Mukilteo, WA - October 6, 2011 - Here’s a little secret some carpet extractor
manufacturers may not want you to know: the carpet extractor wand selected can
be almost as important as the extractor itself.
Selecting
the wrong wand can make carpet cleaning slow, tedious, and stressful, and it
can increase the chances that an injury-particularly a back injury-will occur.
The following suggestions from Mark Baxter,
product manager for U.S. Products, on
how to select a wand should not only help in-house and jansan carpet cleaners
perform their jobs more effectively, but may even help them save their backs:
- Weight. The
heavier weight of a wand can improve cleaning performance because it helps seal
the wand to the carpet for more effective extraction. However, too heavy and it
can be difficult, tiring, and stressful to use. Look for a wand that is light
(under nine pounds), yet still provides that essential “seal” to carpet and
upholstery to work effectively.
- Ergonomics.
Along with being light, the wand should be comfortable to work with in all
kinds of positions and should work with the user, not against.
- Durability.
Some wands are exceptionally durable but because of their weight, they are hard
to use. Rotationally molded wands are proving to be some of the most durable and
lightweight models available.
- Glide.
Some wands now have customized glide-holders molded right into the head of the
wand for greater durability. Because of the materials used and the custom fit,
they glide over the carpet, making the extraction process much easier for the
technician.
- Airflow.
Engineers have recently developed wands with laminar airflow design. With these
systems, air travels through the wand more smoothly, improving cleaning
effectiveness and performance.
“And
take the time to test the wand
before selecting it,” adds Baxter. “If possible, try different wands before
selecting the one that best works for you.”
