FAQs
How do I get the best results from my heated extractor?
First, fill the tank with the hottest water available (up to 140 degrees F).
Next, turn on your solution pump. Hold down the spray trigger on your wand or tool until you have a steady stream of water. High pressure pumps (200 PSI and up) may need to be primed with the prime valve on the front of the unit.
Once you have a steady spray, turn on your heaters. Allow machine to sit for 5-6 minutes while the heater pre-heats.
When pre-heating is completed, press your spray trigger again until you feel hot water begin to flow. This allows the lines to be cleared of the remaining cold water.
During extraction, make 2-3 dry passes to every wet pass. This will allow your heater recovery time, and will also leave the carpets much dryer at the end of the job.
How can I tell if my dual-cord machine is on two separate circuits?
There is a blue colored indicator light on the switch panel of our dual-cord units. When you are plugged into separate circuits, it will light up as well as make a tone. If it is not lit, then you may have both cords plugged into the same circuit.
What is the process for cleaning hard surfaces?
Hard surface cleaning can be broken up into five basic steps:
Identification
Before cleaning, we need to identify the type of floor we are cleaning. This step is vital, as each flooring type may call for different chemicals, brushes, and equipment. Basic flooring types can be broken up into three categories – Resilient Flooring, which is generally softer, and has some give to it, Stone Flooring, which is made of natural materials, and Stone Substitue, which is made to mimic stone.
- Resilient Types – Vinyl, VCT, Linoleum
- Man Made Stone Types – Terrazzo, Quarry, Ceramic, Brick, Saltillo, Concrete
- Natural Stone Types – Marble, Slate, Granite
Application
Once the flooring has been identified, apply the appropriate type of cleaning (or in the case of resilient flooring, stripping) chemical. On tile surfaces, spray chemical evenly over tile and grout lines, allowing it to pool in the grout lines. The best way of acheiving this type of application is with a manual sprayer, injection sprayer, or battery sprayer.
Emulsification
Chemicals typically require dwell time in order to remove the dirt and grime driven into the surface. The dirtier the floor, the longer the chemicals may need to dwell. Without proper dwell time, chemicals will not be effective.
Agitation
Stubborn spots in grout lines may need to be manually scrubbed with a grout brush or deck brush. You may also use a floor machine to mechanically agitate some type of flooring.
Another method of agitation is high pressure spray, which can drive the dirt and grime out of surfaces. This can be accomplished with a power washer, or a high pressure portable extractor.
Elimination
Once the chemical has been agitated, it should be removed from the surface. The best way to achieve this is with the use of a Wet-Dry Vacuum, or a portable extractor.
Using a Spinner type tool can reduce the time needed to accomplish these tasks, as it lays down high pressure spray to agitate and rinse, and vacuums up the solution simultaneously.
Once the floor has been cleaned, appropriate warning signs should be placed in the area until the floor is completely dry.
