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Choosing the Right Carpet Cleaning Machine

by Samantha Campbell in ALL THINGS FLOORING

A Quick Guide from a Professional Cleaner

If you're shopping for a carpet cleaning unit, here's what you need to know before you buy especially if you're dealing with heavily soiled or end-of-lease carpets.

 1. Power Matters

The stronger the machine, the less time and effort it takes to get results.

  • Entry-Level Machines (e.g., Bunnings models, $600–$1,500):
    Affordable but often underpowered. You may need to go over the same patch 20–30 times to lift heavy dirt. Great for light maintenance or small areas, but time-consuming for big jobs.

  • Mid-to-High-End Portables ($2,000–$5,000+):
    These machines offer better suction and water pressure. They flood the carpet effectively and extract dirt in just a few passes. Ideal for regular deep cleaning and charging more per job.

  • Truck-Mounted Systems (for professional-level setups):
    The gold standard—extremely fast, but not portable, and not ideal for multi-level properties or apartments.

♂️ 2. Think About Portability

Before you buy, ask yourself:

  • Will I be cleaning upstairs, in apartments, or tight access properties?

  • Can I lift and transport the machine easily between jobs?

  • Do I need it to fit into a car or van?

Pro tip: Bigger isn’t always better if you can’t move it efficiently between jobs.

3. Don’t Forget Pre-Treatment!

No matter the machine, the results often come down to your prep.
I always recommend using a powerful pre-spray like SHYN Degreaser to break down grime before extraction. It saves time, reduces effort, and gets better results—especially for high-traffic areas.

 4. More Power = More Profit

A better machine can help you:

  • Finish jobs faster

  • Achieve better results

  • Take on more clients

  • Charge more confidently for professional-level cleans

So while the upfront cost might seem high, the return on investment is worth it if you plan to clean regularly or professionally.

Tags: carpet
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