So, here is what I ended up trying at the resort and my opinions on each method. All tests were done on light to moderately soiled upholstery. All included pre-vac.
1. Light application of encap, Cyclo, rags. Cyclo is a slick looking tool, and it's way noisy. Rags were hard to handle in regards to thorough contact with upholstery. Not a real good system, though the Cyclo did a great job scrubbing a set of very nasty stairs followed by an Oreck XL Pro with a 15 inch pad. This system, I think, while equal to #1 and slower than #3 brings the most Wow factor, and this can be important when in a customers home.
2. Older Von Schrader Airidex. Finally, it is working very well. Lays out the foam very well. The head is about the same as handling the Cyclo and lighter than the Step Son. Better balance than the step son. Messier than any other system. Foam can get everywhere. The machine lacks when it comes to suction power for extraction. Just doesn't have the lift/cfm to move as fast as I want when removing foam.
3. Based on some suggestions from the board; Light spray with encap solutions (EnCap Green). Spotter on hand for tough spots, though not needed. Thorough fast scrub/agitation with a large horse hair brush. Let stand for a few minutes. Light to moderate misting with a spotter machine. Extract with a spotter machine. Much faster (25%) than any other system. Leaves the wettest outcome, though that could be fixed with less moisture or a more powerful vac. Not to the point of being concerned with over-wetting.
I wish I would have:
Light application of encap, followed by Cyclo, followed by misting and extraction with spotter machine.
I didn't work with the step son this time because I have used it quite a bit in the past and am looking for options.
So, my go to for high volume, lightly soiled upholstery in commercial environments is #3. In residential home I might go with #2. Delicate fabrics; #2 or #3. Durable and really gross, probably #1 or #2. However, I haven't come upon any really gross upholstery.
