According to Bud Abraham, president of DETAIL PLUS Car Appearance Systems, detailers “tend to purchase on price rather than the machine best-suited for their needs.” While it may be easier on a bank account initially, a high-quality machine will increase profits later on as a reputation for thorough, detail-oriented work is built.
“Detailers often make the common mistake of just jumping in — turning the machine on without knowing exactly how it works,” says Debby Davis, product manager for Powr-Flite. Davis encourages detailers to review the operators’ manuals for their machines so they understand how to set up, use, care and store the equipment properly.
Two terms detailers should know pertaining to extractors, according to Davis, are defoamer and psi. Defoamer prevents foam buildup during carpet cleaning operations, which can cause the motor to shut off, and require the operator to stop and empty the tank. “The foam also contains hair, lint and small debris which can enter the vacuum fan chamber and reduce the performance and life of the motor,” she notes.
Psi is important because extractors can have different psi settings. Low psi is for upholstery or delicate fabrics, while high psi is for carpets or heavily soiled areas.
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