A surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface includes a recovery tank with a lower portion with a bottom wall that defines an opening and an extraction nozzle that is in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A motor/fan assembly is in fluid communication with the extraction nozzle and the recovery tank to generate a working airflow to transport debris-containing fluid including air and liquid from the extraction nozzle into the recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes an air/liquid separator assembly that is selectively insertable into the recovery tank. The air/liquid separator assembly includes a riser tube with a liquid conduit integrally formed with an air conduit and a float assembly that is operably coupled with the air conduit. A coupling joins the air/liquid separator assembly with the recovery tank.