Hi Guys, So I'd really like to get my small business hobby started this spring/summer so I've decided it might be worthwhile for me to finance some of the equipment I plan to purchase. I have friends who are willing to invest in my business and in return I will give them a good rate of return on their investment every year. I figure I'll be getting some groggy cars with filthy carpets which I figure will possibly be my most difficult obstacle to clean. Since extractors work well and steamers are also good and can be used for carpets, which would you guys recommend me getting? A steamer? or An extractor? or both? And which is a good one to get at a good price. I would like to use either of the tools for other cleaning uses other than detailing (carpets at my house and everything else). Can a steamer do everything an extractor can do? Some of my purchase points in order of importance are: 1) Quality 2) Ease of use 3) Price (would like to keep it under $1000 but not the most important factor). 4) Space it occupies. I know an extractor can only be used for carpets whereas a steamer can be used for carpets and everything else in between so I am leaning towards a steamer unless otherwise notified (correct me if I'm wrong). Any advice and suggestions will come a long way! Thanks, -Waseem
If you are just starting... VX5000 steamer with wet/dry shop vacuum or Vapor Clean Gaia both option around 800us For me, I will go for the 1st option, then later on, when you save enough money, go for an extractor like DuraMaid1500. Ask Richy about his Gaia all in one machine, he likes it.
Thanks 604...yes, I DO love my Giai. In fact, I rescued a throw rug today that looked like it was beyond repair. I took some shots and I'll probably post them up tomorrow. It does everything well...steams, vacuums and extracts. I've owned mine for about a year and a half.
Hey Richy, do you think during the winter I would be able to clean carpets in residential homes with ease using the Gaia? same with VX5000?
vx5000 is just a steamer the gaia might be too much of a workout for it you might need a bigger machine for homes.
I would recommend getting a steamer and extractor, I couldn't go without either one! I have a Mytee Spyder extractor and a Daimer continous fill steamer, both have been great machines.
Defently get both. I have a mytee lite 2 and a vapor cheif. The vapor chief can clean the carpets on most vehicles but some vehicles with the really dirty/salty carpets, the extractor is a must.
Both. We just put a steamer into our shop and paired with a quality extractor you have a foolproof combo.
which would you get first? I'm thinking I will probably get 1 of the 2 for now and use it until business picks up and I NEED to buy the other one. Instead of spending $3000 in one go to buy both I can advertise a little bit and get by using one of the tools purchased. So which tool would be a good first purchase? A steamer or extractor? steamer can be used for many other things than just carpets. but an extractor is EXCELLENT for carpets which is a huge job too. why does this have to be so hard!?! I am leaning a little bit towards either the Gaia or the VX5000 but am not too sure of the pros and cons betwene the two.
Just bit the bullet on the Vapor Clean Gaia, Steam Cleaners by Vapor Clean: Leading the steam cleaner revolution. Thanks to Richy I feel as though I have made a sound investment. Will keep everyone updated on its performance and how it fits into my business. Thanks again everybody!
Congrats Waseem!! I was just using mine today to get the salt stains out of my wife's Pacifica and get it ready to go to Florida on Thursday. BTW...I wasn't too lazy to put the vinegar in the recovery tank today, LOL.
It cuts down the suds considerably. Rather than buy expensive suds reducers for your extractor, just add a cup of vinegar and Bob's Your Uncle.
I would vote for the extractor first if u had to choose 1 now, I've never been a fan of the steamer, I know it works but seems more time consuming.
If you deal with really bad carpets, get the VX5000 + a specific extractor. Otherwise the VX5000 with a triangle attachment will tackle the majority of the work you need. Haven't heard anything good about the 2 in 1 setups except they break (then again just a few views/rumors) If I had to live with only 1 tool: steamer any day.
I believe Kevin F only sells a vapor chief 180 now, I used one of the original Vapor Chief which was quite a work horse. VX5000 more interior oriented in terms of steamer capacity, while the VC is for exterior & interior. You could steam full blast non stop on high setting with the VC while the VX5000 only steams at full psi for maybe 2-4 minutes. Of course the price difference, sizing, and capacity are completely different. Both are great & reliable. I started with the VX5000 since its commercial grade and probably won't ever break. It would be a decision on what your capacity and what your intent is car wise.
Hey guys! Thanks for all the input on this thread. I ended up getting the Gaia and it's great. Click here for the link. But here's a quick glimpse of what's in the other thread. The Champ! Before: After: Before: After:
