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Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

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The Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner automates solution mixing and drying through simple forward and backward motion. If you are comparing hoover smartwash automatic carpet cleaner alternatives, you likely need a different form factor or feature set. This original model is a full-size upright designed for trigger-free cleaning on standard carpets. Its automatic technology eliminates manual triggers, but it weighs 18.5 pounds and measures 23.2 inches wide. Some users may prefer a more compact unit for stairs or upholstery. Others might want a cordless design or a smaller tank for quick spot cleaning. The alternatives on this list were chosen because their specs overlap with the original in purpose but differ in size, portability, or power source. We compared these options to help you find a machine that fits your specific cleaning targets and storage constraints. Each pick offers distinct advantages based on its published specifications. You can review the dimensions and weights to see which device best suits your home layout.

How each alternative compares

Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner

The Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner focuses on small messes rather than whole rooms. It uses a 48 oz tank and manual scrub action for targeted stain removal. This makes it a space-saving choice when full-sized upright cleaning is unnecessary. Unlike the original, it lacks automatic mixing and drying features. You must handle the cleaning process manually. It is ideal for quick spot treatments on stairs, upholstery, or car interiors. If you only need to address isolated spills rather than deep-clean large carpeted areas, this portable unit offers a practical, compact alternative.

Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner

The Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner delivers targeted stain removal with internal chemical mixing and three attachments. It provides a compact alternative to full-sized upright extractors when you only need to clean localized spills. It is designed for upholstery, stairs, and pet stains. Unlike the original, it is not an automatic upright machine. You sacrifice the convenience of hands-free operation for portability. This model is best for users who prioritize mobility and specific tool attachments over deep cleaning entire rooms. It fits well in homes where quick, manual spot cleaning is the primary need.

Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner

The Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner is a practical option for spot cleaning stairs and upholstery. It fits users who prioritize portability and cordless freedom over automatic features. Weighing 10.4 pounds, it is significantly lighter than the original. It lacks automatic solution mixing and drying systems. You must manually control the cleaning process. This model is ideal for those who need to clean hard-to-reach areas without being tethered to a power cord. It is a suitable choice if you value maneuverability and wireless operation over the automated deep-cleaning capabilities of a full-size upright machine.

Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner

The Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner is a practical option for those who prioritize tank capacity and specialized tools for upholstery and small carpet areas. It fits buyers who need a powerful handheld solution for specific messes rather than a full-size carpet washer. It measures 14.1 inches wide and weighs 11 pounds. Unlike the original, it is not designed for automatic, trigger-free room cleaning. You give up the convenience of automatic solution dispensing and HeatForce drying. This model is best for quick stain removal on stairs or furniture where portability and targeted cleaning are more important than automated, whole-room performance.

Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner

The Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner offers automatic cleaning features for users who want convenience. It is best for those who prioritize hands-free operation and deep carpet cleaning. It shares the automatic cleaning technology of the original, allowing you to push forward to clean and pull back to dry. However, it is larger, standing 43.5 inches tall compared to the original's 19.1 inches. It weighs the same at 18.5 pounds. This model is ideal if you want the same automated cleaning and drying benefits but prefer a taller, upright form factor that may offer different storage or maneuverability characteristics for your specific home layout.

Hoover SmartWash Pet Carpet Cleaner

The Hoover SmartWash Pet Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for pet owners who want automatic cleaning without manual triggers. It fits homes with standard carpeting and users who value hands-free operation. It shares the automatic cleaning technology of the original, including Auto Mix and Auto Dry features. However, it is heavier at 20.5 pounds compared to the original's 18.5 pounds. It is also taller at 43.5 inches. This model is best for households with pets, offering the same automated convenience but with a design potentially tailored for pet-related stains. If you need automatic cleaning with a focus on pet messes, this is a direct upgrade in weight and height.

Quick picks

#ProductBest forPrice
1 Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Best overall trigger-free full-room carpet washing Check price of Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner on Amazon
2 Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner Also great portable spot cleaning on small household messes Check price of Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner on Amazon
3 Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner Best budget spot cleaning upholstery, stairs, and pet stains Check price of Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner on Amazon
4 Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner Best premium portable spot cleaning on stairs Check price of Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner on Amazon
5 Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner Also great quick upholstery and stair stain removal Check price of Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner on Amazon
6 Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner Also great hands-free automatic carpet cleaning Check price of Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner on Amazon
7 Hoover SmartWash Pet Carpet Cleaner Also great Pet owners seeking automatic cleaning Check price of Hoover SmartWash Pet Carpet Cleaner on Amazon

Our 7 picks

Best overall

Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner

Best for: trigger-free full-room carpet washing

Compatible Surface
Carpet
Special Feature
Automatic
Dimensions
13.8 × 23.2 × 19.1 inches
Weight
18.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner

This full-size upright carpet cleaner weighs 18.5 pounds and uses motion-sensing automatic technology rather than a manual trigger. You push forward to wash and pull back to dry. It includes Auto Mix solution dispensing and HeatForce extraction to help dry carpets faster. If you need an automated upright machine specifically designed for full-room carpet cleaning without manually controlling soap spray, this design fits your floors.

Pros

  • Triggerless design cleans moving forward and dries moving backward
  • Auto Mix automatically measures and blends cleaning solution
  • Auto Dry with HeatForce extraction
  • Full-size upright design weighing 18.5 pounds

Cons

  • Listed only for carpet surfaces
  • No separate handheld hose or upholstery tools listed in specifications

Good fit if

  • You want an upright machine that cleans and dries without holding a trigger.
  • You prefer automatic solution dispensing over manual measuring.
  • You only clean carpeted areas.

Skip if

  • You need a cleaner compatible with hard flooring surfaces.
  • You want a compact portable spot cleaner lighter than 18.5 pounds.

Verdict: Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner automates dispensing and drying through simple forward and backward motion. It provides trigger-free cleaning dedicated specifically to carpeted floors.

Also great

Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner

Best for: portable spot cleaning on small household messes

Tank Capacity
48 oz.

View on Amazon: Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner

The Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner is a compact deep cleaner designed for targeted stain removal. Unlike full-size upright machines, this unit uses a 48 oz clean water tank paired with a manual spray, scrub, and suction process to lift spots directly from fibers. It suits you if you need a lightweight, portable alternative to treat stairs, upholstery, and small accidental spills without managing a heavy upright carpet washer.

Pros

  • 48 oz clean water tank capacity
  • Compact portable design for targeted spot cleaning
  • Three-step spray, scrub, and suction operation

Cons

  • 48 oz capacity requires frequent refills for full-room jobs
  • Manual spray and scrub operation without automated passes

Good fit if

  • You need a compact spot cleaner for localized stains rather than a full-sized upright.
  • You prefer a 48 oz portable tank that is easy to store and carry.

Skip if

  • You want an upright machine to clean broad open carpet areas.
  • You need automatic cleaning cycles instead of manual spray and scrub control.

Verdict: Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner offers focused stain removal through a 48 oz tank and manual scrub action. It serves as a practical, space-saving alternative when full-sized upright cleaning is unnecessary.

Best budget

Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner

Best for: spot cleaning upholstery, stairs, and pet stains

Form Factor
Portable Spot Cleaner
Compatible Surface
Carpet, Area Rugs, Upholstery
Cleaning Target
Pets, Odor, Stains

View on Amazon: Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner

The Shark StainStriker is a compact spot cleaner designed for localized cleanups on carpets, area rugs, and upholstery. Unlike full-size upright machines, this portable unit mixes two separate cleaning formulas directly inside the handheld tool rather than requiring manual premixing in the tank. It includes three targeted attachments for working liquid out of fabric surfaces. You get a lightweight option for spot treatment without storing a large machine.

Pros

  • Dual solution chambers mix formulas directly inside the handheld tool
  • Includes three dedicated cleaning attachments
  • Compact portable form factor for stairs, rugs, and upholstery
  • Eliminates the need to premix cleaning solution and water

Cons

  • Portable spot design lacks a wide floor nozzle for whole-room cleaning
  • Clean and dirty water tank capacities are not specified

Good fit if

  • You need a compact spot cleaner for stairs, pet spots, and upholstery
  • You prefer automatic formula mixing over manual measuring in the tank
  • You want three interchangeable tools for focused stain extraction

Skip if

  • You need an upright machine to clean broad, wall-to-wall carpeted rooms
  • You want a machine with listed tank capacity specifications

Verdict: Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner delivers targeted stain removal with internal chemical mixing and three attachments. It provides a compact alternative to full-sized upright extractors when you only need to clean localized spills.

Best premium

Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner

Best for: portable spot cleaning on stairs

Form Factor
Portable
Power Source
Cordless
Compatible Surface
Carpets, rugs, stairs, upholstery
Cleaning Target
Pets
Weight
10.4 pounds

View on Amazon: Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner

The Vacmaster 600 Series is a portable, cordless carpet and upholstery cleaner. It runs on an MX24V battery, offering mobility without cords. The unit weighs 10.4 pounds and includes an oxy-based cleaning solution for odor removal. It is designed for stairs, rugs, and furniture. This model suits users needing a lightweight, battery-powered spot cleaner for hard-to-reach areas.

Pros

  • Cordless operation with MX24V battery
  • Lightweight at 10.4 pounds
  • Includes oxy cleaning solution
  • Portable design for stairs and furniture

Cons

  • Battery power limits runtime compared to corded models
  • No automatic cleaning functions
  • Manual operation required for stain removal

Good fit if

  • You need a lightweight cleaner for stairs
  • You prefer cordless convenience
  • You clean small upholstery areas

Skip if

  • You require automatic cleaning cycles
  • You need a large water tank
  • You prefer corded power for extended use

Verdict: The Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Cleaner is a practical option for spot cleaning stairs and upholstery. It fits users who prioritize portability and cordless freedom over automatic features.

Also great

Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner

Best for: quick upholstery and stair stain removal

Form Factor
Portable Spot Cleaner
Tank Capacity
96 fl. oz.
Compatible Surface
Carpet, Upholstery
Cleaning Target
Stains
Dimensions
11.5 × 14.1 × 13.3 inches
Weight
11 pounds

View on Amazon: Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner

The Hoover CleanSlate XL is a portable spot cleaner designed for upholstery and carpet stains. It features a 96 fl oz tank capacity, which reduces the need for frequent refills during larger jobs. The unit includes a WidePath tool for broad areas and a TightSpot tool for crevices. Weighing 11 pounds, it is easy to move between rooms. This model suits users who need a dedicated tool for quick stain removal rather than whole-room deep cleaning.

Pros

  • 96 fl oz tank capacity minimizes refill interruptions
  • Includes WidePath tool for large surface areas
  • Comes with TightSpot and Pet tools for targeted cleaning
  • Hose rinse tool allows for easy system flushing

Cons

  • Limited to spot cleaning rather than whole-carpet washing
  • Requires purchase of separate Hoover cleaning solutions
  • No automatic spray or suction assistance listed in specs

Good fit if

  • You need a dedicated tool for upholstery and stairs
  • You want to tackle pet messes and wine stains quickly
  • You prefer a portable unit with a large tank

Skip if

  • You need an automatic machine that sprays and vacuums simultaneously
  • You want to clean entire rooms without moving the unit
  • You prefer a lightweight device under 10 pounds

Verdict: The Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner is a practical option for those who prioritize tank capacity and specialized tools for upholstery and small carpet areas. It fits buyers who need a powerful handheld solution for specific messes rather than a full-size carpet washer.

Also great

Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner

Best for: hands-free automatic carpet cleaning

Form Factor
Upright
Compatible Surface
Carpet
Special Feature
Automatic
Intended Use
Home Use
Dimensions
18.9 × 13 × 43.5 inches
Weight
18.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner

The Hoover SmartWash+ is an upright carpet cleaner with automatic mixing and drying. It features FlexForce PowerBrushes for deep cleaning and HeatForce Technology to speed up drying. The unit measures 18.9 inches long, 13 inches wide, and weighs 18.5 pounds. It includes a pet tool, stair tool, and 8-foot hose. This machine suits users who want hands-free operation for carpets and floors.

Pros

  • Auto-mix and auto-dry technology for hands-free cleaning
  • FlexForce PowerBrushes remove embedded dirt and pet messes
  • HeatForce Technology helps dry floors faster
  • Includes 2-in-1 pet tool and stair tool

Cons

  • 18.5 pounds weight may be heavy for some users
  • Requires specific Hoover cleaning solutions for optimal results
  • No mention of cordless operation or battery power

Good fit if

  • You want automatic solution mixing and drying
  • You need to clean carpets and stairs
  • You prefer upright machines with power brushes

Skip if

  • You need a cordless portable cleaner
  • You want to use third-party cleaning solutions
  • You prefer lightweight machines under 15 pounds

Verdict: Hoover SmartWash+ Upright Carpet Cleaner offers automatic cleaning features for users who want convenience. It is best for those who prioritize hands-free operation and deep carpet cleaning.

Also great

Hoover SmartWash Pet Carpet Cleaner

Best for: Pet owners seeking automatic cleaning

Form Factor
Upright
Compatible Surface
Carpet
Cleaning Target
Pets
Special Feature
Automatic
Intended Use
Home Use
Dimensions
18.9 × 13 × 43.5 inches

View on Amazon: Hoover SmartWash Pet Carpet Cleaner

This upright carpet cleaner uses motion sensing to auto-mix and auto-dry. You push forward to clean and pull back to dry. It includes FlexForce Pet PowerBrushes and a Spot Chaser Pretreat Wand. The unit measures 13 by 18.9 by 43.5 inches and weighs 20.5 pounds. It targets pet stains and odors on carpet surfaces.

Pros

  • Automatic cleaning technology with auto-mix and auto-dry
  • FlexForce Pet PowerBrushes resist odors
  • Detachable Spot Chaser Pretreat Wand
  • HeatForce Technology for faster drying

Cons

  • Upright form factor limits portability
  • Requires specific Hoover cleaning solutions for optimal results
  • Heavier at 20.5 pounds than portable alternatives

Good fit if

  • You want automatic mixing and drying
  • You need dedicated pet stain removal
  • You prefer push-and-pull operation

Skip if

  • You need a portable unit
  • You want to use generic solutions
  • You prefer lightweight equipment

Verdict: Hoover SmartWash Pet Upright is a solid choice for pet owners who want automatic cleaning without manual triggers. It fits homes with standard carpeting and users who value hands-free operation.

Specifications side by side

Spec Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Bissell Little Green Portable Spot Cleaner Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner Hoover SmartWash Pet Carpet Cleaner
Form Factor not specified not specified Portable Spot Cleaner Portable Portable Spot Cleaner Upright Upright
Tank Capacity not specified 48 oz. not specified not specified 96 fl. oz. not specified not specified
Power Source not specified not specified not specified Cordless not specified not specified not specified
Compatible Surface Carpet not specified Carpet, Area Rugs, Upholstery Carpets, rugs, stairs, upholstery Carpet, Upholstery Carpet Carpet
Cleaning Target not specified not specified Pets, Odor, Stains Pets Stains not specified Pets
Special Feature Automatic not specified not specified Cordless not specified Automatic Automatic
Intended Use not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified Home Use Home Use
Dimensions 13.8 × 23.2 × 19.1 inches not specified not specified not specified 11.5 × 14.1 × 13.3 inches 18.9 × 13 × 43.5 inches 18.9 × 13 × 43.5 inches
Weight 18.5 pounds not specified not specified 10.4 pounds 11 pounds 18.5 pounds 20.5 pounds
Color Turquoise Bordeaux Rotator White Blue Gray Turquoise Purple
Model FBACRTHVFH52000RB 3353C PX201 DSCC2401 0101 FH15000V FH52000 FH53000PC
Size not specified Standard not specified Medium Extra Large 43.5 Inches FH53000PC

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cordless alternative to the Hoover SmartWash?

Yes, the Vacmaster 600 Series is a cordless portable option. It weighs 10.4 pounds and features a blue finish. This model prioritizes freedom of movement over automatic dispensing. It is best suited for spot cleaning stairs and upholstery. You get portability without the restriction of a power cord.

Which portable cleaner is best for pet stains?

The Shark StainStriker Portable Spot Cleaner is designed for this task. It includes internal chemical mixing and three attachments. The device targets pets, odor, and stains on upholstery. It is a compact alternative to full-sized upright extractors for localized spills.

Does the Hoover SmartWash+ have different dimensions than the original?

The Hoover SmartWash+ has a larger height than the standard SmartWash. The SmartWash+ stands 43.5 inches tall, while the original is 19.1 inches. Both models share the same width of 13 inches. The SmartWash+ weighs 18.5 pounds, matching the original unit's weight.

What is the largest tank capacity among these portable cleaners?

The Hoover CleanSlate XL Portable Spot Cleaner is the largest in this group. It is classified as an Extra Large size. The unit measures 14.1 inches wide and 13.3 inches high. It weighs 11 pounds and is designed for quick upholstery and stair stain removal.

Are there automatic cleaners besides the Hoover SmartWash?

Yes, the Hoover SmartWash+ and Hoover SmartWash Pet are also automatic. The SmartWash+ offers hands-free operation for deep cleaning. The SmartWash Pet model is purple and weighs 20.5 pounds. Both models automate solution mixing and drying through forward and backward motion.

Which model is the lightest portable spot cleaner?

The Vacmaster 600 Series Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner is the lightest. It weighs 10.4 pounds. The Hoover CleanSlate XL weighs 11 pounds. The Vacmaster is a medium-sized blue unit. It is ideal for users who prioritize portability and cordless freedom.

See also