For years, I've been spot cleaning my aging cats' messes with old washcloths and carpet cleaner from a pump bottle. It took a lot of elbow grease, and I wasn't always able to get it all clean the first time. I purchased this carpet cleaning machine, hoping for a better way.TLDR: The Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner Machine is compact with powerful suction and well thought out design.First, let me say that this is definitely not a carpet cleaner you're going to want for large areas. It's for cleaning small areas - cat vomit, spilled drinks or food, muddy footprints - and does a great job at it. It's quite compact, with the vacuum hose and power cord wrapping neatly around the unit. The collection reservoir is convenient to remove for cleaning and is designed so that there are few tight spaces to collect dirt. A simple rinse is all it takes. The tank for the carpet cleaner is small, but I find that I'm able to do three or four rounds of cleaning up after kitties before having to refill it.The suction is surprisingly powerful, so the carpet is left only a little damp after cleaning, and leaves no visible residue. After cleaning up several messes, I've examined the cleaned area with a bright flashlight and have been pleased to see no sign of anything left behind - unlike the washcloth and pump bottle days.My wife frequently observes that she thought the purchase was a waste of money, when I first ordered the Dirt Devil, but now feels that it was money very well spent.