Pet owners know the nightmare: You decide to deep clean your carpets to get rid of dog smell, but 10 minutes in, the machine stops working. Why? Because the brush roll is choked with a thick, wet cylinder of pet hair. You spend the next hour cutting it out with scissors. It’s gross, and it wastes time.

Shark claims to have solved this problem forever with the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Upright Cleaner. Combining their legendary suction power with a new self-cleaning brush roll design, it promises to deep clean carpets and grab hair without the tangle.

In this review, we analyze the effectiveness of the HairPro technology, test the dual-tank StainStriker system, and see if this upright machine is the ultimate all-in-one solution for pet-heavy households in 2026.

1. What is the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro?

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro (EX251BRN) is a hybrid cleaning machine. Primarily, it is a powerful upright carpet shampooer designed for whole-room cleaning. However, it also features a built-in hose and spot-cleaning system, effectively giving you two machines in one.

Unlike standard cleaners that just spray water and suck it up, Shark uses high-pressure spray saturation and a specialized bristle design to pull dirt from the base of the carpet fibers. It is designed to tackle the “Big Three” of carpet care: deeply embedded dirt, tough stains, and the dreaded pet hair.

2. HairPro Technology: Does It Work?

This is the headline feature. Standard carpet cleaners have soft bristles that hair wraps around easily. The HairPro Brushroll uses a unique combination of stiff bristles and a comb-like structure to actively grab hair and send it directly into the dirty water tank.

In practice, this means you don’t have to pre-vacuum as meticulously as you do with other machines (though we still recommend it). If you have Golden Retrievers or Huskies, this feature alone can save you hours of maintenance time over the life of the machine.

3. StainStriker System & Tools

Dual-Activation Chemistry

Just like its portable cousin, the Shark StainStriker Portable, this upright unit uses a dual-tank system. It mixes the Deep Clean Pro Formula with the OXY Multiplier inside the nozzle right before it hits the carpet. This creates a fresh, potent chemical reaction that destroys odors and lifts colors (like wine or juice) instantly.

Built-In Spot Cleaner

You don’t need a separate portable unit for your stairs or car. The machine comes with a flexible hose and attachments:

• Pet Tool: Great for scrubbing localized accidents on rugs.
• Crevice Tool: Essential for getting into sofa corners and car seats.
• Hose Cleaning Tool: Flushes the system to prevent bad smells.

4. Performance: Suction & Drying

High-Pressure Spray

Shark calls this “High-Pressure Spray,” and they aren’t kidding. Instead of dribbling water, it blasts the solution into the fibers. This ensures the cleaning agent reaches the carpet pad where odors linger.

Rapid Drying

One of Shark’s biggest advantages over competitors is suction power. Because the vacuum motor is so strong, it extracts more water on the return pass. This leads to significantly faster drying times—often dry to the touch in under 2 hours, preventing that damp, musty smell that weaker machines leave behind.

5. Shark vs. Bissell ProHeat 2X

The biggest rival is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution. Here is the breakdown:

• Pet Hair: Shark wins. The HairPro brush roll resists tangles much better than the Bissell brushes.
• Stain Removal: Shark wins on set-in stains due to the OXY dual-mix system.
• Tank Capacity: Bissell generally has larger tanks, meaning fewer trips to the sink for whole-house jobs.
• Heating: Bissell’s HeatWave technology maintains water temp slightly better.

Verdict: If pet hair is your main annoyance, get the Shark. If you have a massive house and want fewer refills, consider the Bissell.

6. Technical Specifications

7. Pros & Cons

8. Buyer’s Guide: Who Needs This?

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is designed specifically for:

• Pet Owners: Especially those with long-haired dogs or cats. The tangle-free brush is a sanity saver.
• Busy Households: The fast drying time allows you to clean in the morning and have guests over in the afternoon.
• Car Owners: The detachable hose makes it a competent auto detailer, saving you from buying a separate portable cleaner.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this on hard floors?

No. This model is designed specifically for carpets and upholstery. Shark makes other “HydroVac” models for hard floors, but the stiff bristles on this unit could scratch delicate wood.

Do I need to buy Shark solution?

Shark highly recommends using their branded formula, especially because of the dual-tank mixing system. Using third-party soaps can cause excess foaming which may damage the motor.

Does it steam clean?

No, it is an extractor (wash and suck). It does not produce steam. For steam cleaning (sanitizing without suction), look at the McCulloch MC1275.

Is the hose long enough for stairs?

The hose is flexible and generally reaches halfway up a standard flight of stairs. You may need to lift the unit to clean the top steps.