When you want to give your carpets a proper deep clean, choosing the right carpet cleaner can make all the difference.
Our Platinum SmartWash range has made deep cleaning easier, with intelligent features including Motion Sense Technology. Now, our new MAXClean range takes effortless carpet cleaning even further, combining powerful cleaning performance with a new, compact design, faster drying and features designed to tackle everything from everyday dirt to stubborn stains and pet messes.
So, what’s the difference between MAXClean and Platinum SmartWash – and which carpet cleaner is right for your home? Here’s everything you need to know.
maxclean vs platinum smartwash model comparison at a glance
Both ranges are designed to take the hard work out of deep cleaning your carpets, with clever technology that helps you wash and dry as you clean.
There are, however, some important differences.
| Feature | VAX MaxClean Range | VAX Platinum SmartWash Range |
| Motion Sense Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Washing and Drying | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated Dry Only Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Fasted Stated Drying Time | As little as 30 minutes† | As little as 1 hour† on Platinum SmartWash |
| Onboard Hose | 1.5m hose on all models | Separate 2.5m hose on Platinum SmartWash |
| Spot Cleaning | Spot Mode on selected models; StainShot on selected models | Spot Mode on XL Advanced; tools/pre-treatment options vary by model |
| Above-Floor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Pet-Specific Options | Yes | Yes |
| Guarantee | 6 Years^ | 6 Years^ |
| Weight | 8.2kg | Varies by model; 8.5–9.4kg across key SmartWash models |
†When using Dry Only mode.
^When registered at vax.co.uk where applicable.
what is vax’s platinum smartwash range?
Platinum SmartWash is designed to make carpet washing simple.
Its Motion Sense Technology automatically washes as you push the carpet cleaner forwards and dries as you pull it backwards. Its triggerless design means there’s no need to continually control when water and solution are dispensed – the machine does the work for you.
The range includes different options depending on your cleaning needs, including Platinum SmartWash, Platinum SmartWash Pet-Design and Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced.
Platinum SmartWash also offers above-floor cleaning. On the standard model, a 2.5m hose can be used with tools including the SpinScrub Hand Tool and 2-in-1 Antimicrobial Tool to tackle stairs, upholstery, spills and stains around the home.
With a dedicated Dry Only mode, the standard Platinum SmartWash carpet cleaner can leave carpets dry in as little as one hour.†
what’s new with vax maxclean?
a more compact carpet cleaner
One of the biggest differences is the design. Every carpet cleaner in the MAXClean range weighs 8.2kg and has been designed to look, feel and manoeuvre more like an upright vacuum cleaner.
That makes it an option worth considering if you want powerful whole-home carpet cleaning without your carpet cleaner feeling unnecessarily bulky and hard to store.
carpets dry in as little as 3o minutes
Waiting for carpets to dry can be one of the less convenient parts of deep cleaning. MAXClean’s powerful extraction and dedicated Dry Only mode can leave carpets dry in as little as 30 minutes†, helping you get back to using the room sooner.
By comparison, the standard Platinum SmartWash quotes a drying time of as little as one hour when using its Dry Only mode.†
an onboard hose that’s ready when you need it
MAXClean’s hose is built into the machine, so it’s ready whenever you need to move beyond cleaning the main carpet. Pause your floor cleaning and use the hose and cleaning tools to tackle a stubborn stain, upholstery, carpeted stairs or your car interior, before getting back to the floor.
different cleaning modes for different jobs
MAXClean gives you different modes depending on which model you choose.
MAXClean Home and MAXClean Pet include Auto mode for everyday deep cleaning, Spot mode for areas that need some extra attention and Dry Only mode.
MAXClean StainShot models have one big change; Spot mode is replaced by StainShot Technology, designed for more challenging stains.
easier maintenance
A deep-cleaning machine needs cleaning too. MAXClean includes a Debris Catcher designed to help trap extracted hair, fluff and debris before it can cause blockages.
There’s also a built-in hose rinse system, making it easier to flush away dirt and debris after you’ve finished cleaning so your MAXClean is ready for next time.
maxclean or smartwash: which should i choose?
Both ranges make deep carpet cleaning easier, but different features may suit different homes.
| Choose MAXClean if you want… | Choose Platinum SmartWash if you want… |
| A compact 8.2kg design | Larger tank capacities on key models |
| Carpets dry in as little as 30 minutes† | A longer 2.5m hose on key models |
| An onboard, ready-to-go hose | Automatic solution mixing on key models |
| Dedicated stain-cleaning options | The established SmartWash automated cleaning experience |
| StainShot Technology on selected models | Pet and Spot Mode options on selected models |
which MAXCLEAN SHOULD I CHOOSE?
There are four MAXClean models, so you can choose the features and tools that best suit your home.
| Model | Best Suited To | Key Features | Browse MAXClean |
| MAXClean Home | Everyday whole-home cleaning | Motion Sense Technology, Spot Mode, onboard hose and 30-minute Dry Only mode† | Discover MAXClean Home |
| MAXClean Pet | Homes with pets | All the core MAXClean features, plus a Pet Tool for embedded pet fur and stains | Discover MAXClean Pet |
| MAXClean StainShot Pet | Homes where stubborn stains are a priority | StainShot Technology, 30% more cleaning power‡ in StainShot mode, 2-in-1 Antimicrobial Tool and SpinScrub Tool | Discover MAXClean StainShot Pet |
| MaxClean StainShot Pet-Design | Busy pet homes that want the most comprehensive MAXClean tool set | StainShot Technology, 2-in-1 Antimicrobial Tool, SpinScrub Tool and dedicated Pet Tool | Discover MAXClean StainShot Pet-Design |
Whichever MAXClean you choose, you’ll get Motion Sense Technology, powerful extraction, an onboard hose and carpets dry in as little as 30 minutes using Dry Only mode.†
‡ Cleaning effectiveness tested in StainShot mode compared to Auto mode.
faq’s
is maxclean replacing smartwash?
MAXClean is VAX’s new generation of carpet cleaners, while Platinum SmartWash remains part of our current VAX carpet cleaner range. Both offer powerful deep cleaning, but their features and formats give customers different options depending on their needs.
does maxclean automatically dispense cleaning solution?
MAXClean uses Motion Sense Technology to automatically wash as you push forwards and extract as you pull backwards. Unlike Platinum SmartWash’s Auto-Mix system, MAXClean does not automatically mix solution and water.
which dries carpets faster: maxclean or smartwash?
MAXClean can leave carpets dry in as little as 30 minutes when using Dry Only mode.† The standard Platinum SmartWash states a drying time of as little as one hour when using its Dry Only mode.†
Actual drying time can vary depending on factors such as carpet type and cleaning conditions.
which is better for pet owners
Both ranges are suitable carpet cleaning ranges for homes with pets.
Platinum SmartWash Pet-Design includes an integrated Pre-Treatment Wand and tools for tackling stains and pet messes.
MAXClean Pet adds a dedicated Pet Tool, while MAXClean StainShot Pet-Design combines that Pet Tool with StainShot Technology, a SpinScrub Tool and 2-in-1 Antimicrobial Tool.
That means it’s worth choosing based on the cleaning challenges you face most often – whether that’s general deep cleaning, embedded pet hair or stubborn stains.
can i use maxclean on stairs and upholstery?
Yes. MAXClean’s onboard hose and tools allow you to clean beyond your floors, including upholstery, carpeted stairs and car interiors. The exact tools included depend on the MAXClean model you choose.
Vax Staff