Carpet and Floor Cleaning Industry Chat Forum : 1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:26:22 +0000 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:02:19 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.06 360 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2450 <![CDATA[Carpet and Floor Cleaning Industry Chat Forum]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/ <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : One thing that often gets overlooked...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=168046&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#168046 Author: KingCarpetClean
Subject: 2450
Posted: 10/August/2026 at 12:02pm

One thing that often gets overlooked when choosing a portable extractor is that the specifications have to be considered as a complete system. PSI by itself doesn’t tell you much, and neither does the number of vacuum motors.

For carpet cleaning, recovery performance is extremely important. The pump puts solution into the carpet, but the vacuum system, airflow, hose diameter, wand design and hose length determine how efficiently you recover it. A machine with impressive numbers on paper can perform poorly if the components aren’t properly matched.

Hose length also shouldn’t be treated as having a fixed maximum. A properly designed high-performance portable can operate effectively at considerably more than 25 or 35 feet. There will always be some loss as hose length increases, but how much depends on the vacuum configuration, airflow, hose diameter, restrictions and the machine itself.

Electrical requirements are another major consideration. Dual- and multi-vacuum machines may require two separate circuits, especially when heat is added. Before buying, it’s worth understanding exactly what can be operated simultaneously and what electrical service will normally be available on the jobs.

Tank capacity is mostly about productivity. Larger solution and recovery tanks mean fewer trips to the sink, but they also add weight and make the machine harder to move. Equal-sized solution and recovery tanks aren’t particularly important because you rarely recover exactly the same volume of water that you put down.

For someone buying their first professional portable, I’d concentrate on vacuum/recovery performance, electrical requirements, build quality, availability of replacement parts, ease of service, tank size and the type of work the machine will actually be doing. Those factors matter far more over the life of the machine than chasing the highest PSI number.

Best Regards,
KingCarpetClean Thumbs Up

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:02:19 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=168046&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#168046 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : Don’t stress the mismatched...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=168042&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#168042 Author: giyofloor
Subject: 2450
Posted: 20/July/2026 at 10:42pm

Don’t stress the mismatched tank sizes, that’s just basic recovery math - you lose a fair bit of water to evaporation and what soaks into the carpet and pad, so the smaller waste tank lines up perfectly with when your fresh tank runs low anyway. Matching them would just mean you’re dumping dirty water way more often than you need to for zero gain.

50ft of vacuum hose will absolutely kill your suction, no way around it. Stick to 35ft max for portables, any longer and you’re leaving way too much moisture in the carpet after a pass.
]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:42:14 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=168042&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#168042 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : I use a Mytee Vortex. I have a...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167751&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167751 Author: arearugcleaningpros
Subject: 2450
Posted: 14/October/2022 at 4:28pm

I use a Mytee Vortex. I have a powerful generator to run it because if you connect both of the electrical cords to someones home it will pop the breaker. I have both a tm and electric. I prefer my Vortex as it sits in the van like a tm and I can run about 175 feet of hose. When something breaks its easier to fix. With the vortex I mostly do tile and carpet. They both have their place.]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 16:28:24 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167751&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167751 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : John L wrote:Check it out. ...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167555&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167555 Author: Maui Carpet Cleaner
Subject: 2450
Posted: 28/July/2020 at 12:06am

Originally posted by John L John L wrote:

Check it out.

https://www.nathansnaturalcleaning.com - www.nathansnaturalcleaning.com


Thanks I'll check it out
]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:06:31 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167555&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167555 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : Yeah!! I think Propane would be...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167349&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167349 Author: Buddyhart
Subject: 2450
Posted: 16/November/2018 at 4:30am

Yeah!! I think  Propane would be the best choice.]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2018 04:30:26 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167349&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167349 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : Check online, it would definietly...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167029&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167029 Author: EdwardeCharette
Subject: 2450
Posted: 24/October/2016 at 2:24am

Check online, it would definietly be of help]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2016 02:24:19 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=167029&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#167029 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : annfully wrote: ...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166832&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166832 Author: live4soccer7
Subject: 2450
Posted: 22/February/2016 at 9:51am

Originally posted by annfully annfully wrote:

Just go buy a Hoover and be done with. I think that will be even more than you are capable of?


I doubt that.
]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2016 09:51:34 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166832&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166832 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : Just go buy a Hoover...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166816&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166816 Author: annfully
Subject: 2450
Posted: 20/February/2016 at 6:57pm

Just go buy a Hoover and be done with. I think that will be even more than you are capable of?
]]> Sat, 20 Feb 2016 18:57:31 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166816&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166816 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : So there are so many different...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166585&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166585 Author: live4soccer7
Subject: 2450
Posted: 11/September/2014 at 8:08pm

So there are so many different suggestions and methods pointed out, but none that seem to be at the forefront of a decision.

For me, I am looking for a portable that will work well to clean my rentals, personal home, and do auto as well. I'm looking for something that will do the job WELL.

What do you recommend for this? I've been looking for quite some time, but not  sure.
]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:08:58 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166585&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166585 <![CDATA[1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions : I have several portables I use...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166417&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166417 Author: Drummond1
Subject: 2450
Posted: 21/January/2014 at 5:43pm

I have several portables I use all are used in different situations and have good suction. There are good portables out there and accessories that help the jobs go faster such as the steamin demon and rotovac.  Also pre-scrub and pre-bonnet the floors.  And most importantly use the right chemicals for the right job.  All these thes have allowed me to be extremely successful using portables. 






http://www.thecarpetcleaning1.com/carpet-cleaning-champaign-urbana-decatur-il.html  ]]> Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:43:00 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2450&PID=166417&title=1st-portable-extractor-buying-decisions#166417