Extractors & Steam Cleaners

An extractor or steam cleaner deals with the dirt a vacuum cannot shift: stains, spills and grime worked into seats and carpets, and sticky residue in seams, vents and cup holders. Both machines here are from Kiam: the Aquarius Pro Valet, a spray extraction cleaner that sprays solution into the fabric and sucks it straight back out, and the Aquarius Pro Steam, a multi-purpose steam cleaner.

How to choose

• Extractor for fabric seats, carpets and mats: it rinses the fibres and pulls the dirty water back out.
• Steam for hard surfaces and tight spots: hot steam loosens sticky spills and ground-in grime so a microfibre wipes it off, with little or no chemical.
• On heavily soiled fabric, steam loosens the grime first and the extractor then rinses it out.

Good to know

• Vacuum first: the extractor is for dirt in the fibres, not loose grit.
• Pre-treat stains with a cleaner from Carpet & Fabric Cleaners, then fill the machine with a low-foam extraction detergent or plain water; foaming shampoo fills the waste tank with suds.
• Keep steam off screens, instrument panels and the headlining, where heat and moisture can loosen the glue.

Is it okay to steam clean a car interior?

Yes, on the right surfaces: steam loosens sticky spills and ground-in grime on hard surfaces and in tight spots, so a microfibre wipes it away with little or no chemical. Screens, instrument panels and headlining should stay steam-free, as the heat and moisture can loosen their glue.

Related: Workshop, Machines & Storage, Vacuums and Hoovers, Carpet & Fabric Cleaners, Fabric, Carpet & Upholstery. Popular brands here: Kiam Power Products.