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Deep-cleaning carpet can take more effort than normal vacuuming, especially when you have to control solution flow, extraction, and drying yourself. The Hoover SmartWash+ FH52000 simplifies those steps by automatically washing as you push forward and extracting water as you pull back. Its Auto Mix system also handles the water-and-formula mixture, while HeatForce and a Dry Only mode help you remove more moisture afterward. It is a strong fit if ease of operation matters most, although its corded upright design and carpet-focused use make it less suitable for every cleaning job.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10, Recommended with caveats
Best For: Homes that need straightforward deep cleaning for carpet, stairs, and compatible upholstery.
Bottom Line: The SmartWash+ removes much of the guesswork from carpet washing with motion-sensing wash and dry operation, Auto Mix, and useful attachment cleaning. Its main tradeoffs are its corded upright format, post-cleaning maintenance, and lack of hard-floor suitability.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hoover |
| Model | SmartWash+ FH52000 |
| Product Type | Corded upright automatic carpet cleaner |
| Dimensions | 18.9 in D × 13 in W × 43.5 in H |
| Weight | About 18.5 lb dry |
| Cleaning Path | 12 inches |
| Power | Corded, 120V |
| Cord Length | 22 feet |
| Hose Length | 8 feet |
| Main Cleaning System | Motion-sensing automatic wash and dry |
| Brush System | FlexForce PowerBrushes |
| Solution System | Auto Mix automatic formula mixing and dispensing |
| Drying Features | Water extraction, HeatForce, and Dry Only mode |
| Included Accessories | 4-inch 2-in-1 tool, 8-foot hose, trial-size solution, and storage bag |
| Best Use | Carpet plus compatible wet-cleanable upholstery and carpeted stairs with attachments |
| Warranty | 5-year motor warranty |
Key Takeaways
- The SmartWash+ automatically dispenses cleaning solution as you push forward and extracts water as you pull backward.
- Auto Mix removes the need to manually measure cleaning solution into the clean-water tank.
- FlexForce PowerBrushes work through carpet fibers to loosen embedded dirt and debris.
- HeatForce and Dry Only mode help you continue extracting moisture after the washing passes are complete.
- The included 8-foot hose and 2-in-1 tool expand cleaning to carpeted stairs and compatible upholstery.
- You still need to vacuum first, use the correct Hoover cleaning fluid, and clean the tanks, nozzle, and brush area after use.
What Is the Hoover SmartWash+ FH52000?
The Hoover SmartWash+ FH52000 is a full-size corded upright carpet extractor designed to make deep cleaning feel closer to normal vacuuming. Instead of asking you to hold a spray trigger, its motion-sensing system applies water and cleaning formula while you move forward and switches to extraction as you pull backward.
The design is aimed at households that want a simpler alternative to carpet cleaners with more manual controls. You fill the clean-water tank and separate solution tank, recline the handle, turn the machine on, and make controlled forward and backward passes.
The detachable hose also gives the machine a second role. You can use the attachment system for carpeted stairs, spots, and upholstery that the manufacturer identifies as suitable for wet cleaning.
Why Choose the Hoover SmartWash+ for Your Carpet Cleaning Needs?
The strongest reason to choose the SmartWash+ is its simplified wash-and-extract process. There is no cleaning-solution trigger to manage during normal carpet cleaning, and Auto Mix handles the formula ratio for you. That can make your cleaning passes more consistent and reduce the chance of dispensing solution simply because you held a trigger too long.
The 12-inch cleaning path is suitable for room-sized carpet areas, while the 22-foot power cord gives you useful reach without changing outlets constantly. At about 18.5 pounds before water is added, the machine is relatively manageable for a full-size upright extractor, although it naturally becomes heavier once the tanks are filled.
Before You Buy: This is a carpet extractor, not a general hard-floor washer. Hoover’s instructions warn against using the extractor on hard floors because it may scratch or damage them. Check your flooring and upholstery care instructions before cleaning.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You want automatic solution dispensing instead of controlling a spray trigger.
- You regularly deep-clean carpet and also need a hose for stairs or compatible upholstery.
- You value removable tanks, nozzle access, and brush access for cleanup after each session.
Skip If
- You primarily need a machine for sealed hard flooring rather than carpet.
- You want cordless operation or a very small spot cleaner for occasional stains.
- You do not want to empty, rinse, and dry extractor components after wet cleaning.
Key Features That Stand Out in the Hoover SmartWash+
Automatic Wash and Dry Operation
The motion-sensing system is the feature that separates the SmartWash+ from many traditional carpet extractors. Move forward slowly and the machine dispenses cleaning mixture. Pull backward and it switches to extraction instead of continuing to add solution.
This does not mean the machine does everything automatically. Your walking speed, number of passes, pre-vacuuming, stain preparation, and final extraction passes still affect the result. The advantage is that you have fewer controls to manage while cleaning.
Auto Mix Solution Dispensing
The SmartWash+ uses separate water and solution tanks. You fill the solution reservoir with the appropriate Hoover cleaning formula, and the machine handles the mixing and dispensing during a wash pass.
That setup is useful if you dislike measuring detergent for every tank of water. It also keeps the cleaning formula separate from the clean-water supply, which makes it possible to perform a water-only rinse by removing the solution tank as directed in the manual.
FlexForce PowerBrushes
FlexForce PowerBrushes agitate the carpet while the machine moves across it. Their job is to reach into carpet fibers and loosen embedded dirt, debris, and everyday messes so the extraction system can remove them with the dirty water.
Brush agitation is valuable for deep cleaning, but it is also why you should check carpet care instructions first. Delicate rugs or materials that are not approved for wet extraction may require a different cleaning method.
HeatForce and Dry Only Mode
After washing, the SmartWash+ extracts dirty water during backward passes. HeatForce supports the drying process, and the dedicated Dry Only mode lets you make additional extraction passes without putting more water or cleaning solution into the carpet.
That feature is particularly useful at the end of a room. Continue dry passes until you see little water moving through the nozzle, then allow the carpet to finish drying with good ventilation before normal foot traffic resumes.
How Automatic Tech Makes Cleaning Easier
Traditional extractors can require you to coordinate the machine’s movement with a solution trigger. SmartWash+ reduces that coordination. Once the tanks are filled and the machine is running, your main job is to move at a controlled pace and overlap passes where needed.
You also get visual wash and dry indicators that help you understand what the machine is doing. This is useful for first-time carpet-cleaner owners because the forward and backward movement follows an easy pattern.
Pro Tip: Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before wet cleaning, then finish with extra Dry Only passes. Hoover also recommends a final water-only rinse when appropriate to help remove residual cleaning solution.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Whole-Room Carpet Cleaning
The 12-inch cleaning path and 22-foot cord make the FH52000 better suited to full rooms than a compact handheld spot machine. You can clean in straight overlapping lanes, using the forward pass for washing and the backward pass for extraction.
For Pet and Everyday Messes
The rotating brush system and wet extraction are designed for dirt and common household messes embedded in carpet. For concentrated stains, Hoover recommends pretreating the affected area with an appropriate carpet treatment before running the extractor over it.
For Stairs and Upholstery
The 8-foot hose extends the machine’s reach when the upright cleaning head cannot reach the surface. This makes the SmartWash+ more versatile for carpeted stairs, furniture spots, and compatible upholstery.
Check the upholstery cleaning code before using the wet-cleaning attachment. Hoover specifies “W” or “S/W” fabrics for this type of cleaning and says not to wet-clean fabrics marked only “S.”
For Drying After Cleaning
A carpet extractor removes a large portion of the water it puts down, but it does not leave carpet instantly dry. Dry Only passes help pull out additional moisture. Ventilation and keeping people and pets off the carpet until fully dry remain important parts of the process.
Setup Tips Before First Use
Vacuum loose dirt and debris before you start. A carpet extractor is designed for wet deep cleaning, not as a substitute for a dry vacuum.
Fill the clean-water tank with warm water as directed by Hoover, then fill the separate solution tank with the recommended Hoover cleaning fluid. Seat both tanks firmly before operating because a poorly installed recovery tank can reduce suction.
Test questionable carpet or upholstery for colorfastness in a hidden area before wet cleaning. Move furniture where practical, and protect surfaces that could be affected by moisture.
During cleaning, use slow, deliberate passes instead of rushing. After the final wash pass, use additional extraction or Dry Only passes to remove as much water as practical without repeatedly saturating the carpet.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Wet carpet cleaners require more post-use care than an ordinary vacuum. Empty the recovery tank when it becomes full and rinse it after the cleaning session. The removable nozzle and brush components also give you access to hair, fibers, dirt, and residue that can collect around the cleaning path.
Let washed components dry before reassembly or storage. Do not store the extractor with cleaning solution left in the tanks, and protect it from freezing temperatures.
This maintenance takes a few extra minutes, but it helps keep the extraction path clear and prevents old dirty water or solution from sitting inside the machine between uses.
Compatibility and Safety
The SmartWash+ is a corded wet-cleaning appliance, so you should follow the grounding and electrical precautions in the manual. Do not operate it over floor electrical outlets, and unplug it before maintenance or servicing.
Hoover says not to use the extractor on hard floors. After cleaning, water may drip from the brushes and underside, so avoid leaving the wet machine on wood or laminate surfaces. An absorbent towel or another appropriate protected surface can catch residual drips.
For upholstery, use the cleaner only on fabric identified for wet cleaning, such as material marked “W” or “S/W.” Do not use it on fabric marked “S” for solvent-only cleaning.
Keep children and pets away from freshly cleaned carpet until it has completely dried. Always follow the carpet, rug, furniture, and cleaning-solution care instructions when they are more restrictive.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Automatic forward-wash and backward-dry operation reduces control complexity.
- Auto Mix eliminates manual detergent measuring during normal operation.
- Dry Only mode lets you extract additional moisture without adding more solution.
- 8-foot hose expands use to carpeted stairs, furniture spots, and compatible upholstery.
- Removable nozzle, tanks, and brush access make routine cleanup more practical.
Cons
- The 18.5-pound dry weight increases once water is added.
- Corded operation is less convenient than a cordless cleaner for small jobs.
- It is not intended for hard-floor cleaning and still requires cleanup after each wet-cleaning session.
Tips for Getting the Best Results With Your Carpet Cleaner
- Vacuum first: Remove loose hair, crumbs, grit, and debris before switching to wet cleaning.
- Pretreat concentrated stains: Give appropriate pretreatment time to work before extraction instead of repeatedly soaking the same area.
- Move slowly: Controlled passes give the wash and extraction systems time to work.
- Avoid oversaturation: More water is not automatically better. Use additional dry passes rather than unnecessary wash passes.
- Consider a water-only rinse: Hoover’s instructions describe removing the solution tank and repeating the process with clean water to reduce cleaning-solution residue.
- Clean the machine afterward: Empty and rinse the recovery tank and remove debris from the nozzle and brushes before storage.
Is It Worth the Price?
The SmartWash+ makes the most sense as a full-size household carpet cleaner rather than an occasional spot-cleaning tool. Its value comes from combining room-size upright cleaning with automatic formula dispensing, powered brush agitation, dedicated extraction, and an attachment hose in one machine.
You are likely to get the most value if you clean several carpeted rooms, have carpeted stairs, or want to maintain compatible upholstered furniture without renting a machine each time. A compact spot cleaner may be more practical if you only deal with small spills a few times per year.
It is also not the best fit if your home is mostly hard flooring. The SmartWash+ is built around carpet extraction, and Hoover specifically warns against using this extractor on hard floors.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Within Hoover’s lineup, the SmartWash PET Complete is worth comparing if pet-focused cleaning features are your priority. Hoover also offers a ONEPWR SmartWash option for buyers who put more value on cordless convenience.
The standard SmartWash+ makes the most sense if you want the familiar corded design, automatic wash-and-dry operation, Auto Mix, and attachment cleaning without making cordless operation the main priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is the Hoover SmartWash+ FH52000?
The cleaner weighs about 18.5 pounds before water and cleaning solution are added. Keep the added liquid weight in mind if you expect to carry it frequently between floors.
Does the SmartWash+ automatically dispense cleaning solution?
Yes. Auto Mix draws from the separate solution tank and automatically mixes and dispenses formula during the forward cleaning pass. You do not need to hold a solution trigger during normal carpet cleaning.
Can you use the Hoover SmartWash+ on upholstery?
The hose and attachment can be used on compatible wet-cleanable upholstery. Check the fabric code first: Hoover specifies upholstery marked “W” or “S/W” and says not to wet-clean material marked only “S.”
Can you use the SmartWash+ on hard floors?
No. Hoover’s manual warns against using this extractor on hard floors because it may scratch or damage the flooring. Use it for the surfaces approved in the product instructions.
Do you need to vacuum before using the SmartWash+?
Yes. Hoover instructs you to vacuum carpet and upholstery thoroughly before wet cleaning. The SmartWash+ is an extractor and should not be treated as a replacement for a regular dry vacuum.
Can you use another brand of cleaning solution?
Hoover’s manual directs you to use Hoover cleaning fluid intended for the appliance. Using the recommended solution is the safest way to follow the manufacturer’s operating and warranty guidance.
How do you make the carpet dry faster after cleaning?
Use Dry Only mode and continue extraction passes until little water is visible moving through the nozzle. Good room ventilation also helps, and you should keep people and pets off the carpet until it is completely dry.
What warranty does the Hoover SmartWash+ include?
Hoover currently lists a five-year motor warranty for the SmartWash+ family. Keep your purchase documentation and check the warranty terms supplied with your exact model for coverage requirements and exclusions.
The Bottom Line
The Hoover SmartWash+ FH52000 is a practical choice if you want a full-size carpet cleaner that simplifies solution dispensing and switches naturally between washing and extraction as you move. Its Auto Mix system, FlexForce PowerBrushes, Dry Only mode, 8-foot attachment hose, and removable cleaning components give it a useful balance of convenience and versatility.
Choose it for regular carpet cleaning and compatible stairs or upholstery. Skip it if you mainly need a hard-floor machine, cordless convenience, or a tiny spot cleaner for occasional spills.
