an apparatus performing multiple different cleaning operations for cleaning fabrics , floor coverings , and bare floor surfaces is disclosed . a device according to the present invention selectively utilizes soil transfer and solution extraction technology . in one embodiment , an apparatus is disclosed having a cleaning implement in selective wiping contact with a surface to be cleaned , a cleaning solution dispenser which selectively wets with a cleaning solution a portion of the cleaning implement or a portion of the surface or both , a first selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool which when operating removes some of the dispensed cleaning solution and soil from the cleaning implement , and a second selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool which when operating removes soil and some of the cleaning solution directly from the surface intended to be cleaned . a method of use of such an apparatus is also disclosed . portable and vehicle - based devices may be utilized to practice the different methods of cleaning .