This article contains the EX250 Series Shark® CarpetXpert HairPro with Spot and Stain Remover FAQs. This supports the EX251BRN model.

Getting Started/General Questions
Can you tell me how to getting started and set up my unit to clean?
First, fill the CarpetXpert Tank (top tank) with water that is warm, not hot, to the water fill line, and then add the Shark Deep Clean Pet solution to the concentrate fill line. Make sure you do not exceed the concentrate fill line and that you screw on the cap tightly. Do not use any chemicals other than Deep Clean Pet even if they are also Shark Cleaners to avoid things like foaming.
What are best practices for carpet cleaning?
Carpet cleaners are designed to move slower than a traditional vacuum. For best results, push and pull CarpetXpert at intervals of a few feet in a slower pace than you would a vacuum. Moving too slowly will oversaturate carpets. Be sure to not stay in place while the unit is reclined in "Deep Clean Mode". If you see any hair/fur redepositing onto the carpet, move forward slowly back over the remaining hair to pick it back up.
How should I move the unit while cleaning?
The CarpetXpert dispenses solution as it goes forwards, and suctions it back up when going backwards. Make sure to go forward and backward in the exact same strip of carpet to ensure you are sucking the solution back up. We recommend going back and forth no more than 3 times on 1 strip of carpet, and then repeating on another strip of carpet until desired area is clean. Carpet cleaners are designed to move slower than a traditional vacuum. For best results, push and pull CarpetXpert at intervals of less than 1m, in a slower pace than you would a vacuum. Be sure to not stay in place while the unit is reclined in "Deep Clean Mode".
How can I prevent / stop getting oversaturated carpets?
The CarpetXpert dispenses solution as it goes forwards, and suctions it back up when going backwards. To help prevent oversaturated carpets, make sure to go forward and backward in the exact same strip of carpet to ensure you are sucking the solution back up. Moving too slowly will oversaturate carpets. Be sure to not stay in place while the unit is reclined in "Deep Clean Mode". If carpets are still wet, switch the unit into "Dry Only Mode" using the Mode Select button located above the power button.
How do I remove the handle?
Power off unit. Unplug unit. Locate the small hole on the rear of the unit, just below the carry handle in the middle of the vents. Use a thin hard object, like a screwdriver, to press the release button in this hole while pulling up on the hande, and out of the body.
Is this safe to use on my rug?
Check manufacturer’s tag prior to cleaning area rugs for any specific cleaning guidelines. We do not recommend deep cleaning delicate rugs (including cotton, wool, silk, antique, natural hide or leather, or area rugs that do not have a manufacturer’s tag).
I see carpet fibers in the dirty water tank, is this damaging my carpet?
We recommend to test a small area before cleaning to see if your carpet is reactive to the cleaning solution or sensitive to carpet cleaners. Some loose carpet fibers may be picked up by the carpet cleaner. Stop use immediately if you notice excessive pulling or damage to your carpet.
Can I put the dirty water tank in the dishwasher?
No, do not put the Dirty Water Tank or any other component in the dishwasher. It is not dishwasher safe. Follow cleaning instructions in Instruction Booklet
How long does it take for my carpet to dry?
Dry times can vary based on a number of factors such as type of carpet or cleaning time. We recommend putting the unit in Dry Only Mode after cleaning cycle to reduce dry time and turning on any available AC units or fans to help circulate air in the room.
Can I use boiling water?
No. Do not use water hotter than 60°C (140°F ), or risk damage to the unit.
Can I use this as a traditional vacuum cleaner?
No. This is only intended to be used as a carpet cleaner.
What are the rubber fins for?
They are designed to be softer on delicate fabrics. They prevent hair tangling and are also are easier to clean off after use which would be beneficial for messes like pet messes.
Can I use this on hard floors?
No. This is only intended to be used as a carpet cleaner.
What is the Pet Mess Extractor Tool for?
The Pet Mess Extractor Tool extracts wet pet messes, while preventing the mess from reaching the hose and the interior of the unit. Use on wet pet messes only. DO NOT use the tool to remove pet hair. To use, first spray the wet mess, then extract it with the Pet Mess Extractor Tool. DO NOT exceed the MAX FILL line on the Pet Mess Extractor Tool cup. Keep the tool level, without tipping, to prevent the mess from reaching the hose. After use, turn off the CarpetXpert power and empty the Pet Mess Extractor Tool cup into a toilet. Wash the cup, filter, and the rest of the tool thoroughly with soap and water after every use.
Is there a "rinse" mode?
While there is no mode named "rinse", you can use only water by filling the tank only with water, and run the CarpetXpert in "Deep Clean Mode" to rinse your carpet. The same applies to the hand tool, where you would need to fill the StainStriker tank with water.
Maintenance
What are some maintenance tips?
When cleaning the area with the brushroll, use a paper towel to wipe off any hair or debris behind the brushroll or on the non-removeable inner cover that is under the clear outer cover. To get any debris stuck in the removeable clear outer cover, place water into the opening and the shake lightly back and forth to loosen up hair and debris and rinse them out. When putting the clear top cover back, make sure to first connect the 2 hooks on the bottom of each side, and the push into place with both hands until it clicks. When emptying the Dirty Water Tank, empty the dirty water into a sink or drain and any hair or debris in the hair cage into a trash can to prevent clogging of drains.
Solution Questions
Is this safe to use around pets?
When used as directed, Shark chemicals are safe to use around pets. We recommend removing children and pets from cleaning area while cleaning and waiting for carpet or rugs to dry completely before resuming usage.
Is this safe to use around children?
When used as directed Shark chemicals are safe to use around children. We recommend removing children and pets from cleaning area while cleaning and waiting for carpet or rugs to dry completely before resuming usage. Keep chemicals out of reach from children.
Are these chemicals non toxic?
Shark chemicals are non toxic and safe when used as directed.
How do I dispose of the chemicals?
Dispose of contents/container with a licensed waste disposal site in accordance with the requirements of the local waste disposal authority. Do not dispose in drains or water courses in concentrate form.
Can I use other 3rd party brand's cleaning solutions with this machine?
We do not recommend this because there is a potential for (1) damaging the unit, (2) not getting optimized cleaning performance, (3) chemicals mixing that are not designed to mix.
Can I use vinegar?
No. Mixing vinegar with cleaning solutions is not advised.
I have skin irritation after contact, what should I do?
- If in EYES, rinse continuously for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing.
- If on SKIN, wash with soap and water and remove any clothing chemical contacted.
- If skin and eye irritation persist, seek medical attention.
Is Deep Clean Pro used at the hand tool?
Yes, it combines with Oxy Multiplier to create a reaction that is optimal for stain cleaning.
Product Specs
What is the length of the cord?
The cord is 20 feet long.
What is the Wattage?
1140 Watts
What is the Voltage?
120V
What is the weight of the unit?
20.72lbs