[AquaMagic]

Had a customer asking me to recommend a machine that she can use to clean up after her daughter who is potty training, i suggested she would need some kind of wet cleaning system to rinse the affected area, could anyone recommend a machine for this purpose, i know about Vax and Bex Bissell there are loads to pick from but wondered if anyone could recommend a good value machine.?

Dene

[Charlie Payne]

personally i'd recommend a small spotting machine, it would be ldeal for this type of cleaning.. i keep a small spotting machine in me house exactly for this purpose, with a few spotting solutions that my wife can use. "we have 3 small children & they make alot of mess" regards char

[Ken Wainwright]

With all due respect to the lady concerned, I feel that a machine is not the best route to take for the problem described. Instruction on how to effectively absorb, neutralise and de-odourise is is the better option and quicker to do on the spot rather than drag the Vax out the cupboard, change it from dry to wet cleaning, fill with water, use, clean it out, dry it and put it back to dry setup.  Even then, the carpet won't be as dry as absorbing methods, and the spillage will probably not be chemically neutralised, leaving the potential for ammonia "burns".

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[AquaMagic]

Hello Ken, i was hesitant to advise any professional cleaning solutions to sort this problem and did advise that a terry towel and warm water with a blotting action would be good, but i also (perhaps incorrectly) said that a rinse would be better than just blotting.  I dont mind backtracking but what products should i recommend to her.

Many thanks

Dene

[Karl Wildey]

I find that people will always do something they should not, like lend machine to neighbour who has a belgian wilton, or clean velvet curtains. Best not say anything.

[Ken Wainwright]

Hi Dene

Scrape up and/or blot. For large spillages use first a cotton towel/nappy and absorb as much as possible. DONT rub or scrub. Then make a pad of white kitchen towel from at least 3 sheets. Fold into pad place on spillage and absorb. With paper towels (>110% absorbent) you will see if it's still working, with cotton >100% absorbent) you can't. Keep doing this 'till last paper towel stays dry.

To neutralise

Mix a solution of distilled (aka white) vinegar and cool to warm water. About 1 teaspoon per cup of water. Wet out pile only of affected area. Let stand for 10 minutes then absorb dry.

Unlikely to have an odour problem after this, but if so, I would use Dettox (NOT Dettol) It states not for use on carpets/fabrics but this may be to protect manufacturers.

All products to be tested first for safety/suitability on everything that will be treated.

The first product used on the carpet must be the neutraliser, otherwise there is the possibility of creating an orange/yellow  permanent stain.

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[calmore]

There's a thing called a "Vax Scrubber" that may do the job. Bit like a wet and dry dustbuster combined with a sprayer. Think it also has rotating brushes. Not used one, but worth investigating.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/VAX-V035-Handheld-Spot-Scrubber/dp/B000C1XG4E

If going for a domestic HWE machine I'd suggest getting one of the Numatic machines. As close as you're gonna get to a professional machine at domestic prices.