In the world of cleaning and maintenance, there are numerous tools and machines available to help us clean various surfaces, furniture and other items. Two such machines are extractor and shop vac. Both are extremely popular and of great help to people who clean on a regular basis. However, many people often get confused between the two and wonder what is the difference between an extractor and a shop vac?
What is an Extractor?
Firstly, let’s talk about what an extractor is. Extractors, also known as carpet extractors, are cleaning machines specially used for cleaning carpets and upholstery. The main function of an extractor is to deep clean the carpets and get rid of all the dirt, dust, and other contaminants that often get trapped inside carpets. Extractors work by injecting a cleaning solution into the carpet fibers and then vacuuming it out, along with all the dirt and grime, using a powerful suction motor. Some extractors use heat or steam to help loosen dirt and stains.
What is a Shop Vac?
On the other hand, a shop vac, also known as a wet/dry vacuum, is a versatile cleaning machine that can be used for both wet and dry messes, such as water spills, dust, debris, and other substances. It has a very powerful suction motor that can suck up both liquids and solids. Shop vacs come in various sizes, shapes and with a variety of accessories to clean every nook and cranny. They are mostly used by people who deal with woodworking, metal fabrication and other similar activities, to clean up dust and debris generated by these processes. They are also used for cleaning garages, workshops, and other areas of the home.
The Key Differences Between the Two
Apart from the obvious difference in the type of cleaning they are used for, there are several other differences between extractors and shop vacs. Below are some key differences:
1. Purpose
The primary purpose of an extractor is to deep clean carpets and upholstery. Shop vacs, on the other hand, are primarily designed to clean wet and dry spills, debris and dust from hard floors, garages, workshops, and other areas.
2. Suction Power
Extractors have less suction power compared to shop vacs. This is because their primary function is to clean carpets and upholstery, which can be easily damaged if too much suction power is used. Shop vacs have a much higher suction power, which allows them to clean more stubborn messes, such as sawdust, metal shavings, and other hard-to-reach particles.
3. Water Capacity
Extractors can hold quite a bit of water and cleaning solution, as they are designed to deep clean carpets and upholstery. Shop vacs, on the other hand, have a shorter time span for holding water or other liquids. This is because, in most cases, they are used to clean spills and other wet messes that are not required to be held for a long time.
4. Size and Mobility
Extractors are generally larger and heavier than shop vacs. They require more space and are not very mobile, making them unsuitable for cleaning areas with limited space. Shop vacs, on the other hand, come in various sizes and are designed to be mobile, making them perfect for cleaning tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas.
Conclusion
Extractors and shop vacs are two popular cleaning machines that can help keep your home or workplace clean and tidy. While both of them are effective in their respective areas of cleaning, they serve different purposes and have different features. If you need a machine that can deep clean carpets and upholstery, then an extractor is the right choice for you. However, if you need a machine to clean spills, debris, and other messes around your home or workplace, then a shop vac will work best.
Read Also: Is A Car Vacuum Better Than A Regular Vacuum?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an extractor?
An extractor is a tool that is designed to remove large amounts of liquid from a surface. It is commonly used in industries such as agriculture, automotive, and construction.
What is a shop vac?
A shop vac, also called a wet/dry vac, is a vacuum cleaner designed to pick up wet and dry debris. It is commonly used in workshops, garages, and construction sites.
What is the difference between an extractor and a shop vac?
The main difference between an extractor and a shop vac is the purpose that they serve. Extractors are specifically designed for extracting liquids from surfaces, while shop vacs are intended for picking up debris from floors and surfaces.
Can a shop vac be used as an extractor?
While shop vacs are not designed as extractors, some models may be able to handle light extraction tasks. However, it is important to check the specifications of your shop vac to ensure that it is capable of handling the liquid you need to extract.
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