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.”