The Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner Packs Serious Power in a Compact Machine

5 min readIf you’re anything like me, you’ve probably put off trying a carpet cleaner at some point because it feels like a lot of everything: a lot of work, a lot of investment, a lot of learning how to use it. When I tried the Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner, though, I got a whole different perspective on this often-intimidating chore.This machine is tailor-made to ease you into carpet cleaning while still getting that serious deep clean you’re after. Although it has a smaller capacity than many other models like it, it’s efficient and comfortable to maneuver, and it features multiple attachments that help make it a particularly versatile machine. Plus, it’s designed to store easily. Pair it with a reliable dry vacuum, and you’ll be surprised at just how much cleaner your floors can get.ProsCompact design for easier storageVery maneuverable, especially around cornersStrong suction powerBrush tools are integrated and easy to useConsRelatively small tank capacityHose position can get in the wayHow I TestedI spent a morning testing the CarpetXpert machine on a highly trafficked area of carpeting in my living room and hallway, as well as two pieces of upholstered furniture: a couch and a chair. I didn’t vacuum before starting up the cleaner, but I did check over the area to make sure there weren’t any large pieces of debris, as the cleaner isn’t meant for suctioning them up the way a vacuum would.Amanda PrahlI cleaned carpeting in my living room and hallway, plus two pieces of upholstered furniture.The cleaner arrived almost entirely assembled, so I just had to connect the top pole and the hose for attachments, plus fill the tanks. Then, following the instructions that came with it and the (also included) pair of Shark cleaning solutions, I tackled the well-used area of carpet from one side of my living room and into the hallway. I next used the hose and cleaning attachments to turn my attention to the corners and the furniture.As I worked through the cleaning process, I kept an eye on several factors. As well as the obvious things like the quality of cleaning itself, I monitored how long the water tank lasted before needing a refill, how many passes it took over each area to get a good clean, and how long the treated area stayed wet after cleaning. I also tested the machine’s movement abilities, both in straight lines and around corners or furniture pieces. Finally, I noted how smoothly the process of cleaning the machine itself went.Hand Tools Provide Tons of VersatilityOne of the features that really sets this machine apart is its array of specialized hand tools. The “regular” stain eliminator tool provides plenty of cleaning power to really focus in on the toughest spots of cleaning, like under a dining table or along high-traffic paths by doorways. Although it’s powerful, it’s still gentle enough to clean without damaging upholstery. I found it particularly useful for cleaning furniture, but it’s also great for those stubborn spots on carpets or rugs.Amanda PrahlThe stain eliminator tool provided more focused cleaning.Pet owners will love the “pet mess tool,” which combines the cleaning power of a traditional spot brush with an innovative attachment designed to suction pet messes away separately and more hygienically. My personal favorite, though, is the smallest of the tools: the crevice tool. As you might guess, it’s a narrower accessory aimed at those small or hard-to-reach spots of carpeting, like corners, stairs, or the crevices of furniture. Despite its small size, it retains plenty of stain-removing power in those frustrating spots.The Size Is a Double-Edged SwordOn the one hand, this is truly a great compact machine. As I used it, I felt like it was easy to move and maneuver: lightweight and great at handling corners, but not flimsy or cheap-feeling. If you’ve ever felt a little intimidated by the larger, more industrial-sized cleaners on the market, this is a great middle ground to get a deep clean without lugging around a heavy, sloshing appliance.That being said, the small tank size can be frustrating if you’re trying to clean a medium-sized or larger space, or if you want to clean multiple areas in one session. If you plan on doing more than a small room or a section, you’ll need to refill the water tank at least once, and you may need to empty the dirty tank as well. Also worth noting: the water is not heated from within, so you’ll need to fill the clean tank with hot water itself; the instructions recommend using water no hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.For the most part, the compact design seems very efficient. I did run into one frustration, however. The main hose runs along the side of the machine, latched in place with a round holder clip. I kept bumping into it as I used the cleaner, and it fell from its holder a couple of times. This might not be the case for everyone, and it wasn’t a huge issue, just a mild inconvenience.Deep Clean, Slower DryThe CarpetXpert came with two cleaning solutions: the Shark Deep Clean Pro formula and the Shark Oxy Multiplier. This cleaner’s technology requires the use of both liquids, not just one. It’s easy enough: just load them as instructed, and the machine does the rest, mixing the two to trigger a chemical reaction for stain-lifting and odor-removing power.Be sure to use the “quick dry” mode after cleaning in order to suction away as much water as possible. In the section where I didn’t use that mode, it took most of the afternoon to dry, whereas the section where I tested the quick-dry function dried in just a couple of hours.Amanda PrahlThe CarpetXpert comes with three cleaning attachments.Final ThoughtsThe CarpetXpert Upright is a fantastic option for smaller spaces, with solid cleaning power in a compact, easy-to-use machine. I was able to clean carpet and furniture alike without a problem, including in those hard-to-reach spots, and move smoothly throughout my space. The attachments are genuinely useful instead of just adding weight to lug around, and the machine is easy enough to maneuver between surfaces. If you don’t have a lot of ground to cover in your home but are looking for a moderately priced carpet cleaner to keep rugs and furniture tidy, this option could be just right for you.Shop the Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet CleanerOther Carpet Cleaners We LoveAmanda Prahl is a freelance writer, with several years of experience writing about home, lifestyle, product trends, and culture. She has several years of experience in the digital media space, with bylines at Real Simple, BHG, Mic, Bustle, POPSUGAR, and others. She loves covering a wide variety of topics and products, all geared at helping people live their best and most joyful lives.Amber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.