[northstar]

Re my previous post. I am searching for the best machine to use to incorporate a carpet cleaning service into my domestic cleaning business.

I have had some training and I understand the basic principles of carpet cleaning (pre-spray / agitate / extract).

The experience I have so far of using wand based systems is that it is physically very hard work, not to mention time consuming doing all the pre-spray and agitation.

It seems that very few professional carpet cleaners go for machines that have built in brushes and do the whole thing in one process.

I am currently leaning towards the Hydromist Champ made by Truvox. Basically it seems like a big rug doctor. I'm sure that this question will attract derisory comments, but why do more people not use this type of cleaning system rather than the hard graft of using a wand. Are wand based machines really so much better or is it a question of portability in private houses that prevent cleaners from using brush based machines?

[prodry]

Save your money, go to Currys and buy a Bissel High Heat, because you will get better resuts then any of the low end all in one machines.  The Rug doctor is the cheapest of this bunch and IMO the best of these machines.

Biggest problem is you will get okay results on some carpets, however half the time you will not. If you are serious about cleaning carpets then you will be wanting to upgrade straight after buying one.

If you do not like using a wand and you are on a budget, then one alternative is a small porty with a Power Brush or Extracta Scrubba attachment. Use Alltec Ultimate master in the tank, presray straight from the tank using your hand tool as per the instructions, then extract with the scrubba wand. Plus you will have the flexibilty of using a wand if you need to and you can do stairs with the hand tool.

Always buy the best tools you can afford... If you can stretch to it get a high end porty like a 400psi ninja/cfr or similar and wanding it will become easier and quicker with practice.

[Ian Gourlay]

When not sleeping I watch info commercials Rug Doctor outperforms rest

Is it powder paint they use to show amazing clean

I still use mine for flats.

[prodry]

Here is an article on pre-spraying. Explaining what a big part of the process it is.

[Joe H]

Hello Northstar - what I would add to your basic principles of carpet cleaning (pre-spray / agitate / extract) is to vacuum before the prespray.
Get rid of the loose dirt before you start wetting and turning into sludge.
Some may say agitate before vacuuming to really loosen all the loose dirt. Up to you.
Joe H