Interior Car Detailing: Steamer Vs Extractor

There is a bit of comedy when Professional Detailers receive phone calls requesting services that a customer knew about, or has recently heard about. Things change and Detailers have different methods of achieving a fast, and thorough clean or reconditioning.

Car Seat Extraction Tool

Perhaps the most popular Car Detailing Service is the Interior Detail-- the cleaning that car washes just can't even come close to. For this article, I will examine the differences between a steamer and an extractor. What is better for deep cleaning a vehicle? Which machine makes the job easier, faster, and better? Lets take a look.

First, the main differences between the two machines are the water output and suction functionality. However there are other variables between the machines like ergonomics, pressure, and mobility. A machine like we use in Portland, Oregon is called the Chief Steamer 100; in my opinion this is the best "mobile" Steam machine on the market. It packs power and agility into a portable and durable body. The Hot Water Extraction unit is less mobile because of the larger water tank (water output) and the suction functionality (vacuum used for extracting). Both machines, to note, use up the entire allotted amount of watts on one given outlet in a standard home. In the battle of ergonomics, the Steam Machine wins. Pressure, is the next major difference as the steamer uses hot water to create high-pressure. This is why the Steamer can often serve as a multi-tool because it replaces a air compressor in interior vacuuming and detailing. The Extractor has a much lower pressure BUT releases more water to aid in the extraction process. The reason is, some car seats need a lot of water to flush and extract all of the stains. In this case, neither the steamer or extractor wins. The obscure win for the upholstery cleaning extractor is that it is the machine most regular day citizens think of, when they think of someone cleaning their cloth seats. Both of these methods/techniques/machine are much different than the carpet shampoo and serve a different purpose.

My thoughts:

I have continued my loyalty to the Commercial Steam MAchine. I find that when added to a shop vacuum (required tool for every car detail) that it has similary functionality and effectiveness. We may use a bit more or differnt chemistry but the result typically remains the same. Paying homage to the cleaning notion that we should carry-on light to aggressive. The other reason i prefer the steam cleaning machine is that i find it is more agile in all of the nooks and crevices of the car or truck. I can blast away vents, cup holders, steering wheels, small stains spots, headliners, interior and exterior surfaces, and even clean the glass with it as well. To be honest, you dont even need chemical if you have hot steam. The extractor isnt quite as versatile as the steamer but its a superior unit when it comes to removing stains in car seats and upholstery.

If you need a company in Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tigard or surrounding, dont hesitate to call The Detail Maestro 971-224-9718 for a proper professional auto detail. We have both machines and use them when the job requires. ALL vehicles receive deep cleaning with commercial steamer. Check out TheDetailMaestro.com