Understanding the Difference between a Vacuum and an Extractor

Cleaning plays a vital role in maintaining hygiene and keeping the environment healthy. But, with so many cleaning devices in the market, choosing the best one that suits your needs can be daunting. One common confusion that arises is the difference between a vacuum and an extractor. To help clear up that confusion, let’s take a closer look at these two devices, how they work, and their differences.

What is a Vacuum Cleaner?

A vacuum cleaner is a machine that sucks up dust and dirt from carpets, floors, and other surfaces. A vacuum cleaner works by creating a partial vacuum inside its chamber, which results in the air being drawn through the nozzle. The dirt and debris are picked up by the machine and collected in a dustbin or filter.

There are various types of vacuum cleaners available in the market. Some of the examples are upright vacuums, canister vacuums, hand-held vacuums, and robotic vacuums. Each type of vacuum is designed for different purposes and conditions.

What is an Extractor?

An extractor, on the other hand, is a device that uses hot water and cleaning solution to clean carpets and upholstery. The machine sprays the cleaning solution onto the surface, agitates it, and then vacuums the resulting dirty water back into the machine’s storage tank. The cleaning solution, combined with the hot water, penetrates the fibers of the carpet, breaking down and removing dirt and stains.

Extractors are typically used in commercial cleaning settings such as offices, hotels, and other service-related businesses. However, they have gained popularity in home cleaning as well.

The Key Differences between a Vacuum and an Extractor

Although both devices are designed for cleaning, there are significant differences between vacuums and extractors. Some of the differences are:

Surface: Vacuums are primarily designed to clean hard floors and carpets, while extractors are solely designed for cleaning carpets and upholstery.

Function: A vacuum primarily removes loose dirt on the surface, while an extractor deep cleans by removing dirt and stains in the fibers of carpets.

Method: A vacuum cleaner uses suction to pick up dirt and debris, while an extractor uses hot water and cleaning solution to break down dirt and dust and then sucks up the resulting dirty water.

Usage: Vacuums are widely used in households, while extractors are used mainly in commercial cleaning settings.

Cleaning:Vacuums require minimal maintenance, such as emptying the dustbin, while an extractor requires regular cleaning, including emptying the storage tank and cleaning the machine’s parts.

Which is Better – Vacuum or Extractor?

Neither a vacuum nor an extractor is better than the other; it depends on the specific cleaning task you want to accomplish. If you have hard floors or carpets in your home or office that require a quick clean-up, a vacuum cleaner can do the job. But if you need to deep clean your carpets or upholstery, an extractor would be the better option.

Conclusion

In summary, the key differences between vacuum cleaners and extractors are the surface, function, method, usage, and cleaning. While each device has its strengths, the best option depends on the specific cleaning task. Before making a purchasing decision, it’s essential to determine what you want to clean and how often you will need to do it. A better understanding of the difference between a vacuum and an extractor can help you make an informed purchase decision.

FAQs – What Is The Difference Between A Vacuum And An Extractor?

1. What is a vacuum cleaner?

A vacuum cleaner is a household cleaning device that uses suction to remove dirt and debris from floors, carpets, and other surfaces.

2. What is an extractor?

An extractor is a cleaning machine used for deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. It uses a combination of hot water and cleaning solutions to loosen and remove dirt and stains from fibers.

3. What is the main difference between a vacuum and an extractor?

The main difference between a vacuum and an extractor is the way they clean surfaces. A vacuum uses suction to remove dirt and debris from the surface, while an extractor uses a combination of hot water and cleaning solutions to remove deep-seated dirt and stains from fibers.

4. When should I use a vacuum and when should I use an extractor?

A vacuum is best for regularly cleaning floors, carpets, and other surfaces, while an extractor is ideal for occasional deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery. If you have pets or small children who frequently make messes, using an extractor periodically can ensure your carpets and upholstery stay clean and hygienic.

Further reading: What Happens If You Don\’t Use A Filter In A Shop Vac?