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General discussion

Q: about carpet cleanering machines?

by grimgraphix Jun 4, 2007 8:05AM PDT

I borrowed a carpet cleaning machine (a Hoover) from a friend. It is the kind with the self heating reservoir, the high suction head and the brushes that spin underneath the spray heads. So the question comes from going to the store to buy cleaning solution. The local K-Mart had cleaning solution for Hoover, Bissell, and some generic brands as well. The name brands were the same price as the generics but the generics gave you more than twice as much... I think it was 48 oz versus 120 oz.

Does it matter what brand I buy? I would be getting the cleaner meant for animal dander and stains so is one brand better than another? Is the generic brands made at the same factories or with the same formulas?

Any experience someone would like to share?

Thanks

grim

Discussion is locked

23 Posts
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Suggestions:
by drpruner. Jun 4, 2007 8:15AM PDT

1) Look at the ingredients lists. Same chemical = same results, if the amount is the same.

2) See what Consumer Reports had to say.

I don't know of any reason to use only Hoover in Hoover etc.

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Just my opinion.....
by Mac McMullen Jun 4, 2007 11:58AM PDT

Re: "Any experience someone would like to share?

The simplest, most satisfactory, are those operated by someone else, with a company logo on the shirt.

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LOL... I rebuild engines for fun. Next sugestion? ;-)
by grimgraphix Jun 4, 2007 12:52PM PDT

Thanks though... sensible suggestion but I've always been one to take the long way around.

Happy

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Read label
by Willy Jun 4, 2007 3:23PM PDT

As stated already, you really got to read the ingredient contents. You may have the same items, but percentage could vary greatly or simply be watered down. As for generics, too often many are the same, but quality matters and found only by use what really you can trust and thus use again. If you don't plan to use it often, buy the recommended one and be done with it. If one brand supports use across several cleaners, then go by price. -----Willy Happy

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About the same advice as from my sister...
by grimgraphix Jun 4, 2007 11:22PM PDT

except for the read the label part (some don't actually list all the ingredients... trade secret I guess).

My sister suggested to just buy the manufacturer's recommended fluid if I'm only going to do this once rather than take a swing and a miss on several different brands trying to find a bargain that is effective.

Last thing to do is check Consumer guides. If they have some big revelation I will be sure and pass it on.


Thanks all

grim

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One more suggestion
by Angeline Booher Jun 4, 2007 11:41PM PDT

You have borrowed the machine from a friend.

IMO, that means taking extra care of it, and return it in the same condition

Buy the Hoover cleaning solution that's recommended.

I think we can mess around with what is ours, but not what is borrowed.

Angeline
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email
semods4@yahoo.com

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Good point
by grimgraphix Jun 5, 2007 12:05AM PDT

While I am in the habit of giving back borrowed things in better condition than I have received them in... I have been on the other end as well. I have yet to figure out how my Sawzall that by BIL borrowed came back to me with mud caked on the inside of the motor housing... but I don't say anything. (sigh)

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Messed with your Sawzall,
by drpruner. Jun 5, 2007 6:02AM PDT

and he's still ALIVE? You are forgiving! Happy

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(NT) :-)
by Angeline Booher Jun 5, 2007 8:49AM PDT
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(NT) Good catch, Angeline.
by drpruner. Jun 5, 2007 6:06AM PDT
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(NT) Grim, at the bottom of this page are some tips.
by Rolway Jun 5, 2007 6:58AM PDT
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(NT) How ya doing Gearge?
by grimgraphix Jun 5, 2007 9:00AM PDT
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(NT) Pardon me "George"... I must have burped while I was typing.
by grimgraphix Jun 5, 2007 9:01AM PDT
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(NT) Hoover is recommended by the FBI
by Dragon Jun 5, 2007 11:53AM PDT
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(NT) Good one. :-)
by drpruner. Jun 5, 2007 4:07PM PDT
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(NT) :-)
by Angeline Booher Jun 5, 2007 8:07PM PDT
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The carpet cleaner I use
by PudgyOne Jun 5, 2007 12:42PM PDT

I put the mixture in a container with water. Have hose connected to sink, with hot water turned on. I press a button and the clean, hot, soapy water goes into the carpet. The cleaner then removes the dirty water and puts it into the canister. When the canister makes a certain noise, it's full. I the dump the dirty water down the toilet and flush it.

I don't understand that if you have only the canister with the water recycling, how the dirty water get clean enough to use it all the time.

I have the old blue and white Bissel. It works on the same principle as a shop vac except the hose has a trigger for the sprayer.


Rick

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No, it has two canisters or should I say resevoirs for water
by grimgraphix Jun 5, 2007 1:27PM PDT
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Would you mind
by Dragon Jun 5, 2007 2:45PM PDT

coming down to Texas when you are through with your place? Our carpet could use a cleaning. Oh yeah, and kick the carpet in the main bedroom while you are at it. Happy

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Mine is an old
by PudgyOne Jun 5, 2007 8:04PM PDT
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And after the cleaning,
by drpruner. Jun 5, 2007 4:16PM PDT

you'll have a very damp carpet. Borrow or rent a couple of sizeable floor fans to hasten the drying; don't use the carpet until dry or you'll wipe out much of your hard work. A friend does it for a living with truck-mounted suction, and still he has giant fans to use afterward.
And/or close up the rooms and turn the air conditioner down to 70 or so (if it's compressor/condensor kind). Your electric bill will be higher this month but you'll have your rooms back sooner.

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It doesn't take that long to dry
by PudgyOne Jun 5, 2007 8:07PM PDT

I either open the windows or I have the central air on. I run the central air often. Once you have the rooms at the right temperature, the central air doesn't use as much electricity. It uses more electricity turning it on and off.


Rick

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Remember that dehumidifying also
by drpruner. Jun 6, 2007 1:07AM PDT

is a load on the system, but worth the convenience IMO.

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