Will a Vac N' Blo cut it?

[dsms]

I bought a Vac N' Blo and because I knew it would be perfect for simple vaccuming and interior cleaning but I didnt think about moderate to heavy stain lifting and extracting. I am thinking I now need to buy a wet/dry shop vac. I am going to pick up some Folex this week at Lowes and I already have 303 spot remover and Ultima interior shampoo. On a heavily stained carpet will 303 some Folex a carpet brush and a Vac N' Blo do the trick or is a wet/dry shop vac a must? Like I said before I want to offer the most professional detail I can to future customers and I would like(if the job is possible) to make their carpets spotless. I guess the Vac N' Blo isnt what I should be using. I found a 5.5 HP 12gallon wet/dry shop vac at lowes for $80 which is a pretty good deal and it comes with a detachable blower. What do you suggest I do? And on the topic of wet/dry vacs how much HP would you guys say is nessacary to tackle any task? Thanks

[Setec Astronomy]

I don't think the Vac 'n Blow is suitable for wet vacuuming due to the steel contstruction (i.e., the housing and perhaps other parts will rust).

[DSchlauch]

Originally Posted by dsms

I bought a Vac N' Blo and because I knew it would be perfect for simple vaccuming and interior cleaning but I didnt think about moderate to heavy stain lifting and extracting. I am thinking I now need to buy a wet/dry shop vac. I am going to pick up some Folex this week at Lowes and I already have 303 spot remover and Ultima interior shampoo. On a heavily stained carpet will 303 some Folex a carpet brush and a Vac N' Blo do the trick or is a wet/dry shop vac a must? Like I said before I want to offer the most professional detail I can to future customers and I would like(if the job is possible) to make their carpets spotless. I guess the Vac N' Blo isnt what I should be using. I found a 5.5 HP 12gallon wet/dry shop vac at lowes for $80 which is a pretty good deal and it comes with a detachable blower. What do you suggest I do? And on the topic of wet/dry vacs how much HP would you guys say is nessacary to tackle any task? Thanks

The Vac N' Blo can not be used for wet applications. I currently use the VNB for normal vaccuming and blowing the exterior while drying, but have a wet/dry vac as you mentioned for wet applications. My wet/dry vac is 3HP and does well so im sure the 5.5HP will work for you. Hope this helps.

[Gumball]

I just replaced that method with a Cobra extractor and I can honestly tell you that you cannot even compare the two.

If you have the extra scratch, then I strongly recommend an extractor!

Just my .02.............................................Chris

[cj99si]

extractor or LGCM is a must.

[dsms]

Im looking at these from Lowes

Shop-Vac®
5-Gallon 5.5-Peak HP Heavy-Duty Portable Wet/Dry Vac
5-Gallon 5.5-Peak HP Heavy-Duty Portable Wet/Dry Vac

16-Gallon 5.75-Peak HP Pump Wet/Dry Vac

[DSchlauch]

Originally Posted by Gumball

I just replaced that method with a Cobra extractor and I can honestly tell you that you cannot even compare the two.

If you have the extra scratch, then I strongly recommend an extractor!

Just my .02.............................................Chris

A true extractor is at the top of my list. Wish I could get one today!

[dsms]

Originally Posted by DSchlauch

A true extractor is at the top of my list. Wish I could get one today!

Right now I cant afford a true extractor. A wet/dry shop vac is what I can afford and im thinking about going for maybe a 6.5hp shop vac. I know a real extractor would be ideal but I guess I will start out with a wet/dry vac and see how it goes. Anything is really a step up from the Vac N'BLo

[backwoods_lex]

I use a 5.5 HP shop vac and it provides way more suction than the LGCM. I typically use the LGCM because its spraying ability. If you go with one of these, buy the heated version. Adding hot water to the tank and having the machine heat it up further gets it pretty hot. I skimped and didn't buy the heated versions (and I regret it).

I also use a 5 gallon shop vac rather than the 10. It is much more mobil and easy to carry around.

[dsms]

Would a 6.5hp shov-vac only be able to vaccum heavily or does it have some stain lifiting(extracting) abilities also?

[Jimmy Buffit]

Extraction is all about HOT water injection and very powerful suction/lift.

Shampooing with foam and brush will begin to clean most carpets, but it is not going to clean dirty carpet. Go slow, and use a narrow nozzle - crevice tool. Use foam only, otherwise you'll never get the carpet dry.

Just know that after you think the carpet is clean, an extractor would still pull soiled waste water from that carpet. It is just a more thorough process.

When you are ready for (and can afford) an extractor, be prepared for big dollars. We started with $1200 units, and now we depend upon a $2400 unit. Yes, there is a huge difference.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Jim

[dsms]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Buffit

Extraction is all about HOT water injection and very powerful suction/lift.

Shampooing with foam and brush will begin to clean most carpets, but it is not going to clean dirty carpet. Go slow, and use a narrow nozzle - crevice tool. Use foam only, otherwise you'll never get the carpet dry.

Just know that after you think the carpet is clean, an extractor would still pull soiled waste water from that carpet. It is just a more thorough process.

When you are ready for (and can afford) an extractor, be prepared for big dollars. We started with $1200 units, and now we depend upon a $2400 unit. Yes, there is a huge difference.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Jim

Thanks for the info. So since the wet/dry shopvac is a real extractor is it really worth using over the Vac N' Blo I already have?