Portable cleaning machine

The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion 62 for movement along the surface and a handle 64 pivotally connected to the base portion 62. The handle 64 includes a lower portion 356 and an upper portion 354 pivotally connected to the lower portion 356 with the upper portion 354 being pivoted between an upper position and a lower position. A recovery container 76 is removably mounted to one of the base portion 62 and the handle 64. A suction nozzle 134 is secured to the base portion 62 and in fluid communication with the recovery container 76. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 134 for generating suction to draw dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle 134 and into the recovery container 76. An adjustment mechanism 576 is operatively associated with the handle 64. The adjustment mechanism 576 adjusts the length of the handle 64 at selected lengths when the handle 64 is at the upper position. A suction hose assembly 88 fluidly connecting the suction nozzle 134 with the recovery container 76 can be provided. The suction hose assembly 88 having an upstream end detachably connected to an outlet provided in the nozzle 134 for above floor use. The length of the suction hose assembly 88 can be adjusted and the apparatus may include a liquid distribution system.