What Equipment Do You Need for a Carpet Cleaning Business?

Even the best carpet cleaner is only as good as their tools. Choosing the right equipment can make your job much easier, while unreliable equipment may end up costing you money. Read on to find out what equipment you need to professionally clean carpets.

Machinery

Vacuum

A vacuum is one of the most fundamental parts of carpet cleaning. Some cleaners use a canister vacuum, with a distinct suction wand and collection unit. Another option is an upright vacuum, where everything is all in one unit. Either way, you need something with reliable suction. You may also want to consider a vacuum with a larger collection unit than the average domestic appliance, as you will be vacuuming more than an average household.

Carpet cleaning machine

Most carpet cleaners use portable extractors. These are suitable for both carpets and upholstery.  They help you to get the deepest clean possible without removing the carpet.

The pump part sprays cleaning solution onto the carpet, so it’s an important consideration. Different machines have different pressure levels, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Higher-pressure machines are best for hard floors, while you need much lower pressure for stairs.

Hoses and wands

Vacuums and carpet cleaners come with a variety of attachments to make your job easier. Brushes, wands and specialised hoses can be used for stairs, upholstery and hard-to-reach areas. Some of these come with the machine itself, whereas others can be bought separately.

A good place to start is a hand tool for your carpet cleaning machine, in order to clean stairs.

Pile brush or CRB machine

Agitating carpet fibres is an important part of cleaning and maintaining carpet. Some cleaners prefer to do this by hand with a pile brush, while others appreciate the efficiency of a CRB machine. That’s short for contra-rotating brush, if you were wondering. You may even want to have both to hand, for different circumstances.

Van

There's no point in having all this equipment if you can't take it anywhere! Owning your own van also allows you to advertise on the go. Make sure that your van is big enough to hold all of your equipment. Consider how you'll keep everything still and upright – you don't want spilt cleaning solution while driving!

Overshoes

Overshoes are elasticated covers that go over your boots, allowing you to keep your feet protected without bringing dirt in. Make sure that you choose waterproof overshoes, as dirty rainwater from outside may seep through permeable ones.

Buckets

You will need at least two buckets – one for clean water, and one for dirty water. Smaller buckets are easier to carry, but will require more water-fetching trips.

Terry cloths

Terry cloths or Terry towels have many different names and fulfil several key purposes. They can be used to apply cleaning solution to a specific area, wipe down surfaces and also be placed under buckets to prevent drips.

Furniture blocks

A furniture block goes under furniture to hold it off the ground. This protects both the furniture and the floor while you clean. You want quite a few of these, in case someone has a lot of furniture.

pH indicators

The pH of a solution impacts how well it will clean a carpet. Some carpets are more fragile, and require a more neutral pH to avoid damaging them. You can either buy single-use pH indicator sticks, which require you to judge the colour yourself, or digital readers that give you a number.

Chemicals

Chemicals do a lot of the heavy lifting when cleaning a carpet, so it's important that you have the right ones. Always do a patch test to avoid accidental damage.

Pre-sprays

Pre-sprays are used before extraction cleaning to help lift dirt. The dirtier the carpet, the stronger the pre-spray that should be used. Pre-sprays are often manufactured for specific purposes, so it's worth checking their recommended use.

Sanitisers and deodourisers

Deodourisers deal with unpleasant smells, while sanitisers help with bacteria. Sometimes referred to as odour neutralisers, deodourisers aren't always suitable for every carpet, so make sure you choose one designed for the right material. Some sanitisers tackle a range of growths such as mould, pathogens and algae, whereas others are more focused towards allergens.

Spot and stain removers

It's common for customers to want help with stains, so a good stain remover is key. Many of them use enzymes to break down stains. Different types of enzymes break down different substances, so it's important to make sure that you choose a product containing enzymes that focus on the stain at hand.

Carpet cleaning solution

The exact type of cleaning solution that you need will depend on what machine you use. It's most commonly found in liquid form, but you can also get powdered cleaning products that you mix yourself.

Acid rinse

Once you've cleaned a carpet, there is often residue left behind by cleaning chemicals. An acid rinse will help to neutralise carpet after using alkaline solutions and wash away residue from detergents. It can also be used to treat discoloured areas of carpet, particularly when browning has occurred.

Spray bottles

Many cleaning products come in spray bottles, but if you bulk-buy chemicals, they may come in a larger container. You can then pour chemicals into your own spray bottles, ready for use.

Different spray bottles can have their own spray strengths, so it's worth having a range for different purposes. You can also buy bottles with adjustable nozzles.

Find the best equipment for your carpet cleaning business

Finding the right equipment is as much about preference as it is about quality. It's worth trying out a few machines from different brands before you make a big purchase.

During National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) training courses, participants are given the chance to try equipment from multiple manufacturers. Members pay a discounted rate, and also gain access to exclusive resources, along with appearing in our directory.

Join the NCCA today to take the hassle out of finding the right equipment.