Steam

M

maxedmax

New member
Professional detailers....I am looking in to getting a steam cleaner/hot water extractor for my business. I have done some pricing online, and I think this will save me time and work because i won't have to scrub until I hurt. My question is, what's the difference between a steam cleaner and a hot water extractor? are they the same thing? and what about cold water extractors....are they good or bad? please let me know as I want to further investigate this issue...



Thanks



Max
 
A carpet extractor sprays water onto the carpet and then sucks it out. A steam cleaner turns water into steam. I have never used a steam cleaner for carpets before so I can't comment on how well they remove dirt and stains from carpet.



I have a Sensei (sp?) Hot water Carpet Extractor. Cost around $1400. This baby sucks power when using the hot water. It takes two power cords. One is for the vaccum and one is for the heater. It will flip a breaker if you have them both on the same plug. I've not really noticed any cleaning difference between Hot and Cold Water. The main difference I notice is that the carpets dry faster when using the hot water.
 
I also have the Sensei Hot water Carpet Extractor. It is the answer. Period.



If you can swing the $1400, you'll be playin the 'bigs'!



Frankly, it is all about the heat. That's where the action is. Pretreat, Spray an APC on the carpet agitate, and then etract...



I use it everyday. I'm quite satidfied.



Jim
 
I use a steam cleaner on the carpets and the engine bay, and I just do that, and then do my normal vaccuuming routine. It works really good.
 
maxedmax said:
thanks guys, anthing that is a little cheaper than 1400? i really want an extractor....



Thanks,



Max
Click to expand...



You're gonna pay money if you want an extractor.



I believe I've seen a small one at properautocare or something like that for around $600 or $700.



If you find one you like, then go ahead and get it and find a few friends or neighnors and charge them to have their interiors cleaned out. It'll pay itself off.



I love my extractor. Even after I stopped detailing I didn't want to sell it because it's too nice to have around for cleaning out your vehicle. Good I kept it too because I'm starting to detail cars again.
 
Max,



If you want a nice unit but don't care to spend the big bucks, and I agree the Sensei unit is the best bang for the buck, then go for the Stryker unit. It is made by the same company that puts out the Sensei and while it is not a heated unit you can add hot water to it BUT as Intel noted cold water cleans great also because the main use of an extractor is as a clean rinse/dirty extraction tool.



As also noted by Jim, pre-spray, let the stuff work for about 10 minutes, agitate if needed and then rinse and extract. Here is a link for the Stryker



http://www.topoftheline.com/strikcarexsp.html



I am testing a new pre-spot also but you can't go wrong with the 303 Pre-Spot cleaner:xyxthumbs



Anthony
 
Anthony Orosco said:




I am testing a new pre-spot also but you can't go wrong with the 303 Pre-Spot cleaner:xyxthumbs



Click to expand...



Little OT from this thread but mind if I ask what pre-spot cleaners you have tired and what you think of them?
 
The sensei is not a monster...it is quite manueverable. Kinda heavy.



The downside for mobile folks is that it requires TWO 20 amp circuits! When I use it in my home, the TWO power cords have to go in different directions for different circuits. I LOVE the machine, but it is not recommended for mobile use.



OTH, it is the BEST tool I have, even better than my Fein Rotary.



Jim
 
How does this compare to the bissel little green with turbo heat? It's really cheap but I've found it to do a really good job and it heats water up to about 120 farenheight.
 
joburnet said:
How does this compare to the bissel little green with turbo heat? It's really cheap but I've found it to do a really good job and it heats water up to about 120 farenheight.
Click to expand...



The professional units start heating temps at around 210 degrees if I recall correctly. Heat and PSI is the key for extractor selection. Depends on your budget and size needed.



Personally, I have a Mytee Lite 3 gal. unit which works great -- but had to have it serviced twice in 8 months (heater element went as well as the solution pump. This one cost me $849 from Rightlook. Does the job but I received a lemon/defected model. :wall



Good spotters:



For Grease - Mineral Spirits

For Ink - Aqua Net Hairspray or ammonia based cleaner w/ heat transfer

Wine - Ammonia based cleaner



All-purpose cleaners will be great pre-spots for most stains -- grease as well. :xyxthumbs
 
joburnet said:
How does this compare to the bissel little green with turbo heat? It's really cheap but I've found it to do a really good job and it heats water up to about 120 farenheight.
Click to expand...



$100 compared to $1400 ought to tell you how it compares :D
 
I use the bissell for a year now and it works great. It is small and easy to get into tight places. Anything it won't get out Folex or 303 will usually do the job. It might be a little slower but also a lot cheaper. Iuse it everyday sometimes twice and no problems.
 
~One man’s opinion / observations ~



Vapor Clean T5 Extractor / Spotterâ„¢

Heating Element: 1.6Kw

Solution Temperature: 200oF Solution Tank Capacity: 1.5 gallon Recovery Tank Capacity: 2 gallon Vacuum Lift: 102 inches water gauge Piston Pump Output: 60 PSI

Temperature Detection-Indicator light Temperature Regulation-Automatic Thermostat

Power Requirements- 15 Amps, 110-120 volts,

Single-phase, 50-60 Hz VAC Weight- 18 lbs

(w/o solution

Dimensions-17" h x 18" L x 13" w Weight-18 LBS

Warranty- 3 year limited

Vacuum hose- 10-feet x 11/4-inch ID Spray hose- 10-feet x ¼ -inch ID



Spot remover cleaner: 303 Cleaner & Spot Remover

Fabric Protector: 303TM High Tech Fabric Guard, which includes UVR protection





~Hope this helps ~



* justadumbarchitect so I question everything *

Experience unshared is knowledge wasted…/ Jon
 
TOGWT,



You are really pushing this t5 extractor, are you a rep or something? Or do you really like it?



I love this sensai, but the problem is I am mobile, and I can't have the two outlet deal going on.



Would the Mytee lite be the best way to go?
 
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