I nearly threw out my rug after a dog-related accident but Shark StainStriker saved the day

As any pet owner knows, dealing with stains, hair, and pet odours can feel like a never-ending battle. We’d been contemplating getting a carpet cleaner for some time, in order to allow us to do a deeper clean once in a while - but as we have hardwood floors around most of the house, we knew a traditional upright would be too big.

When we spotted the newly launchedit seemed to be the perfect solution. Compact, powerful, and remarkably effective, the spot cleaner has been designed specifically for homes with pets. With two large rescue , it’s great for, ideal for running over their bed, the sofa, rugs, and even the boot of the car if they’ve been in there.

But the real test came when my dog, Phoebe, was suffering from an upset tummy and had an unfortunate accident on the rug. After cleaning up the worst of the mess, the remaining staining and odour was no doubt going to put the through its paces and see if it really could handle some quite severe mess.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

As well as the main device, the comes with four specialised tools: a Tough Stain Tool, Crevice Tool, Pet Hair Extractor and Pet Stain Trapping Tool, as well as starter bottles of StainStriker and CarpetXpert cleaning formula. For this particular mess, we selected the Pet Stain Trapping Tool, which has an inbuilt filter to collect the mess separately and ensure no mess contaminates the main tank, which is a really handy feature that allows for a more sanitary clean up.

The trigger on the tool can be used to mist the carpet with solution, but not so much that it’s sodden, but enough to be effective. Then thecan be used to suck up the mess, and I have to say, while I initially had my doubts, it handled it brilliantly, not just surface cleaning the stain but dragging up dirt and grime from deep in the fibres that we didn’t even realise was there.

It took a short while to work out the right pressure to use and the fact it sucks up when you push the device forward rather than move it back, but after some trial and error, we were away in no time. We found the cleaner with its 4.5m cord and long, flexible hose giving it a good amount of reach. It didn’t take too long to sort the mess, and after cleaning it, both the staining and the corresponding odour were gone.

The carpet cleaner then has a built-in that cleans your tools and hose in seconds, and the individual interchangeable heads are really easy to pull apart and rinse off any pet hair or dirt. Meanwhile, the removable clean and dirty water tanks are easy to empty and refill, while a hair filter separates hair and fur for quick disposal.

We’ve since used the to clean other areas of the home, too, like the staircase, sofa, and boot of the car, with each of the tools coming in handy. The tough stain tool is ideal for all-purpose, deep-cleaning, while the crevice tool is perfect for any nooks and crannies of upholstered surfaces or stairs.

Another standout feature is its HairPro Pet , which promises three times more hair removal—and it delivers. Despite vacuuming first, I was amazed at how much-embedded pet hair the picked up. The additional pet hair extractor has anti-tangle fins for picking up pet hair, which are said to be anti-clumping, anti-clogging, and anti-tangle.

As for the device itself, it’s quite attractive and modern without being too bulky or heavy. It is actually quite deceptive as the water tank looks small but was barely even a tenth full whenever we’ve used it.

The StainStriker has already earned a number of, with one writing: “I received my product about a month ago and haven’t stopped going around cleaning spots on my carpet where the dog has left footprints or worse. It works so well each time.

"I’m really impressed with its easy to use instructions. I highly recommend for anyone who has a pet, and you’ve got those odd pet marks you just can’t lift off. It works especially well in the car where the dog props his head against the head rest”

Meanwhile, another added: “Up until now, I have never found a product/machine to deal with stains and worn in hair from my two long haired and cats. That is up until now! The Shark stainstriker is an absolute must. It is easy to use. After using this powerful machine it has left my carpets looking like new.

"It is very compact, so easy to store. Took me a while to work out how to remove tanks to clean, but once you know how it is easy. Not as noisy as I thought it would be, certainly didn't faze the animals. Does not leave the carpets too wet. Would fully recommend.”

While it’s amazing for spot cleaning and small areas like rugs, for cleaning a house full of wall-to-wall carpet, you’ll definitely want something bigger, like the as the StainStriker really is designed for smaller messes rather than deep cleans. That said, it’s ideal for what it’s designed for, perfect for spot cleaning carpets and rugs, pet beds, stairs, in the car, and your pet’s favourite spot on the sofa.

At £189.99, it’s not the cheapest device, so if you were looking for a more affordable alternative, the has been reduced on Amazon to £129.99 from £179.99. Or you can buy the