Pet messes have a way of finding the most inconvenient spots—the corner of a rug, the edge of a carpeted stair, the patch of floor just beyond the puppy pad. A full-sized carpet cleaner can feel like overkill for these moments, while a towel and spray bottle often fall short. The Hoover PowerDash Pet is designed for that specific gap: a compact, corded upright carpet cleaner intended for targeted cleaning, high-traffic zones, and the everyday accidents that come with living alongside animals. This article examines what the appliance offers, how it can be used, and what to weigh before deciding whether it fits your cleaning routine.
Understanding the Hoover PowerDash Pet
The PowerDash Pet, model number FH50700, is a lightweight upright carpet cleaner from Hoover. It is a corded appliance built for residential use, positioned as a compact alternative to full-sized carpet cleaning machines. The unit weighs just under 13 pounds, which places it among the lighter carpet cleaners available .
The machine measures approximately 15.25 inches deep, 10.125 inches wide, and 43.5 inches tall . Its cleaning path is 10 inches wide, and the clean water tank holds 0.5 gallons . A 20-foot power cord provides reasonable reach without immediately requiring an extension cord .
What defines this model within Hoover’s lineup is its focus on pet-related cleaning. The brush roll is marketed with antimicrobial protection, and the machine is paired with Hoover’s pet cleaning solution. The compact body and low-profile foot are intended to make it easier to maneuver around furniture and store in smaller spaces.
Key Features at a Glance
PowerSpin Pet Brush Roll
The motorized brush roll is the core of the cleaning action. It agitates carpet fibers to loosen dirt, pet hair, and debris while the cleaning solution is applied and then extracted. Hoover describes the brush roll as having antimicrobial protection, though the manufacturer notes this property does not protect users against bacteria, viruses, or other disease organisms . The brush roll’s ability to pull embedded hair from carpet is a recurring point in user observations, with one detailed account describing the machine lifting a substantial amount of hair that a vacuum had left behind .
HeatForce Technology
Hoover markets HeatForce as a feature that provides faster drying. It is worth understanding what this actually means in practice. The system uses the motor’s airflow, which passes over the motor housing and emerges slightly warm, to help evaporate moisture from the carpet. It is not a dedicated heated drying element. The effect is modest but can contribute to shorter drying times compared to machines without any airflow-based drying assistance .
Dual Tank System
The dual-tank design keeps clean water and solution separate from the dirty water extracted from the carpet. This prevents soiled water from being redistributed onto the floor. The tanks are removable for filling and emptying, though the clean tank capacity is limited at 0.5 gallons .
Compact and Lightweight Build
At 12.9 pounds, the PowerDash Pet is designed to be carried between rooms and up stairs with relative ease . The low-profile foot is intended to reach under furniture edges where dirt accumulates, and the compact dimensions make storage simpler than with larger upright cleaners.
How the Hoover PowerDash Pet Can Be Used
Addressing Pet Accidents
The machine is specifically positioned for pet messes. For households with puppies, senior animals, or pets prone to accidents, a carpet cleaner can apply solution, agitate the fibers, and extract the liquid along with dissolved residue. Acting promptly after an accident generally produces better results, though the machine can also be used on older stains with repeated passes. One user caring for a loved one with dementia described the compact design as particularly helpful for frequent, unpredictable messes, noting that the machine’s simpler construction made cleanup after use less burdensome than a larger carpet cleaner .
Cleaning High-Traffic Zones
Entryways, pathways, and the areas in front of frequently used furniture are common targets for compact carpet cleaners. The 10-inch cleaning path and motorized brush roll are designed to handle these concentrated zones without requiring a full-room deep clean.
Small Rooms and Area Rugs
The PowerDash Pet is best suited to smaller spaces. A user who cleaned a 7-by-9-foot rug reported that the process took considerable time due to the rug’s dirtiness and required frequent refilling . Another account described cleaning a roughly 14-by-14-foot bedroom using approximately six tanks of solution, working around furniture rather than moving everything out . For a single bedroom, a small area rug, or a targeted high-traffic zone, the capacity is more manageable than these larger efforts suggest.
Stairs and Tight Spaces
The lighter weight and compact body may make the appliance easier to handle on stairs than a full-sized carpet cleaner. The low-profile foot is also designed to fit under furniture edges where a larger machine might not reach.
Who the Hoover PowerDash Pet May Be Suitable For
Pet owners with small living spaces. The appliance is designed for pet messes, and its compact size suits apartments, small homes, or households that need a cleaner that can be stored easily.
Those who need a lightweight option. For users who find full-sized carpet cleaners difficult to lift or maneuver, the under-13-pound weight is a meaningful consideration. User feedback frequently highlights the light weight as a primary reason for satisfaction .
Households targeting small areas rather than whole rooms. The modest tank capacity means the machine is better suited to spot cleaning, area rugs, and high-traffic zones than to cleaning an entire carpeted floor in one session. Users who expected whole-room performance have sometimes been disappointed by the frequent refilling .
Budget-conscious buyers. The PowerDash Pet is generally positioned at the lower end of the carpet cleaner price range. For occasional use on small messes, it offers an accessible entry point into wet extraction cleaning.
It is important to note that this is not a whole-room deep cleaning machine. For entire carpets or large rugs, a full-sized carpet cleaner with larger tanks and a wider cleaning path is generally more appropriate.
Important Things to Consider
Small Tank Capacity
The 0.5-gallon tank is a practical limitation. Multiple users report needing to refill and empty frequently, even for moderate-sized areas . For a small stain or a single area rug, this is manageable. For a larger room, it adds time and interruption to the cleaning process.
Cleaning the Machine Itself
This is a recurring concern in user feedback. The brush head area can be difficult to access for thorough cleaning. One user noted that the plastic cover does not come off, requiring them to scoop out dog hair that sticks to the inside when wet . Another described turning the machine over and rinsing it with cups of water as a workaround, which worked well but is not the intended method . Since carpet cleaners handle dirty water and pet messes, the ability to clean the machine thoroughly matters for hygiene and odor control. This is a factor worth weighing carefully.
Leaks and Seating Issues
Some user reviews mention leakage when the machine is left sitting. One detailed account noted that the machine tends to “dribble” if it sits turned off, leaving a small amount of liquid on the floor. The same user recommended removing the solution bottle when finished and storing it separately . Others have noted leaks when the machine is in upright rest mode, suggesting that removing the bottle and running the machine briefly to clear residual liquid can help .
Drying Performance
While the HeatForce feature is marketed for faster drying, user experiences vary. Some report that the carpet feels dry relatively quickly after multiple dry passes. Others describe the heating effect as minimal. Using the machine’s suction without spraying for several passes after cleaning is a standard technique for removing excess moisture regardless of the drying feature.
Noise Level
Carpet cleaners are generally loud appliances. While specific decibel ratings for this model are not prominently published, users describe it as reasonably quiet for its category. Expectations should be calibrated to the fact that any motorized wet extraction machine will produce noticeable sound during operation.
Comparing General Categories of Carpet Cleaners
Compact Upright vs. Full-Sized Carpet Cleaners
Full-sized carpet cleaners typically have larger tanks, wider cleaning paths, and more powerful suction, making them suitable for whole-room cleaning. They are also heavier and more cumbersome to store. The PowerDash Pet is a compact upright, designed for smaller areas and easier handling. The trade-off is capacity and coverage: it requires more frequent refilling and is not intended for large-scale cleaning sessions.
Upright vs. Portable Spot Cleaners
Portable spot cleaners use a hose and handheld tool rather than a full upright body. They are often better suited to upholstery, stairs, and car interiors because the tool can be directed precisely. The PowerDash Pet is an upright design, meaning the cleaning head is part of the main body. It is better suited to floor-level carpets and rugs than to above-floor surfaces. Some upright models offer hose attachments for upholstery, but the PowerDash Pet is not designed with this capability.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded carpet cleaners provide consistent power without runtime limitations, which is generally preferable for wet extraction tasks that require sustained suction. Cordless models offer more freedom of movement but typically have shorter runtimes and may lose suction as the battery drains. The PowerDash Pet is corded, with a 20-foot cord that provides reasonable reach in most rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of surfaces can the PowerDash Pet clean?
It is designed for carpets and rugs. It is not intended for hard floors or upholstery, as it lacks a hose attachment for above-floor cleaning. For upholstery and stairs, a portable spot cleaner with a hose would be a more appropriate tool.
How large of an area can it clean on one tank?
The 0.5-gallon tank is small, and users report needing to refill frequently even for moderate-sized rooms. For a small bedroom or an area rug, one or two refills may suffice. For larger rooms, expect multiple refills .
Does it work well on pet stains?
The machine is specifically marketed for pet messes, and the motorized brush roll is designed to agitate fibers and lift residue. User feedback suggests it can be effective on fresh accidents and everyday stains. For old, set-in stains, results may vary, and pre-treatment may be necessary.
Is it easy to clean after use?
This is a common point of criticism. The brush head area can be difficult to access thoroughly, and some users have developed workarounds involving rinsing the machine upside down . Potential buyers should consider whether they are comfortable with the maintenance routine.
How long does the carpet take to dry?
Drying time depends on humidity, airflow, and how many dry passes are made. The HeatForce feature may help slightly, but it is not a powerful drying system. Running the machine over the area without spraying for several passes helps remove excess moisture and speeds drying.
Does it come with cleaning solution?
Most listings indicate a trial-size bottle of cleaning solution is included . Some users have reported not receiving the sample, so checking the package contents upon arrival is advisable.
Conclusion
The Hoover PowerDash Pet is a compact, lightweight carpet cleaner designed for pet messes, high-traffic areas, and small spaces. Its under-13-pound weight and compact body make it easier to handle and store than full-sized machines, and the motorized brush roll and dual-tank system provide the core functionality needed for wet extraction cleaning on carpets and rugs.
It is not a whole-room deep cleaner. The 0.5-gallon tank requires frequent refilling, and the machine’s own cleanability is a recurring concern in user feedback. Leaks when left sitting and variable drying performance also surface in user accounts. For households with small areas to clean, pet accidents to manage, and a preference for a lightweight appliance, the PowerDash Pet is worth considering. For larger spaces or users who prioritize easy maintenance, a different style of carpet cleaner may be a better fit.