I have the animal (for about 5 years now) and love it, but I stopped using the cleaning products- I used the free ones but never purchased more b/c I wasn't that impressed with them. I remember being confused about the cleaner too- it's not just you;) I sprinkled in on the carpet and rubbed it in with the attachment NOT on (and then of course turned it on to vacuum it up). I still think steam cleaners do the best job for deep cleaning. The professional carpet cleaners have told me to never use any cleaning products (resolve, oxyclean, etc.) on your carpet b/c it leaves soap and just attracts more dirt- I totally believe this to be true. (I'm a bit of a carpet fanatic). I only use water or water with vinegar to clean stains. Good luck!