Jcrawford
New member
is there anything besides an expensive extractor i can use for cleaning carpets. im leaning toward the craftsman vacuum but what about for stuff the vacuum can't get out??? thanks, Joel
Cleaning carpets for the mobile guys
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Spilchy
New member
Yes, Craftsman 6.5 HP vacuum will kick a$$ as an extractor.
That's exactly what I use with great results. Before you extract, remove the filter and dump out the dirt from the canister. This will keep your filter dry and will be easier to clean up.
That's exactly what I use with great results. Before you extract, remove the filter and dump out the dirt from the canister. This will keep your filter dry and will be easier to clean up.
2wheelsx2
New member
You need to pre-treat the carpet. What I normally do is:
1) vacuum all the loose dirt if the carpet is really filthy (skip this step if it's been maintained).
2) brush the carpet to raise the nap and loosen ground in dirt
3) vacuum with a wet/dry (mine is a Rigid)
4) treat the stains with Folex or something similar. Brush in and rinse off.
5) Spot vacuum when dried.
I have gotten clean some really horrifying interiors this way.
1) vacuum all the loose dirt if the carpet is really filthy (skip this step if it's been maintained).
2) brush the carpet to raise the nap and loosen ground in dirt
3) vacuum with a wet/dry (mine is a Rigid)
4) treat the stains with Folex or something similar. Brush in and rinse off.
5) Spot vacuum when dried.
I have gotten clean some really horrifying interiors this way.
I have done a ton of cars and trucks mobile and never used an extractor. What I do is:
1. Dry vac
2. Spray with simple green (mix it light), let it sit for 2 minutes
3. Scrub carpets
4. Vac with wet/dry vac
*Simple takes out most stains*
5. Spot with folex any stains that wouldn't come out
6. One last quick vac
Simple has a brightner in it so it works well. But don't put to much on carpets that have a long pile because it will leave a with residue when it dries. Just mix it light 1 litre water to 1/2 litre simple.
Some carpets like in Benz's and some dark colour carpets or even wool I use a seperate brightner. You just spray it on and let it sit for 10 minutes and vac it out. It last a long time the nest few months that you vac it will really show.
Clint
1. Dry vac
2. Spray with simple green (mix it light), let it sit for 2 minutes
3. Scrub carpets
4. Vac with wet/dry vac
*Simple takes out most stains*
5. Spot with folex any stains that wouldn't come out
6. One last quick vac
Simple has a brightner in it so it works well. But don't put to much on carpets that have a long pile because it will leave a with residue when it dries. Just mix it light 1 litre water to 1/2 litre simple.
Some carpets like in Benz's and some dark colour carpets or even wool I use a seperate brightner. You just spray it on and let it sit for 10 minutes and vac it out. It last a long time the nest few months that you vac it will really show.
Clint
safetyman2010
New member
JCrawford said:
A vacuum will do an adequate job of removing most of the moisture and dirt from the carpet but to do a really professional job you will need a hot water extractor. The difference is that an extractor rinses all the dirt and more importantly the soap and cleaner out of the carpets and upholstery and a vacuum doesn't. The left over soap residue will lead to premature re-soiling. The main question is if you were the customer and you had a choice between the two which would you prefer to be used on your car? Unfortunately, most "detailers" will not purchase an extractor due to the cost but will eventually pay for the extractor anyway in lost efficiency and productivity and results that are less than satisfactory. I am not saying you can't make the carpets look clean by using a shop vac but unless they are rinsed you aren't doing the job right.
P
Patrick
Guest
I agree with Shineshop, however, my solution:
Vacuum, raise nap with stiff nylon brush
Treat with your fav APC or carpet cleaner, ( I use Zep upholstery cleaner) and brush,,.....
Hit with Shop Vac,( I have a Rigid.....)
Mist generously with sprayer filled with water, re-vacuum......
Works like a champ, if your dont have a hot water extractor....They are the ultimate cleaner, but $$$$$ !
Vacuum, raise nap with stiff nylon brush
Treat with your fav APC or carpet cleaner, ( I use Zep upholstery cleaner) and brush,,.....
Hit with Shop Vac,( I have a Rigid.....)
Mist generously with sprayer filled with water, re-vacuum......
Works like a champ, if your dont have a hot water extractor....They are the ultimate cleaner, but $$$$$ !
madazskunk
New member
What do you do if you do if you don't have access to a plug? On the same note Does anyone know what the most powerful wet/dry vac and inverter combo would be reasonable to use or a good 12v vac.
I hate to join in on a professional thread but here goes. After I shampoo the carpet and vaccum I use a mild vinegar rinse to remove the shampoo, kills soap and most smells. Then a clear water rinse. I then apply stain blocker to make the job last longer.
Dry thoroughly and re-vaccum.:xyxthumbs
Dry thoroughly and re-vaccum.:xyxthumbs
madazskunk said:
Honestly, you just are not going to get that much power out of a 12v vacuum that can lift a lot of moisture out of carpeting. I have a pretty good Campbell-Hausen 12v vacuum (resembles the hand held Dirt Devil with rotating brushes), but it isn't a wet/dry type and neither is my rechargable Euro Vac. I seem to recall seeing a rechargable hand held carpet shampooer at Target, but I don't know how powerful it is.
Almost everywhere I go, there is power access, so I may use the 12v and rechargable vacs maybe once every other month, if that often...but when needed, they really come in handy!
safetyman2010
New member
Patrick said:
That might take some of the soap out but won't get it all. You may want to take some clean white towels and try and rub them on the carpet to take as much soap and moisture out as possible first and then try rinsing the carpets liberally with clean water and then vacuum out.
imported_rookie
New member
How is the extractor taking the soap and water out any more efficient then a wet/dry? Don't they have the same suction capacity?
imported_Intel486
New member
rookie said:
Not sure how the suction power on the two compare but the extractor is able to rinse the fibers of the carpet with water. A wet/dry vac will just suck (assuming you aren't first finding a way to put water down on the carpet to rinse.)...
You can use a wet/dry vac in this way and I use to do it until I got my Sensei. I will say that I'm now able to get jobs done a lot faster with my extractor than with a vac.
There is no comparison b/t the two when you want to do a quality job and not waste a lot of time.