The catch
Hoover CleanSlate Plus
The 40-ounce clean tank can go fast when you work with the seven-inch tool.
Side by side
Hoover CleanSlate Plus FH14050 vs Shark StainStriker PX201, Compared: StainStriker means stocking two formulas, while CleanSlate uses one solution
Quick verdict
CleanSlate Plus is the right pick if you want one prepared solution tank and three more feet of cord. StainStriker PX201 is the right pick if you want its separate OXY formula system and don't mind keeping two formulas stocked. Both current bundles include a wide tool, so tool width alone should not decide between them.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Hoover has a 25% longer cord
Three more feet of cord can count for more than the small difference in hose length.
Where this comes from
(15 - 12) ÷ 12 × 100 = 25%. The hose ratings are 0.2 ft apart, which is 2.4 inches. Those are cable and hose lengths and not a guaranteed working radius.
The catch
Shark StainStriker Portable
Keeping the dual-formula routine going means stocking two compatible products.
Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- Why pick it
- One solution tank to prepare is your preference.
- The outlet near your sofa or parked car is awkwardly placed.
- The catch
- The 40-ounce clean tank can go fast when you work with the seven-inch tool.
Shark StainStriker Portable
- Why pick it
- You'd like Shark's separate OXY reservoir.
- The checked PX201 bundle's small and wide hand tools appeal to you.
- The catch
- Keeping the dual-formula routine going means stocking two compatible products.
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What this page compares
Hoover CleanSlate FH14050 against Shark StainStriker PX201, looking at formula preparation, cord reach, tool bundles and cleanup after each spill.
CleanSlate Plus is the right pick if you want one prepared solution tank and three more feet of cord. StainStriker PX201 is the right pick if you want its separate OXY formula system and don't mind keeping two formulas stocked. Both current bundles include a wide tool, so tool width alone should not decide between them.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
My outlet is in an awkward spot
Hoover's 15-foot cord is three feet longer than Shark's listed 12-foot cord, and that is before allowing for furniture and slack.
- Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- Better fit
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Good
I want just one cleaning-solution tank to get ready
Hoover takes the single-tank recipe that was chosen. Shark requires both the main solution tank and the separate OXY reservoir to be prepared correctly.
- Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- Better fit
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Depends
I need a wide tool for sofa cushions
Both of the current bundles that were checked list a seven-inch tool. Confirm what is in the seller's exact carton, and do not rely on the model family name.
- Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- Good
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Good
I assume the cleaner cleans itself
Flushing the hose covers just part of cleanup. On both, the dirty tank and the tools still have to be emptied, rinsed and dried.
- Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- Not suitable
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Not suitable
I intend to clean all the carpeted rooms
A portable hand tool is meant for messes in one spot. If you will wash whole rooms again and again, that is when to consider an upright.
- Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- Caution
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Hoover has a 25% longer cord
Three more feet of cord can count for more than the small difference in hose length.
How we worked this out
(15 - 12) ÷ 12 × 100 = 25%. The hose ratings are 0.2 ft apart, which is 2.4 inches. Those are cable and hose lengths and not a guaranteed working radius.
In the bundles checked, neither has the edge on a wide tool
Either can make seven-inch hand passes, so look next at how solution is prepared and at reach.
How we worked this out
Hoover lists a 7-inch WidePath tool. Shark's current PX201 page and the exact Amazon ASIN list a 7-inch tool together with the 3.5-inch attachment.
Hoover's recovery tank can stop a job while the clean tank still has solution
The 40 oz clean capacity does not mean 40 oz of recovery without a stop.
How we worked this out
The family specification gives 23 oz of recovery against 40 oz of clean capacity. 23 ÷ 40 = 57.5%. In real use, recovery depends on moisture already in the fabric, solution that stays behind and foam.
Option A
Hoover, FH14050
CleanSlate Plus
This portable spot cleaner pairs a seven-inch wide tool with a narrow crevice tool.
- Best for
- Spots of different sizes on stairs, sofas and vehicle seats
Facts we checked
- On the FH14050, the clean tank is 40 ounces and the recovery tank is 23 ounces.
- The tool set has a seven-inch WidePath tool and a TightSpot crevice tool.
- On the CleanSlate platform you get a hose-rinse attachment, 15-foot cord and roughly 4.5-foot hose.
Option B
Shark, PX201
StainStriker Portable
Two formulas get activated at the hand tool of this compact portable, aimed at spots and odors.
- Best for
- Pet spots and vehicle jobs that call for formula activation
Facts we checked
- The PX201 is a portable carpet and upholstery extractor, with Deep Clean Pro and OXY formulas held in separate reservoirs.
- The current official page and the Amazon ASIN both list 3.5-inch and seven-inch tools.
- Shark's listing gives a 12-foot cord and a 4.3-foot hose.
- A hose-cleaning attachment is documented in the manual, which notes that supplied accessories vary.
- A water-only rinse, per the manual, needs the OXY reservoir empty or removed and only water in the main tank.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Hoover CleanSlate Plus | Shark StainStriker Portable | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula setup | One solution tank, use the selected Hoover recipe | Water plus Deep Clean Pro, with OXY in a second reservoir | Shark keeps the two formulas apart, but you still must fill to the correct lines. |
| Power cord | 15 ft | 12 ft | Hoover buys you three feet before you have to find another outlet or move the machine. |
| Hose | About 4.5 ft | 4.3 ft listed | Roughly 2.4 inches is little next to a three-foot gap in cord length. |
| Wide hand tool | 7-inch WidePath | 7-inch tool in the checked current bundle | Do not pay for Shark or Hoover thinking that only one has a broad tool. |
| Narrow or small work | TightSpot crevice tool | 3.5-inch tool and integrated crevice tool | If most of your messes are on cushions or vehicle seats, compare the exact bundle. |
| Hose rinsing | Hose Rinse Tool and a documented flush routine | Manual documents a hose-cleaning attachment, bundle dependent | Neither one cleans its own recovery tank and tools. |
| Main job | Portable spot and upholstery extraction | Portable spot and upholstery extraction | For regular washing of whole rooms, neither can stand in for an upright head. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- Reach is shorter with the roughly 4.5-foot hose than with the five-foot BISSELL Pet Pro.
With Shark StainStriker Portable
- Bundles differ from seller to seller. Look at exactly which rinse and pet tools you get, rather than assuming every tool in the family manual comes along.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Whether the machine reaches your work area can come down to a three-foot difference in cord.
Go with Hoover CleanSlate Plus. Hoover lists 15 feet, and Shark's is 12 feet. Leave enough slack, and never drag either cleaner by its hose.
The separate OXY formula system is exactly what you want to use.
Go with Shark StainStriker Portable. That reservoir is what sets Shark apart. Both bundles that were checked offer a seven-inch hand tool.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick CleanSlate Plus for one prepared solution tank and three more feet of cord. Pick StainStriker PX201 for its separate OXY formula system, as long as you are happy to keep two formulas stocked. Since both current bundles offer a wide tool, tool width alone should not settle it.
With two formulas, the preparation changes and not only the label
Setup is not automatic just because Shark activates its two formulas during use. You still dilute Deep Clean Pro in the main tank and fill the separate OXY reservoir. Hoover offers a conventional single-tank routine, and the compatible formula you buy decides how much preparation it takes. Choose whichever routine you will keep using for small messes.
Look at the exact tool bundle
Both the official page and the checked Amazon listing now show a seven-inch tool in the PX201 contents. Any older comparison calling Hoover the only wide-tool choice is misleading. Should you want a specific pet-mess cup or hose-rinse attachment, verify it on its own. Tools appear in family manuals that are not in every carton.
Allow time for cleanup
Residue can stay behind in the hose, nozzle and recovery tank after a pet accident. A hose attachment helps flush one part of that path, but it won't empty the tank or dry the filter. Put easy cleanup ahead of an unverified claim that one suction motor is stronger.
What this page can’t tell you
- This makes no claim of a standardized head-to-head test of stain removal, suction or drying.
- Seller bundles and manufacturer pages change over time. Shark's weight entries conflict, so they are not used to name a winner on carrying.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the carpet cleaners we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 7 of the 22 models checked meet every need here: “Spills and isolated stains are mostly what I clean”, “Sofas and fabric chairs are on my cleaning list”, and “Vehicle seats and carpet are what I want to clean”.
7 models fit, out of 22 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Spills and isolated stains are mostly what I clean”, “Sofas and fabric chairs are on my cleaning list”, and “Vehicle seats and carpet are what I want to clean”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover CleanSlate Plus |
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| Shark StainStriker Portable |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Hoover CleanSlate Plus
One solution tank to prepare is your preference.
See price & reviews on AmazonShark StainStriker Portable
You'd like Shark's separate OXY reservoir.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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