I’ve suffered from one too many carpet stains since I moved into my NYC apartment two years ago. From dog urine to spilled coffee and wine, my rug has been through the wringer. In fact, I recently replaced my longtime throw after the stench of pet pee became too awful to bear.

I’ve tried everything on tough stains — wipes, sprays and paper towels galore — but nothing made a dent. So when I discovered the Shark StainForce on TikTok, I was instantly intrigued and inspired to put it to the test.

The portable spot cleaner comes in a compact tool kit, complete with the device itself, three different attachments and a stain-removing spray. The brand promises it has up to 30x more stain-fighting power than competing brands using a simple, three-step process.

Type: Cordless I What’s in the box: Shark StainForce cordless cleaning device, stain eliminator tool with reversible bristles, crevice tool, storage caddy, StainForce Dual-Activated Cleaning Solution, reusable spray bottle head, charging cable I Dimensions: 19.84 in x 2.68 in x 3.78 in I Weight: 6.26 lbs

How does the Shark StainForce work?

No setup is required, and lifting stains is as simple as 1, 2, 3…literally. First, you spray the spot using the Shark StainForce dual formula, featuring Deep Clean Max and Oxy Multiplier Max that mix on contact. Next, you scrub the area using the device’s strong bristles. Then, the fun part: extract. The tool sucks up liquids in a matter of seconds and neutralizes unwanted odors in the process.

The spray head is reusable, with an easy dual-chamber refill.

The tool is ultra-lightweight, coming in at under three pounds, meaning you can take it on the go. It’s great for annoying stains from the back seat of cars, outdoor furniture, bath mats and everything in between. It’s compatible with several types of fabric, areas and materials.

How do you clean the Shark StainForce?

Cleaning your Shark StainForce is very quick and easy. Simply empty the dirty water tank with one flick of the quick-door pour latch. Once the water is drained, remove the self-wash cup, fill it with clean water up to the “MAX” line and secure it back in the caddy. No intense scrubbing or dishwasher needed. The self-cleaning cycle starts and ends with a simple tap.

My review of Shark StainForce

The other day, while I was getting ready in the morning, my purple conditioner and foundation dripped all over my pale pink bath rug, and I worried it had reached a point of no return — until I reached for the StainForce. The stain was actually about 12 hours old, so I worried that it would, unfortunately, be permanent.

It took a few passes to get it right, since it took me a while to realize I needed to be generous with the spray on the trouble spots. The key was heavily coating the stain, then scrubbing and letting the powerful suction do its job.

I later tested the device on a fresh pet pee stain, and it sucked up the liquid (and awful odor) in a matter of seconds. I didn’t need to follow up with a disinfecting wipe or paper towel; the work was already done for me.

I’m most amazed by how the tool seems to do it all in one: spraying, sucking and scrubbing. I typically run through dozens of paper towels trying to lift spills, but not one was needed in this case. If I could give the StainForce one critique, it would be that sometimes, a few rounds of “spray, scrub, suck” are needed for the area to look completely spotless. But one thing’s for sure: this is certainly more effective than wipes or towels. It’s also a major time saver.

The device also runs relatively quiet. Lots of vacuums I’ve tested can be noisy and distracting, but I thought the noise level on the StainForce was tolerable.

Is the Shark StainForce worth it?

Short answer: yes. With the holidays coming up, the StainForce makes a great gift for homeowners (particularly those with pets) and those looking to simplify their at-home cleaning routines.

Although the device is on the pricey side, I spend hundreds of dollars every couple of months on cleaning supplies anyway. Finding a high-tech, vacuum-scrub hybrid was just the solution I was looking for to save me excursions to Walmart. Although you’ll need to purchase a replacement cleaning formula every couple of months, the refill cartridge is easy to install and affordable.

I’ve gotten in the habit of emptying and rinsing the collection area to prevent odors after each use. Although this can sometimes be a nuisance, I much prefer it to sitting on my hands and knees scrubbing pet pee.

Now, when I’m dog-sitting and a cute canine unexpectedly relieves itself on one of my rugs, I sit back and let Shark’s cordless device take it away, without lifting a finger.

How I tested

• Cost: Is it affordable? Is it reasonably priced compared to competitors?
• Functionality: Does it effectively remove stains? Does it work on both old and fresh stains?
• Ease of use: Is it easy to operate? Are the instructions clear?
• Portability: Is it lightweight and/or compact?
• Design: Is it durable? Is it comfortable to hold?
• Efficiency: How quickly does it lift stains? How many passes are needed?
• Maintenance: Is it easy to clean?
• Versatility: Can it be used on multiple types of fabric/different areas?

This article was written by Carrie Berk, Commerce Reporter for the New York Post. Carrie specializes in New York City-ready fashion finds for every style, age and budget. Combing the internet’s sale sections, brand collaborations, seasonal trends, timeless staples and lookalike styles, she makes recommendations that stand the test of time in your wardrobe – without breaking the bank. Before joining The Post full time in 2026, her work appeared in HuffPost, Women’s Health, Newsweek and more.