A guide to Spray extraction machines

Carpet & Upholstery cleaners

What is spray extraction cleaning?

The principle of a spray extraction system (or a carpet & upholstery cleaner) sprays water deep into the fabric, while simultaneously vacuuming the used solution back again to free embedded soiling and particles deep down - not just those embedded on the surface.

How does my machine work?

You should follow all the instructions carefully but very simply the machine has a pump to apply the clean water from the clean water tank, with a solution of the right detergent, and another separate motor to vacuum the soiling up again. The dirty water is then held in the dirty tank.

So I can just get on with it and clean?

Before starting you should follow the below guidelines:

Move the furniture out of the room, and inspect the carpet for any damage.

Thoroughly vacuum the carpet in the normal way - with your regular vacuum cleaner.

Find an out of the way place, not normally on view, and test the carpet for colour fastness.

Prepare and fill your machine following the detergent instructions, usually found on the label.

Start in the furthest corner and clean the carpet systematically - you must cover the whole area.

Do - Keep the machine clean inside and out and keep the net filter clean.

Do - Use good quality detergents & ensure the carpet or fabric is dry after cleaning.

Don't - Over wet carpets or fabrics and don't walk on carpets until fully dry.

Safety and the environment, how to protect yourself and others

Care should be taken to plan any job in hand. Discuss the cleaning with other people on the site, and arrange the working area so it is safe. Choose the right equipment after careful consideration and instruct any operators on the use of equipment and the need to work in a safe environment.

Wear suitable protective clothing - remember some detergents are hazardous.

Check the Data sheets for chemicals you are using and use the safest product possible.

Test the equipment before use and never use defective equipment that hasn't been serviced.

High pressure cleaning can cause an aerosol - any hazard will float in the air longer.

Always find out where the soiled water is going to drain to. Remember waste water can contain, solids, particles, sand, oils, solvents or fats etc. Ensure that there is adequate facilities to treat any waste water.

Published by Morclean. All rights reserved. This document is a guide only, we accept no liability whatsoever for any losses incurred during the operation and running of any cleaning method or business using this guide. No published statement is to be construed as constituting a recommendation. All questions or examples are fictitious.