After being dyed, carpeting must be washed and rinsed in clear water. In this process, the carpet becomes soaked with water, which must then be extracted gently and economically. To do so the carpeting is passed over a suction roller with an adjustable suction slot. A vacuum pump connected to this suction roller draws air through the slot, thereby extracting about 80% of the water remaining in the carpet. The steady stream of air ensures gentle treatment of the material. The continuous flow of water is easily removed and subsequently eliminated along with the operating liquid.