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Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner vs Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on cleaning power, cleanup & upkeep. Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner wins on ease of use.
The biggest complaint about the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is bulky to steer and store; for the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner it's hose breaks or splits. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner | Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in carpet cleaners | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Full-size | Portable spot cleaner |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 8% | 8% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Cleaning power | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Suction & dry time | — | 3.5 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Cleanup & upkeep | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $120 · $$ $120–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner
- Bulky to steer and store
HGTV says its bulk affects maneuverability and makes it harder to store, though at about 18 lb it isn't heavy.
Source: HGTV - Some units break within months
Amazon's summary says owners generally praise durability, though some report it breaking after 4 months of use.
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
- Hose breaks or splits
Amazon's summary says durability feedback is mixed, with owners reporting the hose breaking and splitting from frequent bending.
- Short reach, noisy, weak on set-in stains
Vacuum Wars lists a 4.3-ft hose and 12-ft cord, below average. Family Handyman found it noisy, unable to remove a heavily set-in wine stain, and left faint upholstery stains after drying.
Source: Vacuum Wars, Family Handyman - Two formulas, wasted solution
Wirecutter says it uses both a concentrated and a dilutable formula, so refills may cost more than Bissell's single solution. Family Handyman says the solution tanks need a full fill each use and solution can be wasted, and the dirty tank is awkward to clean.
Source: Wirecutter, Family Handyman
Who should pick which
Pick the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner if
Whole-room cleaning on a budget
Big tanks (128 oz) for fewer refills
Stairs and upholstery (powered SpinBrush hand tool)
Skip it if: You have little storage space; You want the lightest, nimblest machine; You want lab-measured drying data
Pick the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner if
Gross pet messes (tool with its own debris bin)
Light, compact storage (about 8.5 lb)
Easy rinse-out after cleaning
Skip it if: You want the cheapest refills (two formulas); You need a long reach (about 4-ft hose, 12-ft cord); Your stains are old and set-in
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