I was given this portable carpet cleaner to try as part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel. The machine was very easy and intuitive to operate and I was using it within minutes of opening the box. I used the machine to clean my couches and while they didn't appear dirty, there was brown water getting sucked up. Gross! I tried the machine on a white rug that is in a high traffic area of my house. Unfortunately I didn't see a big difference before and after using the cleaner. I had another portal carpet / upholstery cleaner from the same company and I like this one so much more. Easier to operate and easy to clean and maintain.