Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaning head having a suction nozzle adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned, and a hair collection assembly provided on the cleaning head and having a hair collection element adapted to collect hair from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head moves along the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam/vacuum mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned and a vacuum source mounted to at least one of the foot assembly and the handle assembly and in communication with multiple suction inlets, where one of the suction inlets are intermittently blocked.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to methods of use of an extraction cleaning machine for cleaning a carpet segment of relatively rectangular configuration defined by a first edge, a second edge and opposite side edges comprising (a) applying a liquid cleaning solution to the carpet segment in a narrow band that extends between the side edges and moves between the first and second edges and (b) applying suction in a narrow band that extends between the side edges and moves between the first and second edges. Acts (a) and (b) can be repeated and performed in a predetermined sequence to improve the cleaning effectiveness of an extraction cleaning machine.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface comprising applying cleaning solution to a surface, applying suction to the surface to remove the applied cleaning solution from surface, and selectively interrupting the suction to the surface for a selected time to increase dwell time of the cleaning solution on the surface. In one embodiment, the suction is interrupted when a moveable duct door fluidly and selectively opens and closes a suction leak hole within the working air conduit. In another embodiment, the suction is interrupted when a actuator selectively moves the duct door between the first and second positions within the working air conduit to restrict the working air flow in the working air conduit. The suction reduction selectively increases the cleaning solution dwell time.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a carpet surface comprises the steps of simultaneously dispensing a cleaning composition and an oxidizing composition that enhances the cleanability of the cleaning composition from separate first and second chambers onto the carpet surface and recovering a soiled cleaning solution from the carpet.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned. The steam mop further comprises a handle assembly mounted to a foot assembly that has a manifold configured to supply steam from a steam generator to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for treating a surface comprises a purified enzyme and an enzyme denaturant system. The enzyme denaturant system is configured to denature the purified enzyme such that any residue remaining on the surface after the treatment of the surface is virtually free of active purified enzymes.