A hot water extractor, also known as a carpet extractor, is carpet cleaning equipment powered by electricity that utilizes hot water and detergent, along with a mechanical scrub brush and powerful suction, to remove deeply-seated dirt and particles from wall-to-wall carpets. While the configuration of a hot water extractor will depend on the brand, the basic steps to use it are the same as with all other units designed for home use.
How to Use Hot Water Extractors
1. Move out all furniture from the area you’re cleaning.
2. Before you use the hot water extractor, vacuum your carpet thoroughly.
3. Remove the upper tank of the extractor to access the lower tank, which holds the cleaning solution. Into the lower tank, pour carpet cleaning solution (8 ounces, or use the quantity recommended by the solution maker). Some extractors have a separate container to dispense the cleaning solution. Pour a bucket of hot tap water into this tank until it’s full. Put the upper tank and lid back into place.
4. Check that the extractor’s floor nozzle and brush are at the correct height for your type of carpet.
5. Plug the hot water extractor into the appropriate electric outlet.
6. Start in one corner. Switch on the solution pump and then the vacuum motor. Press the correct button or lever on the extractor’s handle to apply the cleaning solution to your carpet. Turn on the scrub brush.
7. Walking backwards, pull the extractor along with you by its handle to go over the carpet to be cleaned. Apply some more cleaning solution if you have to. To move the extractor forward, rock it back on the wheels to tilt the floor nozzle up. Make each pass overlap.
8. Make sure there is no excessive foam building up in the upper tank, which can damage the motor. If there’s too much foam, add a solution to the tank of 1-ounce de-foaming agent for every 2 gallon-tank.
9. When the recovery tank is already full or you’ve run out of cleaning solution, switch off the scrub brush, solution pump, and motor. Empty the recovery tank and rinse it clean or refill the hot cleaning solution. Restart the hot water extractor to continue the job.
10. When you’re finished, open the doors and windows to ventilate the room. Let the carpet dry thoroughly before moving the furniture back or allowing anyone to walk on the carpeting. Complete drying generally takes up to 24 hours.
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Tags: Hot Water Extractor
