I have both a small Bissell similar to that, and a bigger upright one for carpets, and I think they're a wonder! Especially the carpet one gets out tons of dirt and I use the small one for the car seats. The biggest difference over just hand scrubbing spots is that you don't end up with a water ring at the edge, a bright clean spot surrounded by darker, dirtier fabric, and there is no pilling of the fabric, which you can get if you rub too hard by hand. You could try it by hand first and see what results you get, then rent a machine if you're not happy. Be careful what kind of soap you use or you won't get it all out - I'd recommend the stuff meant for the machines.
