I spot clean with this machine. I have a 16-year-old Min Pin. Needless to say, she sometimes has accidents. This is the second Bissel carpet cleaner that I've purchased. Within the first few weeks, the first one just quit working whenever it wanted. So, now I'm trying this one. I am disappointed to say that the suction is horrible. What's just as bad is it leaves behind dirty wet pieces of carpet? Yuck!! BISSELL just can't seem to get it right.