Abstract: An improved cleaning apparatus for cleaning carpet, upholstery and the like includes a housing, a first storage tank removably carried in the housing for storing a liquid cleaning solution, a dispensing pump for dispensing the cleaning solution to an area to be cleaned, a vacuum motor for suctioning excess cleaning solution and other material extracted from the area, and a second storage tank removably carried in the housing for accumulating excess cleaning fluid and other material extracted from the area. Respective upper portions of the first and second storage tanks extend above the housing when the first and second storage tanks are carried therein. The first and second storage tanks are each equipped with a pair of handles to facilitate removal and replacement of the respective tanks. A quick disconnect fitting is provided for locating the first storage tank so that the first storage tank is in fluid communication with the dispensing pump.