoid valve.
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I didn't notice it, but did you use a defoamer at all with this process? I just realized I hadn't seen anything mentioned, and was curious.
 
Excellent and very informative thread.



IIRC, there is a thread by Anthony Orosco where he mentions using both an extractor and steamer together. I think it was along the lines of applying and aggitating the chemicals, steam without a m/f, extract and finally steam with a m/f. I wonder how this would compare?



[edit]Found the thread - http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=53078. Your interior was far worse than the one in this thread[/edit]
 
PhilS said:
Excellent and very informative thread.



IIRC, there is a thread by Anthony Orosco where he mentions using both an extractor and steamer together. I think it was along the lines of applying and aggitating the chemicals, steam without a m/f, extract and finally steam with a m/f. I wonder how this would compare?



[edit]Found the thread - http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=53078. Your interior was far worse than the one in this thread[/edit]
Click to expand...



I will read through this thread right away. Anthony is the king of steaming! This sounds like an EXCELLENT idea. Unfortunately my interior is typical of those found in daily drivers in my area!
 
As I mentioned above, most daily drivers in my area have carpet this dirty at this time of year. Here is a 93 Corolla I did a full detail on today. I shampooed and extracted the carpets, and steam cleaned the vinyl and upholstry and headliner.
 
And an after shot. The pics could have been clearer, but I accidentally had my camera set on macro mode the whole time. I'm still figuring the thing out :D This pic is funny because it looks like my extension cord is going over the hood, but that's just a reflection!



(Edit) Sorry about the dif. in colour. First was in sunlight, second is under halogen. Looks like the sky should switch over to halogen!!
 
Hey very nice stuff here...great job on the article :2thumbs:



When cleaning carpets keep in mind that about 90% of the dirt is literally "dirt". The other 10% is usually made up of liquid spills, grease and/or food, body fluids, blood, etc.



The purpose of a steamer is to emulsify its target. I just did a Lexus with spilt coffee hardened in the cracks of the seat. My steamer turned that hardened coffee back into liquid form where it was easily wiped up.



Same for the dirt in your carpets and fabrics. The hot steam emulsifies the dirt and grease and once that's done where does that emulsifies grime go? Will it stays within the fibers if it is not extracted, hence steaming alone on filthy carpets is only half the job. I use my steamer first, this emulsifies the grime and I then rinse the carpets with my extractor, using only clean water, no chemicals....except maybe Valugards Odor Terminator. I may then hit it once more with the steamer covered with a MF.



On carpets with just surface dirt you can get away with using just the steamer and a MF.



Anthony
 
Thanks for the input Anthony, I'll give that a try! I prefer to avoid using chemicals whenever possible of course! Do you do the whole carpet with the steamer and then extract, or do you go section by section?
 
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