Apparatus for cleaning a surface area

Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning a surface area includes a vacuum intake port having at least one air induction port, two or more spray jets offset from one another and oriented at an angle ranging from about 30° to about 60° relative to the surface, and a venturi shaped splashguard that extends down to approximately ½ inch above a plane defined by a bottom surface of the vacuum intake port.

Description

BACKGROUND

Carpets are used to provide color and style to the interior decor of a home or other edifice, muffle the sound of walking, reduce the disturbing influence of talking among adults, giggling by children, and shouting by others, as well as to enhance the warmth of the interior and provide comfort to the feet. Carpeting usually consumes a substantial portion of the start-up capitalization of any business, and its useful life is often measured by how much the owner spends on keeping it clean and free from damaging trash.

Carpets, draperies, blinds, upholstery, solid surfaces, and the like are often cleaned using steam/hot water systems. Since these units typically operate on similar principles, but at different pressures and with different solvents, they are all generically and interchangeably referred to herein as carpet cleaners, carpet cleaning machines, systems, equipment, units, and so on. These systems operate on a principal of spraying a fine mist of low-foaming, soap-based cleaning liquid onto the surface of the carpet and following this with a pass of a vacuum nozzle that sucks up the liquid along with water soluble dirt products. The system thus cleans the carpet of both dry material and the surface of the fibers, where most of the contact occurs with those walking over it. The carpet is also slightly washed to remove other dirt and stains. Annually or when needed, the carpets may be subjected to a deep steam cleaning to remove other products that are not picked up by dry vacuuming or the water-based washing.

Selecting the best steam/hot water carpet cleaning system depends upon many factors including operator skill and experience, the quality and condition of the machine, the solvents used, the temperature at which the cleaning fluid is dispensed, etc. However, each of these factors generally affects two characteristics: the cleansing ability of the system and the time required for the carpet to dry after cleaning (“dry time”).

In general, steam/hot water systems include the same basic components, namely a wand for dispensing and recovering a cleaning fluid, an optional reservoir for holding reserve fluid, a fluid pump for providing pressurized cleaning fluid at the wand, an air pump (sometimes referred to as a vacuum pump) for removing debris and spent fluid, and a spent fluid holding tank. The wand typically includes a dispensing tube and a cleaning head. Carpet cleaning systems contemplated herein range from relatively small residential units to large, truck mounted units with long hoses reaching from the truck to the surface to be cleaned.

Typical steam/hot water carpet cleaning systems contain spray nozzles or jets located on the head for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. These jets are generally oriented to spray the fluid at about 900 relative to the surface. Unfortunately, these vertical jets drive dirt and debris deeper into the carpet, making the removal of dirt more difficult. The jets also increase the carpet dry time because the vertical spray injects moisture into the pad and backing of the carpet.

Typical cleaning systems also have long dry times because they create increased humidity in the areas and rooms surrounding cleaned surfaces. For example, typical cleaning heads usually have large gaps between the cleaned surface and the splashguard or shields that cover the spray jets. When the cleansing fluid is sprayed onto the surface, water and moisture escapes through the gap to the surrounding area, thereby increasing the humidity in the room and causing longer dry times. Further, cool, convective ambient air currents flow through the gaps, thus cooling the temperature of the cleansing fluid significantly. The ability of the cleansing fluid to effectively clean and disinfect the surface is substantially reduced due to its cooler temperature. The typical cleaning head also has relatively little airflow over wetted surfaces, thus resulting in a slow dry time and limited debris lift capacity.

Furthermore, the spray jets in a typical head are aligned in a straight line with each other. When the cleansing fluid is sprayed, many of the liquid particles collide with each other before impacting the surface, causing the particles to lose much of their kinetic energy. The reduced kinetic energy of the particles weakens their ability to penetrate into the surface and to break up and loosen dust, dirt, and debris.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for cleaning a surface area includes a vacuum intake port having at least one air induction port, two or more spray jets offset from one another and oriented at an angle ranging from approximately 30° to about 60° relative to the surface, and a venturi shaped splashguard configured to extend to less than approximately ½ inch of the cleaning surface during operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present apparatus and method, and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present apparatus and method and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning wand apparatus, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wand head cleaning apparatus, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a wand head cleaning apparatus, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a wand head cleaning apparatus, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a wand head cleaning apparatus, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a method for using a wand head cleaning apparatus, according to one exemplary embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cleaning apparatus is disclosed herein that allows for increased cleansing capabilities and decreased dry time. A wand assembly configured to dispense a cleansing solution and remove debris deposits from an underlying surface includes a vacuum tube coupled to a wand head at one end and a spent fluid holding tank at the other end. A solution conduit of the wand is attached to the vacuum tube and coupled to a high pressure nozzle disposed inside the wand head. The wand head contains offset angled jets, air induction ports and a venturi shaped splashguard to maximize cleansing capabilities and decrease carpet drying time, as will be explained in further detail below.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “water management system” shall be broadly understood to include any device or apparatus capable of supplying a pressurized solution to a cleaning wand or spray gun.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present method and apparatus. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present method and apparatus may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Exemplary Structure

FIG. 1 illustrates a carpet cleaning wand apparatus (100) according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wand (100) is a single integrated component configured to be used by a carpet cleaner in the field. The wand (100) includes a control portion (160), a tube portion (115) and a head portion (120).

According to one exemplary embodiment, the control portion (160) of the present wand (100) includes a number of traditionally recognized control elements such as a trigger (170) or other actuating device, a solution quick connect (180), and a grip (150). The trigger (170), or other actuating device, is fluidly coupled to the proximal end of a solution conduit (140). The trigger (170) of the control portion (160) may be disposed on a pistol grip or other grasping portion of the spray gun. According to one exemplary embodiment, the trigger (170) of the control portion (160) is coupled to a variably regulated valve (185). According to this exemplary embodiment, a user may apply a variable pressure to the trigger (170) which causes a variable amount of solution to be passed through the control portion (160) and into the solution conduit (140). While a hand actuated trigger (170) is illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of actuation devices may be used to regulate the volume of solution that is delivered to the solution conduit including, but in no way limited to, a knob, a switch, and/or an electrically actuated solenoid.

The solution quick connect (180) may be any coupler configured to couple a water management system to the present wand (100), thereby providing a desired cleaning solution to the system. According to one exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the solution quick connect (180) comprises a bearing actuated coupler configured to receive and fluidly couple a female solution source hose.

As noted above, the present wand (100) is configured to provide a cleaning solution to a surface area at a high pressure and temperature. Because the present wand (100) may provide a cleaning solution at very high temperatures and pressures, the solution quick connect (180) and the other internal components of the control portion (160) may be manufactured out of a metal such as brass or stainless steel to withstand the thermal and pressure requirements. While the present system and method will be described in the context of metal components, the present system and method may also be practiced with components manufactured of any number of materials including, but in no way limited to, high temperature plastics, composites, metals, and/or appropriate combinations thereof.

The wand (100) also includes a tube portion (115) having a solution conduit (140) attached to a vacuum tube (110). The solution conduit (140) has a proximal and a distal end and is fluidly coupled to the control portion (160) of the wand (100). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the proximal end of the solution conduit (140) is fluidly coupled to the control portion (160) while the distal end of the solution conduit (140) is fluidly coupled to a manifold (130) or spray jet. According to one exemplary embodiment, the solution conduit (140) comprises a stainless steel conduit. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the length of the solution conduit (140) and vacuum tube (110) are sufficient to allow a user to stand upright and grasp the control portion (160) of the wand (100) while placing the wand head (120) on a floor or other surface for cleaning. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the vacuum tube (110) may be configured such that it runs in a substantially parallel direction with respect to the solution conduit (140). According to one exemplary embodiment, the solution conduit (140) may be physically coupled to the vacuum tube (110) with a coupler (145) such as a metal strap or similar coupling device.

The vacuum tube (110) also has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end forms a vacuum couple (190) that is configured to allow coupling of a vacuum system to the vacuum tube (110) without interfering with the control portion (160). The vacuum couple (190) may be any orifice or coupling device configured to be sealingly coupled to a vacuum generating system. The distal end forms a wand head couple that is configured to allow coupling to a wand head (120).

The wand head (120) is configured to introduce a cleansing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, and then to remove by suction loose dirt or debris, cleansing solution, and residual moisture from the surface. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, various exemplary embodiments of a wand head (220) are depicted. The wand head (220) comprises a vacuum intake port (200), which is a hollow compartment having a front face (212) and a back face (214) separated from each other by a hollow gap (216). The gap (216) is enclosed by side walls (218) on all sides except for the bottom side (222), which is open and devoid of a face or wall. The front face (212), back face (214) and side walls (218) thus define a hollow compartment. Generally, the front face (212) and back face (214) are substantially rectangular, but they may be any other suitable shape or design, including, but in no way limited to, triangular, semicircular, or trapezoidal. The gap (216) may also be of any thickness, and need not be of uniform thickness. According to one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the thickness of the gap (216) in the vacuum intake port (200) varies from the bottom surface (222) to the top.

The back face (214) also contains an orifice (250) roughly centered on the horizontal center axis of the wand head (220). A vacuum tube couple (260) is attached to the back face (214) over the orifice (250). The vacuum tube couple (260) is generally a hollow tube configured to couple the distal end of the vacuum tube (210). According to one embodiment the vacuum tube couple (200) is a male fitting that couples to a female wand head couple (270) at the distal end of the vacuum tube (210). This configuration minimizes restrictions to air flow through the wand head/vacuum tube connection, thereby enhancing the suction power and cleaning capabilities. The orifice (250) in the back face (214) is sufficiently large to permit the passage of large pieces of debris and dirt, and thus is generally about the same size as the diameter of the vacuum tube couple (260). The vacuum tube couple (260) may be any orifice or coupling device configured to be sealingly coupled to a wand head couple (270).

The vacuum intake port (200) also includes one or more air induction ports (280) on either or both side faces (218) and/or on the back face (214), as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The ability of traditional vacuum intake ports to facilitate a flow of air, cleansing solution, and debris from a desired surface to a holding tank is often severely reduced by the vacuum intake port at least partially sealing to the surface being cleaned. Once the vacuum intake port is at least partially sealed, a vacuum is created, and air flow passing from the atmosphere into the vacuum intake port is greatly reduced. This reduction in the air flow from the atmosphere to the vacuum intake port greatly reduces the ability of the vacuum intake port to pick up and/or remove cleaning solution and debris from the desired surface. In contrast, the present exemplary vacuum intake port (200) includes a number of air induction ports (280) comprising small notches located at the base of the vacuum intake port (200) such that the base surface (222) is notched to provide a lateral orifice that provides a fluid communication between the atmosphere and the vacuum intake port (200). The air induction ports (280) allow air to be drawn into the vacuum intake port (200) and up through the vacuum tube (210), constantly assuring an appropriate pickup force. The induced air current decreases the dry time by evaporating and removing by suction moisture beneath the vacuum intake port (200) as it passes over surfaces that have been cleaned. The induced air current also increases the system's ability to lift and remove pieces of dirt and debris. According to one exemplary embodiment, the ports are holes located anywhere on the vacuum intake port (200) near the bottom surface (222).

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a number of moisture control air induction ports (285) may be formed on the vacuum tube couple (260), according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated the moisture control air induction ports (285) disposed on the vacuum tube couple (260) near the spray jets (290) such that moisture that enters the atmosphere from the spray produced by the spray jets may be evacuated into the vacuum tube (210) and removed from the atmosphere. Consequently, the effectual dry times for a surface being cleaned may be reduced significantly.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in one exemplary embodiment the manifold (230) is located in the tube portion of the wand and is configured to provide separate jet feed conduits (242) to the wand head (220) on both sides of the vacuum tube couple (260). According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the manifold (230) is a two-way T-fitting manifold having an intake end fluidly coupled to the distal end of the solution conduit (240) and each of the output ends fluidly coupled to a jet feed conduit (242). The manifold (230) may be fluidly coupled to the solution conduit (240) using any number of coupling means including, but in no way limited to, internal threads, external threads, welds, adhesives, and the like. The jet feed conduits (242) are each fluidly coupled to at least one spray jet (290).

According to one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, each of the jet feed conduits (242) is fluidly coupled to two spray jets (290) via a manifold header (235). The manifold header (232) is attached to the back face (214) and/or the vacuum tube couple (250), such as by a bracket (234) attached to the back face (214). The number of jets (290) contemplated herein is not limited to the embodiments shown, but may contain any number of jets (290) desired and any configuration of the manifold (230). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the manifold (430) is located within the wand head (420) and the solution conduit (440) has an elbow joint (405) to accommodate for the curvature of the vacuum tube (410). In another exemplary embodiment, no manifold is used and the solution conduit (440) is fluidly coupled directly to a spray jet (490). Alternatively, there may be a one-to-one correspondence between jet feed conduits (242) and spray jets (290).

Referring again generally to FIGS. 2 and 3, the spray jets (290) disposed within the wand head (200) may be any nozzle, pipe, orifice or tube of varying diameter that is used to direct or modify the flow of a liquid or gas solution. Additionally, the properties of the spray jets (290) may be varied to control the rate of flow, the pressure, and/or the angular orientation of the solution stream or spray that emerges therefrom. According to one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the spray jets (290) that dispense the cleansing solution (292) to the cleaning surface (320) are oriented at a dry angle α rather than at 90° (vertical) to the surface (320). Generally, the dry angle α ranges from between approximately 30° to about 60° relative to the surface (320). Preferably, the dry angle α is approximately 45°. Where the surface (320) is carpet or another surface having porous, absorbant layers, less moisture is injected into the carpet backing and padding or absorbant layers because the cleansing solution (292) is not projected toward the surface (320) at or near 90°. Thus, dry angle jetting decreases the dry time of the surface (320) because it allows more moisture to be removed by suction by the vacuum intake port (200) as it passes over the moist surfaces. Nevertheless, the dry angle α is sufficient to allow the cleansing solution particles (292) to be driven far enough into the carpet fibers or other surface to break up and loosen soil, dirt and debris, and to disinfect the deeper parts of the surface, without driving cleaning solution and/or debris through the backing and/or pad.

According to another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the spray jets (590) of the wand head (520) are configured to reduce collisions among cleansing solution particles. When the particles from adjacent spray jets (590) collide, the kinetic energy of the particles dissipates, weakening their ability to clean and loosen dirt and debris on the cleaning surface. In one embodiment, the collisions among particles are reduced by arranging the spray jets (590) in a staggered, offset orientation, such that no spray jet (590) is aligned in the same linear plane as its adjacent spray jet(s).

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wand head (220) further includes a splashguard (300; FIG. 3) and shield (310) surrounding the jets (290). According to one embodiment, the shield (310) comprises extensions of the side and top walls (218) of the vacuum intake port (200) such that the extensions extend beyond the back face (214) and jets (290). According to another embodiment the shield (310) comprises fins extending from the side and top walls (218) of the vacuum intake port (200). The shield (310) typically extends down to the bottom surface (222) of the vacuum intake port (200). The splashguard (300) generally is a plate removably attached to the back face (214) of the vacuum intake port (200) such that the splashguard (300) covers the jets (290). The splashguard (300) typically has a venturi shape wherein it has a slight outward bend near the point where the splashguard (300) meets the jets (290). The splashguard (300) extends up to about the top of the jets (290), and down to less than approximately ½ inch above the plane defined by the bottom surface (222) of the vacuum intake port (200). More preferably, the splashguard (300) extends down to between approximately ⅛ inch and approximately ¼ inch above the plane defined by the bottom surface (222) of the vacuum intake port (200).

The shield (310) and splashguard (300) serve two general purposes. First, they help prevent cooling of the cleansing solution (292) after it is dispensed out of the jets (290) and before the deposited solution is removed by the vacuum intake port (200). The shield (310) and splashguard (300) protect the sprayed solution (292) from convective air currents that would otherwise cool the small liquid particles. As a result, the sprayed solution (292) can be up to approximately 20° F. hotter than a solution sprayed without the shield (310) and splashguard (300) described above. The hotter temperature of the cleansing solution enhances its cleansing and disinfecting capabilities, as well as helps to loosen dirt, debris and soils, and break bonds.

Second, the shield (310) and splashguard (300) keep the humidity level in and around the area being cleaned to a minimum by trapping the excessive humidity from the cleansing solution (292) near the wand head (220) where it can be removed via suction by the vacuum intake port (200) and/or the moisture control air induction ports (285) and deposited in a spent fluid holding tank. Decreasing the humidity in the area outside of the wand head (220) helps the carpet or other surface to dry faster in a room that has been cleaned with a steam/hot water solution.

Exemplary Implementation and Operation

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method for using the present wand and wand head (220; FIG. 2) to cleanse a surface area (320; FIG. 3) such as a carpet, according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the present method begins by coupling the solution and vacuum sources to their respective connections on the wand (step 600). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wand (100) includes both a solution quick connect (180) and a vacuum coupling portion (190). According to the present embodiment, in order to operate the present apparatus, the solution quick connect (180) is fluidly coupled to a water or solution management system in order to provide a desired solution to the solution conduit (140) and subsequently to the jets (290; FIG. 2). The solution provided by the water or solution management system may be heated and may contain any number of detergents. Additionally, a vacuum source is coupled to the vacuum couple (190) in order to provide a vacuum to the surface area. The vacuum is configured to remove soil, dirt and any cleansing solution disposed thereon.

As shown in FIG. 3, once the appropriate sources are coupled to the present apparatus, the wand head (220) may be placed on a desired surface (320) for cleaning (step 610; FIG. 6). According to this exemplary embodiment, the vacuum intake port (200) forms a perimeter seal around the surface area (320) to which the wand head (220) is applied. Any solution (292) subsequently deposited from the jets (290) will be applied to the surface area immediately behind the vacuum intake port (200).

Once placed on the surface (320), the trigger (170; FIG. 1) of the control portion (160; FIG. 1) may be actuated causing the introduction of solution and vacuum to the surface area beneath the wand head (step 620; FIG. 6). As the solution (292) is sprayed from the jets (290) to the surface (320), the solution (292) breaks up and loosens dirt, soil, and debris, and may also dissolve such in the applied cleansing solution. Because the jets (290) are staggered and offset, little kinetic energy is lost from collision of solution particles, thereby greatly improving the ability of the solution to break up and loosen the dirt particles. Based on the temperature and composition of the cleansing solution, it may also disinfect the surface medium.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the wand head (220) is then translated across the surface (320) in a backwards direction in order to pass the vacuum intake port (200) over the area previously sprayed with cleansing solution (step 630; FIG. 6). As the vacuum intake port (200) passes over the cleansed surface, the loosened dirt, debris, cleansing solution and moisture are removed by suction into the vacuum intake port (200), pass through the vacuum tube (210) and are deposited into a spent fluid holding tank. The dry angle jetting, shields (310), venturi shaped splashguard (300) and air induction ports (280) help trap moisture in the immediate area within the wand head (220), allowing the moisture to be removed quickly by suction through the vacuum intake port (200), thus resulting in significant decreases in drying time.

Once the wand head (220) has been translated over the desired surface area (320), a user may determine whether the area has been sufficiently cleaned (step 640; FIG. 6). According to this exemplary embodiment, the user may visually or physically inspect the surface area (320) to determine if it has been satisfactorily cleaned. If, after inspection, the user determines that the surface area (320) has been sufficiently cleaned (YES, step 640; FIG. 6) the cleaning process is finished. If, however, the user determines that the surface area (320) has not been sufficiently cleaned (NO, step 640; FIG. 6), the wand head may again be placed over the desired surface area (step 610; FIG. 6) and the above-mentioned process repeated.

The wand head (220) may be made by any method known to those of skill in the art. Generally, the vacuum intake port (200) is formed, which may also include a shield (310). One or more air induction ports (280) is formed into the side(s) (218) of the vacuum intake port (200) as desired. This can be done by any method known to those of skill in the art, such as cutting, drilling, sawing, stamping, or molding during formation of the vacuum intake port (200). One or more spray jets (290) is attached to the back face (214) of the vacuum intake port (200). According to one embodiment, the jets (290) are oriented at the dry angle described above. In another embodiment, a plurality of jets (590; FIG. 5) are attached and are offset from one another to reduce cleansing solution particle collisions. A splashguard (300) is also attached to the wand head (220). Generally, the splashguard (300) is configured to cover the jet(s) (290) and the cleansing solution spray (292) to within ½ inch from the surface (320) being cleaned. According to another embodiment, a male fitting vacuum tube couple (260) is attached or formed on the back face (214) of the vacuum intake port (200). The vacuum tube couple (260) may be attached to a corresponding wand head couple (270) on a vacuum tube. Each of the components described above may be attached or formed according to any method or device known to those of skill in the art, including, but not limited to, molding, welding, stitching, tape, glue, screw, bolt, adhesive, friction, snap-on components, and the like.

In conclusion, the present system and method provides a wand head that cleans and dries a desired surface location, such as a carpet. Due to the dry angle jetting, air induction cleaning head, and humidity control features of the wand, the cleansing capability is signficantly increased and dry time greatly reduced.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the present system and method. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present system and method to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the present system and method be defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A wand head for cleaning a surface, comprising: at least one spray jet, wherein said spray jet is oriented at an angle ranging from about 30° to about 60° relative to said surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wand head further comprises a vacuum intake port and at least one air induction port providing fluid communication between an atmosphere and said vacuum intake port.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wand head further comprises a splashguard having a venturi shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wand head further comprises a vacuum intake port and a splashguard configured to extend down to less than approximately ½ inch above a plane defined by a bottom surface of said vacuum intake port.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said splashguard is configured to extend down to between approximately ⅛ inch and approximately ¼ inch above said plane.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wand head comprises a plurality of spray jets, wherein said spray jets are offset from one another.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one humidity control orifice formed in a vacuum tube couple of said wand head.

8. A wand head for cleaning a surface, comprising:

a vacuum intake port having a front face, a back face and sides, wherein said vacuum intake port includes two or more air induction ports on said sides.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of spray jets, wherein said jets are oriented at an angle ranging from approximately 30° to approximately 60° relative to said surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said jets are offset from one another.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a splashguard and a shield, said splash guard comprising a venturi shape.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one air induction port formed on said back face, wherein said air induction port includes an orifice formed in said back face, said orifice originating on a bottom edge of said back face.

13. An apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising:

a vacuum intake port;

a plurality of spray jets;

a splashguard; and

a shield; wherein said splashguard is venturi shaped configured to extend down to less than approximately ½ inch above a plane defined by a bottom surface of said vacuum intake port.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said splashguard is configured to extend down to between approximately ⅛ inch and approximately ¼ inch above said plane.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said spray jets are oriented at an angle ranging from about 30° to about 60° relative to said surface, and wherein said spray jets are offset from one another.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least one air induction port formed in said vacuum intake port, wherein said at least one air induction port extends from a bottom surface of said vacuum intake port.

17. An apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising:

two or more spray jets offset from one another and oriented at an angle ranging from about 30° to about 60° relative to said surface;

a vacuum intake port having a bottom surface and at least one air induction port formed in said bottom surface; and

a splashguard; wherein said splashguard is venturi shaped and is configured to extend down to less than approximately ½ inch above a plane defined by said bottom surface.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a vacuum tube couple formed on said apparatus configured to couple said apparatus to a vaccum;

wherein said vacuum tube couple is coupled to said vacuum intake port adjacent to said spray jets; and

at least one humidity control orifice formed in said vacuum tube couple.

19. A method of forming a wand head for cleaning a surface, comprising:

forming a vacuum intake port;

forming at least one air induction port on said vacuum intake port;

coupling at least one spray jet to said vacuum intake port at an angle ranging from about 30° to about 60° relative to said surface; and

removably coupling a splashguard to said vacuum intake port.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removably coupling said splashguard such that said splashguard extends down to less than approximately ½ inch above a plane defined by a bottom surface of said vacuum port.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising removably coupling said splashguard such that said splashguard extends down to between approximately ⅛ inch to approximately ¼ inch above said plane.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein said splashguard comprises a venturi-shape.