Our Verdict
Hoover CleanSlate Plus Wins

At $109.99, it offers a substantial 40 oz tank capacity, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills, and its 7-inch WidePath tool efficiently tackles larger spills. While more expensive at $139.95, the Shark StainStriker HairPro is the better pick for users specifically battling pet hair and smaller, more stubborn pet-related stains due to its specialized hair and pet mess extractor tools and lighter 9 lb design.
Bottom Line: Hoover CleanSlate Plus is the better choice. At $109.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
These two portable spot cleaners offer distinct approaches to tackling spills and stains, with the Hoover CleanSlate Plus prioritizing capacity and wider coverage, while the Shark StainStriker HairPro focuses on specialized pet mess removal and portability. The most significant differentiator is the Hoover's impressive 40 oz tank capacity, which translates directly into fewer trips to the sink for refills, making it more efficient for larger spills or multiple small messes. In contrast, the Shark's tank capacity is unspecified, but its compact design and 9.0 lb weight suggest a smaller reservoir, emphasizing its grab-and-go convenience for immediate, targeted clean-ups. The included tools also highlight their divergent philosophies. The Hoover CleanSlate Plus comes with a 7-inch WidePath Tool, ideal for quickly cleaning broader stain areas like those found on area rugs or larger upholstery sections. It also includes a TightSpot Tool and a Hose Rinse Tool for maintaining the system. Conversely, the Shark StainStriker HairPro boasts a suite of specialized attachments, including a Mini Stain Eliminator, a 3.5" Stain Eliminator, a dedicated Hair Extractor, and a Pet Mess Extractor. This specialized arsenal makes the Shark an undeniable choice for pet owners dealing with deeply embedded fur and specific pet-related stains and odors, offering a more precise and effective attack on these particular challenges. From a value perspective, the Hoover CleanSlate Plus, at its $109.99 price point, offers greater overall capacity and versatility for general household spills across different surface sizes. It provides excellent utility for a variety of users who appreciate longer cleaning cycles. The Shark StainStriker HairPro, priced at $139.95, commands a higher premium due to its enhanced portability and highly specialized pet-focused cleaning capabilities. Its dual-activated solution and odor elimination features offer a compelling proposition for those whose primary concern is managing pet accidents and hair effectively. The trade-off is often tank size and potentially wider spray paths, which may make it less suitable for broader general-purpose cleaning tasks. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether a user prioritizes sustained cleaning power and area coverage or hyper-targeted, portable pet stain and hair removal.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Tank Capacity
100% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Hoover
- Tank Capacity: 100% higher (40.0 vs 0)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For a household with frequent, varied spills
HooverThe Hoover CleanSlate Plus features a generous 40 oz tank capacity and a 7-inch WidePath Tool, making it efficient for tackling multiple or larger spills without constant refilling.
For pet owners primarily concerned with embedded hair and odors
SharkThe Shark StainStriker HairPro includes specialized Hair Extractor and Pet Mess Extractor tools, alongside features that permanently eliminate pet urine and smoke odors, making it ideal for deep pet cleaning.
For quick, on-the-go cleaning in multiple locations (e.g., car interior, different rooms)
SharkWeighing under 9.0 lbs, the Shark StainStriker HairPro is highly portable, allowing for easy transport and rapid deployment for immediate spot cleaning tasks.
For budget-conscious buyers seeking good overall value
HooverPriced at $109.99, the Hoover CleanSlate Plus offers a large 40 oz tank and effective cleaning tools at a lower cost than its competitor.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Hoover if...
Hoover CleanSlate Plus Portable
The Hoover CleanSlate Plus is the ideal choice for homeowners and renters who regularly encounter a variety of spills and stains, from accidental beverage spills on carpets to muddy pet paw prints on upholstery, but do not necessarily face chronic, severe pet hair issues. This user prioritizes sustained cleaning capability and efficiency over extreme portability. With its generous 40 oz tank capacity, they can tackle multiple small messes or a larger spill without constant interruptions for refilling, appreciating the uninterrupted cleaning flow. The included 7-inch WidePath Tool is perfect for them, enabling quicker coverage of broader stained areas on rugs or furniture. They are likely budget-conscious, finding the $109.99 price point an excellent value for a versatile and powerful spot cleaner that includes a hose rinse tool for easy maintenance. While it may not be as lightweight as some competitors, this buyer is comfortable with a slightly larger unit for the benefits of reduced refill frequency and broader cleaning scope. They don't need highly specialized hair extraction tools and are happy with effective general stain removal.
Buy Shark if...
Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable
The Shark StainStriker HairPro is perfectly suited for dedicated pet owners, especially those with shedding animals or pets prone to accidents, who need a specialized and highly portable solution. This buyer frequently deals with embedded pet hair, tough urine stains, and lingering odors, making the Shark's unique Pet Mess Extractor and Hair Extractor tools essential. Its lightweight design at 9.0 lbs is a significant draw, allowing them to easily carry it from room to room, out to the car, or even upstairs for immediate response to pet incidents. They value the "dual-activated solution" technology for its enhanced stain removal and odor-eliminating properties, which specifically target pet-related smells like urine and smoke. While the tank capacity isn't specified, this user understands the trade-off for superior portability and specialized tools for specific pet challenges. They are willing to invest $139.95 for a cleaner that excels in pet-specific cleaning, even if it means potentially more frequent refills compared to a larger-capacity machine. They prioritize targeted pet stain elimination and effective hair removal above wide area coverage or general-purpose cleaning.
Spec Comparison
9 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $140 |
| Rating | 4.3(12.0k) | 4.5(1.2k) |
| Tank Capacity oz | 40 | 0 |
| Power Rating Amps | 0 | 0 |
| Heating Technology | — | No |
| Self Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Tools Included | 7 WidePath Tool, TightSpot Tool, Hose Rinse Tool | Mini Stain Eliminator, 3.5" Stain Eliminator, Hair Extractor, Pet Mess Extractor |
| Formula Included | Yes | Yes |
| Spray Width Inches | 7" | — |
| Weight | — | 9 lbs |
| Model Number | — | PX251 |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Hoover CleanSlate Plus
- 40 oz tank reduces refill frequency
- Dual tanks separate clean and dirty water
- 7-inch tool cleans wider spot areas
- TightSpot tool accesses narrow spaces
- Requires ongoing purchase of cleaning solution
- Manual operation of hose rinse tool
- No built-in drying feature
Shark StainStriker HairPro
- Portable design, under 9lbs, for easy transport.
- Dual-activated solution enhances stain removal.
- Picks up embedded hair without system clogging.
- Permanently eliminates pet urine and smoke odors.
- Requires specific cleaning solutions for best results.
- Designed for spot cleaning, not large area tasks.
- Tank capacity for water/solution is not specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
What is the tank capacity of the Hoover CleanSlate Plus?
The Hoover CleanSlate Plus features a large 40.0 oz tank capacity, reducing the need for frequent refills during cleaning sessions.
Is the Shark StainStriker HairPro suitable for removing pet hair?
Yes, the Shark StainStriker HairPro is specifically designed for pet hair, featuring a dedicated Hair Extractor tool and the ability to pick up embedded hair without clogging.
Does either cleaner come with a solution?
Yes, both the Hoover CleanSlate Plus and the Shark StainStriker HairPro include a starter formula, allowing you to begin cleaning right away.
Which product is lighter for portability?
The Shark StainStriker HairPro is significantly lighter at 9.0 lbs, making it more portable and easier to carry between cleaning locations like car interiors and different rooms.
How does the Hoover's spray width compare?
The Hoover CleanSlate Plus has a 7.0-inch spray width with its WidePath Tool, allowing it to cover larger areas more efficiently compared to the Shark's more targeted tools.
Do these cleaners heat the water for better cleaning?
Neither the Hoover CleanSlate Plus nor the Shark StainStriker HairPro explicitly lists heating technology in their specifications. They rely on the solution and suction power.
Explore Other Categories
Popular comparisons across the site
Ask AI
Get instant answers about specs
Get the Deets
Ask our AI assistant
Ask Deets anything!























