A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A liquid distribution system is operatively associated with the housing for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. The suction nozzle includes a front nozzle portion removably mounted to a rear nozzle portion.