Are Carpet Extractors Worth the Cost?

When it comes to keeping our cars and homes clean, we're often faced with choices about which tools and appliances to invest in. One such decision revolves around the use of carpet extractors. These are devices designed to remove dirt, stains, and debris from surfaces like carpets and upholstery by using a fabric shampoo solution and air movement to deep clean carpets. These tools come at a cost so the question becomes, "Are extractors truly worth the cost?" In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of using extractors to help you make an informed decision about whether they're a valuable addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Pros of Using Extractors

A Deeper Clean: Extractors utilize a combination of water and cleaning shampoo to penetrate deep into fabricated surfaces, lifting and removing dirt and stubborn stains that traditional vacuuming might miss giving you a noticeable difference in most cases.

Restore Appearance: Extractors can revitalize carpets, floors, and upholstery, restoring their appearance and making them look as if they are new and more appealing.

Versatility: There are a variety of uses for extractors, the attachments that are made for extractors only enhance the cleaning capabilities. Extractors can be used on a variety of surfaces, including car interiors, carpets, rugs, upholstery, hardwood floors, tile, and more!

Remove Unwanted Stains: Extractors excel at tackling tough stains, pair them with an enzyme cleaner and you have an unstoppable combination of cleaning tools that tackle everything from spills and pet accidents to vomit and blood.

Cons of Using Extractors

Initial Cost: Extractors can be expensive to purchase, which is a clear deterrent in buying them. The good extractors are heated, it is useless to buy a non-heated extractor in our opinion so the heating element in the machine adds to the cost of the unit. 

Maintenance and Storage: Extractors require regular maintenance, including cleaning the machine itself and properly drying the unit. Storage can be an issue if you get the larger 12-gallon unit, but the 3-gallon unit can be stored in a closet.

Time-Consuming: Extractor cleaning can take more time compared to traditional vacuuming, due to the process of preparing the machine, cleaning, and allowing surfaces to dry. For the time consumed the outcome is the best possible appearance you can get!

Potential Damage: Overuse or improper use of extractors can lead to damage to certain delicate fabrics or materials. For example using an extractor on a car headliner could oversaturate the fabric and cause it to sag. 

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the decision of whether extractors are worth the cost depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Consider the following factors before making a purchase:

• Usage Frequency: If you own a detailing or carpet cleaning business, have heavy foot traffic, pets, or often deal with spills, an extractor will fill a much needed role in your cleaning.

• Budget and Space: Evaluate your budget for purchasing and maintaining an extractor, as well as the available storage space for the machine.

• The Need for Deep Cleaning: Consider the projects or jobs you have ahead of you. Would a small extractor be the best possible option? 

To conclude, extractors can offer thorough and effective cleaning, especially for those seeking deep stain removal. However, their worth depends on your cleaning needs, budget, and willingness to commit to the additional effort and maintenance they require. By weighing the pros and cons, you can determine if extractors are a valuable investment for your detailing business or home cleaning routine.