Hot Water Extractors vs Steam Extractors

Comparing Hot Water vs Steam Extractors: Which is Right for Your Carpet Cleaning Needs?

When it comes to carpet cleaning, having the right equipment is crucial. Two popular choices for commercial and industrial carpet cleaning are hot water extractors and steam extractors. Each machine has its own unique benefits and is ideal for specific tasks. In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between hot water and steam extractors, what tasks they excel at, and where they are best suited for use.

Hot Water Extractors

Hot water extractors are machines that use hot water and cleaning solution to deep clean carpets and upholstery. These machines are equipped with a pump that sprays the hot water and cleaning solution onto the surface being cleaned, and then a powerful vacuum extracts the water and dirt from the surface.

Hot water extractors are ideal for cleaning carpets that have heavy soil build up or stains. They are also great for cleaning carpets in high-traffic areas, such as office buildings or hotels. The high-temperature water and cleaning solution help to break down dirt and grime, while the powerful vacuum extracts the water and dirt from the carpet fibres.

Hot water extractors can also be used to clean upholstery and other fabric surfaces, such as curtains or drapes. They can be particularly effective for removing pet stains and odours.

Steam Extractors

Steam extractors are machines that use high-temperature steam to deep clean carpets and upholstery. These machines are equipped with a boiler that heats water to a high temperature, creating steam that is then sprayed onto the surface being cleaned. A powerful vacuum extracts the steam and dirt from the surface.

Steam extractors are ideal for sanitizing and cleaning carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces that are sensitive to water. The high-temperature steam can kill bacteria and germs, making it an ideal choice for cleaning medical facilities, schools, and other areas where cleanliness is a top priority.

Steam extractors are also great for cleaning carpets and upholstery that are prone to mould and mildew. The high-temperature steam can help to eliminate these growths, leaving surfaces clean and hygienic.

Benefits of Hot Water Extractors

Hot water extractors are highly effective at removing dirt and grime from carpets and upholstery. They are also great for removing stains and odours, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and commercial settings.

Hot water extractors are also easy to operate, with simple controls that can be quickly learned by staff. They are also highly durable and built to withstand heavy use, making them a great investment for commercial and industrial cleaning operations.

1. More efficient at removing deep stains

Hot water extractors use hot water and cleaning solutions to penetrate deep into the fibres of carpets and upholstery, effectively breaking down and removing tough stains. This makes them more efficient at removing deep stains compared to steam extractors which rely mainly on steam for cleaning.

2. Faster drying time

Hot water extractors use a combination of hot water and suction to remove dirt and moisture from carpets and upholstery. This process is more efficient at removing moisture from carpets and upholstery, resulting in faster drying times compared to steam extractors.

3. Suitable for delicate fabrics

Hot water extractors are suitable for cleaning delicate fabrics such as wool, silk and other natural fibres. These fabrics can be easily damaged by high temperatures and steam, making hot water extractors a better option for these types of materials.

4.Better at removing allergens

Hot water extractors are effective at removing allergens such as dust mites, pollen and other allergens from carpets and upholstery. The hot water and cleaning solution penetrate deep into the fibres, removing allergens and leaving carpets and upholstery clean and fresh.

5.More cost-effective

Hot water extractors are generally more cost-effective than steam extractors, making them a great option for small businesses or those on a tight budget. They are also easier to maintain, with fewer parts to replace or repair compared to steam extractors.

Benefits of Steam Extractors

Steam extractors offer several unique benefits over hot water extractors. For one, they use high-temperature steam to sanitise surfaces, making them an ideal choice for medical facilities, schools, and other areas where cleanliness is a top priority.

Steam extractors are also highly effective at removing mould and mildew from carpets and upholstery. They can also be used to remove pet stains and odours, making them a great choice for homes and businesses with pets.

1. More effective at sanitising

Steam extractors use high temperature steam to sanitise surfaces and kill germs, bacteria, and viruses. This makes them a great option for environments that require high levels of cleanliness and hygiene, such as hospitals, schools, and food preparation areas.

2. More environmentally friendly

Steam extractors use only water and heat to clean and sanitise, making them an environmentally friendly option. They don’t require the use of harsh chemicals or cleaning agents, which can be harmful to the environment.

3. More versatile

Steam extractors can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including hard floors, carpets, upholstery, and even grout. They can be used to clean and sanitise a variety of items, such as kitchen appliances, mattresses, and toys.

4. Ideal for removing stubborn stains

Steam extractors use high temperature steam to break down and remove tough stains, such as grease, oil, and pet stains. The heat and pressure of the steam can penetrate deep into the fibres of carpets and upholstery, making them more effective at removing stubborn stains compared to hot water extractors.

5. No residue left behind

Steam extractors leave no residue behind, as they use only water and heat to clean and sanitise. This means that carpets and upholstery are left clean and fresh, without any chemical residue or odours.

Both hot water extractors vs steam extractors have their own unique benefits and are ideal for specific tasks. When deciding which machine is right for your cleaning needs, consider the type of surfaces you will be cleaning, the level of soil build-up, and the environment where the cleaning will take place.

To learn more our range of commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning machine get in touch to request a demonstration.