How to Use a Carpet Extractor: Step-by-Step Guide

Commercial carpets see a lot of foot traffic. Customers, clients and staff all track in dirt from the street. A carpet extractor gets rid of ground-in dirt and set-in stains. It removes bacteria, allergens, and musty odors. You need a carpet extractor to get commercial carpets truly clean. 

But using a carpet extractor the first time can be a bit intimidating. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide on how to use a carpet extractor to set you up for success. You’ll also discover the best selection of carpet extractors online at SweepScrub!

Our collection of carpet extractors is second to none. Need a self-contained carpet extractor, a carpet extractor with wand, or a carpet spotter? You’ll find it here! We also offer a wide selection of carpet cleaning accessories and carpet extractor accessories. 

Read on to learn more about how to clean commercial carpets with a carpet extractor! 

What is a Commercial Carpet Extractor?

A carpet extractor soaks the carpet with pressurized water and cleaning solution. It then loosens the dirt with brushes or pads before pulling away the dirty solution and grime with a powerful vacuum engine.

Many commercial extractors use heated water to break down tough stains and grease. To see which model is best for your needs, see our guide to heated vs non-heated carpet extractor.

Commercial carpet extractors have stronger motors and larger solution and recovery tanks. They can clean big spaces quickly and efficiently and handle the demands of heavy-duty cleaning in high-traffic areas. 

When Should You Use a Carpet Extractor?

A regular vacuum can’t reach and pick up ground-in grime, oils, allergens, or bacteria. Only a carpet extractor can remove these pollutants effectively.

Ground in grit wears down carpet fibers. Regular deep cleaning removes abrasive grime. Your facility not only looks better. You also save the expense and hassle of carpet replacement.

Signs It’s Time to Put Your Extractor to Work

Dull, faded colors or stale musty smells are signs that your carpet needs a deep clean. You should also bring out your carpet extractor if you notice a stubborn stain on your carpet. 

But you can fix many of these problems before they happen by performing regularly scheduled deep cleans

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

How often should commercial carpets be cleaned? 

High-traffic areas like entryways and hallways need a carpet extraction every 1-3 months. Clean your medium-traffic areas like offices or lounges every 3-6 months. Storage sites or infrequently used offices should be deep-cleaned every 6-12 months.

You will need to vacuum your carpets regularly in addition to deep cleaning to keep your office smelling fresh and looking bright. Our article on carpet cleaner vs extractor explains the differences between regular cleaning and deep cleaning. 

How to Use a Carpet Extractor: Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Carpets With an Extractor

Getting the best carpet extractor at SweepScrub is just the first step towards cleaner, longer-lasting carpeted surfaces. You also need to know how to use a carpet extractor properly to make the most of it. Here are some tips on geting started.

Step 1: Clear and Prep the Area

Remove all movable furniture, then vacuum thoroughly to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains (If Needed)

Check for any tough, set-in stains. Apply the stain pre-treatment solution. Use a soft brush to gently agitate the solution into the carpet. Wait 5-15 minutes after applying. For larger cleaning jobs, you may need to invest in a floor buffer equipped with a carpet scrubbing brush

Step 3: Fill the Machine With Solution and Water

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dilution ratio. If you’re not using a heated carpet extractor, use warm or hot water. Heat significantly increases the solution’s cleaning power.

You’ll find a number of carpet cleaning solutions at SweepScrub. If you’re not sure which is best for your facility, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

Step 4: Extract in Overlapping Passes

Make slow, deliberate passes. Overlap each pass by a few inches to ensure the entire carpet is cleaned.

Step 5: Let the Carpet Dry Completely

Drying time will depend on temperature, humidity, and airflow. Turn on the air conditioning, place out some fans, or open windows to increase circulation.

Step 6: Empty and Rinse the Tank

Empty the recovery tank and rinse it out with clean water to remove any residue and prevent foul odors. You should also rinse the hoses and cleaning wand to flush out any remaining debris.

More Carpet Extraction Tips

Beyond the basic guidelines on using a carpet extractor, here are some more pointers on how to use a carpet extractor effectively to make the most of your investment.

Use the Right Cleaning Solution

There are many carpet cleaning formulas available. You need a cleaner meant for high-traffic commercial spaces. Professional cleaning solutions are highly concentrated. You only need a little bit for the best cleaning results.

Don't Over-Saturate the Carpet

The liquid can soak through the carpet and padding if you apply too much solution. An oversaturated carpet will take a very long time to dry. Apply just enough solution to dissolve the dirt without soaking the carpet.

Don’t Skip the Pre-Vacuum

Extractors are not built to pick up crumbs, hairpins, or dust clumps. See our guide to carpet extractor vs shop vac for more information on the different uses of vacuums and extractors. It is important that you vacuum your carpet before extraction.  

Benefits of Using Carpet Extractors

Here are some of the reasons why carpet extraction is important for every business with carpeted spaces. 

Deep-Cleans Beyond the Surface

Customers and employees grind dirt deeper into your carpet every time they walk on it.  A deep cleaning from a carpet extractor can restore the carpet’s appearance. The fibers return to their original colors once the grime is she ucked away in the solution.

Extends Carpet Life

Coarse dirt and grit rubs against carpet fibers with every footstep. Deep cleaning removes those abrasive particles to keep your carpet’s texture and appearance pristine for much longer.

Faster Dry Times With Proper Extraction

The powerful vacuum motors in carpet extractors suck away most of the water, along with the dirt and grime, almost immediately after it is applied. 

Your carpet should be only slightly damp to the touch after an extraction. Carpet extraction leaves very little water behind, so carpets dry quickly and there’s much less risk of mold and mildew growth.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Carpets trap dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. A carpet extractor flushes out and removes these allergens and pollutants. When it pulls them out with the dirty water, they are permanently gone from your office environment.

Should You Rent or Buy a Commercial Carpet Extractor?

It’s clear you need to clean your carpets, but how do you actually go about using an extractor? There are two paths you can take, each with its pros and cons: renting vs buying. 

Pros and Cons of Renting

With renting, you pay a daily or weekly fee. You simply return the machine when you’re done, and the rental company takes care of the rest. But you may find yourself spending more on rentals than purchasing if you need to clean carpets more often than expected. 

Renting may make sense if you need a one-time deep clean or if your business has very few carpeted areas. But you should consider buying your own carpet extractor if you’re going to be doing regular deep cleaning.

Why Buying Tends to Make More Sense

You have complete control over your deep cleaning when you own a high-quality carpet extractor. You can perform regular cleans on your own schedule. There are no more worries about the rental unit’s availability or condition. 

You also know that your machine is properly maintained, stored, and cleaned after every use. You can purchase the accessories you need, like special wands or upholstery tools. You don’t have that level of security and control with rented machines.

A properly maintained carpet extractor will serve your business for many years. The cost per use drops with each cleaning. This is a smart investment if you clean often enough. 

Factors to Consider 

Renting may be the best choice if you’re only deep-cleaning your carpets once every 12-18 months. If you’re deep cleaning your carpets a few times a year or more, buying will almost certainly be the better option. 

A very large facility with extensive carpeting may benefit from a powerful professional-grade machine. Smaller offices or retail spaces might be best served with a compact portable carpet extractor. 

Look at your long-term business goals and weigh the price of a carpet extractor that meets your needs. When you do that, you’ll likely find that the one-time investment will soon pay dividends for your carpet maintenance and your budget. 

Clean Faster and Better With the Best Commercial Carpet Extractor at SweepScrub!

A carpet extractor can save you cleaning time and get rid of difficult stains. But you need to find the best commercial carpet extractor for your needs. That means you need to rely on the best commercial cleaning equipment supplier – SweepScrub! 

We can help you decide on what carpet extractor best suits your needs. And we’re always here after the sale if you have any questions about how to use a carpet extractor properly. 

Not only do we offer a variety of carpet extractors from the most trusted manufacturers. We also offer a large selection of carpet cleaning solutions and accessories. We’re your one-stop shop for all your commercial cleaning equipment needs. Get in touch with us today!  

Parting Thoughts on How to Use a Carpet Extractor

Now you know how to use a carpet extractor and where to go for all your commercial cleaning equipment and supply needs – SweepScrub.

We have carpet extractors for every need. Whether you are cleaning an office or an industrial park, SweepScrub is a name you can count on. Shop now or get in touch for a personalized recommendation!

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a carpet extractor and a steam cleaner?

A carpet extractor deep-cleans carpets. A steam cleaner removes grime and dirt from hard surfaces. See our guide to carpet extractor vs steam cleaner for more information. 

What types of carpets can you use an extractor on?

Carpet extractors are best used on commercial carpets made with synthetic fibers. Rugs made with natural fibers can be damaged by carpet extraction.

What accessories should I make sure I have?

An S-Bend wand reduces back strain and fatigue. Upholstery tools are useful for cleaning furniture and curtains, while stair tools help ensure you get the tread and riser of each step. 

Is an extractor better than a carpet cleaner?

An extractor deep-cleans your commercial carpet and gets rid of ground-in dirt and grime. A carpet cleaner provides surface-level cleaning for regular maintenance.