When it comes to selecting the right carpet and upholstery vacuum or extractor, understanding the technical specifications can make a significant difference in your cleaning results. Two critical factors to consider are Water Lift and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). These terms might seem technical, but they play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of your cleaning equipment. In this blog, we’ll dive into what Water Lift and CFM mean, which is better for different cleaning situations, and highlight some high and low spec units, including the popular Eclipse Extractor from Clean Craft Products.

What is Water Lift?

Water Lift, measured in inches, refers to the vacuum’s suction power or its ability to lift water vertically. This measurement is critical for determining how effectively a vacuum or extractor can pull out moisture and debris from deep within carpets and upholstery. A higher water lift indicates stronger suction, which is particularly useful for extracting water and dirt embedded deep in thick carpets or upholstered furniture.

• High Water Lift Example: The Eclipse Extractor by Clean Craft Products boasts a powerful water lift of 249 inches, making it exceptionally effective for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery.

• Low Water Lift Example: Entry-level units might offer a water lift of around 60-80 inches, which is typically sufficient for light-duty cleaning but may struggle with more challenging tasks.

What is CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)?

CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, measures the volume of air that the vacuum can move. This is crucial for determining how quickly and efficiently a vacuum can remove dust, dirt, and water. A higher CFM means that the vacuum can move more air, which is ideal for covering large areas and picking up fine debris.

• High CFM Example: A powerful commercial vacuum might offer a CFM of 150-200 CFM, which is excellent for cleaning large carpeted areas quickly and effectively.

• Low CFM Example: Residential or lower-end units may offer a CFM of around 50-100 CFM, which can be adequate for smaller jobs but may take longer to achieve the same results as a higher CFM unit.

Which is Better: Water Lift or CFM?

The answer depends on what you’re cleaning:

• For Deep Carpet Cleaning: Water Lift is more important. High water lift ensures that the vacuum can extract deeply embedded dirt and water from thick carpets, making it ideal for situations where thorough extraction is necessary. The Eclipse Extractor, with its 249-inch water lift, excels in this area, providing powerful suction to remove dirt and moisture effectively.

• For Large Area Cleaning: CFM is more important. High CFM ensures that the vacuum can cover large areas quickly by moving a significant volume of air. This is particularly useful for surface cleaning or when dealing with fine dust and debris across expansive carpeted spaces.

Examples of High and Low Spec Units

• High Water Lift Units:

  • Eclipse Extractor (Clean Craft Products): 249 inches of water lift

  • Mytee 8070 Lite II Heated Carpet Extractor: 130 inches of water lift

• Low Water Lift Units:

  • Bissell Big Green Commercial BG10: 120 inches of water lift

  • Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe: 86 inches of water lift

• High CFM Units:

  • ProTeam Super CoachVac Commercial Backpack Vacuum: 150 CFM

  • Sanitaire SC5845B Commercial Upright Vacuum: 135 CFM

• Low CFM Units:

  • Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Canister Vacuum: 96 CFM

  • Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum: 82 CFM

Choosing the Right Equipment

When choosing between water lift and CFM, consider the type of cleaning you do most frequently. If you need to deep clean carpets and upholstery, prioritize a unit with high water lift. If you’re covering large areas or need to move a lot of air, focus on a unit with high CFM.

The Eclipse Extractor by Clean Craft Products, with its 249-inch water lift, stands out as an excellent choice for deep cleaning, particularly for those who need to extract water and dirt from carpets and upholstery. Its high suction power makes it a reliable option for professional cleaning jobs.

Conclusion

Understanding the balance between water lift and CFM is crucial in selecting the right vacuum or extractor for your cleaning needs. High water lift units are perfect for deep cleaning tasks, while high CFM units are ideal for covering large areas quickly. The Eclipse Extractor from Clean Craft Products, with its impressive specs, is a top choice for professionals seeking powerful extraction capabilities. By choosing the right equipment, you can ensure more efficient and effective cleaning, whether you’re tackling carpets, upholstery, or large floor spaces.