We live in a California coastal town where there is natural seepage of tar on the beach. Therefore, dog paws and kids' feet are constantly tracking black oily tar fragments into the rugs and on the couch. It's nearly impossible to clean -- but WOW -- I am SO impressed with how this steam cleaner lifted those nasty particles up and away. I received this cleaner as part of a Stellar Panel Review testing group. Thrilled at the results. Truly, I've been frustrated trying to find a solution to the tar messes. Every other cleaning method I have tried has left a dull oil-like stain. This little hydro cleaner is really impressive, the way it uses heat to remove the baked in tarballs.