Drying after extraction

**tonakis** · 02-10-2010, 12:41 PM

Just wanted to see how you guys dry carpets and seats after hot water extraction. I just started and did a friend`s car - it came out beautifully. The only thing is drying, it takes a lot of time. I know some people use blowers, but I don`t think at this point this is feasible for me as I have to run the generator (in case no power is available).

So I just wanted to see some input from people with more experience. Thanks in advance!

**(901)** · 02-10-2010, 01:47 PM

^^^ Its for occasions like this I hope you didn`t throw all your cotton towels away

Start by extracting as much water as possible and then grad 4 or 5 Cotton towels and start rubbing the carpet with as much pressure as you have

After you have done this, re vacume and applie those stripes that I see so many ppl do if thats what you prefer. Then, start the car with the emergency brake in place and the heat on max temp/ Floor

I ussually tackle the carpets first when its cool outside like it is now. Gives me more time to allow the carpets to dry + I can keep my eye on the car to make sure "The Engine Doesn`t Overheat & No One Steals The Car"

PS. Also leave a door cracked a bit or better yet have a spare key incase you get locked out

**Tex Star Detail** · 02-10-2010, 05:19 PM

Agree with the above. When the weather is cool/cold, I start with shampooing/extracting. Run the car, heater on max on floor or on seats/floor. Always leave a door cracked or window cracked to so moisture can get out. When I run a car, one door stays open at all times. I don`t want to get locked out while the car is running.

**Beemerboy** · 02-10-2010, 07:08 PM

Plus one on the above info the heater is your friend, one thing to remember is if its cold outside..crack the window just a tad, so there is no moisture build up in the car

**tonakis** · 02-10-2010, 07:32 PM

Thanks to all of you guys for your opinion. I don`t know how I didn`t think of the heater

Great.

**(901)** · 02-10-2010, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by tonakis

Thanks to all of you guys for your opinion. I don`t know how I didn`t think of the heater

Great.

No problem tonakis

Got anymore questions, don`t hesitate to ask

**tonakis** · 02-10-2010, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by (901)

No problem tonakis

Got anymore questions, don`t hesitate to ask

I will definitely have more, man, thanks for your help

**WuNgUn** · 02-11-2010, 01:17 PM

I`d prefer to air dry...
I wouldn`t want any nasty lint balls from the towels geting in the carpet! Unless you have DARK towels?

**Beemerboy** · 02-11-2010, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by WuNgUn

I`d prefer to air dry...
I wouldn`t want any nasty lint balls from the towels geting in the carpet! Unless you have DARK towels?

the OP was wondering about in cold weather...and good cotton towels shouldn`t lint, even so a quick vac takes care of that

**Mr. Clean** · 02-11-2010, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by tonakis

Just wanted to see how you guys dry carpets and seats after hot water extraction. I just started and did a friend`s car - it came out beautifully. The only thing is drying, it takes a lot of time. I know some people use blowers, but I don`t think at this point this is feasible for me as I have to run the generator (in case no power is available).

So I just wanted to see some input from people with more experience. Thanks in advance!

Is your generator overtaxed, and that is why you don`t (can`t) use an air mover? Do you have one? A decent 3 amp 2-spd model will set you back @ $150, a 3 amp 3-spd model w/onboard GFCI outlets (you can daisy chain) runs @ $180.