Square feet cleaned per gallon?

[MrJR]

I'm considering adding a portable to my set up... have only done OP to date. My question, is there a general average for how many square feet of carpet can be cleaned per gallon of solution. When used, it would likely be in a dual method situation (i.e. I would still OP in addition). I would prefer a smaller vs. larger portable, so just trying to understand the trade-off in square feet cleaned per fill.

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[GNU]

I'm considering adding a portable to my set up... have only done OP to date. My question, is there a general average for how many square feet of carpet can be cleaned per gallon of solution. When used, it would likely be in a dual method situation (i.e. I would still OP in addition). I would prefer a smaller vs. larger portable, so just trying to understand the trade-off in square feet cleaned per fill.

I will help best I can to answer this.
There are so many varibles to how many gallons can be used in any HWE cleaning. The size of the actual porty will not matter.
What will determine the wet solution is the amounts of jets on the wand, the size of the jets on the wand, the amount of pressure the pump is pushing the solution at. and how fast you move the wand with an open valve.
This goes the same for truckmounts too. I use four methods to clean carpets. maybe 6 I cant remember lol padcap, endcap, porty, TM, vlm, host. and on rare occasion three on one job. lol
What type of porty are you thinking of. Some of the other "Masters of Cleaning" will coin in here. They're good people. Really Good People!.

[Mike M]

I've seen a few statements about that but like Nutech says varies a lot.

Some of the variables are how the machine is set up such as jet size at the wand, pressure, carpet style and soil load, and lastly the operator.

I've done some rooms with just a few gallons and used 16 plus in other rooms.

This is a valid question for someone not familiar with the method. It does use a lot more water than OP. Plan on having to fill and dump on a job. Probably several times.

Combination method with OP should give about the best results that one could expect from a cleaning.

[Ed Valentine]

Both Nutech and Mike are totally correct on this one. And, way back in the 70's and 80's I used to have this as a subject we would discuss during the on-going seminars. very interesting topic.

But..........there are
Many many variables.

For example, how about the particular cleaning agent we are using? Just how efficient are they? Will 1 oz. per gallon work faster than 3 oz. ?
Sometimes, yes! And, if so, the operator may use LESS water than ever to do the same amount of carpeting.

There are other variables too.

The very best;
Ed Valentine
cross-american corp.

[MrJR]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the info! I was originally thinking of just getting a small spotting machine (like a "Gecko" or "EZ Portable"... 3 gal I think). Then I thought maybe I should just save up for a little larger porty that would maybe allow me to clean a whole room or an entryway at a commercial property, if needed (I live in the northeast... wondering about all the salt that's getting carried in on shoes over the winter). Maybe something like the Kwik-Steam with an 8 gallon solution tank...??

[Ed Valentine]

MrJR;

Regarding the KWIK-STEAM 8, you should inquire with Scott Otis (who participates on this board) at 774-269-9833. He has many tools in his tool box, and that particular model is just one of them. 

We also have a version of the above not advertised on our web page currently, as a Hybrid. This model will be similar to the current model above however, have a 2" inlet and a BOOSTER adptr kit!

Very best;
Ed Valentine
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(Actual e-mail sent to: Cross-American Corp)

Hi Ed,

It's been a bit since I started using the Kwik Steam and I'm very happy with it. It has done everything I wanted, it's very easy to use & maintain, light enough to carry and cleans very well.  I initially thought that not having a heater it would be a bit limited in performance but that has not been the case.  Recently I cleaned a very dirty home and used the Kwik Steam in combination with my OP machine to restore a carpet in the living room.  Here is the testimonial I received from my client on Angie's List

"We just purchased a house with five rooms of very dirty wall to wall carpet. The carpet was stained, smelly and dirty. We were not sure any of the carpets could be salvaged. We were attempting to buy time with clean but stained carpets Scott did not guarentee that he could get all the stains out but said he would do his best. When Scott and his son were finished the carpets were clean!!!! The stains were gone.!!! The rug in the living room was especially bad. It looked new!! Instead of replacing the carpets as soon as possible we now have no plans to change any of the carpets They did a tremendous job"

I'm very happy with my decision to purchase your equipment and have recommended the Kwik Steam on the US Cleaners board, it's the perfect compliment to an OP business.

Best Wishes,Scott Otis
Owner/Operator
Atlantic Carpet Cleaners
774-269-9833
www.atlanticcarpetcleaners.com
Clean, Green & Dry In 1 Hour!

[MrJR]

Great, thanks Ed. Any other recommendations from anyone?

Does the 2" inlet on the Hybrid change the performance of the machine (vs. the standard 1.5")?

[Mike M]

As a rule of thumb .................2" hose provides better airflow.

1.5" is fine for short runs (12' or so). You will notice a difference in performance running the larger hose for longer distances.

I'm looking forward to some additional information and pics on the new machine. 

[MrJR]

Yes... more info would be great. What would be the maximum hose length with the 2" inlet?

[PlumKleen]

I started with a portable, a KleenRite 300 psi with dual two stage vacs and a heater. I added the OP later. Almost never use the portable now, but when it's needed I do use it followed by OP. If that is the case I will in most cases charge extra for a restorative cleaning. If I was to start over I would rather have had a machine with two 3 stage vacs, a heater and most importantly auto fill and auto drain. Soooooooooooo much time wasted filling and draining,  andI would gladly trade off heat for the auto fill and drain. You can always use an external heater. I rarely use more than 125 psi with an 04 vjet. Most importantly I always dry vac the snot out of it first no matter how I clean. Hope this helps.

[PlumKleen]

One other thing I forgot to mention. My portable came with the standard 1.5" DB Stainless Wand. With 25' of hose it was just leaving thing wetter than I wanted. I still had an old mid 1980's Prochem 10" straight wand hanging around. I started using it instead and have never went back to the wand that came with the portable. I added a single lip glide as well. Easier to use leaves carpets a bit dryer, just takes a few more strokes to cover the same area. Jon-Don has this wand in their catalog in believe in the low three hundred range. Something to think about.

[c spot stop]

Way off topic here but:

I put a 2" opening in my mytee and went to 2" hose, cut down to 15' and carpets were dry in under an hour. Less if I post bonnet. Less if I post bonnet and air move. It dries so fast I go back in time.

Just sayin'

[MrJR]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help. Not sure what machine I want to go with yet, but this gives me something to think about.