foam guns and carpet extractors. give me the rundown.

erics00ls · 10-31-08, 05:49

i am looking at the quart model on autogeek.

how much are good soaps to be able to use in them, ease of use, etcetera.

the other thing..

where can i find a good carpet extractor for under $500? or are they that expensive always.

i'm sure there's more i need to know but this is what's on my mind at the moment

Showroom Shine · 10-31-08, 06:38

$500 is a bit low for an extractor. You may be able to find a mini for that price. Maybe a used one for $500. My Aztec Hot Rod Hot Spotter.cost over $600. This is a mini heated extractor. Try Detail King or Detail Plus. I don't know if AG has them!

PaPaHoFF · 10-31-08, 07:11

Personally I would just get the Glimour Foam Gun off of Amazon. Its the same thing and half the price. As far as extractors, I have a Durrmaid heated extractor that I got off of a member on here for $400. Just keep your eyes open. It is the same one for sale at AG for like $750

MASKDMARVL · 10-31-08, 07:17

I use the Thermonator which cost a Gazillion dollars. Im a carpet nut inside, and out. The carpet is just as important as the paint. The little green by Bissle is great, and portable.

smprince1 · 11-01-08, 05:02

An extractor for less than $500 would either be a good gently used heated unit or an unheated, smaller spotter-type like this one:

Bravo 2 Gallon Spotter w/o handle - CleanFreak.com

Accumulator · 11-01-08, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by erics00ls

..how much are good soaps to be able to use in [foamguns]...

What shampoo you use in a foamgun will depend on how you're using the foamgun. There are different methods (e.g., dislodge-and-flush vs. extended pre-soak) and they call for very different types of shampoo.

Matt_L · 11-13-08, 07:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

What shampoo you use in a foamgun will depend on how you're using the foamgun. There are different methods (e.g., dislodge-and-flush vs. extended pre-soak) and they call for very different types of shampoo.

So what would we use for each of those? Examples? Thanks!

Accumulator · 11-13-08, 07:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_L

So what would we use for each of those? Examples? Thanks!

With my "dislodge-and-flush" method I use a high-lubricity/encapsulation shampoo at a fairly mild strength. I've been sticking with Griot's Car Wash for years but others do well with DuraGloss. Meg's #62 isn't bad and is what I used prior to the Griot's.

For the other technique(s) you'd have to ask somebody who *uses* those techniques. AFAIK they use "Extreme Foam" type shampoos or the...uhm...I dunno..."citrus" something

Showroom Shine · 11-13-08, 08:14

I was told if the extractor was not heated there was no use in buying it! Now that I have one with heat, I'm glad I did not buy one without it. The heat really helps remove the stains and ground in dirt!

Accumulator · 11-13-08, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Showroom Shine

I was told if the extractor was not heated there was no use in buying it! Now that I have one with heat, I'm glad I did not buy one without it. The heat really helps remove the stains and ground in dirt!

Yeah, the heat *REALLY* does make a difference

I dunno if I'd consider an unheated one useless (I use an unheated Bissell in the house all the time for quick pet-mess cleanups) but the heated models are the way to go if you can swing the expense.

Twinscroll · 11-17-08, 10:09

I will definitely be investing in a hot water extractor this coming summer. Then units I have been researching are the:

Aztec/Durramaid Extractor - $~600
8070 Mytee Lite II - $~700
Mytee Spyder - $~1100

Those are the one's I've been considering as a mobile detailer. IF anyone viewing this has one of these please either post or PM on how you're user satisfaction has been with the unit. This includes all things especially availability of parts and service is something breaks on the unit. Nothing like having something and no one that can work on it!

All of these are rough estimates off Detail Supply Outlet.