carpet cleaning equipment preferences?

[Pete]

What equipment do you use for general carpet cleaning and stain removal? I've seen wet vacs/shampoo systems as well steam/vapor machines. Specific manufacturer and model info would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[BretFraz]

A carpet extractor is a must have if you're going to detail many cars. A good friend has a Mytee HP60 which is what I'd buy if I had an extra $1200 lying around.

Products like Folex spot remover and Resolve carpet cleaner have worked very well for me. You can get them at Lowes and Target.

Steam cleaners would be a great addition for a pro detailer. Good ones I've found cost around $2000. A decent steamer for an amateur will run you about $200. Anything less is probably junk (I know, I've tried a few).

Interiors require many speciailized cleaners. What works on greasy spots won't budge food stains, for example. I've been researching interior cleaning products for years and still don't have the perfect product mix. All I can offer is do lots of research and ask product mfrs and distributors many questions.

[TOGWT]

Classifying stains-
a) Organic stains- these include proteins and fats, body oils, mould yeast, bacteria, bugs and carbohydrates. Most of the stains found in the vehicle interior are of an organic nature and require an alkaline type cleaner. Some organic stains (i.e. blood, vomit, urine) should be removed with an enzyme type cleaner and a disinfectant applied to the area
b) Non-Organic stains- mostly found on the exterior of the vehicle, hard water scale (calcium) lime deposits, Road tar, grease and oil film, and require an acidic type cleaner.
c) Petroleum soils - substances that do not contain water, nor are they miscible, these soil types include, motor oils, and crease and road tar, and require a solvent type cleaner.

Stain Types-
a) Water Soluble Stains- These stains can be dissolved in cool water or loosened with water based cleaner, coffee; soft drinks, cocoa and chocolate are good examples.
b) Oil soluble stains- These are stains that are comprised of oily or greasy substances, which include cooking, oil from fried foods and suntan oil.
c) Combination Stains- These stains contain both water based and oil-soluble properties. Cleaning these stains require treatment with a petroleum solvent followed by water based cleaning solution.
d) Unidentifiable Stains- Sometimes stains cannot be identified. Treat these stains like a combination stain. Clean with a petroleum solvent followed by water based cleaner.
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[huahuafood]

Think I may be in love with this.