Robert Macy wrote:
On Nov 26, 8:28 am, gpsman wrote:

Depends on the machine, of course, but a good "box extractor" will
easily outperform truck mounted units. A lot of suction and heat is
lost between the unit and the head. . . . ,
- gpsman

For our personal use, I own a Cobra. very happy with the ease of use
and effectiveness. Research that unit tells you a lot. Two power
cords, takes a LOT of power. Heats the water enough to burn you.
For me the mechanically removable spray nozzles are ok, but if you do
this a lot, you may want 'quick disconnect' spray nozzles.
From 'expert' cleaners:
1. Let the machines do the work.
2. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Then clean process once.
3. Carefully select/apply cleaner [we use a Brulins liquid product,
with built in anti mold/fungus]. Do periphery as a boundary first. If
cheap carpet, or wrong cleaner, you can end up ruining both, or the
underpad, turning it super brittle! The guy is right about quantity
of water. Think spray on remove instantly, no setting around, no
letting dribble down through everything. especially to a wood
flooring.
4. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Very important to remove ALL chemical
residues.
5. Extract to dry, dry, dry. It will be decent in a couple of hours,
especially if you set up those large floor fans to blow across.
6. BUY INSURANCE! If you break something inside someone's home, or
inside a business, and don't make good, your rep goes to zero!

All good advice, including the part about insurance. Thanks. I'll check
out the Cobra line along with the other suggestions.

I think the equipment is readily available at any local professional
janitorial supply house.

I do have a janitorial supply house right near me, and they do sell supplies
and equipment. I talked with the owner about two weeks ago before I did my
original post here.

I am in New Jersey (near Camden, NJ). Any chance that you or "gpsman" have
a carpet cleaing business anywhere near where I am located (meaning in New
Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, or Northern Delaware)?