KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

Using rotary extraction tools like the Hydro-Force SX-12 &amp; SX-15 for cleaning hard surfaces is a highly effective process that removes dirt, grime, and stains from various types of flooring such as tiles, concrete, and even grout. The rotary action of the tool agitates the cleaning solution and dislodges debris from the surface, leaving it thoroughly clean and sanitized. It is important to follow this process to ensure a deep and thorough cleaning of hard surfaces, ultimately prolonging their lifespan and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

Use Rotary Extraction Tools For Cleaning Hard Surfaces

A rotary extraction tool - often called a rotary extractor, spinner, or rotary jet extraction head - is a powered cleaning attachment that connects to a carpet or hard surface extraction machine (portable or truckmount).
Inside a sealed dome, one or more motor or water driven discs spin at 60-650 RPM; each disc carries high pressure spray jets that inject cleaning solution downward and matching vacuum slots that immediately recover the dirty slurry.
The rotation delivers hundreds of uniform cleaning passes per minute, giving simultaneous agitation, rinse, and extraction with minimal overspray on surfaces such as tile, grout, stone, concrete, VCT - or, with brush rings, even carpet.
The rotary extraction tool is not a stand alone extractor: it relies on an external machine for its solution pressure (typically 500&ndash;1,500 PSI) and vacuum airflow.

What Is A Rotary Extraction Tool

Floor &amp; grout condition
<ul>
<li>Why it matters: Cracked or hollow grout can be blasted out by high pressure tools.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Actions: Mark damaged sections; drop pressure to &lt;500 psi or hand detail those lines.</li>
</ul>
Dry soil load&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Why it matters: Grit acts like sandpaper and can cloud finishes.</li>
<li>Actions: Sweep/dustmop/vacuum before any wet process.</li>
</ul>
Nearby surfaces&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Why it matters: Overspray from alkaline or acid cleaners can etch stainless or painted walls.</li>
<li>Actions: Mask or towel off adjacent finishes.</li>
</ul>
Place wet floor signs and choose PPE (eye/ear/hand protection). The larger and louder the machine, the more protective gear you&rsquo;ll want &ndash; especially in echo-prone warehouses.

How To Guide Step 1 - Pre-Inspection & Prep

<ul>
<li>Prespray the area being cleaned with your preferred hard surface cleaner (follow manufacturer label instructions).</li>
<li>Apply with a pumpup or inline sprayer; coat grout lines generously and let it dwell 5-10 min - but don&rsquo;t let it dry.</li>
</ul>
Typical Chemistry
<ul>
<li>Neutral pH (6&ndash;8) for day-to-day maintenance on finished floors</li>
<li>Alkaline degreaser (pH 10-12) for kitchens, garages and oily grout lines.</li>
<li>Mild acid/organic salt for mineral, soap scum or urine deposits.</li>
</ul>
Optional agitation
Hand scrub stubborn grout lines with a stiff nylon or stainless grout brush. This breaks the surface tension so the jets can immediately flush soil out of the pores.

How To Guide Step 2 - Prespray & Agitate

Machine Settings:
Solution pressure &nbsp; &nbsp; Everyday porcelain/ceramic: 800-1,200 PSI (sweet spot for soil lift without damage) Heavy-duty stone/greasy kitchen: Up to 1,500 PSI if the tile is sound and you need extra punch Sensitive stone or repaired grout: 500-700 PSI; stay low and test a small area first
Temperature &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 180-200 &deg;F outlet temp; hotter water speeds emulsification but watch soft mastics &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Vacuum airflow
Vacuum Relief Close the spinner&rsquo;s relief vents if you&rsquo;re on a small portable, crack them open on a truckmount so the head glides smoothly.
Running the spinner:
<ul>
<li>Stance &amp; speed: Keep the deck flat, walk backwards 6-12 in/sec, overlapping passes 50 %.</li>
<li>Edge technique: Hold the outside lip &frac12;" off the baseboard to stop overspray. Finish corners with a detail wand or brush.</li>
<li>Watch your stroke: If water starts to pool, slow down or open vacuum relief a hair until recovery matches flow.</li>
</ul>

How To Guide Step 3 - Machine Settings & Extraction

Rinse &amp; neutralise (follow manufacturer label)
<ul>
<li>When you&rsquo;ve covered the section, do a quick water only pass or swap to a neutral rinse to remove alkalinity. This stops residue haze that re-attracts soil.</li>
</ul>
Dry the floor fast
<ul>
<li>Set an airmover or axial fan</li>
<li>Rapid drying helps eliminate potential for efflorescence (wicking of salts to the surface of grout joints due to moisture) and prepares grout better to receive sealer.</li>
</ul>
Apply sealer to grout (if applicable)
<ul>
<li>Sealer will strengthen grout, repel soils and oils and make it easier to clean going forward.</li>
<li>Be sure to follow instructions for preparing the floor to receive sealer, and ensuring proper application of the sealer.</li>
</ul>

How To Guide Step 4 - Finishing

<ul>
<li>Flush jets for 10-15 sec and visually confirm an even fan. Replace or descale if the spinner stops rotating smoothly.</li>
<li>Pop the stainless mesh filter and rinse any grit.</li>
<li>Rinse the dome and brush ring, store the head bristles up so they don&rsquo;t curl.</li>
</ul>

How To Guide Step 5 - End Of Job Tool Care

Deck won&rsquo;t spin&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Likely cause: Clogged jets, under 500 PSI, or air in line&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fix: Clean/replace jets; reprime line; verify pump pressure.</li>
</ul>
Tool &ldquo;suction-cups&rdquo; to the floor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Likely cause: Excess airflow&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fix: Slide vacuum relief open until head glides.</li>
</ul>
Streaks or shadowing&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Likely cause: Moving too fast or chemical dried&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fix: Prespray again, scrub, slow your pace.</li>
</ul>
Grout blow-outs
<ul>
<li>Likely cause: Pressure too high on damaged grout&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fix: Drop to 500-700 PSI, switch to a hard surface wand.</li>
</ul>

Common Pitfalls & Fixes

<img style="width: 322px; height: 161px;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/Hydro-ForceSXTools.jpg" alt="Hydro-ForceSXTools.jpg">
For equipment selection consider factors such as the size of the tool, brush type, and compatibility with cleaning solutions to ensure optimal cleaning results. Selecting the right equipment is crucial for achieving effective and efficient cleaning performance.
Choose the Hydro-Force SX-12 &amp; SX-15 sold by Safety Express &amp; Aramsco:
SX-12 Features:
<ul>
<li>Fast&nbsp;- Low profile allows the unit to fit under toe kicks</li>
<li>Durable&nbsp;- Quality components will handle operating pressures from 700 to 1,500 PSI so you can blast away oily deposits</li>
<li>Ergonomic&nbsp;-&nbsp;Lightweight construction makes it feel like the machine is floating along the floor</li>
<li>Easy access inline filter makes cleaning the filter a snap</li>
<li>Non-fatiguing: glides easily over the floor</li>
</ul>
SX-15 Features:
<ul>
<li>Fast&nbsp;- Industry-leading 15" cleaning path allows you to clean 25% faster than 12" models</li>
<li>Durable&nbsp;- Quality components will handle operating pressures from 700 to 2,600 PSI so you can blast away oily deposits</li>
<li>Ergonomic&nbsp;-&nbsp;Lightweight construction makes it feel like the machine is floating along the floor</li>
<li>EZ-LOC boot uses no screws or pop rivets, simply release three locking levers to change your boot on the fly</li>
<li>Low profile allows the unit to fit under toe kicks</li>
<li>Easy access inline filter makes cleaning the filter a snap</li>
<li>Stainless steel handle and high-tech polymer casing will take a beating and ask for more</li>
</ul>
For Canada visit <a href="https://www.safetyexpress.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.safetyexpress.com</a> &nbsp;
For US visit <a href="https://www.aramsco.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.aramsco.com</a>
See attached documents for Hydro-Force SX-12 &amp; SX-15 product specifications and manuals