The machine has two separate water tanks. The top tank holds the clean hot water and detergent. The bottom tank holds the dirty water that is suctioned from the carpet. Although the two tank system is nice, it should be noted that there is no separate container for the detergent. It is mixed directly in the clean water tank. This means that you will not be able to rinse "as you go". Instead, when rinsing is desired, you will need to empty out the clean tank and refill it with water only. Likewise, you will need to repeat this process when you are ready to resume cleaning with detergent.
SpinScrub Brushes
This steam cleaner also has five rotating SpinScrub brushes which work to remove dirt from carpet. The speed of the brushes is adjustable. Their speed can be adjusted from low to high, as well as turned off when not needed.
Clean Surge
The Clean Surge feature is popular on many of the Hoover Steam Vac models, and it is also included with the F5914-900. This button is useful for treating particularly soiled areas. When pressed, it dispenses extra cleaning solution in these spots, so that fewer passes with the machine are needed to clean problematic areas.
The Hoover F5914-900 also includes a hose with attachment, so that it can be used on stairs and upholstered surfaces. The machine can also be used on certain hard flooring surfaces, by using the optional bare floor cleaning tool. However, it cannot be used on wood flooring.
The 12 amp motor is sufficient for both cleaning carpets and suctioning the water from them. The cleaner also features a beltless design, which makes it easier to maintain.
There are some ways in which it can be improved. For one, its name is misleading. Although it is called a "steamvac", it does not produce steam, nor does it heat the water in the clean water tank.
Also, as discussed earlier, there is no separate container for the detergent. It is mixed directly in the tank with the warm water. If rinsing is desired, users will need to empty the tank and add clean water only, an extra step that adds time on to the carpet cleaning process.
Despite these negative points, the Hoover SteamVac F5914-900 is a solid investment for the price.
