Does A Carpet Cleaning Business Need A Truckmount?

[@MrSteamFranchising]

When you need it super clean, hire Mr. Steam! mrsteamfranchising.com/locations

[@nickc5085]

I started with a good portable and now have a titan 575 tm. I appreciate the portable and learning on one but what a game changer a truck mount is! If you can afford it and plan on cleaning carpet for years to come, invest in a TM.

[@kluge4206]

Lol,I just purchased an older van with a cleanco unit in it. I first ran a truck mount in about 1985,then continued with it for a little while as it complimented the janitorial service well that I took over in 1986.Looking back though I should have promoted the carpet cleaning more,as it was a pretty decent money maker in terms of an hourly rate.Then I tried using rental portables to address the carpets of my clients and even ended up leasing a ninja when they were fairly new on the market. I had a second truck mount in my career at some point as well, but never developed it's potential either as I had a vac truck service I was focused on. I am located now in northern Alberta and am curious to apply everything I have experienced into making a go of carpet cleaning and vehicle detailing, if you keep an eye out, an individual can pick up a truck mount for well under 10g,to your listeners that are interested in this type of business, but perhaps have never done it, I would suggest taking a course from an accredited professional or at the least ,work for a reputable company and see if it's something you want to do before buying your own equipment, you might even end up buying your employer's company, lol. As for the debate over which unit is better, there are determining factors, with little experience, the portable may be better suited,it will probably target a certain sector of the available market, especially the harder to reach higher floors. For me the truckmount is much preferred, firstly, it gives me transportation as a vehicle, but a vehicle that can potentially earn me a living. Secondly, the volume of water and suction I can bring to rinse the carpet is well worth the extra hoses I need to handle and equipment that I need to maintain. Then there's the unbeatable versatility of being able to operate even if there is no electric available or perhaps detailing a vehicle in the middle of a parking lot or campsite. Pressure washing is another probable service that a truck mount can be tuned up to do. There may be more that I have missed, but another undeniable thing is the presence that is part of the truck mount experience that many customers have a lot of respect for, there's something about just the two clean hoses coming in the house,and all the dirt heading out to the street. Anyway, just a few thoughts to ponder. God bless and happy cleaning.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Thanks for sharing! Those are good points

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Great comment! I agree that a truckmount generally impresses the customer more than a portable. Both models work, but you feel like a real pro with a truckmount. I hope that your business has been a success. Where in Alberta are you operating?

[@kluge4206]

@@MrSteamFranchising I am in the northern community of Grande Prairie. I am more or less waiting for spring to get motivated and busy,haven’t performed a job yet for pay as I’m driving truck in the meantime.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Totally optional, but if you find that you need help with the marketing side you could open a Mr. Steam and then I'd do your website for you, provide lots of content for your google and social media profiles, etc. We're at 11 now. We have a guy in St Albert and Saskatoon but Grand Prairie isn't claimed yet

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Then you'd get our online booking software too which would be convenient if you're still working another job. Customers can just book themselves in

[@stevensides88]

500 psi is plenty. I use 300-350 on a butler. The truth is to do a good job,as I always tell my helpers “it’s just repetition and giving a damn”

[@keithchapman1477]

I have been in the cleaning business for many years. My thoughts.... Firstly it may depend on weather conditions. Ask your self... what is a truck mounted vacuum/pressure washer. Lets face it, say what it is. The longer/fatter your hoses are the more CFM needed. From what i see very few people will CRB. I have found the best combination is the orbot sprayborg and a very good extractor. For extraction i use a walk behind extractor that goes forward/backwards. The cost is similar to set up if you buy different machines.... lardge/small. The good news is there is no restriction on type of job. You will need a good size van. The key is chemistry...

[@toom8rs15]

I use a Hydramaster PEX 500 portable 500psi pump and dual 3 stage vacs plus heat I generally set pressure at 175/200 psi More importantly I changed the jets out to 01 on all my wands I’ve done nasty CGD and greasy filthy restaurant carpets with this setup with AWESOME results The heat is key as is good chemistry and agitation - I use a NAMCO 5000 crb with amazing results Not a speedy process - lots of dry passes and fans down asap as I go along I use a multi step process that in the end has me at about 400/600 sq ft per hour complete If I just pre spray and extract I’m closer to 800/1000 sq ft per hr I charge a flat rate that generally works out to between $50/$75 per hour I leave clean and dry carpets for my clients This is not easy work but it is satisfying Thanks for showing portables in a positive and realistic light

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Thank you for adding your knowledge and experience! That process sounds ideal

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Thanks for watching and for the realistic insight. Portables are really great. It's all you really *need*, though I can understand why some people invest in a TM

[@lightscanadaaction]

From where u buy hydra master?any supplier in ontario

[@pi_husky4485]

Totally! As nice and powerful truckmounts are, I just cant afford the 20k + for a machine and its maintenance right now. So what Iv done is kinda like turning a portable into a truckmount! I use an Eclipse (4vac - 2heat model) mounted in my van. And I got the auto dump and fill kits piped into tanks, hose reels, etc. And Im powering it with a generator. This way I don’t have to drag the machine in and out of a customers house, at the same time it makes the job faster and there is no heavy or loud machines in the home, Just run my hoses and Im set!

[@MrSteamFranchising]

That's sweet! Thanks for sharing. I've thought of doing a setup like this before. What generator do you have?

[@pi_husky4485]

@@MrSteamFranchising Its a genmax 9000 watt

[@MrSteamFranchising]

@@pi_husky4485 this is smart. Starting with a portable and then converting it into a budget TM later on 🤔

[@pi_husky4485]

@@MrSteamFranchising Yeah, I looked around on the internet too and apparently Im not the only one! And if I ever need to do a high rise where my hoses dont reach I can just pull the machine out

[@MrSteamFranchising]

That's awesome! I found this guy's setup too which is smart and cost effective: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6mwZKeIidJgers

[@renierbatista6874]

Hi. I would like to buy one

[@Georgeqaws]

First comment! I enjoyed the comparison and explanation. I noticed with the portable there is also a 500 PSI option for a little more money, but it is heavier. You mentioned more PSI is better for commercial commercial. So do you recommend getting the 200 PSI version and then later getting the 500 PSI version if you end up doing a lot of commercial jobs to get them done slightly faster?

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. I've used both machines on commercial carpet. To be honest, it just depends what kind of situation you're running into. Nice office building that already looks clean but they want to "remove the dust mites", you'll get in and out with no problem. Busy restaurant with carpeted booths? That extra PSI will not save you. You need a truckmount with lots of heat and vacuum power. Plus really good chemicals.

[@lovingeachothernow]

If you can afford a 500 psi now it's best to get a 500 psi now, instead of getting it later because when you upgrade it costs more to upgrade because you're spending money in 2 machines instead of one, plus if you have a 500 psi now you can do bigger jobs gradually as the come instead of upgrading to a 500 psi later to do bigger jobs.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

@@lovingeachothernow True. I guess it depends how strong you are. 500 PSI pumps are heavy. I have both and never use my 500 PSI machine because it's 110 lbs versus 90lbs for the 200 PSI machine

[@MrSteamFranchising]

An underrated consideration is the weight of the machine. I have a 500PSI machine that I never use anymore because it's 110lbs versus my 200PSI machine that is 90lbs. Personally, I use the Ninja 200D for everything

[@danielstuessi8915]

I've had tm and went back to portable only. I have heaters but I still take the time and steps to make up for less than steaming hot water that tm has, and as you said more dry passes.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

In your opinion, do you think it's better to run a business with a TM or portable? I find that portable is more profitable when I do my financials. Though every once in a while a customer wants the TM

[@redcrimson1028]

​@MrSteamFranchising makes perfect sense. Logically, once u start making loads of money, you're going to step it up to a truck mount to run along aide the portable when needed, they compliment each other. As a carper cleaner, you suppose to have all equipment at your disposal.

[@japhettolivera3476]

Hi, Thank you for this video! Really makes things easier to understand. Now, I run my own business of carpet cleaning. Just started actually. I currently have a Five Star F01TR for the carpets and tile and grout. Can you please share your opinion about this particular machine and if you have any suggestions or recommendations? Please I will appreciate it.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Hey! Is this the machine you're talking about? www.rentquip.com/item.php?id=797 I don't really know much about self contained units like that. It seems to only have 50 psi and no heat so I don't think it would be very good for cleaning tile/grout. I would try to save up for a different style portable machine. It will make your life easier because you'll have better results and happier customers. Check out our equipment video, it should be helpful to you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/haulqaKgarl2n9k

[@japhettolivera3476]

@@MrSteamFranchising Thank you!

[@japhettolivera3476]

@@MrSteamFranchising Yes! That is the one.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

@@japhettolivera3476 I just released a video I made filming one of my franchisee's vans. It's titled "Budget Carpet Cleaning Van Tour", check it out. That should give you a good sense of where to start!

[@顾立晨]

I used to clean carpet with Ninja 500. And now sometime I still use it to clean some apartments with good result. The reason I use TM is people here pay for the equipment. They think TM clean much better than portable. But that's not 100% right. And if you do some water extraction portable would be more effective. After all I love my TM, but TM is not all.

[@redcrimson1028]

Very true statement sir. I'm be damn if I let a customer tell me what's better, if they knew more than the carpet man, then they should do it themselves. Ninjas are great, I started with that. Which do u think is better, rotovac or ninja? Oh yeah, are clean freak portable extractor any good?

[@AlCampo76]

I am currently using a Bissell Big Green. It's been rubbished here, but it does the job - not efficient, it tires me out, so I am ordering a bigger portable from China (Elerein DTJ1A). I don't see myself using a truck mount or even using a road vehicle. A small electric trolley/wagon and the underground(metro) in London. So far, I have successfully done two jobs using the Underground and trolley to carry everything.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Wow that's such a different market. A good portable and a wagon to carry your accessories should do the trick. I use a similar set up when I clean high rise condos

[@elic5355]

You can do a ETM set up with the vortex lite,it has auto fill and auto dump for about $3800

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Do you have that setup? If so, do you also fit a large generator in the vehicle or run two extension cords from the house?

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Yeah that's a good option too! I also recently found a guy who built his own truckmount which looked pretty cool, I'll link it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6mwZKeIidJgers

[@redcrimson1028]

Thank u mr clean for the beyond helpful information

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Of course! Thanks for watching

[@omv777]

Hi What brand portable do you recommend ?

[@MrSteamFranchising]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/haulqaKgarl2n9k

[@ChucksterOLove]

I worked steam cleaning carpets for almost 5 years. The sad reality is that steam CLEANS really well, BUT steam also WARPS CARPETS. After 3 to 5 steam cleanings, carpets will start getting bumps and ripples. Then the customer will have to hire a carpet guy to come and restretch the carpet to get out the bumps and ripples. You do NOT need a truck mounted steam cleaner to effectively clean carpets. Hot tap water will work just fine for cleaning, and won't warp carpets.... 😉👌

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Well said! Steaming hot water will also damage most pumps on portable extractors. Hot tap water is the way

[@redcrimson1028]

You're absolutely right! I been using hot tattoo water for years and it cleaned like a champ

[@peteluv2705]

💯 man I keep telling people about the problem's that show up after stream cleaning. Especially with how hot these guys are getting it now.

[@Zyyrus]

So true! I noticed this on my carpets they started getting saggy over time.

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

Great video imo ! .. but many are turning to tiles.. so enough psi to run a spinner or a wand is maybe worth contemplating

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Thanks! Many portables have between 500-1000 PSI too. 1 corded unit = ESteam E500 2 corded unit = ESteam E1200

[@MrSteamFranchising]

I hate tile and grout though, pays less and is less pleasant. You need a monster portable machine with 2 cords or a truckmount for tile

[@extremecarpetcleaning-wvwi86]

Two air hogs and a water otter and a generator for 1 air hog and the pump then plug other air hog in the house you can just run extension cords and keep everything in the van. Then you have 400cfm and if you hook to a sink you have hot water. Eventually you can get a propane heater. But that set up is better than most truckmounts. You can really just run one airhog for short runs.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

I built something similar to this in the past, used this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4ilq55-aN5qaa8si=hSboRxC3YDm-vs3U Mounted a hot water tank in my van and swapped the elements for ones that plug into a regular 2 prong plug. Was nice to have all the water I needed already in the truck. Ultimately I went back to the Ninja 200 portable because it was simpler for employees to learn and use

[@newcreation07]

How will you inject your rinsing chemical? Can’t extract with just plain water.

[@extremecarpetcleaning-wvwi86]

@@newcreation07 I never use rinse. Even with my truckmount. I pre spray and rinse with water. No difference in the outcome.

[@newcreation07]

@@extremecarpetcleaning-wvwi86 I disagree. You’re leaving residue behind and not balancing the ph level. But you clean however you want to

[@MrSteamFranchising]

I've been exploring the world of homemade truckmounts recently, it's pretty cool, this guy has a really nice build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6mwZKeIidJgers I still love my portable set-up though

[@geraldarteaga4396]

How long does it take per job? Ik it depends on how much carpet but time wise how long does it take?

[@MrSteamFranchising]

@@geraldarteaga4396 Rule of thumb based on my current pricing is $100/hr. $300 job, 3 hours. Keep in mind, there are expenses, so we're not getting super rich here pocketing $100/hour but it's still a good living!

[@MrSteamFranchising]

An average suburban home where we are (3 bedroom, 1 hallway, 1 staircase) is typically 2-3 hours from equipment unload to fully packed up.

[@NicoNico-te2tk]

Can you attach the Zipper to a portable machine?

[@MrSteamFranchising]

It's not recommended, the portable will perform better with a wand. Thanks for the question!

[@MrSteamFranchising]

It's generally not recommended

[@seanhiatt6736]

I usually bonnet clean commercial glue down carpet rather than extract.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

What machine do you use? I rented one and didn't like the results but it was probably the wrong setup since it seems popular

[@seanhiatt6736]

@MrSteamFranchising I use DS2 (from excellent supply) and encapsulation product, any decent orbital machine will work.

[@alextchuisseu1158]

How can I contact you ??!

[@MrSteamFranchising]

[e-mail]

[@francobaschetti]

im confused are the portables carpet cleaners call vacums, steamers or extractors cause im leasining in other videos to all of this names

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Vacuum = no water Extractor = hot water Steamer = actual steam (usually auto) People mix up the names a lot. What I'm talking about is technically an extractor

[@francobaschetti]

@@MrSteamFranchising thanks your videos are great love them can some portable machines been used as a vacuum and also as an extractor at the same time ?

[@MrSteamFranchising]

@@francobaschetti Extractor filters are made of spaced metal wire, rubber and a ping pong ball. When the water in the waste tank gets high enough, the ping pong ball floats to the top of the ABS pipe attached to the vacuum motors and blocks the airflow. Vacuum filters are made of fabric with microscopic space. If you use an extractor like a vacuum, debris will very likely get through the filter, go through the vacuum motor, and be blown into the room out of the machine. This will cause a mess and break the vacuum motors prematurely. Generally, I'd suggest using a regular vacuum. Or create a custom fabric filter for your extractor (zip tie a regular vacuum fabric filter onto the extractor's metal filter, etc.)

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Extractors, but sometimes people call them steam cleaners. Generally you need a vacuum as a separate machine. Small debris can damage extractors since they're designed to handle water. You could build a unique filter for the extractor to make it work as a vacuum, but it's simpler to just buy a vacuum

[@alreadylost6587]

Well my friend back surgery is expensive.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

I'm in Canada, so it's free... but a long wait lol

[@Rainbow-nn3rl]

we have been carpet cleaners for over 45 years. And this is just my opinion but if you want to kill yourself quickly use a portable every day it's just truly annoying. The wear and tear on your body is just terrible. We do use a couple of portables in our carpet cleaning plant for various applicationsbut honestly out in the field the truck mount is necessary

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Yeah I feel it (lower back and right shoulder). However I mostly wear out from the actual work, not carrying the machine (scrubbing dog hair off couches being the worst 😋). I buy all the gadgets to make it more comfortable, but it's just a physical job!

[@evgeniisemanov3399]

Use VLM or a truckmount. Using a portable on every job is a joke lol

[@MrSteamFranchising]

I like the porty life. Even with a truckmount we end up using the portable a lot, especially for upholstery

[@evgeniisemanov3399]

@@MrSteamFranchising why? Cleaning with a truckmount is a lot easier and faster. And it looks more professional to the customer

[@MrSteamFranchising]

@@evgeniisemanov3399 it just depends on the situation. Big empty house with a private driveway = truckmount all day, everytime Delicate 3 seat sofa and the customer doesn't want the front door cracked open because she doesn't want bugs to fly in during the appointment = portable My city also has a lot of high rise apartments downtown so a portable is a must for them. Or VLM would also work like you suggest

[@williamboyle8918]

A rage truckmount is worse than a Ninja.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

Ninjas are beasts... I have lots of shorts uploaded showing impressive results, such as: kzbin.info8fbqKbl2JWc?si=__szEDN7_EQcEyr-

[@shawnsturgeon1014]

No! Just find a good portable.

[@MrSteamFranchising]

I mostly agree. It just depends what your business priorities are. Building a truckmount might be a good option too if you're handy

[@shawnsturgeon1014]

I’m 5 months late lol. I’m 5 months smarter than I was. Truck mounts are extremely important ( up to 200ft ). I have a makeshift ETM, I decided to go with mighty Air Hog and Water hog partnered with VLM. Hey, thanks for the video man!

[@MrSteamFranchising]

and thanks for watching! I'm glad that things are going well with you 🙂

[@classiccarpetcaresteamclea9709]

man i have a dual 3 stage heated and im sorry but there is just no comparison.. there is a reason more than half of the customers in my area will kick you out when they see a porty.. portys may be able to do the same work given enough time and 3x the skill but customers dont want you there that long... if you are using a porty its cause you are just being cheap and in my market you wouldnt be giving the customer what they are paying for... i started with a porty and lets just be real.. they stink. yes TMs are more expensive but they are actually professional standard your $3k porty isnt in the customers best intrest except for very few jobs. If my IT guys showed up with a 186 computer id kick him out same as a carpet cleaner showing up with 80s technology.. i started with a ninja 500h went up to a spitfire 3.2 then a panther 18hp then a commander HO and now a 870ss so i have been thru all phases and i can tell you 100% i wasnt doing as good as i needed to untill i got to the panther 18hp 36 blower.. i know none of you guys wanna hear this but if your a ok cleaner with a porty you could rule the roost with a TM. but im sick of going behind fly-by-night start-ups drying up their porty messes. raise the bar. porty guys just making excuses not to elevate their game.