Using extractor on home carpet?

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imported_rayvenn

New member
Does anybody with a large extractor use it to clean their home carpets, in addition to your detailing? I've been thinking about that as a way to amortize the cost of the extractor more quickly. I realize I'd need pro cleaning (of the home carpets) at some point, but if I could do the carpets myself four or five times, I could pay for an extractor.



If you're doing this yourself, what are the recommended characteristics of the extractor for in-home use? What size tanks? Heat? How much lift? What PSI? etc.



Anybody ever use the Rotovac wand at home?



Any input you have about this would be appreciated.



Thanks!



Russ
 
I can't give you as detailed a take on this as you'd like as I've only messed around a little (no extensive experience) with my Ninja (Model # 411-222) from TOL . This model is the smaller of TOL's two "pro grade" extractors.



It sure works better than the Bissell and Hoover models that I used previously but IMO it's not a miracle worker. It does get a lot of dirt out of the carpet and seems to leave it drier than the other ones did. Does the job faster and easier too. I would prefer even greater performance, but their larger unit would've been a bear to move up and down the staircase. "Better than the Bissell/Hoover" is enough of an improvement for me, but I dunno if it'd be worth the $ to you.



FWIW, I've never been all *that* satsified with the jobs done by commercial carpet cleaners either. Seems I have to watch their guys like a hawk and point out all sorts of things. I dunno...I'll probably just use the Ninja and not call in the pros. FWIW#2, we live in a wooded area (huge, relatively undeveloped "back yard") and our two big dogs come and go through a dog-door, bringing in all sorts of dirt. So at least *some* of our carpets probably get more dirt than most people's.



It's entirely possible that with more experience I'll like the Ninja even better than I already do. It's not like I regret the purchase, but without really getting to know it, it's hard to accurately judge its performance let alone do a worthwhile cost/benefit evaluation. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
 
Accumulator,

Exactly the kind of input I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time for such a detailed reply. I've found the same thing with "professional" carpet cleaners ... have to stay with them as they do the whole job. Plus, they charge by the size of the room, even if they can't reach 50% of the small bedroom because of furniture, etc. That cheeses me off. Right now, I just need the basic traffic lane cleaned ... but I'd have to pay for the full living room ... etc etc. I'm thinking I could greatly extend the time between the full carpet details (heh) of moving all the furniture around, etc, by cleaning the traffic areas myself.



My thought process was ... it'll cost me 600 or so for something that I could only use on the car, or on small spills in the house. If I spend another 600 or so, it seems like I could get a lot more than twice the benefit from it.



Do you use hot water? If so, have you ever tripped a breaker in your house? I was wondering if I'd have to run the heater, get the water as hot as it would go, then shut off the heat and run the vacuum part until the water cools; then repeat the process.
 
Rayvenn, allow me to give you my two cents. I just went through what you're going through and I bought the Century 400 Sensei through the internet from an authorized distributor in San Antonio. Customer service was great too.



So far I'm happy with my purchase, and the extractor is quickly paying for itself. I already did my house, my son is about to borrow it to do his house, I have to do my offices in the next couple of months, and we're all lining up to clean our 6 cars.



The Sensei turned out to be the ideal size for us. It holds enough water to extract two normal size bedrooms. It's easy to refill and empty, and it's very easy to move around and store. The thing is also built like a main battle tank.



Now, to answer your questions specifically:





Q: Do you use hot water?



A: Yes.



Q: If so, have you ever tripped a breaker in your house?



A: Yes, at first. The cure is simple, though. Just plug the cords in separate circuits (not just outlets). (The Sensei has two electrical cords: one for the heater, and one for the vacuum and/or pump.)



Q: I was wondering if I'd have to run the heater, get the water as hot as it would go, then shut off the heat and run the vacuum part until the water cools; then repeat the process.



A: No. Fill the solution tank, turn on the heater, allow it to come up to temperature (I give it about 15 minutes), and then extract away, leaving the heating element on.



Hope this helped.



JB
 
JB,

Great information. Sounds like you really like the Sensei. That's one of the models I was considering, too. Glad it's working out so well for you. Thanks for the info.



Do you mind telling me which dealer treated you so well? PM is fine; that way we don't advertise for anyone in particular. Or if you prefer not to say, that's cool, too. Thanks either way.
 
Since both are "Century 400" extractors, I wonder what the difference is between a "Ninja" and a "Sensei" [INSERT chop- socky movie joke HERE]



On the Ninja:

The heater seems to work pretty well, it cycles on and off. I haven't tripped any breakers but I gave some thought to how I plugged it in. It also has two cords, one is for the vac and one is for the heater. The heater has a separate switch so you could turn it off.



I got mine from

TOL I've done business with them for years and their customer service is as good as it gets in *any* industry I have ever dealt with. If you ever have a problem you can speak with the owner (name= Irene) and she'll take care of it, period.
 
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