Both the Hoover PowerDash and SmartWash are carpet cleaners, but there are big difference between them. Below we will list some major ones that may affect your buying decision:

• Size
  The PowerDash is a compact size carpet extractor, it is smaller than the SmartWash which is a full size cleaner. For small homes and spaces, you may want to consider the PowerDash, otherwise, go for the SmartWash.
  

  Extractor	Dimensions(inches)	Weight	Cleaning Path Width	Cord Length	Clean Tank Capacity	Amps
  PowerDash	43.5x10.125x15.25	less than 13 lbs	10-inch	20-foot	0.5 gallons	7 amps
  SmartWash	43.5x13x18.9	about 20 lbs	12-inch	22-foot	1 gallon	10 amps

Check Hoover SmartWash Price at Amazon

• How They Work
  Both of them are easy to use. However, the operation is a bit different.
  When using the PowerDash, you fill the clean water tank with warm water to the
  Water fill line, then add solution to the Solution fill line mark on the clean water tank. And then press the Water/Solution trigger for a slow forward and backward wet stroke, release the trigger for a slow
  forward and backward dry stroke.
  When using the SmartWash, the process is different. First, the SmartWash has a separate solution tank for holding formula. So you fill clean water tank with warm water, and fill solution bottle with solution. No need to mix them manually, the machine will dispense them automatically when cleaning the carpet. Second, the SmartWash has No trigger to press. You turn on the SmartWash, move it forward slowly, it will automatically dispense the optimal amount of water and cleaning solution. Then pull backward slowly, it will extract the water to dry your carpet. There’s also a Dry Only mode that just extracts residue without dispensing water or solution to dry the carpets faster.
• Attachment
  The PowerDash has no accessories while the SmartWash comes with tool for cleaning carpeted stairs and upholstery. So, if you have stairs, sofa stains, or other similar spots to clean, the SmartWash is a better option.
  
  

  images from Hoover infomercials, tools may vary

• Brushroll
  The PowerDash has one brushroll whereas the SmartWash has two rollers.
• Maintenance
  This is another important factor to consider.
  * Brush
  These carpet/rug washing machines have removable brush rollers.
  The PowerDash requires much work to clean the brushroll. You have to flip the machine on its side, use screwdriver to remove a few screws, then remove the belt cover, finally, pull out the brushroll.
  As for the SmartWash, you don’t have to flip the cleaner, there is also no screws to remove. You just lift up on the Nozzle release then pull the Nozzle forward to remove the nozzle, then you can reach the brush rollers and pull them out to clean.
  * Dirty Water Tank
  The dirty water tank on the PowerDash is hard to clean up completely, it has only one small side hole, really takes some work to get all of the dirty water out. There might be gunk sitting in the bottom which is difficult to clean out.
  As for the SmartWash, the collection tank has a removable top which makes it easier to empty.
  To sum up, the SmartWash takes much less work for maintenance.
• Warranty
  The PowerDash carries one year limited warranty versus five year limited warranty on the SmartWash. For what is covered by the warranty, you can visit Hoover.com to download the manuals to learn more. Or just go to the end of this text to get the download links of Download Product Manual the user guide pdf files directly.
• Price
  The PowerDash is much cheaper than the SmartWash.

Check Hoover PowerDash Price at Amazon

More information:
• Both of them have clean water tank and dirty water tank to keep clean and dirty water separately.
• Featuring Heat Force technology, applies heat generated by the motor, to blow hot air to quicken the drying.
• Have no heater to maintain or hot up the water. It’s recommended to use warm water.
• To keep the warranty, use only Hoover cleaning solutions, they do not allow you to use your own formula or solution from other brands. But if you do not care about the warranty, just go ahead.
• They are not intended for dry vacuuming, always using your traditional vacuum to do the dry vacuuming before using these carpet shampooers.
• To rinse only, just do not fill formula to the tank.
• They have no brush off option.
• Can you use these machines on wool rugs/carpets? It is not recommended to use them to clean wool rugs/carpets. If you want to use them to clean anything that you are not sure if it is safe to clean, or anything that is luxury or you care about, you should always ask the rug/carpet manufacturers first. Some rugs/carpets cannot be cleaned by a carpet shampooer, not only cannot be washed by these machines but also other carpet extractors.
• These extractors are designed for cleaning carpet/rugs, they cannot be used to clean hard floors like hardwood and ceramic floors. Using them on hard floors may damage the floor.
• Do not store the machines with water or formula in tanks. If you do not use up all the solution, it is recommended to empty the tanks before storing. If you do not want to throw out the solution, you should detach the tanks and put them in a place where leakage is not an issue.
• The SmartWash has two versions, the Pet Complete version has a detachable wand for pre-treating dirty spots, you can read the comparison of the SmartWash models here.

Overall, the Hoover SmartWash is a bigger size carpet washing machine with automatic cleaning technology, it comes with attachment for above floor cleaning, and takes less time and effort to clean up after use. The PowerDash is smaller, designed for small space and high traffic area cleaning jobs, and it is much cheaper than the SmartWash. So, just buy the one that fits your cleaning needs.

Check Hoover SmartWash Pet Complete Price at Amazon

Manual PDF download links:
PowerDash manual:
https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH50700_User_Manual
SmartWash manual:
https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH52000_SmartWash_GL_Manual
SmartWash Pet Complete manual:
https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH53000-manual

The Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaners FH50700 and FH50710 models have the same function and very similar appearance, there’s little cosmetic difference between them, such as the printed “POWERDASH PET” moved to the middle part under the logo text from the bottom.

Some questions and answers you may want to know before buying:

• Can you use the PowerDash to clean carpeted stairs? If not, does it come with tools for cleaning upholstery and stairs?
  No. It is not intended for stair cleaning, it is too bulky to use on stairs. And it does not come with any attachments. If you need a carpet extractor with tool for stairs, couch, and upholstered furniture, you can check out the Hoover SmartWash FH52000 and SmartWash Pet FH53000 series, if you need a smaller one for spot stains removal, have a look at the Hoover Spotless FH11300PC spot cleaner.
• Does the PowerDash vacuum carpet?
  It’s not for regular vacuuming, it is recommended to vacuum before using it to wash the carpet.
• Can the PowerDash be used to clean hard floors like tile, vinyl, or wood?
  No. It’s not intended for using on hard surfaces.
• Can you use it to shampoo a wall to wall carpet?
  This carpet shampooer is small, it has small tanks. If you want to use it to clean wall to wall carpet, you will need to fill and empty the tanks frequently.
• Can you turn off the spinning brush roller?
  No.
• Is there a brushroll height adjustment?
  No.
• Can you remove the brushroll to clean?
  Yes. However, it’s not something that you can easily pull out without tools, you will need to use Philips screwdriver to remove like 6 screws to access it.
• Does the PowerDash have a heater?
  No. There is no built-in heater to heat the water. You can use hot tap water.
• Does it steam?
  No.
• Does it pick up pet hair?
  It picks up some pet hair, but not it’s intended for.You’d better do regular vacuuming first.
• Does it remove pet urine stains and odor?
  You will need to pre-treat the pet accident areas with solution.
• Where can I buy replacement parts for the PowerDash, such as belt, brushroll, tanks and tank cap?
  The best place to get the replacement parts is the Hoover official website:
  https://www.hoover.com/powerdash-pet-compact-carpet-cleaner/FH50700-PARTS.html
• Can you use formula from other brands?
  If you want to keep your warranty, you have to use only Hoover cleaning solutions.
• Is this dual voltage?
  No. In US, it’s 120V.

Check Price at Amazon

These are small and lightweight carpet and rug shampooers for apartments and small homes, not meant for large areas. For anyone who have physical limitations, these are also good machines to consider. But for heavy duty works, you probably want to buy a more powerful one.

Specifications and features:

• PowerSpin Pet Brush Roll with antimicrobial protection
• HeatForce technology to blow hot air onto the carpet for faster drying
• Lightweight – weigh less than 13 pounds
• Compact design for easy storage – dimensions are 10.125 x 15.25 x 43.5 inches(W x D x H)
• 0.5 gallons clean water tank capacity.
• Dual Tank System to keep clean water and dirty water separately.
• 10-inch cleaning path.
• Removable Nozzle for easy cleanup.
• 7 amps motor.
• Carry 1 year limited warranty.
• Both of them comes with a sample bottle of cleaning solution.

You can download the PowerDash manual to learn more:
https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH50700_User_Manual

Likes:

• Reasonably priced.
• Easy to put together.
• Simple to use.
• Compact and lightweight.
• Small enough, take less space to store than most carpet cleaners on the market.
• Does a fairly good job cleaning carpets and rugs.
• Leaves the floor relatively dry if you go slowly with suction only to get up the residue.

Check Price at Amazon

Dislikes:

• Small tanks require frequent emptying and refilling.
• Inconvenient to clean the brushroll and brushroll compartment. You have to flip the shampooer on its side to expose the bottom, then use a Philips driver to unscrew a few screws to remove belt cover, and then pull out the brushroll to clean up everything. Such design should be improved.
• Hard to empty the dirty water tank completely.
• Some users reported leaking problems. If the leakage is the one that mentioned within this user review at Amazon, they can be fixed.

P. S.
If you have an expensive carpet or area rug, please always read the instructions, and consult the manufacturer to make sure if it’s safe to use a carpet shampooer to clean it.

We will discuss the difference between Hoover SmartWash,SmartWash Plus, and SmartWash Pet Complete below.
It seems the Hoover SmartWash and SmartWash+ are the same, some retailers call it SmartWash while some name it SmartWash+.
The SmartWash Pet and The SmartWash Pet Complete are also the same.

The SmartWash Pet Complete FH53000 series is the upgrade version of the original SmartWash FH52000 series. For the appearance and function, there’s no significant modifications. According to user reviews, the SmartWash Pet Complete pulls up water better.

The obvious difference between them is the SmartWash Pet FH53000 series equipped with a detachable Spot Chaser PreTreat Wand which can be used to help loosen and remove stains. The SmartWash FH52000 series do not have such pretreat kit.

The Spot Chaser PreTreat Wand can be detached from the shampooer, it does not use the solution from the carpet washer tank, it has its own solution tank. You need to fill it with formula before using.
And it requires 2 AAA batteries to work. You also need to use a phillips head screwdriver to install or remove the batteries.
For pretreating stains, you press the wand release button to pull it out. Then use it to dispense solution over the stains. In fact, it works like a spray bottle that stored on the machine for quick reach. Yes, it is convenient. But nothing magical. You can use a spray bottle to get the same things done.
Check Hoover SmartWash Pet Complete Price at Amazon
Other differences are the color and included tools.
For more details about the SmartWash FH52000 series, you can read the SmartWash FH52000 series models comparison here.
As for the SmartWash Pet FH53000 series,
FH53000PC is in purple color, comes with (1) Antimicrobial Pet Tool, (1) trial size Spot Chaser pretreat stain solution, (1) trial size Paws & Claws carpet cleaner shampoo, (1) 8-foot attachment hose, (1) accessory storage bag.
The Antimicrobial Pet Tool (Antimicrobial Rubber Nub Tool) included in the SmartWash Pet package is a bit different from the one (2-in-1 Antimicrobial Bristle Brush and Rubber Nub Tool) that the original SmartWash come with, a bit more bulkier and better suction power.

According to the specifications of these carpet shampooers, the original SmartWash solution tank capacity is 20 ounces versus 16 ounces on the SmartWash Pet (Complete) FH53000 series.
And the original SmartWash is about 1.5 pounds lighter.

These carpet washers are pretty light compared to Rug Doctor and Bissell Big Green. They have separate clean water tank and dirty water tank. Just like many other carpet shampooers on the market, they also have a separate formula tank.

How do you use a Hoover SmartWash?
They are simple to use, as easy as using a vacuum cleaner. You fill in the clean water tank with water, solution tanks with formula, push the machine forward to wash and pull back to dry. You can also choose the dry only mode to extract residue and blow heated air onto the carpet to speed up the drying. That’s all. There’s nothing else you need to do for cleaning carpets.
You do not need to mix water with formula before cleaning, you do not need to press button to dispense solution, because the machines mix them and spray them automatically while you push forward to clean carpet. Though this makes it easy to use, some people do not like it. Because you cannot control how much solution to apply, especially when cleaning those heavy traffic areas or similar spots that need to be treated with more formula.
Check Hoover SmartWash Price at Amazon
Some questions and answers about SmartWash Pet Complete FH53000 series you may want to know before buying:

• Is the Hoover Smartwash Pet any good?
  It can help remove embeded dirt, juice, wine, coffee spill, pet urine stains, odors, etc. from carpet, rugs, upholstered couches,etc.
• Can the SmartWash Pet be used to clean hardwood, ceramic, tile or other hard floors?
  No. It’s designed mainly for carpet and rug cleaning.
• Is this a vacuum and carpet shampooer 2-in-1machine?
  No. It does not work as a regular vacuum. It’s recommended to vacuum before using this machine.
• Can you set it to rinse only?
  To rinse only, you can remove the the solution tank or fill the solution tank with clean water.
• Does it steam?
  No.
• Does it have a heater to heat the water?
  It does not have a heater. You can use warm tap water.
• Can you remove the brushes to clean?
  Yes. Brushes are easy to reach and detach without tool.
• Can you use it to clean carpeted stairs?
  You can use the Antimicrobial Pet Tool to clean carpeted stairs.
• Can you use it to clean upholstery, couches,etc.? 
  Yes, attachment required.
• Where is the SmartWash Pet manufactured?
  It’s made in China.
• Does it have a manual mode that allows you to decide when and how much solution to dispense?
  The machine does not allow you to control that by yourself.
• Can you turn off the brushes in dry only mode?
  No. The brushes keep spinning. Brushes will stop rotating when in upright position.
• How many amps is this carpet extractor?
  10 amps.
• Does it have dual voltage?
  No. 120V only.
• Is the handle foldable for storage?
  The handle is not foldable. However, it’s easy to remove.
• What is the warranty?
  It carries 5 year limited warranty.

Check Hoover SmartWash Pet Complete Price at Amazon
If you are looking for the best lightweight, simple to use, easy to move around domestic carpet washer, then this Hoover SmartWash Pet Complete FH53000 series is a good choice. If you need something that deeply clean carpet well, you may also consider the Bissell Big Green carpet extraction machine. For spot stains removal, take a look at the Bissell SpotBot.