Is a tent enough for carpets and smell, or are portable extractors worth it?

[Ben R]

For mobile work in clients’ homes, is a pop-up tent generally enough to protect carpets and manage smell, or are portable extractors (Aura-style) actually worth the extra weight in the car?

I’m trying to keep the kit light but I don’t want to ruin someone’s beige carpet or leave the house smelling for hours.

[David Kay]

A decent tent with a floor and careful technique covers a lot of carpet risk, especially if you use mats at the entrance and wipe overspray immediately. Smell is the bigger complaint in small flats — that’s where a portable extractor earns its keep.

Aura-style units are popular with UK mobiles who do back-to-back bookings; they’re weight you feel by Friday, but clients notice clearer air. If budget is tight, start with tent + excellent ventilation (open window, towel under doors) and add extraction when revenue supports it.

Never spray outside the tent “just for the face” over carpet — that’s how claims happen.

[Author]

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