Problem:
One day, I took a good look at my oatmeal coloured carpets and realised that they were really grubby. I knew from past experience that hiring a professional carpet cleaner would only be a short term solution before normal wear and tear (spilled drinks, muddy feet and paws, etc.) started to show up again.

Solution:
For less than it would have cost to have a couple of rooms cleaned by a professional cleaner, I bought myself a Bissell Quick Wash Lightweight Deep Cleaner. This means that I can now shampoo as small or as large an area of carpet as I like, anytime I want to. It's almost as simple as hauling the vacuum cleaner out from under the stairs, but with the addition of some cleaning solution.

It's lightweight (less than 5 ½ kilos), easy to assemble and very uncomplicated to use. It comes with a good supply of cleaning solution, and a clear set of instructions, so you can get started straight away.

I've found the best time to use it is last thing at night, because it's unlikely to get walked on while it's drying. By morning, any areas I've cleaned are usually dry.

You do have to clean the brush head and dirty water tank after use, but that isn't too difficult.

The Results:
It works very well. There had been some areas where spilled drinks had stained the carpet, and I had to go over those a couple of times before they disappeared, and they haven't resurfaced.

I've been very happy with this machine, and I no longer worry about anyone trailing in dirt, or pets leaving muddy paw prints on my carpet, because cleaning it all up is now so easy and the appliance for the job is stored right under the stairs.

The Cost:

Available for £70, it comes with an unlimited 2 year warrantee.

I haven't used the hard floor attachment, so I can't comment on that.