I Tested And Reviewed 6 Best Carpet Cleaner With Upholstery Attachment (2023)

I recently purchased this car cleaning tool to prepare my car for sale, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. Initially, I encountered some issues with the pump not working and no solution coming out. However, after using a diluted solution of Simple Green in a spray bottle, I was able to effectively clean my car's upholstery and carpet stains.

One of the standout features of this tool is its ability to remove tough stains like coffee and juice, leaving my cloth seats looking brand new. I was particularly impressed with how well it performed in removing gas spills from my truck and cleaning my dog's favorite spot on my lazy boy. The spray pattern is narrow, so I found it best to hold the tool about 6 inches from the carpet when spraying and then directly on the carpet to suck up the solution.

This tool may not be the most heavy-duty option available, but it certainly gets the job done. As a used car dealer, I consider it an essential tool in my arsenal. It has already paid for itself by allowing me to achieve a higher sale price for my cars. The vacuum function works effectively, and the water it collects appears dark as coffee, indicating its efficiency in lifting dirt and grime.

I have used rental cleaning tools in the past, but I found them to be quite expensive. That's why I decided to invest in this tool, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. It saved me from spending $40 per day on a rental, and I now have the convenience of using it whenever I need it. The trigger on this tool works flawlessly, requiring minimal effort to start the spraying process. I was pleasantly surprised by how it didn't leave everything soaking wet, allowing me to work quickly and efficiently.

In terms of capacity, I was able to clean my entire Ford Explorer and my lazy boy without even using half of the tank. I even had to clean the back of my Explorer three times to eliminate a persistent gas smell, and the tool tackled the task effortlessly. I found that using a cleaner with OxiClean proved to be highly effective in removing odors.

The tool itself is of high quality and closely resembles the ones available for rent in stores. It even comes with a mesh bag for easy storage. I was delighted to find that it seamlessly hooks up to my rug Doctor, as shown in the included picture.

The Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner from Shark is truly impressive. As a long-time fan of Shark vacuums, I had high expectations for this product, and I can confidently say that it did not disappoint. This cleaner is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, yet it possesses enough power to handle even the toughest cleaning tasks.

One of the main reasons I purchased this cleaner was to tackle stains caused by my senior cat, who often vomits due to health issues. I was amazed at how effectively this cleaner removed the stains from my carpet, leaving it looking as good as new. What's more, it didn't leave my carpet overly wet, which is a common issue with many other cleaners. The suction power of this device is truly impressive and can handle any job with ease.

Another great thing about this cleaner is its ease of use. I found it incredibly simple to set up and operate, with just a few minutes required from unboxing to cleaning. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was, allowing me to clean without disturbing others, especially when dealing with late-night messes. The formula included with the cleaner worked wonders in removing both the stain and the accompanying odor.

Having used various cleaners in the past, I can confidently say that this one stands out as one of the best. Its powerful performance, combined with its portability and ease of use, make it a top choice for any cleaning task. The Shark brand has always had an excellent reputation for delivering quality products, and this cleaner is no exception.

Moreover, this cleaner proved to be a game-changer when it comes to cleaning stairs. Unlike our regular carpet cleaner, which is bulky and heavy, this portable cleaner is much easier to maneuver on stairs. Even though the carpet on our stairs didn't appear dirty, we decided to give it a go, and we were shocked to see how much dirt and grime it was able to extract. This experience further solidified our trust in the Shark brand and our satisfaction with this particular cleaner.

In addition to using it on carpets, I even plan to utilize this cleaner to shampoo my son's upholstered car seats. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a reliable choice for cleaning various surfaces.

The Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner is truly impressive. As someone who has owned various Shark products in the past, I must say that this is the best one I have ever used. The vacuum is easy to operate, and you won't need to spend a lot of time reading the instruction manual. However, I would recommend taking the time to go through the additional features because this little vacuum is capable of much more than you would expect.

Like most Shark products, they do promote their own cleaning solutions, which work really well. However, it would be great if you didn't have to keep purchasing their solutions every few weeks. If you're resourceful, there are probably DIY options available.

In terms of size, the Shark StainStriker does require some storage space, measuring approximately 12x12x15 (height being the outlier). But considering its design, it is as compact as it can be, and I wouldn't want to sacrifice any features just to save space.

The suction power is remarkably strong, which is common for products like this right out of the box. I am hopeful that this vacuum will maintain its suction power after multiple uses, especially for cleaning up my kids' messes. I will make sure to update this review if anything changes.

Now, let's talk about the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner. This little machine is truly impressive. Its cleaning ability is beyond belief. It comes with three different attachments of various sizes, allowing you to spot treat any type of stain. Additionally, it includes two formulas that need to be mixed into the machine.

One of the great features is that the instructions are conveniently located directly on the machine, so you don't even need to read the instruction booklet (although it does come with one). The instructions are simple, with stickers on the machine and attachments.

The Shark StainStriker has a large solution tank, so you won't constantly need to refill it. On the other hand, it also has a large dirty water tank, allowing you to clean multiple things in one setting without needing to empty it. The two strength solutions are incredibly effective at removing stains. As soon as I started spraying the stained areas, the stains began disappearing even before I started scrubbing.

I first used the smaller handle attachment and then moved on to the wider attachment. The ability to clean various surfaces with all three attachments is fantastic, providing plenty of options. The machine itself works amazingly well. Everyone should have one of these. It is relatively compact and easy to store. I filled it up with solution and now it sits in my storage closet, ready to tackle any future stains. It is not heavy and can be easily carried from place to place. The electrical cord is nice and long, so you don't have to constantly plug and unplug it.

I found this product to be quite effective in removing tough stains and dirt from various surfaces. While I did experience some difficulty with the spraying mechanism, needing to use both thumbs for enough pressure, the results were impressive. I tested it on a dirty microfiber chair and the difference was clearly visible, even without vacuuming it yet. The product successfully removed stains like mascara and Nutella from carpets, earning the approval of a busy mom with three kids.

One of the standout features of this product is its affordability, making it a great option for those on a budget. I used it on my couches, car seats, and dining room chairs, and it worked wonders. The application process was easy, simply rubbing it on with the built-in bristles on the can and then vacuuming it up. The end result was always a thorough cleaning and a pleasant clean scent.

I particularly noticed the effectiveness of this product on my dining room chairs, which had accumulated oily residue from years of use. After several applications, the chairs were noticeably improved, with the areas where hands touch looking especially good.

The FRS product is an excellent choice for detailers, especially during the rainy season. It outperforms the Bissell carpet cleaner, making it a valuable tool for cleaning carpets. The heavy-duty extractor head is a significant improvement compared to other cheap plastic options in the market. It is designed to handle wet pickup and cleaning tasks efficiently.

The product is versatile and compatible with both small and full-sized shop vacuums. The included adapters ensure that it fits well with different vacuum sizes. The quality of the product is commendable, and it is built to last. In fact, it has motivated users to take on deep cleaning tasks such as cleaning their trucks.

One of the standout features of this product is its ability to convert a shop vac into an extractor. This is particularly useful for cleaning carpets and upholstery, providing a thorough and effective cleaning experience. Users have found it to be a great addition to their cleaning routine.

While the product performs well, it is worth mentioning that some users had trouble figuring out the installation of the rubber fitting due to a lack of clear instructions. However, once installed correctly, the product delivers optimal results.

Having been in the carpet cleaning industry for over a decade, I have extensive experience with various cleaning machines, from basic ones like Rug Doctor to professional truck-mounted units. I have tackled all sorts of cleaning challenges, from simple stains to deep-seated dirt and odors like urine, vomit, blood, and more. In my opinion, the key to effectively cleaning carpets lies in using the right chemicals, maintaining optimal water temperature, employing proper agitation to lift soil, and ensuring thorough removal of water and dirt. Additionally, allowing sufficient dwell time is essential for tackling deeply embedded or chronic soiling issues.

The machine in question is capable of delivering all these essential elements when used correctly. However, I do have a few recommendations to improve the instructions provided with the machine. Firstly, I suggest using only half the recommended amount of detergent. Regardless of the level of soil, it is never advisable to exceed the recommended dosage. I have personally achieved fantastic results by using only half the suggested amount, reserving the full dosage for severe soil problems.

Secondly, I recommend increasing the number of dry strokes or passes made without pulling the trigger. Keep going over the carpet until no water is visible through the front window. While the carpet may still feel slightly damp, this method will significantly expedite the drying process.

Lastly, I strongly advise performing a freshwater rinse with only water in the clean hopper, without any detergent. This step may seem laborious, but it is crucial as it effectively removes leftover detergent residue and soil. You will be grateful for taking this extra step when you realize that it prevents the accumulation of residue in the carpet, which you would otherwise be walking on. Once again, follow up with double the amount of dry strokes after the fresh rinse.

It is important to understand that no carpet cleaning machine, no matter how powerful, can eliminate years of deep-seated soil in a single use. Especially when the soil has penetrated to the bottom of the carpet, where it is bound or glued to the backing. Attempting to saturate the carpet to reach this level of dirt has the potential to damage the carpet's binding. Therefore, it is best to avoid this approach.

I must emphasize that this machine, or any other home machine for that matter, cannot remove pet urine from the padding beneath the carpet. Trying to soak the carpet to address this issue will only lead to more severe problems and the growth of harmful microbes. It is highly advised to refrain from doing so.

One significant difference between home cleaning and professional truck-mounted units is the amount of time required to achieve the same results. It may be necessary to use the machine multiple times, with several days between each session, to restore heavily soiled carpets to their desired appearance and odor. It is crucial to understand that soil and damage are distinct issues. If your carpet is worn, abraded, or has areas of reversed pile due to foot traffic, these are signs of damage that cannot be cleaned away. It is important to manage expectations and not anticipate miracles.

The brush on this machine is particularly effective at fluffing up the carpet pile and rectifying crush damage. It can also remove an impressive amount of pet hair, even after a thorough vacuuming.

If you are willing to invest time, use the machine repeatedly, and follow the advice provided, there is no reason why you cannot achieve results almost as good as those delivered by professional carpet cleaners. The main difference lies in the time required for cleaning and the back-and-forth trips to refill the water hoppers.

While I still recommend hiring professionals for thorough yearly deep cleans, this machine is an excellent solution for maintaining your carpets in between professional services. This is especially beneficial for households with pets or small children, as it helps prevent additional charges for chronic soil and extensive restoration when professionals are called upon.