Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The apparatus further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface. The solution tank is removably mounted to one of the handle and the base portion. The apparatus still further includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and a suction source in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The apparatus yet further includes an accessory assembly including a hose portion in fluid communication with the suction source via the recovery tank and a solution tube in fluid communication with the solution tank. The maximum length of the accessory hose assembly is at least 25% greater than the minimum length of the accessory assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation as it moves along the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a liquid distribution system operatively associated with the housing. The liquid distribution system includes a fluid source providing a supply of the cleaning solution and a distributor fluidly connected to the fluid source for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface. A liquid recovery-system is operatively associated with the housing and includes a suction nozzle and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.