Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I received this last week. I have cleaned 3 carpets so far. I have a handheld spot cleaner and a very large sanitaire machine that holds 6 gallons of water. This machine is so easy to use. In a weird sort of way, it's almost fun to use. It's great for traffic areas that take a beating. Other reviewers mentioned the small tank size. For me, it wasn't a problem. At least the water stays hot while I am cleaning the carpet. If the suction stops working, it means the float has popped up and the machine will not suck up any more water. You need to empty the tank. You can hear the change in the sound of the machine when that happens. Also, make sure the top gray cap is pushed in all the way. Some people said they need two hands to push the machine because the handle doesn't move back. There is a lever to step on so you can pivot the handle back just like an upright vacuum. For the people that have leaks, make sure the ring around the float is not cross-threaded or loose and the cap on the clean water tank is screwed on properly and snug. Of course make sure you have connected both tanks to the machine properly. I snap down both handles on the dirty water tank at the same time when I put it back on the machine. Some tips: * Make sure you thoroughly vacuum first. Really. * Use very hot water from your tap. Don't boil water and use it. There is a max of 140 degrees listed on the clean water tank. * Use the smallest bit of carpet soap. Don't use laundry or dish soap. Add white vinegar to the clean water tank too. * If you have really dirty areas, you can use the machine without the dirty water tank in place. That way you can get a fair amount of cleaning solution into the carpet. Then attach the dirty water tank and suck it up. Don't get the carpet too wet. * After you are done, put only hot water (no soap) in the clean water tank and go over the carpet again. Leftover carpet soap residue attracts dirt. * To extract as much water as you can from the carpet, lean over the machine, loop your hand under the handle on the dirty water tank and push the machine while pressing it into the carpet. * Set up a box fan on high until you are sure the rug is dry. Dig your fingers into the carpet fibers to check. * After you are done cleaning, open the side gray cap and dump the dirty water. Unscrew the ring from the float assembly and clean the float too. Put the float and ring back together. Leave the side gray cap open. * I put the cap from the clean tank inside the cleaned out dirty water tank. Unscrew the ring on the float assembly so you can put the cap inside. I put a paper towel under the clean water tank and slid it back on the grooves so it can air dry. * Take the machine to your sink without the tanks. I was amazed how much cat hair and grit there was stuck underneath. Give the underneath a good spray and check the red rubber bar next to the rotating brush. * I put it up on two wood blocks so the bottom can dry. * Pet stains are a two part cleaning project. There's the stain and there's the odor. For the odor, you need a pet enzyme cleaner. Follow the directions on the bottle. Your pet may go back in the same place again if you don't remove the odor. Their noses are lower to the carpet and better at detecting odors than ours so get down after the carpet is dry and give it a good sniff. *** Buy this machine. Your carpets are dirtier than you think***