Choosing the Best Upholstery Machine for Your Carpet Cleaning Business

Choosing the right upholstery machine can make or break the efficiency, professionalism, and profit margins of your carpet cleaning business. Whether you're expanding your services or just starting out, the right equipment saves time, boosts client satisfaction, and ensures long-lasting performance. With so many machines on the market, each suited to different job sizes and materials, it’s critical to select the right one.

In this guide, we’ll break down key features, machine types, and help you match your services to the best carpet and upholstery machines available in Australia. Whether you're handling small touch-ups or large-scale commercial jobs, we’ve got you covered.

What Makes a Great Upholstery Machine?

A professional upholstery machine needs to deliver powerful suction, efficient water recovery, and deep extraction without damaging fabrics. Here’s what to look for:

• Strong suction and water lift: Faster drying times and deeper cleaning

• Adjustable pressure and spray rates: Essential for delicate fabrics vs. durable carpets

• Portable and ergonomic design: Makes residential and commercial jobs easier

• Durable tanks and construction: For long-term, repeated use

• Compatible tools: Upholstery wands, crevice tools, and stair tools make a big difference

Whether you’re doing auto detailing, spot cleaning, or full-room extraction, having the right machine enhances both results and operator comfort.

Featured Upholstery Machines at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the best upholstery and carpet extractors you can buy in Australia, available now:

Portable Options for Mobile Upholstery Cleaning

If you do mobile detailing or service residential clients, portability is everything. The Truvox Hydromist Lite Spotter is a perfect lightweight option. Weighing just 10kg, it’s ideal for:

• Quick spills and spot removal

• Upholstery in cafes, hotels, or lounges

• Car interiors and small rugs

Another compact yet powerful unit is the Cleanstar Cutlass, offering a generous 30L recovery tank and powerful suction for fast drying—great for regular contract cleaning.

Best Machines for Commercial Carpet and Upholstery Work

If you're dealing with high-traffic areas or large floor spaces, consider machines with higher water lift and tank capacities. Here are your best bets:

• Surevac Pro1600 – Exceptional cleaning power and large tank for sustained operation

• Jetwave Storm – Twin vacuum motors deliver high-performance cleaning across wide areas

• Cleanstar P50 – Balanced for both professional upholstery and full-room carpets

These machines are built for commercial settings such as hotels, event venues, gyms, and office buildings.

Heavy-Duty Industrial Options for Restoration and High-Demand Work

For the most intensive jobs like flood recovery, restoration, or construction cleanup, opt for machines with maximum capacity and durability.

• Cleanstar EX-FACTOR – Dual-purpose with 80L tank and wet/dry function

• Jetwave Rio – Handles the toughest extraction jobs, with top-tier specs

These units provide uninterrupted operation for hours and are built for long-term durability.

Upholstery Machine Buying Tips

When comparing machines, consider these extra factors:

• Tank access and emptying: Quick-drain systems save time

• Included tools: Wands, hand tools, and crevice tools boost versatility

• Noise level: A concern for indoor and after-hours work

• Warranty and support: Choose machines backed by reputable brands like Cleanstar, Jetwave, and Surevac

Also, think ahead: is your business expanding? Buy with tomorrow’s needs in mind.

Final Thoughts: Choosing What Works Best for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. For mobility, start with the Hydromist Lite Spotter. For all-around versatility, the Cleanstar Cutlass is a great bet. Need serious power? You can’t go wrong with the Surevac Pro1600 or Jetwave Rio.

Explore the full range of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Machines here and equip your business with gear that’s built to perform and made to last.

Ready to upgrade? We’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between a carpet extractor and an upholstery cleaner?

A carpet extractor is designed to clean large floor areas by injecting water and solution deep into carpet fibres and extracting it with powerful suction. An upholstery cleaner, while similar in function, is usually more compact and designed for delicate or vertical surfaces like couches, chairs, mattresses, and car interiors. Many machines, like the Cleanstar Cutlass, are dual-purpose and can do both with the right attachments.

Do I need a machine with a HEPA filter?

If you’re cleaning in healthcare, schools, or homes with allergy sufferers, a machine with HEPA filtration can be a big advantage. It captures fine dust and allergens that standard filters may miss, improving indoor air quality and meeting sensitive environment requirements.

What size water tank is best?

• For spot cleaning and light jobs, a smaller 6L–30L tank (like the Truvox Hydromist Lite) is ideal.

• For medium to large commercial jobs, 35L–60L tanks (e.g., Ghibli V-M9P) provide a good balance of capacity and mobility.

• For heavy-duty or restoration work, larger tanks up to 80L (EX-FACTOR, Jetwave Rio) minimise refill downtime and support extended operation.

How often should I clean the filters?

Regular filter cleaning improves suction power and machine longevity. Machines like the Cleanstar P50 often include easy-access filter systems for quick maintenance. Check and clean filters after every few uses or as instructed in your product manual.

Can I use these machines on car interiors?

Absolutely. Machines like the Hydromist Lite Spotter and Cleanstar Cutlass are perfect for carpeted flooring, seats, and fabric panels in vehicles. Use appropriate upholstery tools for tight areas and curved surfaces.

Do these machines heat the water?

Most machines in this category are cold water extractors, but many can handle warm tap water (not boiling). Always check manufacturer guidelines. Heated extractors tend to be more expensive but can boost cleaning performance for oily or heavily soiled fabrics.