Choosing between a steamer and an extractor for your car cleaning business can feel like standing at a crossroads.
Both have their strengths. Both have their weaknesses. And depending on what you need — deep sanitisation, faster drying, stain removal — the “right” choice might look a little different.

Let’s dive deep, without the marketing fluff, into what really sets them apart.

What Is an Automotive Steamer?

A steamer uses high-temperature vapour to lift dirt, grease and bacteria from surfaces.
You don’t need heavy chemicals. You don’t need litres of water sloshing around inside your car seats. Just the pure power of steam.

Key Advantages of a Steamer:

• Minimal water usage: Perfect for interiors where you don’t want dampness lingering for days.

• Faster drying times: Seats and carpets are often dry within minutes, not hours.

• Natural sanitisation: Steam at over 100°C can kill germs without the need for harsh cleaners.

• Versatile cleaning: Leather seats, dashboard trims, air vents — steam reaches it all.

Limitations:

• Steam alone might struggle with heavy-set stains, especially deep inside fabric fibres.

• Some jobs may still need a follow-up vacuum extraction.

What Is an Automotive Extractor?

An extractor sprays water (usually mixed with cleaning solution) deep into the fabric and immediately vacuums it back out, carrying away dirt and grime.

Key Advantages of an Extractor:

• Deep cleaning for fabrics: Great for pulling out old, set-in stains.

• Heavy-duty stain removal: If a coffee spill has been sitting for months, an extractor can reach it.

• Visible difference: Carpets and seats often look visibly fresher after extraction.

Limitations:

• Long drying times: Interiors can stay wet for hours, sometimes even over a day.

• Risk of over-wetting: Too much water can cause mildew, odours and even fabric shrinkage.

• Less effective for hard surfaces: Extractors shine with fabrics but struggle on plastics, leather or dashboards.

The Real-World Dilemma: Steamer or Extractor?

Honestly, it’s not a simple either/or situation.
If you’re focused purely on refreshing fabric and digging out old stains, an extractor has its place.
If you’re aiming for overall sanitisation, quick turnarounds, and flexibility across all surfaces, a steamer usually wins.

But here’s the truth, most sales pages won’t tell you:
Modern detailers need both functions.
You need the ability to deep clean fabrics and sanitise interiors without soaking them.

Why Settle? Jetvac Brings Both Worlds Together.

If you don’t want to waste time (and money) flipping between machines, a solution like the Jetvac Eco or Jetvac Junior changes the game.

• Steam cleaning for surfaces, vents and leather

• Vacuum extraction for seats and carpets

• Minimal water, maximum result

Instead of asking “steamer or extractor?“
You’ll be asking, “Why didn’t I switch sooner?“

Jetvac lets you offer full-service detailing with just one machine. Smart detailing businesses know: it’s not about choosing sides. It’s about choosing better tools.

You can also find floor cleaning machines designed for professional use.

Choosing between a steamer and an extractor isn’t just about machines.
It’s about how you want to work, what results you promise your customers, and how efficiently you run your business.

If you want to stay versatile, deliver professional results, and speed up your workflow, choosing a dual-function machine like Jetvac is not just smart — it’s essential.