These machines are electric-powered units made for wet-extraction carpet cleaning. Some are self-contained and others resemble a big canister vacuum cleaner with hoses and carpet wand. All portable extractors have tanks for holding both cleaning solution and the extracted soil-laden water. Once a staple of the daily equipment rental business, many manufacturers now sell these units to homeowners interested in keeping carpeting clean.

 

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Portable extractors are best for doing light cleaning tasks on a regular basis. These machines can be cumbersome to maneuver in some situations because of the weight of the partially filled solution and pick-up tanks. They can’t offer the cleaning power of the truck-mounted extraction systems used by professional carpet cleaners. If your portable extractor no longer seems able to remove stains, persistent soil, or “cattle tracks,” you’ll need to hire a reputable professional who uses a truck-mounted extractor to do the job.

For best results, follow all instructions in the owner’s manual and on the labeling of the cleaning solution you use. Avoid soaking the carpet with cleaning solution. Excess moisture will increase drying time. In addition, any cleaning chemical left behind may attract soil to the carpet in the future. Use as many drying passes (no solution, only suction) as needed to remove as much moisture from the carpet as possible.