Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Hoover SmartWash+ suits routine whole-room carpet cleaning if you want forward motion to wash and backward motion to dry. Its automatic solution mixing and included hose tools add convenience, while the 0.5-gallon capacity may mean refilling during larger jobs.
On this page (9 sections)
- Is the Hoover SmartWash+ worth considering?
- What does the automatic cleaning motion do?
- How does Auto Mix affect setup?
- What comes with the SmartWash+?
- SmartWash+ vs SmartWash Pet: which one fits?
- How does it compare with other full-size carpet cleaners?
- Does the SmartWash+ heat carpet?
- How should you choose between these machines?
- Final verdict on the Hoover SmartWash+
The Hoover SmartWash+ is a full-size carpet cleaner for people who want simple wash and dry passes. Push forward to clean and pull back to dry, while Auto Mix dispenses solution and HeatForce helps floors dry faster.
Its 0.5-gallon capacity and 18.5 lb weight are useful planning details before you buy. We compared its features with the SmartWash Pet and two other full-size machines to show where each fits.
Is the Hoover SmartWash+ worth considering?
The SmartWash+ earns an 8.1 score for its clear cleaning motion, automatic solution mixing and included tools. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic: Best for simple room cleaning
- Push forward to clean, pull back to dry
- Auto Mix solution dispensing
- HeatForce drying
- 0.5-gallon capacity
- 8 ft hose and stair and pet tools
A full-size upright with motion-sensing wash and dry steps, automatic solution mixing and tools for stairs and pet messes.
Pros
- No trigger or cleaning button needed for the forward and backward passes
- Auto Mix dispenses solution
- Includes an 8 ft hose, stair tool and 2-in-1 Pet Tool
- HeatForce helps dry floors faster
Cons
- 0.5-gallon capacity may call for refills on larger jobs
- Corded design requires access to an outlet
Its push-and-pull motion is the main draw: forward for washing, backward for drying. There are no triggers or buttons to operate for those passes, which may make room cleaning easier to follow.
The 0.5-gallon capacity is a constraint to consider for a large home or multiple rooms. Plan to pause for refills if the clean-water tank runs out before the job is done.
Who should choose the SmartWash+?
Choose it if you want an upright that guides you through washing and drying with distinct movements. Auto Mix also removes the task of measuring solution for each fill.
It can suit homes with occasional pet messes because the package includes a 2-in-1 Pet Tool, and Hoover says the brushes remove pet messes. If pet stains are your main concern, compare the Pet version's Spot Chaser pretreat wand.
What does the automatic cleaning motion do?
The SmartWash+ uses forward movement to clean and backward movement to dry. Its motion-sensing design manages those passes without a trigger or button.
Extraction removes water and dirt on the drying pass. Hoover says HeatForce helps floors dry faster, but drying time can depend on solution use, carpet conditions and room airflow.
Keep the passes steady and follow Hoover's manual for setup, solution and care instructions. For practical steps before your first cleaning, see our guide on how to use a Bissell ProHeat 2X, which explains a different upright's cleaning process.
The SmartWash+ is corded electric, so check that the cord can reach your planned cleaning area. Move small items and vacuum loose dirt first, as you would before using any carpet cleaner.
How does Auto Mix affect setup?
Auto Mix precisely mixes and dispenses cleaning solution, so you don't need to measure a dose for the machine. Hoover recommends pairing it with a Hoover carpet cleaning solution.
Use the solution and dilution instructions that match your machine and carpet. Avoid adding extra concentrate to make up for a difficult stain, since the correct mix matters for rinsing and recovery.
Auto Mix simplifies one part of setup, but it doesn't eliminate tank care. Follow the manual for filling, emptying and rinsing after a cleaning session.
What comes with the SmartWash+?
The SmartWash+ package includes a 2-in-1 Pet Tool, stair tool, 8 ft hose, accessory storage bag and sample cleaning solution. The hose and attachments extend its use beyond the open floor.
| Detail | Hoover SmartWash+ |
|---|---|
| Cleaning motion | Push forward to clean, pull back to dry |
| Solution system | Auto Mix |
| Drying feature | HeatForce |
| Brushes | FlexForce PowerBrushes |
| Capacity | 0.5 gallons |
| Weight | 18.5 lb |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 18.9 x 13 x 43.5 in |
| Power | Corded electric |
| Included tools | 2-in-1 Pet Tool, stair tool, 8 ft hose |
The 8 ft hose gives you reach for stairs and nearby upholstery, while the included stair tool is made for narrower carpeted areas. The accessory bag keeps the tools together between jobs.
Before cleaning a stair or upholstered surface, check the manual for the correct attachment and technique. Our guide to cleaning carpet on stairs with a machine covers setup and safe movement on steps.
SmartWash+ vs SmartWash Pet: which one fits?
Choose the SmartWash Pet for pet-focused brush features and pretreatment, or the standard SmartWash+ if those extras are not a priority. Both share the push-to-clean, pull-to-dry motion and Auto Mix.
Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic: Best for pet stain pretreatment
- Push to clean, pull to dry
- Auto Mix
- FlexForce Pet PowerBrushes
- Detachable Spot Chaser Pretreat Wand
- 0.5-gallon capacity
A SmartWash variant with pet-focused brushes and a detachable Spot Chaser pretreat wand for treating stains before the main cleaning pass.
Pros
- Automatic wash and dry motion
- Pet brushes resist odor build-up
- Detachable pretreat wand
- Includes an 8 ft hose and Pet Tool
Cons
- Same 0.5-gallon capacity as the standard SmartWash+
- Pet-focused extras may not matter if you rarely clean pet messes
The Pet model adds FlexForce Pet PowerBrushes that resist pet odors, plus a detachable Spot Chaser Pretreat Wand. Its 0.5-gallon capacity is the same as the standard model, and it includes an 8 ft hose and Pet Tool.
That wand can be useful when you want to pretreat a spot before the main cleaning pass. If you mostly clean whole rooms and already have a stain routine, the standard model's included tools may cover your needs.
How does it compare with other full-size carpet cleaners?
The SmartWash+ stands out for its automatic wash and dry motion, while alternatives offer other cleaning modes or brush and tank designs. Compare the features that matter most for your room sizes and cleaning habits.
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet 1548F: Best for two cleaning modes
- MAX Clean and Express Clean modes
- Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes
- 7 ft hose
- Pet Stain Tool and 3 in Tough Stain Tool
- Heatwave Technology
A full-size alternative with separate MAX Clean and Express Clean modes, plus tools for pet stains, stairs and upholstery.
Pros
- Two named cleaning modes
- Includes two specialized tools and a hose
- Low-profile foot fits under and around furniture
- Express Clean mode is described as drying in about 30 minutes
Cons
- Needs manual mode selection
- Its cleaning motion differs from SmartWash+'s push-to-clean, pull-to-dry design
The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet 1548F has MAX Clean and Express Clean modes, Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes and Heatwave Technology. It includes a Pet Stain Tool, 3 in Tough Stain Tool and 7 ft hose for stairs, upholstery and hard-to-reach areas.
Bissell describes Express Clean mode as drying in about 30 minutes. That is a mode-specific claim, so consider it alongside your carpet, solution use and room conditions.
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe: Best for included surface tools
- Five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes
- Auto Mix
- Separate clean and dirty water tanks
- 8 ft hose
- Upholstery, pet and crevice tools
A Hoover upright with five SpinScrub brushes, separate water tanks and a set of tools for upholstery, pet messes and tight spaces.
Pros
- Five brushes work from multiple angles
- Separate clean and dirty water tanks
- Includes an 8 ft hose and three specialized tools
- Auto Mix dispenses solution
Cons
- Does not use SmartWash+'s push-forward and pull-back cleaning motion
- Its dimensions are deeper than SmartWash+'s
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe uses five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes and separate clean and dirty water tanks. It also has Auto Mix, an 8 ft hose and upholstery, pet and crevice tools.
Its 21.9 in depth is greater than the SmartWash+'s 18.9 in depth, so check storage space as well as cleaning features. For a broader view of larger machines, see our guide to deep carpet cleaners for large rooms.
Does the SmartWash+ heat carpet?
The SmartWash+ uses HeatForce to help floors dry faster. Its product data doesn't state that it heats the water, so don't assume it heats the cleaning solution.
HeatForce and heated water are different features. If warm water or temperature control is a key requirement, compare the machine functions and manual instructions before choosing.
Our guide on whether you need a carpet cleaner with heat explains the difference and what to check.
How should you choose between these machines?
Pick the SmartWash+ for automatic wash and dry passes, the SmartWash Pet for its pretreat wand, the Bissell for two cleaning modes, or PowerScrub Deluxe for its brush and tool set. Room size, surface mix and storage space can help narrow the choice.
The SmartWash+ is 43.5 in tall, so consider closet height and space for its hose and tools. Its 13 in width may be easier to store than a wider machine, but measure the storage spot.
For mixed carpet and upholstery, compare the included attachments and hose length. For larger carpeted areas, tank capacity and how often you are willing to pause for refills may matter more.
Final verdict on the Hoover SmartWash+
The Hoover SmartWash+ is a strong fit if you value a simple push-to-clean, pull-to-dry routine and want Auto Mix plus hose tools in the box. Choose the SmartWash Pet if the Spot Chaser wand and pet-focused brushes address a frequent need.
Pick the Bissell ProHeat 2X for its two cleaning modes, or PowerScrub Deluxe for its five brushes, separate tanks and included surface tools. Compare other options in our full-size carpet cleaner guide.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Hoover SmartWash+ clean carpet?
Push the SmartWash+ forward to wash and pull it back to dry, with no trigger or button required for those passes. Auto Mix mixes and dispenses cleaning solution, while extraction removes water and dirt.
Hoover says HeatForce helps floors dry faster.
Does the Hoover SmartWash+ include tools?
Yes. The SmartWash+ includes a 2-in-1 Pet Tool, stair tool, 8 ft hose, accessory storage bag and sample cleaning solution.
These attachments let you work on stairs and pet messes as well as open carpet, though the machine itself is an upright.
Is the Hoover SmartWash+ suitable for pet messes?
The standard SmartWash+ includes a 2-in-1 Pet Tool, and Hoover says its FlexForce PowerBrushes remove pet messes. The SmartWash Pet adds pet-focused brushes that resist odor build-up and a detachable Spot Chaser pretreat wand, so compare that version if stain pretreatment matters to you.
What is the difference between Hoover SmartWash+ and PowerScrub Deluxe?
SmartWash+ uses a forward wash and backward dry motion, with motion sensing and Auto Mix. PowerScrub Deluxe has five counter-rotating brushes, separate clean and dirty tanks, Auto Mix and an 8 ft hose with upholstery, pet and crevice tools.
Choose based on which controls and attachments suit your cleaning routine.
