Overview:
Both carpet cleaners and extractors are used to clean carpet. Use of one or the other depends on the type of cleaning necessary and amount of time committed to perform the task. Carpet cleaners are for lighter regular cleaning, including some spot treatments. Extractors are used less frequently to perform deep cleanings. Both types of units come in a variety of sizes and capabilities. There are units with attached wands for the small to medium areas, walk-behinds for medium to large areas, and ride-on units for large jobs.
Decision-makers should review the following considerations.
- Space: Area(s) where it will be used. Is the unit appropriate for the size of the space and will there be obstacles or furniture to navigate?
- Surfaces: Type of carpet the Cleaner/Extractor will be used on. Does the brush head need to be adjustable for various types of carpet? How deep of cleaning is needed?
- Users: The physical characteristics of the end-users. Is the unit adaptable to be used by different height users?
- Storage: The units will need to be stored somewhere. Is there storage space in an existing custodial closet?
- Portability: The ease by which a user can get the equipment to the job site. Is there elevator access?
- Maintenance: Ease of changing filters bags/brushes. Is a special tool needed for regular field and daily maintenance? Is the tank large enough for the job?
- Power: Access to power. Units can be corded or battery-powered. Are there outlets available? Is the cord long enough? Is the battery capable of lasting the entire shift?
- Noise and Vibration: Are noise or vibration an issue where the unit will be used? Are equipment operators exposed to hand-arm or whole body vibration?
- Testing and Feedback: Demo the product. What was the users’ feedback on the unit after trying in the work environment?
Carpet Cleaners
Mfr
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Karcher
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Nilfisk-Advance
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Karcher
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Criteria Rating |
★★★★★ |
★★★★☆ |
★★☆☆☆ |
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Review |
A compact carpet cleaner that fits many users A small footprint allows access to small spaces. Surface accessible built-in hose/wand and a height-adjustable handle to fit different height users. The fold-down handle makes it easy to transport and store. |
Great for cleaning large spaces Ride-on capability helps reduce user fatigue. Sweeping and cleaning are accomplished in one pass. Eliminates vacuuming. An adjustable steering column accommodates most users. 20 hr battery and large capacity tanks. |
Great for spot cleaning The counter-rotating brushes eliminate multiple passes and can get close to walls. Be aware that this unit does not have a vacuum feature so additional vacuuming will be needed once the cleaning solution has dried. Can be a good choice if you have the time for the extra step. |
UC Supplier |
Waxie | Waxie | Waxie |
Specs |
CFM: 100 Water Lift: 120" Airwatt: 1412 Weight: 166 lbs Cord: 50' Cleaning Path: 16" Solution/Recovery Tank: 10 gal / 10 gal Removable brush: Req Tool Wheels: 10" rear Attached Wand: Yes ♠ Fold-down handle: Yes ♠ Height-Adj Handle: Yes ♠ |
CFM: 93 Water Lift: 78" Airwatt: 853 Weight: 1165 lbs Battery Life: 20 hr Cleaning Path: 28" Solution/Recovery Tank: 45 gal / 25 gal Removable brush: Req Tool Wheels: N/A Attached Wand: No Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Steering column: Yes ♠ |
CFM: - N/A Water Lift: - N/A Airwatt: - N/A Weight: 55 lbs Cord: 40' Cleaning Path: 17" Solution Tank: 2 gal Removable brush: Tool-Less Wheels: N/A Attached Wand: No Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Steering column: Yes ♠ |
Resources |
Aquaride SE Rider Carpet Cleaner Website |
Extractors
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Advance
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Karcher
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NSS
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Criteria Rating |
★★★☆☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
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Review |
Versatile and maneuverable extractor Strong adjustable heat unit with a wand attachment. Can be used on upholstery. Large rear wheels make it easy to maneuver. |
Large capacity extractor Hand-held heated unit with an adjustable PSI pressure sprayer to address problem areas and reduce effort. The large capacity tank reduces the need to refill. |
Strong extractor for small to medium spaces A strong and versatile heated unit with an attached wand and a 12 gal capacity that will handle most small to medium jobs. |
UC Supplier |
Waxie | Waxie | Waxie |
Specs |
CFM: 100 Water Lift: 200" Airwatt: 2353 Weight: 110 lbs Cord: Two - 25' Cleaning Path: 12" Solution/Recovery Tank: 12 gal / 10 gal Removable brush: N/A Wheels: 2-12” rear / 2-2.5” front Attached Wand: Yes Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
CFM: 111 Water Lift: 74" Airwatt: 966 Weight: 139 lbs Cord: Two - 25' Cleaning Path: 12" Solution/Recovery Tank: 17 gal / 14 gal Removable brush: N/A Wheels: 2-12” rear / 2-4” front Attached Wand: Yes Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
CFM: 102 Water Lift: 140" Airwatt: 1680 Weight: 99 lbs Cord: Two - 25' Cleaning Path: 12" Solution/Recovery Tank: 12 gal / 12 gal Removable brush: N/A Wheels: 2-8” rear / 2-3” front Attached Wand: Yes Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Resources |
ET700 Website |
Extractors - Ride-on and Walk Behinds
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Nilfistk-Advance
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Karcher
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Karcher
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Criteria Rating |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★☆ |
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Review |
Multi-mode extractor for large areas Total carpet care Ride-on with a height-adjustable steering column. The optional wand is available for hard-to-reach areas. The lengthy battery life and large capacity tanks allow for more cleaning time and eliminate the need to empty tanks until the end of shift/job. |
Compact extractor that fits most users Strong unit with a footprint that allows access to smaller spaces.Height adjustable handle for multiple users. Accessible built-in hose and wand. Tanks are ideal for small to medium spaces. This is a unit to consider. |
Strong extractor with high capacity Extremely strong unit and cleans well. Has an impressive tank capacity and intuitive controls. Accessible build in hose and wand for hard-to-reach spaces. |
UC Supplier |
Waxie | Waxie | Waxie |
Specs |
CFM: 90 Water Lift: 67" Airwatt: 709 Weight: 1,447 lbs Battery Life: N/A Cleaning Path: 28" Solution/Recovery Tank: 28 gal / 28 gal Removable brush: N/A Wheels: N/A Attached Wand: Light or Heavy Duty ♠ Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Steering column: Yes ♠ |
CFM: 92 Water Lift: 117" Airwatt: 1266 Weight: 92 lbs Cord: 50' Cleaning Path: 15" Solution/Recovery Tank: 8 gal / 8 gal Removable brush: N/A Wheels: 2-10" rear Attached Wand: Yes ♠ Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Handle: Yes ♠ |
CFM: 99 Water Lift: 117" Airwatt: 1363 Weight: 217 lbs Cord: 75' Cleaning Path: 20" Solution/Recovery Tank: 20 gal / 20 gal Removable brush: N/A Wheels: 2-10” rear / 2-4” front Attached Wand: Yes ♠ Fold-down handle: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Resources |
Products are rated on a 5-star scale based on the Criteria Rating - ★
The product specification exceeds minimum UC Criteria - ♠
The product does not meet minimum UC Criteria - ⚠
