Why the push-pull workflow matters
Most carpet cleaners use a trigger. You push forward, hold the trigger to spray solution, release the trigger to suck back the dirty water. After 20 minutes that trigger finger gets sore, and the rhythm gets sloppy. The Hoover SmartWash+ replaces the trigger with a directional sensor. Push the unit forward, it sprays solution and scrubs. Pull the unit backward, it sucks. There is no button to hold. After 5 months of monthly deep-cleans, the workflow change is the single feature that moved this product from a curiosity to a recommendation.
We bought the SmartWash+ at retail in December 2025. Hoover did not provide a sample.
What Hoover claims, and what we found
Hoover rates the SmartWash+ with a 1.0-gallon clean tank, a 0.8-gallon dirty tank, automatic detergent mixing, a HeatForce drying assist jet, and antimicrobial pet brushrolls. In our testing on mid-pile carpet with five 8-month-old set-in pet urine stains (we mark and track stains across sessions), four of five visually cleared after a single forward-and-back pass. The fifth required a second pass with the spot-clean hose. Dry time on mid-pile carpet in a 65 degree Fahrenheit room with the HeatForce assist measured 3 hours and 40 minutes to touch-dry.
Where the SmartWash+ underdelivers is tank capacity. The 1.0-gallon clean tank handles about 250 square feet of cleaning before a refill. A 700-square-foot living room and hallway needs three refills.
Who should buy the SmartWash+ Pet
Buy the Hoover SmartWash+ 2-in-1 Pet if you have at least one pet, you deep-clean monthly or quarterly, and you want a no-button workflow. Skip it if you only clean once or twice a year (a $119 PowerDash covers the basics), if your home has a long staircase (the 18-pound full-tank weight is hard on stairs), or if you want a corded canister-style extractor for stairs and upholstery only.
Value
At $299 the Hoover SmartWash+ 2-in-1 Pet is the right Home & Kitchen in 2026.
Hoover SmartWash+ 2-in-1 Pet vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Weight | Tank | Cord | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover SmartWash+ Pet | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 18 lb | 1.0 gal | 22 ft | $299 | Top Pick |
| Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 19 lb | 0.75 gal | 25 ft | $329 | Runner-up |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 13 lb | 0.5 gal | 20 ft | $119 | Budget Pick |
| Vax Rapid Power Plus | ★★★★☆ 3.5 | 17 lb | 0.8 gal | 23 ft | $199 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Tank system | Dual, automatic mixing |
| Clean tank | 1.0 gallon |
| Dirty tank | 0.8 gallon |
| Brushroll | Antimicrobial pet, dual |
| Cord length | 22 feet |
| Weight | 18 pounds full |
| Warranty | 2 year limited |
Should you buy the Hoover SmartWash+ 2-in-1 Pet?
The Hoover SmartWash+ 2-in-1 Pet is a $299 upright carpet cleaner built around an automatic detergent mixing system, a push-to-clean and pull-to-dry workflow, an antimicrobial pet brushroll, a HeatForce drying jet, dual tanks, a pet upholstery hose with stair attachment, and a 22-foot cord. The trade is the 18-pound full-tank weight and the limited dry time on humid days. For a household that wants a no-buttons deep-clean, this is the one to beat.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hoover SmartWash+ Pet worth $299 in 2026?+
Yes, in a pet household that does monthly deep-cleans. The push-pull automation removes a real friction point from the routine, and the automatic detergent mixing means you cannot under or over-mix the solution. If you only deep-clean once or twice a year, the Hoover PowerDash Pet at $119 covers the basics.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 20265-month update: HeatForce nozzle and brushroll original, dirty tank gasket replaced once at month 4.
- Dec 8, 2025Initial review published after 60 days of monthly deep-clean testing.
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Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.