A dual mode carpet cleaning machine capable of being used in both a traditional deep cleaning mode and a fast drying surface cleaning mode. A selection mechanism provides selective communication with different sets of application jets. One set of application jets delivers a first cleaning solution that penetrates deeply into a carpet. After agitation with a scrub brush the device removes the cleaning solution and unwanted soil through a vacuum nozzle. The other set of jets delivers a lower flow rate of a second cleaning solution that does not penetrate deeply into the carpet. In addition, a novel cleaning solution is disclosed for use with the machine in differing concentrations, depending on the desired application. The carpet cleaning solutions dry more quickly when applied to carpet than previous solutions; the combined performance of the system displays similar cleaning efficiencies to previous carpet cleaning machines but obtains significantly reduced drying times.