When to Use A Portable Carpet Extractor

The discussion of portable carpet extractor machines vs. truck mount carpet cleaning equipment usually centers around the relative capabilities of the respective equipment. This is fine to help gain an understanding of what this equipment can do but it is not the end of the discussion. The next step is to explore the utility, or usefulness, of each type of equipment so we can better match the tools to the task when fitting out a carpet cleaning van.

Truck mounts are very popular, being used 89% of the time in residential cleaning according to ICS (Cleaning Specialist) magazine. This is due to the power, function and speed with which these machines can clean carpets. However, there are times when a truck mount is inappropriate or just plain unworkable. These situations open the door for a good portable carpet extractor machine.

Office buildings are prime candidates for using portable equipment. They often have security restrictions that will not allow the doors to remain open which is a requirement for truck mounted equipment. Also, if there are multiple floors, it’s hard to get all those hoses and lines up the stair wells and you’ll quickly reach the distance limitations of your truck mount. A portable carpet extractor machine is much easier to work from floor to floor despite the need to be frequently refilling the water.

Upholstery cleaning is another good use for portable carpet extractors. Some upholstery can be very delicate and cleaning works better, and is safer, when using 100 psi machines. Truck mounts also have upholstery attachments and can perform this type of cleaning but extra care needs to be taken on certain fabrics. Combining a truck mount with a portable can work well in these situations. While one person is cleaning the carpets, the other can use the portable to clean the upholstery.

Many operators use portable carpet extractor machines as a backup to their truck mount carpet cleaning equipment. Maintenance or repairs on the truck mount or the carpet cleaning van can slow your business down until they’re completed. A good portable machine can keep your business moving until your truck mount is back in action.

Finally, portable machines are much cheaper that even the smallest truck mount. For the new business operator, keeping costs down is a requirement until the business gets more established. New businesses should seriously consider new portable carpet extractors over used ones. You’ll need a reliable carpet cleaning machine to launch your business and it will still remain useful even if you later upgrade to a truck mount.

Portable carpet extractor machines still have an important role to play in many carpet cleaning businesses. Commercial carpet cleaners continue to rely on them. If you invest in a good portable machine, it can continue to pay dividends long into the future.