Compare Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner vs Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine

The included tool set is frequently called premium, with multiple stain tools, a crevice tool, pet-specific attachments, and a hose-cleaning tool. Reviewers also like that the tools disassemble for rinsing, which helps after messy jobs.

Most reviews highlight a useful tool set (hose plus upholstery/spot tools), and the Pet Complete bundle adds a battery-powered pre-treat wand that reviewers find genuinely effective.

Design is described as compact and sleek for a full-size carpet cleaner and it generally feels high quality in-hand. That said, it is still a large upright appliance rather than a decorative item.

Automation is the headline: automatic dispense/extract behavior and a Dry Only mode simplify operation, but multiple reviews warn the sensors can be speed-sensitive and may fail on a problematic unit.

In one multi-machine test, exhaust airflow strength landed mid-pack, suggesting adequate but not class-leading airflow output.

On durable area rugs, reviewers report noticeable brightening and strong soil removal, including on oversized washable rugs. Heavy buildup may require multiple sessions, and several sources caution against delicate rugs or recommend spot-testing first.

Setup is usually quick (handle snaps in, hose attaches), and most users get running fast. A few mention the hose connection/storage requires an extra firm click or tighter wrapping than expected, creating a short learning curve.

Assembly is typically quick, with the handle snapping into place; instructions are described as straightforward.

Build impressions are mixed: some reviewers call it sturdy or high quality, while others worry about plastic-on-plastic clips and hinges over time. Long-term durability is still an open question for some testers despite strong early performance.

Several reviews praise no-clog suction and hair/debris separation features, but also stress that pre-vacuuming is important to avoid hair clumps. Heavy debris loads can still require post-pass cleanup in tighter openings around the head or cover.

Hair and gunk management is mostly good, but owners note you must clean the hair filter and remove debris from the brush area after pet-heavy sessions.

Head-to-head impressions are often favorable versus popular Bissell models in certain stain and suction tests, but at least one controlled review rates it as a weaker upright deep cleaner while still an excellent spot cleaner. Overall, comparisons depend on whether you prioritize full-room passes or targeted stain work.

Compared with competitors, reviewers agree it is feature-rich and great for spot work, but there is disagreement on whether it beats trigger-based machines for the toughest upright stain jobs.

Controls are straightforward: simple on/off and mode selection, plus indicator lights on some versions. Many reviewers like the vacuum-like push forward to dispense and pull back to extract, avoiding a separate trigger.

Controls are generally simple (push forward to wash, pull back to dry) with a Dry Only option; a recurring note is that the automatic wash/dry logic can feel unintuitive until you learn the pacing.

Cord length is reported as long (around 20 to 22 feet) in some reviews, making room coverage easier. One UK-focused review lists a much shorter cord spec, suggesting cord length may vary by version or market.

Cord length is commonly reported as just over 20 feet, which most reviewers find workable for typical rooms without constant outlet hopping.

Most versions provide onboard cord wrap/storage so everything stays together. Some users note you may need to position levers correctly or wrap tightly for tools and cords to dock cleanly.

Cord wrap and storage are standard and generally convenient for day-to-day setup and put-away.

A full-tank indicator and automatic shutoff/beeping are mentioned, preventing overflow and forcing a stop when the dirty tank reaches its fill line. Some find the fill line conservative, which can mean more frequent emptying.

Most reviewers report strong results on common set-in stains (mud, wine, tea, pet urine/vomit, and older upholstery marks), especially when using the handheld tools for focused agitation and extraction. One controlled test found upright performance lagged on thicker, greasy food soils like peanut butter, leaving some staining after many passes.

Deep and dried-on stain removal is polarized: some testing found it behind top competitors on tough, set-in stains, while other reviews show very strong results on common spills when using the right tool and finishing passes.

Overall usability is rated high: it behaves like a vacuum (push to wash, pull to extract) with minimal button complexity. A short learning curve is common, and pre-vacuuming is repeatedly recommended for best results and fewer hair clumps.

Ease of use is a standout theme thanks to the push-to-wash, pull-to-dry workflow and auto-mix system, although a few reviewers note you must learn the correct pace for consistent spraying.

The dirty tank is generally easy to pop off, dump, and rinse, and features like hair cages or pet tools help keep solids and liquids more contained. Frequent emptying is still common on larger jobs because usable dirty-water capacity can be limited.

Emptying and rinsing the dirty tank is usually easy, but a comparison review notes minor dripping or leaking if the unit is stored without letting parts fully air-dry.

Quick Dry/Express and Dry-Only style passes are repeatedly mentioned as useful for reducing dry time. Reported results range from about an hour for lighter cleanings with airflow to several hours after deeper, wetter sessions; dryness depends heavily on technique and saturation.

Drying performance is frequently praised, especially when using Dry Only and HeatForce; one test found it among the best for moisture removal, while another found average wetness unless you finish with the dedicated dry step.

The floorhead uses a single, fast-spinning brushroll and a wide cleaning path, which multiple reviewers say works well in practice. Cleaning the head afterward is generally easy, though some wish the nozzle area opened more fully for deep scrubbing of built-up grime.

Wet pickup is described as fast and satisfying, with strong extraction pulling up visible liquid and grime on backstrokes. Reviewers show it can lift fresh spills and pet messes quickly, often with fewer passes than expected.

Anti-tangle and self-cleaning brushroll claims are supported by reviewers who report little to no hair wrapping during use. This is especially appreciated in pet homes where hair load would normally bind up a brush.

The Pet Complete handheld tool is described as tangle-resistant and better suited to pet mess scrubbing than basic brushes.

Multiple reviews note there is no built-in water heater, so performance depends on adding warm water yourself. Some testers cite this as a main missing feature compared with certain competitors.

The HeatForce feature is described as warm-air drying rather than heated water; reviewers disagree on how much it matters, but many still report faster dry times when they use Dry Only.

Hose reach is described as long and helpful for furniture and stairs, and it stores on the unit for convenience. One measured test cited about a 6-foot hose as slightly shorter than average, but still workable for spot tasks.

The hose is described as long (often cited around 8 feet) and flexible enough for stairs, upholstery, and targeted spot cleaning.

Several owners say the learning curve is low enough that teens or kids can help (with supervision), mainly because there is no spray trigger to hold.

Maintenance is frequently called easy because tanks, covers, and brushroll areas open up and many parts are removable for rinsing. However, filters and tight crevices can require hands-on cleaning, and several reviewers stress cleaning the machine after every use to avoid grime buildup.

Maintenance is a strong suit: brush rolls, nozzle, and tanks are designed to come apart for rinsing, which reviewers say makes post-clean cleanup far less annoying than older machines.

For its category, it is often described as relatively agile in use, with push/pull motion that feels familiar. The tradeoff is that it can feel clunky when lifting or turning in tight spaces, especially with a full tank.

Handling is often described as lightweight and easy to push, helped by the forward-wash/backward-dry motion that avoids constant trigger squeezing.

Noise is on the louder side for some households; one reviewer measured about 87 dB at roughly 3 feet, noticeably louder than a comparable upright vacuum in the same setup.

Users commonly mention carpets and rugs smelling fresher after cleaning, and pet-odor reduction is a recurring positive. Reviewers also note that cleaning the machine after use helps prevent leftover wet debris from developing odor.

Onboard storage for the hose and tools is repeatedly praised because it keeps everything attached and ready mid-clean. Some versions also add a tray or dedicated slots that help reduce clutter.

Overall sentiment trends positive for convenience and visible dirty-water results, with dissent mainly from reviewers who prioritize maximum stain-lifting performance.

Packaging feedback is mixed: one reviewer disliked the amount of plastic wrapping, while another praised recyclable, cardboard-heavy packaging and overall eco-friendly presentation.

Reviews highlight pet-focused touches like a dedicated pet mess tool, hair capture features, and formulas aimed at pet stains. In multi-pet homes, testers report quick cleanup of accidents and less cross-contamination into the main tank.

Pet-focused versions earn praise for handling accidents and embedded pet grime, especially when paired with the included pet tool and pre-treat wand.

Value is often rated strong when priced closer to the lower end of its range because performance and tools compete with premium models. At higher bundle prices, some reviewers feel competitors may offer better long-term durability, and ongoing solution purchases can add to ownership cost.

Value is strongest when bought on sale or when the Pet Complete bundle is only a small price step-up; a few reviewers still prefer cheaper models if deep-stain performance is the priority.

Some versions are described as having a self-cleaning or self-maintaining brushroll behavior, but at least one review and some user feedback wish for a dedicated self-clean cycle. Expect easier hair management than a true automated wash-and-dry maintenance system.

The liquid system is a standout: separate solution tanks on some versions, automatic mixing/dispensing, and modes like deep clean and quick dry/dry-only. Reviewers note it can be water-efficient, but that same low water usage may limit upright stain removal on certain soils and can increase reliance on proprietary formulas.

The auto-mix and two-tank liquid system is a core strength, reducing guesswork and letting you rinse or clean without premixing; one tester notes solution delivery can depend on movement speed.

Handheld tools are described as useful for stairs, allowing spot work without renting a separate machine. Carrying the full unit upstairs can still be a hassle due to weight.

Stairs are a practical use case thanks to the hose and handheld tools; reviewers show it working well for spot cleaning on steps and landings.

It is a tall, full-size carpet cleaner that can be awkward to store, especially in small homes. Onboard storage helps keep tools together, but the overall footprint and height still demand dedicated space.

A few users saw temporary streaks or unevenness on the first pass, but report it cleared after an extra pass or reworking the area. No persistent residue complaints are prominent when the recommended process is followed.

Across multiple tests, suction/extraction is described as among the strongest in its class, which helps pull dirty water out quickly. One controlled review notes that high suction does not always translate to top upright stain scores if the machine uses very little water during passes.

Suction results are mixed: one head-to-head test measured weak suction versus rivals, while another lab-style review measured above-average lift and strong hose suction for spot tools.

It is well-suited to regular deep-cleaning in larger, high-traffic homes and on big, durable rugs, and reviewers report it can handle repeated passes. Expect more interruptions from refills/emptying during heavy-duty sessions because tank capacity is limited.

Support is viewed positively where discussed, with a five-year warranty noted and at least one reviewer calling the return-shipping terms reasonable compared with typical policies.

Reliability feedback is uneven: most owners report normal operation, but at least one reviewer experienced a wash/dry sensor malfunction that forced a return.

Switching between upright cleaning and handheld/spot work is generally quick thanks to the onboard hose and a simple mode/lever change. A few reviewers note the hose wrap and tool docking can be a little finicky until you learn the right tension and placement.

Above-floor cleaning is a strong point: reviewers report effective upholstery and cushion cleaning with handheld tools and good extraction afterward. Drying times for fabric vary by how much solution is used, but successful stain removal is a consistent theme.

Above-floor and spot cleaning is consistently a high point, with several reviewers ranking the hose-and-tool performance among the best in this price class.

Reviewers repeatedly emphasize multi-surface utility, using it for wall-to-wall carpet, durable area rugs, upholstery, and stairs via the handheld tools and modes.

Tank capacity is a common tradeoff: several reviews mention a smaller clean tank and a dirty tank that may stop early due to a low fill line, leading to more refills on large rugs. Positively, the tanks are easy to remove and the clean tank shape can be easier to fill at smaller faucets.

Tank size supports decent coverage, with some tests estimating roughly 300+ square feet per clean tank, though heavy whole-house jobs can still mean refills.

Weight is typically reported around 18 pounds dry and can feel heavier when tanks are full. Reviewers generally find it manageable while rolling on carpet but less pleasant to carry upstairs.

Multiple reviews warn against using it on wool and other delicate/natural-fiber rugs, advising users to follow the rug care label and spot-test first. If wool compatibility is a must-have, reviewers suggest considering a wool-safe alternative.