Hoover offers a few carpet cleaner machine series, some of them are designed for spot cleaning, some are compact machines for small homes, some are full size for larger spaces.
Here are some of the top selling Hoover carpet shampooers at this moment:

• Hoover SmartWash
• Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet
• Hoover PowerDash
• Hoover Spotless

So, which is the best one to buy?
You should know your needs first, then choose the right one.

SmartWash
If you need a full size carpet washer to deep clean wall to wall carpet, and want accessories for above floor and spot cleaning, then you can consider this one.

Power Scrub Elite Pet
This is another full size machine, but has larger tanks, and a quick cleaning mode for faster drying.

PowerDash
This one is compact and lightweight, has small tanks, best for small space, such as an apartment.

Spotless
This is a portable spot cleaner for everyday spots and pet messes cleaning.

You may also be interested in reading the comparison of SmartWash and Power Scrub Elite Pet, comparison of PowerDash and SmartWash.

Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner
This Hoover carpet/rug shampooer has dual rotating brush rolls to deep clean carpets/rugs. It is very easy to use. You just fill the clean water tank and solution tank, no need to measure and mix; push the shampooer forward to wash the carpet/rug, pull it backward to dry, no need to press a trigger. It also has a dry only mode to extract water for drying more quickly.
The machine has a clean water tank and a collecting tank to separate clean and dirty water.
Its nozzle and brushes can be removed to clean up.
The upgrade model SmartWash Pet features a detachable handle which has its own formula bottle, you can remove the handle to pre-treat stubborn stains.

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Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet Carpet Shampooer
Among these carpet extractors, this one has the largest tank which holds up to1.25 gallons. It uses a different brush design from the SmartWash, its five brush sets spin but not rotate on carpet. According to Hoover, such design is more gentle on carpet.
Unlike the SmartWash, this one requires you to press a trigger to dispense solution.
It has a quick clean mode for surface stains cleaning. In this mode, carpets/rugs dry more quickly than in deep clean mode, usually in less than one hour and even faster.
Like the SmartWash, it blows hot air generated by the motor onto carpet/rug to speed up drying.
Unlike the SmartWash, this Power Scrub Elite Pet has a Rinse/Wash mode selector that allows you to choose the mode you want. When using the SmartWash, you need to remove the detergent bottle to rinse.
For maintenance, its nozzle and brushes can also be detached

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Hoover PowerDash Compact Carpet Cleaner
This is a lightweight and compact size carpet cleaner for small areas like a small apartment. Just like the bigger size SmartWash and Power Scrub, it also has separate dirty water tank and clean water tank, but the tank size is much smaller, it requires frequent emptying and refilling. One other thing you should know about it is: the brushroll is not easy to remove to clean. It takes much more time and effort to get it done than the two bigger size machines. You will need tools to unscrew drivers.

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Hoover Spotless Stain Cleaner
This is a small portable carpet and upholstery cleaner for removing everyday stains, spills, pet accidents, and other small jobs. You can use it to clean small spots on carpeted steps, area rugs, upholstery, and more. Like the big ones, it has dual tanks for separating clean water and dirty water This little machine also features Self-Clean Technology flushes the hose clean after each use to help prevent odors and bacteria growth.

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Similarities, info, and tips:

Using any detergent made by yourself or anything other than Hoover carpet cleaner solutions will void the warranty.

They do pick up some wet messes such as wet pet hair, but they cannot be used as a vacuum cleaner. It is recommended to vacuum prior to using these carpet washers to clean your rugs/carpets, this is important, especially if you have dogs, cats, or other pets.

All of them do not have a heater, they do not heat up water, you should use warm water instead.

To get the best results, tough stains need to be pre-treated, and you should move the machines slowly while cleaning, this is important, do not go fast, or it may not work well.

You can download manuals to learn more:
• SmartWash manual:
  https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH52000_SmartWash_GL_Manual
• Power Scrub Elite Pet manual:
  https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH50251_Hoover_User_Manual
• PowerDash manual:
  https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH50251_Hoover_User_Manual
• Spotless manual:
  https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH11300_Hoover_User_Manual

The Hoover SmartWash/Pet and Power Scrub Deluxe/Elite Pet are carpet extractors for household use. There is difference and similarity between them. We will compare them below.

The Power Scrub series has a large range of models. For more info, you can read the comparison of the Hoover Power Scrub carpet washer models.
As for the As for the Deluxe (FH50150) and Elite Pet (FH50251PC), the Elite is an upgrade version of the Deluxe. The Elite is larger, has wider cleaning path width, bigger tanks, adds side brushes to help edge cleaning, and a mode selector to choose between quick cleaning or deep cleaning mode to fit different cleaning needs.

The Hoover SmartWash has original version such as FH52000 and Pet version such as FH53000, they are very similar, the only difference you should know is the Pet version has a removable handle that can be used to pre-treat stains. Otherwise, they are almost the same. The FH52000 is cheaper, but has the core functions as the FH53000. You can learn more details by reading the comparison of FH52000 and FH53000.

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Below we will compare the SmartWash original version and the Power Scrub Elite Pet.

• Brushes Design
  The Power Scrub Elite Pet uses spin scrub brushes, these counter rotating brushes spin, not roll.
  The SmartWash uses two rollers, the brushes rolls. According to user reviews, the SmartWash which has rotating brushes clean deeper whereas the Power Scrub Elite Pet is more gentle on carpet.
  
  

  images from Hoover infomercials

• Cleaning Mode
  The Power Scrub Elite Pet has two cleaning modes: Quick Clean and Deep Clean.
  The Quick Clean mode is designed for a quick clean, rugs/carpets dry in less than 1 hour.
  The Deep Clean mode is best for a thorough, deep rug/carpet clean. It takes longer to dry.
  The SmartWash does not have a mode selector.
  
  

  images from Hoover infomercials

• Rinse/Wash Selector
  The Power Scrub Elite Pet has a Wash/Rinse dial to choose between Wash and Rinse mode.
  The SmartWash does not have this selector. When you want to rinse the carpet/rug with clean water only, just remove the formula tank.
  
  

  images from Hoover infomercials

• Operation
  These carpet washers are easy to use. However, there is difference on the operation.
  When using the Power Scrub Elite Pet, you need to choose the Quick Clean or Deep Clean mode first, then select Wash or Rinse.
  And then press the Water/Solution trigger for a forward and backward wet stroke, release the trigger and move the machine forward and backward for a dry stroke.
  When using the SmartWash, it will be a bit different. Because the SmartWash has no Clean Mode selector, no Wash/Rinse selector, no Water/Solution trigger to press.
  It features automatic cleaning. You only need to move the machine forward and it will dispense the optimal amount of water and formula automatically, move it backward and it will pick up water to dry. It also features a Dry Only mode that just extracts remaining water to dry the carpets/rugs faster.
• Hard Floor Cleaning Ability
  Though both of them are carpet cleaners, the Power Scrub Elite Pet can be used with a hard floor Squeegee Tool to clean non-carpeted surfaces such as tile, whereas the SmartWash does not have this optional accessory.
  
  

  image from Hoover infomercial

• Tank Size
  The Power Scrub Elite Pet has larger tank capacity than the SmartWash which has 1 gallon water tank.
• Warranty
  The Power Scrub Elite Pet carries two year limited warranty while the SmartWash is backed by five year limited warranty.
  You can download the manuals to learn what is covered by the warranty.
  Manual PDF download links:
  Power Scrub Elite Pet User Guide:
  https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH50251_Hoover_User_Manual
  SmartWash manual:
  https://tti.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/FH52000_SmartWash_GL_Manual
• Price
  The Power Scrub Elite Pet is cheaper than the SmartWash.

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More information:
• Both use foot pedal power control.
• No automatic cable retractor, power cord need to be wrapped by hand.
• Brushes can be removed without using any tools.
• You cannot turn the brush off.
• Side brushes to help edge cleaning.
• 12-inch cleaning path width.
• 8-foot hose.
• 22-foot power cord.
• Both of them have removable and separate clean water tank and dirty water tank.
• Featuring Heat Force technology to apply hot air onto carpet/rug to quicken the drying.
• They do not have a heater to warm up the water.
• You will void the warranty if you use formula from other brands.
• These machines are carpet washers, they do not function as a dry vacuum, you have to vacuum before using these extractors.
• It is recommended to empty the tanks before putting them away to avoid leakage issues.
• Don’t use the machines to clean upholstery fabric marked “S” (“solvent/dry” clean only).
• Both come with accessory hose and tools for above floor cleaning.

Carpet Washer	Hoover SmartWash	Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet
Quick/Deep Clean Selector	No	Yes
Automatic Cleaning	Yes	No
Tank Size	1 gallon	1.25 gallons
Weight	18.9 lbs	18.5 lbs
Dimensions(HxDxW)	43.5"x18.9"x13"	43"x17.5"x12.3"
Warranty	5 year limited	2 year limited
Attachment	Yes	Yes

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Overall, the Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet has larger tanks, it can be used to clean certain hard floors with the optional squeegee tool. While the SmartWash features automatic cleaning technology, it’s easier to use. According to user reviews, the SmartWash is also more comfortable to use and does a better job on cleaning.

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

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• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Some users reported leaking problems. If the leakage is the one that mentioned within this (#ad) 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.