Carpets are comparatively soft surfaces and can catch dirt easily. Cleaning them can be tiring, as the dirt or stains take time to remove. Besides, using too many cleaning agents can make the job more difficult and even damage the material. Proper cleaning wands suited for the carpet material are crucial to making the job easier.
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Desirable features to look for
To decide on the correct model of a cleaning wand, one must look for a few basic features. Proper carpet cleaning wands usually contain these features and help the user use the wand more efficiently.
Low-to-moderate output power
Carpet-cleaning wands are used to clean soft surfaces – mainly carpets, besides upholstery, mats, etc. These soft surfaces are delicate, and too much output power from any cleaning machine can significantly damage the material. Instead of output power, quality wands focus on the technical aspects of the cleaning process, which help them keep pace.
Output temperature
Carpet-cleaning wands have conventionally provided low-temperature output, which seems ideal, given the delicate nature of the material. Nevertheless, these wands have evolved to provide high-temperature output, with a temperature-moderating mechanism in-built. These can provide temperatures of up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. The concerned user should decide on the type of output temperature demanded accordingly.
Quick cleaning
Ideal cleaning wands contain multiple temperature nodes and heating elements. It helps in the quick adjustment of temperature and quick cleaning, thus adding to the efficiency of the wand. Besides, the wand should not be difficult to operate.
Efficient wands
Wands are the most crucial part of these machines. These wands work by injecting a mixture of cleaning agents and water into the carpet and then extracting it. After allowing the cleaning agents to act upon the surface, these wands start agitating it – the more rigorous the agitating process, the better the cleaning process. To increase the power and efficiency of the agitation, many of these machines come with multiple wands.
Low flow technology
A matter of concern while cleaning carpets is the drying time. Most users will want to use their carpets as soon as possible after cleaning. If the cleaning process leaves the carpet wet for a long time after cleaning, it might be unsettling. Besides, using a wet surface might invite more dirt. Thus ideal wands are rug steam cleaner ones with low flow technology, which limits the amount of output flowing to the surface while not compromising on the cleaning efficiency. These cleaners ensure that the carpet dries up within two-six hours. As a bonus, they help in minimizing water shortage.
Types of carpet-cleaning wands
After the desirable features have been looked at, the types of carpet-cleaner wands available in the market need consideration. It will help the user shortlist the right pick for their needs and make cleaning easier.
S-bend tube wand
These wands contain a typical s-shaped bend in their tube. This bend provides a broader cleaning head and a more comfortable grip for handling. Consequently, it is much more resistant to wear and tear from rough use. Due to its efficient shape, it is much more lightweight and keeps pace with cleaning, helping in quick yet efficient cleaning. Due to its broader cleaning head, there is space for more than one jet valve, thus accommodating greater spray coverage and efficiency.
Dual Jet wand
This type of cleaner wand is made explicitly for greater spray volume in a shorter time. Since it uses lesser resources, it provides a cleaner and gentler finish. The wand is usually made of stainless steel and is durable – resistant to rough use. It has a broader vacuum shoe and high-pressure valves for excellent spray coverage. Nevertheless, this higher spray volume can very well create oversprays, damaging the cleaning process and the carpet material. To prevent this, it has a mesh splash guard.
Upholstery wand
Unlike the others, this wand is equipped to clean upholstery, carpets, and mats equally easily. Due to this versatility, which gives it the edge, it efficiently cleans the toughest stains and the tightest corners. This wand contains the features of a broader head, dual jets, a splash guard, and a durable design. Besides, it is lightweight, and its vertical height allows upright cleaning.
Auto detailing wand
This wand specializes in disconnecting fittings. It has tight fittings for drip-free cleaning, yet they can be easily disconnected quickly as per requirement. This wand is corrosion and rust-resistant, besides being durable as the other models. It can tackle dirt easily and provides upholstery services too. They come in commendable lighter weights.
Heavy-duty wand
These wands come in single-jets, dual-jets, and multiple-jet varieties. These are explicitly built for heavy cleaning, comprising longer work hours and strenuous cleaning over larger carpets. They come with goose-necked tubes for broader cleaning heads and high-pressure brass valves for more robust yet controllable sprays. They usually carry stainless steel builds for durable performance.
Considerations to make while buying
There are a few final considerations before the user purchases a model of their choice. They are already acquainted with the preferable features and the types of carpet-cleaning wands available. These final considerations will help narrow down the choice further.
Assembly
It is always preferable that the user choose a model that requires minimum assembling or comes assembled already. Few models come with their parts unassembled. Some even require parts to be assembled from different vendors. Cleaning can get hectic, and assembly should not add to the woes. Assembling and disseminating the wand should be easy.
Price
This consideration may seem general, but it is essential here. Carpet wands come at different prices according to work capacity. Single-stage cleaners usually come at a lower price, while the ones with higher PSI (pounds per square inch) come at higher prices. If the user needs occasional cleaning, they can go for the single-stage ones, while frequent usage can justify buying a higher PSI wand. One might also consider keeping a few wands handy in case emergency cleaning comes up, which is why prices are an important consideration.
Convenience
Like with any other product, convenience is crucial to the proper functioning of the wand and the user. There are quite a few tight corners on carpets, where long hoses and an adjustable wand height might help. Adjustable wands also help the user to adjust the height accordingly to facilitate upright cleaning. If the wand is a heavy-duty one, it can get heavy, where a self-propelling mechanism will come in handy. Besides, a larger tank with separate compartments for cleaning agents and water is helpful – it prevents constant refilling.
Carpets reflect the mood and character of any room they are placed in. Keeping them clean is undoubtedly a top priority, although cleaning them can be tricky. The correct wand model must be picked and used to complement one’s efforts. This article has tried simplifying that process.