| Auto Detailing: Maintaining A Commercial Carpet | | | | different theories as to what is the most effective |
| ExtractorYou should drain your carpet extractor at the | | | | combination. As you gain savvy in the Auto Detailing |
| end of each use or at least by the end of the day. Do | | | | Industry you will better understand what is needed to |
| not dump the excess dirty water or soap into a storm | | | | get the job done and what the advantages and |
| drain. Dump it into a toilet, sink or on a lawn. It is not | | | | disadvantages are to each type of carpet extractor |
| allowed in the storm drain that is for storm water only | | | | machine.The pressure at which an extractor shoots |
| and not the kind of scum, which is found in the | | | | the water/cleaning solution mix into the carpets or |
| discharge tank of a carpet extractor. If you leave the | | | | seats is a function of your pump. Pumps vary from 15 |
| fluid in the tank more than a couple of days, it will be | | | | PSI to 200 PSI. We feel comfortable at 60 to 100 PSI. |
| very difficult to clean. Two weeks and it's a major | | | | Higher pressures tend to deflect or bounce water off |
| chore. You should rinse out the chemical tank and | | | | the item you are cleaning. This will usually cause you to |
| attachment parts as well, including the hoses.Your | | | | splatter carpet cleaner on things you don't want |
| carpet extractor most likely has a three-year warranty | | | | splattered. If your carpet extractor is spraying |
| on parts; this is typical in the industry. Do not expect | | | | chemicals too hard or too soft, check: The orifice at |
| your warranty to be guaranteed abusive use such as | | | | the nozzle for proper sizing; Voltage to the pump. |
| cleaning out a dog house, fire and water damaged | | | | Make sure it's operating at the proper speed; Leaks in |
| carpet or insides of lateens is generally a void able | | | | the inlet hose and fittings; Leaks in the outlet pressure |
| event. Don't laugh. Our vendor has told us stories of | | | | hose wand or guns; Chemical injection for air leaks; |
| such. He guaranteed that he would void all warranties | | | | Chemical tank for fluid. Make sure it's not all foam, you |
| in the event an idiot was operating the machine in a | | | | could be sucking air.You should keep unit clean |
| fashion beyond its realm of ability. Super industrial | | | | internally and inspect it periodically, especially if you see |
| machines are available for this type of work and | | | | water dripping from the unit during operation.Water lift |
| companies that use them have a major investment in | | | | is the rating on suction. This is important because you |
| their units. Companies such as: Serve Pro, Service | | | | want to suck all the water and chemicals from the |
| Master, Miligan 'Milicare", Chem-Dry, Duraclean, Stanely | | | | carpet. We recommend and supply a unit with 100 to |
| Steamer. These are huge companies with over 15,000 | | | | 120 inches of life. In other words, it will suck water from |
| outlets combined worldwide.Stick to what you are | | | | the ground 100 to 120 inches straight up. It's important |
| good at. Cars, trucks, motor homes, boats, planes, etc. | | | | to always maintain great suction power. To make sure |
| If you attempt to clean household furniture, carpets or | | | | you have appropriate suction, put your hand over the |
| drapes you'll be sorry. Such work to do it right requires | | | | hose. If it feels off a little you should check for: |
| training, as you have to know all about: Different types | | | | Blockage in hose, Holes in hose, Air leaks in fittings, |
| of fabric, Different types of dyes, Different types of | | | | Cracks in vacuum head, Voltage of motor, Speed of |
| stains, Different types of carpets, Different types of | | | | motor, Etc.Many extractors have heating elements. It |
| chemicals, Etc. Most of the Franchise companies, | | | | takes fifteen minutes for extractors to heat the water. |
| which do that type of work have specialty niches and | | | | If your carpet extractor unit doesn't, then simply take |
| go through three weeks of intense classroom study to | | | | your hot water pressure washer and turn on the heat. |
| learn it all. They must learn a week's worth of: Selling, | | | | Turn it up all the way and put hot water into the carpet |
| Advertising, Bidding, Competition and Equipment | | | | extractor tank at 190ºF. Simply quick release the |
| Knowledge.I am not saying don't clean your upholstery | | | | spray tip and fill up the tank on the extractor. If you |
| at home. Go ahead. But don't be surprised if it takes | | | | have problems heating the water, see the section on |
| you hours and doesn't clean the pomegranate juice up. | | | | steam cleaner burner in this section of the Operations |
| And don't be surprised when you run out of chemicals | | | | Manual. Take care of your carpet extractor because |
| and rip a piece of furniture and bust a part of your | | | | the costs of the newer models now on the market |
| machine.Maintenance And Up Keep;The cleaning | | | | are not cheap. If you own a detail shop, car wash or |
| power of an extractor is generally based upon three | | | | have a mobile unit, for Pete's sake; Lock it up at all |
| important elements: Pump Pressure, Suction or | | | | times. They seem to be a favorite item for the Crystal |
| Waterlift, Heat or No Heat. Most manufacturers have | | | | Meth loser crowd to walk off with. |