The 6 Best Commercial Carpet Extractors for Pros 

Carpeting is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. It’s expected to be worth more than $20 billion per year by 2027. All these floor coverings need cleaning. While vacuums will work to pick up dust, a commercial carpet extractor is necessary for a deep clean. 

Right now, there are more than 37,000 carpet-cleaning businesses in the country. That means using the right machinery is critical to break into the $6.8 billion carpet cleaning market. 

In this article, we will explore the benefits of having a commercial carpet extractor for your cleaning business. You will learn about the different types of extractors and the key features to consider before you buy one.  

We’ll then look at the best options you can currently purchase. Our article will end with tips to help you start your commercial extractor search today. 

Do You Need a Commercial Carpet Extractor for Your Cleaning Business? 

There are different types of commercial carpet extractors, but all have the same basic function. These machines use pressure to put water and cleaning agents deep into the carpet. They then use scrubbing and suction to clean the carpet. 

These machines come in different sizes, but all have a tank, wheels, and a handle. Some extractors have a hand-held hose for scrubbing and suction. Others are self-contained, with brushes and hoses attached to the tank. 

Finally, commercial extractors get their power from electricity. Some have cords that connect to a power source, like an electrical outlet. Some machines have rechargeable batteries that allow you to operate without a cord. 

Why Invest in a Commercial Carpet Extractor? 

A commercial carpet extractor offers a range of benefits to cleaning business equipment, advantages this equipment brings make it a worthwhile investment for your company.  

Here are the potential positives to consider: 

• Efficiency: Commercial carpet extractors can cover large areas relatively quickly. Their footprint allows you to give clients a deep clean quickly.  

• Better results: These machines penetrate deep into the carpet fibers. The pressure from the extractor can remove dirt and stains that regular vacuums and carpet cleaners cannot. 

• Versatility: Some models can also clean upholstery or hard floors. The same machine could help you provide different services without buying other equipment. 

• Consistent results: Used correctly, carpet extractors can provide consistent cleaning. You won’t have to worry that results vary from client to client. 

The cleaning power can also help you highlight benefits for your customers. For instance, commercial extractors can reduce allergens like dust and mold that get caught in your carpet. Removing them can increase indoor air quality for your clients. 

Types of Commercial Carpet Extractors 

As you can see, commercial carpet extractors can bring lots of benefits. But you need to match the type of extractor with your needs. Here is a look at the choices you’ll encounter as you search for the perfect option for your business: 

Self-Contained Carpet Extractors 

These units contain everything you need in one machine. They have a pump to spray water and the cleaning solution. The underside has brushes and a vacuum mechanism. You also have tanks to hold the water and cleaner. 

This type of extractor is easy to use. You simply fill it and go. It also has a wider footprint that can help you cover large areas efficiently. A separate recovery tank helps you remove the used cleaning solution quickly. 

Heated Carpet Extractors 

Heated carpet extractors have an extra mechanism for warming up water. This allows you to use hot water instead of room-temperature liquid. 

This brings a couple of important advantages. First, these machines are better at cleaning oily or sticky residue. Also, some cleaning agents work better at higher temps. You can use less detergent to get the same results due to the heated water. 

Portable Carpet Extractors 

Portable extractors still have wheels and a handle, but they are smaller. Most have a hose and hand-held cleaner separate from the main tank. 

The size and flexible reach make them ideal for clients with limited amounts of carpet. They can also be useful for cleaning stains or spills in one area. 

Ride-On Carpet Extractors 

Ride-on extractors have an additional electric motor and a steering mechanism. The operator sits atop the machine and drives it like a ride-on lawnmower or tractor. 

These extractors have a wide footprint and high-capacity tanks. They are an option for large areas like ballrooms or convention centers. But they may be too big and difficult to steer in smaller spaces like offices or shops. 

Walk-Behind Carpet Extractors 

Walk-behind extractors are smaller than ride-on units. Most are self-propelled, so you don’t have to push them manually. 

These cleaners are easier to steer in smaller spaces compared to ride-on units. At the same time, they have a wide enough track to make quick work of hallways, offices, or school classrooms. 

Key Features To Look For in Commercial Carpet Extractors 

When choosing the best extractor for your cleaning business, you should look for certain traits. The size and extractor type will vary based on your needs. However, some qualities (durability and suction power) are desirable for every machine. 

Here are the key features to consider: 

• Suction and water lift ratings: More powerful suction can help remove more dirt from the carpet. You measure vacuum power in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and water lift in inches. These two figures give you a way to compare the power of different extractors. 

• Tank capacity: Manufacturers measure tank capacity in gallons. You need to consider both water/solution tanks and recovery tanks. Recovery tanks are usually slightly smaller. They hold the dirty solution you vacuum into the machine after cleaning. 

• Durability and ease of maintenance: You want machinery that runs reliably. Plus, you don’t want to spend a lot of time and money on maintenance. Look at customer reviews for your chosen extractors.  

• Heating elements: Heating elements can increase cleaning efficiency and quality. Good extractors will let you control the temperature. This allows you to use hot water when needed without requiring you to use it all the time. 

• Controls: Your employees may need some training on a new carpet extractor. But the controls should be somewhat intuitive. You should be able to control the machine with limited instruction. 

• Energy efficiency: Efficiency is important whether you have a cordless or corded machine. You do not want to draw a lot of electricity from your clients. Consider Energy Star-certified cleaners to lower electricity use. 

Finally, you should look at how easy it is to get spare parts. Changing parts can increase the lifespan of your carpet extractor. Find out how expensive and accessible such parts are. 

6 Best Commercial Carpet Extractors for Pros 

We selected the best commercial carpet extractors based on several different factors. The following qualities played into our overall ratings: 

• Brand reputation 

• Durability 

• Ability to adjust controls and settings 

• Warranty 

• Versatility 

• Suction and cleaning power 

• User-generated reviews and ratings 

Here are the six commercial carpet extractors that scored highest according to these factors: 

Mytee 1003DX Speedster Deluxe Heated Carpet Extractor 

The Mytee 1003DX Speedster is ideal for long-term professional use. It has 10-inch semi-pneumatic wheels and ergonomic controls. The buttons sit at waist height for easy repeat access. 

The 10-gallon solution tank is easy to fill via a faucet. And the controls are water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about electrical shorts. We consider this one of the best options for cleaning companies that need a durable, user-friendly extractor. 

Benefits 

The advantages of this commercial carpet extractor focus on durability and performance. 

• Plenty of power: The vacuum delivers 200 CFM of suction power and 130 inches of water lift. That’s plenty of power for a deep clean. 

• Good heating capabilities: The 1,600W heater can bring water temp up to 210 degrees. This machine also offers versatility because you can adjust the temperature as needed. 

Mytee is a well-respected brand with several popular extractor models on the market. It offers a 10-year warranty on extractor bodies. 

Potential Drawbacks 

Here are two potential pitfalls to be aware of with the 1003DX Speedster: 

• Size: At 135 lb, the extractor is too large to use on stairs or uneven surfaces. You also need a ramp if you don’t want to lift during loading or unloading. 

• Manual cleaning: The extractor has a separate wand and hose connected to the main tanks. With this setup, it is difficult to cover large spaces quickly. 

However, for small and medium-sized rooms, the Mytee 1003DX Speedster Deluxe Heated Carpet Extractor is a reliable and versatile choice. 

Tennant R14 Ride-On Carpet Extractor 

The Tennant R14 is a battery-powered ride-on extractor. It offers excellent power to get a deep clean with a single pass. This quality and the 28-inch-wide cleaning path make it an efficient performer. 

This machine might be a good investment if you have large areas to clean. Examples could include a shopping mall, events center, ballroom, or airport. 

Benefits 

The advantages of the R14 are its ability to handle heavy use and clean quickly. 

• Extended battery life: The battery can last 2.5 to 3 hours between charges. An off-board charger allows for convenient charging between jobs. 

• Large tank: The ride-on design allows for a large solution and recovery tanks. Each one is 28 gallons. You won’t have to stop to empty or refill water during cleaning sessions. 

The R14 is also highly efficient, using up to 80% less water than standard machines. 

Potential Drawbacks 

The R14 requires a significant investment, so you also need to weigh the cons of ownership before you buy it. 

• Price: Ride-on extractors cost significantly more than push and wand models. You need to ensure the investment will pay off for your business. 

• Maneuverability: You can cover open spaces quickly in the R14. But you’ll struggle to reach corners or narrow spaces. 

If you specialize in cleaning large areas, this Tennant model could be a good investment for your business. 

Powr-Flite PFX900S Prowler Self-Contained Carpet Extractor 

The Powr-Flite Prowler is a powerful all-in-one carpet cleaner. It features a heavy-duty polyethylene body. 

The machine can withstand daily use. However, its heavy-duty design does not mean it is heavy or difficult to control. It is reasonably lightweight and easy to transport. 

Benefits 

The Prowler’s performance and versatility are its most significant advantage. 

• Suction power: The cleaner’s three-stage vacuum and 120-inch water lift mean it can clean deeply and leave the carpet drier than many competitors. 

• Superior control and cleaning efficiency: The 100-lb machine is relatively lightweight and easy to control. It has an 18-inch path to make quick work of small and medium-sized rooms. 

A separate wand is available for cleaning corners and tight spaces. 

Potential Drawbacks 

This Powr-Flite model has a few size- and capacity-related cons. 

• Small tank: The nine-gallon tank may be too small for large cleaning jobs. After a few rooms, you’ll have to stop to drain and refill. 

• Limited reach: The 50-foot cord won’t reach across large rooms. You’ll need to invest in extension cords to extend your reach. 

The industry recognizes the Prowler’s quality. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has awarded it Bronze certification. 

Tornado Marathon 2000 Carpet Extractor 

The Tornado Marathon 2000 is the ideal walk-behind extractor for larger jobs. Its 20-gallon tank lets you work quickly. And the two-piece molded body gives you extra durability for daily use. 

Benefits 

The Marathon 2000 lives up to its name. Its main advantage is its ability to handle large jobs without stopping. 

• Large coverage area: The 20-gallon solution and recovery tanks give you extended work time between draining and refilling. The machine can cover 8,500 square feet per hour. 

• Doesn’t cause strain: This extractor is self-propelled. It also has ergonomic handles and large wheels for easy steering. 

You can remove the body easily for maintenance on the mechanical parts of the Marathon 2000. 

Potential Drawbacks 

The Marathon 2000 comes with several potential pitfalls you need to consider. 

• Price: This machine is much more expensive than smaller models. It might not be worth the investment if you can get by with a smaller model. 

• Different design: The brush is under the body rather than in front of it. This can make control less intuitive for some users. 

If you need extra capacity for larger cleaning jobs, this model is an excellent choice. 

Kärcher Windsor Presto 3 Deluxe 

The Kärcher Windsor Presto 3 is a very different kind of carpet extractor. It is ideal for removing spots and cleaning carpets in uneven spaces. 

The Presto 3 is for those times when a wheeled or ride-on extractor isn’t necessary. It’s small but delivers 85 inches of water lift to clean stains and spills. 

Benefits 

This machine’s balance of size and power is its biggest asset. 

• Portability: At 18 lb, the Presto 3 is easy to carry by hand. A handle and ergonomic wand make it easy to hold and operate in almost any position. 

• Versatility: The 1.16-hp motor provides enough suction power for carpet cleaning. However, the machine can also clean upholstery and other surfaces. 

Features like a see-through recovery tank to monitor the fill level make this a user-friendly option. 

Potential Drawbacks 

The Windsor Presto 3’s size can also be a disadvantage. 

• Small tanks: The solution tank is only two gallons, which is only enough for small jobs. 

• Limited reach: The small wand and 25-foot cord make it impossible to handle large surfaces with this machine. 

If you need a powerful extractor for spot cleaning, this Kärcher model can deliver. 

Bissell BigGreen Commercial BG10 

The Bissell BigGreen Commercial BG10 carpet extractor is a high-quality budget option. Bissell is a respected brand for both commercial and consumer cleaning equipment. This smaller model packs plenty of power for room-size cleaning jobs. If you can deal with the 1.75-gallon tank, this extractor can be a cost-effective option for you. 

Benefits 

The Bissell is an effective, low-cost option for cleaning projects that don’t need to cover too much space. 

• Lots of power: The BigGreen has 103 inches of water lift, two rows of brushes, and a 12A power rating. That’s plenty of muscle for commercial jobs. 

• Cost: This extractor is much cheaper than larger units. It provides excellent value if you do not need a larger machine. 

Bissell has a full catalog of parts. This makes replacements and maintenance relatively straightforward. 

Potential Drawbacks 

The relatively low price comes with some potential pitfalls. 

• Limited capacity: The tanks require frequent refilling and draining. Your cleaners will need to stop to do this often if they are cleaning multiple rooms. 

• Short warranty: The BigGreen is covered for commercial use. However, the warranty only lasts for one year. 

If you are just starting to offer carpet cleaning, this Bissell could be a good first extractor.