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The BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is one of the best-selling portable spot cleaners for removing stains from carpets, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. Its compact design, powerful suction, and easy operation make it a popular choice for pet owners, families, and anyone dealing with everyday spills.
This BISSELL portable carpet cleaner is designed for spot cleaning rather than cleaning entire rooms. It works well on pet accidents, coffee stains, food spills, mud, and other common household messes while being lightweight enough to carry around the home or take to your vehicle.
In this review, we’ll cover its features, cleaning performance, ease of use, maintenance, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth buying.
BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Overview
BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
✔ Weight: 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
✔ Clean Water Tank Capacity: 48 oz
✔ Power Source: Corded electric
✔ Cord Length: 15 ft
✔ Hose Length: Flexible hose for reaching furniture, stairs, and tight spaces
✔ Cleaning Solution: BISSELL Spot & Stain Formula (trial size included)
✔ Included Tools: 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool, Trial-Size Cleaning Formula
✔ Warranty: 1-Year Limited Warranty
✔ Best For: Carpets, area rugs, upholstery, stairs, mattresses, car interiors, pet messes, and spot cleaning around the home
Key Features
Powerful Suction
Strong suction helps lift dirty water, stains, and odors from carpet and upholstery fibers. After spraying and scrubbing, the machine extracts moisture effectively, leaving surfaces only slightly damp and helping reduce drying time.
Lightweight and Portable Design
Weighing just 9.7 pounds, it’s easy to carry between rooms, upstairs, or out to your vehicle. The compact size makes spot cleaning furniture, stairs, and car interiors much more convenient than using a full-size carpet cleaner.
Large 48 oz Clean Water Tank
The 48-ounce clean water tank allows you to clean several stains or an entire sofa before needing a refill. This larger capacity means fewer interruptions during cleaning, although the dirty water tank may still need to be emptied during larger jobs.
Long Power Cord and Flexible Hose
A 15-foot power cord paired with a flexible hose provides good reach around furniture, stairs, and tight spaces without constantly switching outlets.
3-Inch Tough Stain Tool
The included 3-inch Tough Stain Tool sprays, scrubs, and extracts dirt in one step. It’s particularly useful for pet accidents, coffee spills, mud, food stains, and other everyday messes.
HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool
The HydroRinse tool flushes clean water through the hose after use, helping remove leftover cleaning solution and debris while reducing odors and buildup inside the hose.
Easy-Fill and Easy-Empty Tanks
The removable clean and dirty water tanks are simple to fill, empty, and rinse, making maintenance quick after each cleaning session.
Compact Storage
Its small footprint fits easily in a closet, cabinet, or laundry room, making it a practical choice for apartments and homes with limited storage space.
Tip: Use only the recommended amount of cleaning solution. Adding extra detergent won’t improve cleaning and can leave residue on carpets or upholstery.
Cleaning Performance
The BISSELL Little Green performs well on everyday spot-cleaning jobs involving carpets, area rugs, upholstery, stairs, and mattresses. Its suction helps extract dirty water after spraying and scrubbing, while the compact design makes it easy to move from one cleaning task to another.
It handles common messes such as pet accidents, coffee stains, food spills, mud, and everyday dirt effectively. Fresh stains are generally easier to remove, while older or heavily set-in stains may require multiple treatments. It can also be used for spot cleaning in car interiors.
The machine leaves surfaces slightly damp rather than heavily saturated, although drying time depends on the material, ventilation, and how much water is used. Overall, its simple operation and portable design make it convenient for quick cleaning jobs around the home.
Cleaning Upholstery and Furniture
The BISSELL Little Green is well suited to cleaning water-safe fabric furniture, including sofas, dining chairs, cushions, ottomans, and other upholstered surfaces. Its compact cleaning tool makes it easier to target individual stains without using a full-size carpet cleaner.
It can remove common spills, food stains, and everyday dirt from fabric furniture, while its suction helps extract moisture after cleaning. Mattresses can also be spot cleaned when the fabric is suitable for water-based cleaning.
For delicate upholstery, always check the manufacturer’s care instructions and test the cleaner on a small hidden area before treating the entire surface.
Cleaning Car Seats and Interior
The Little Green is a practical solution for keeping your vehicle’s interior clean without paying for professional detailing. Its compact size and flexible hose make it easy to reach areas that are difficult to clean with larger machines.
Cloth Seats
It does a good job of removing common stains from cloth seats, including spilled drinks, food, mud, and everyday dirt. Fresh stains usually come out after one or two passes, while older stains may require a second treatment.
Floor Mats
Carpeted floor mats collect dust, sand, mud, and debris over time. The cleaner lifts embedded dirt while refreshing the carpet fibers, helping mats look cleaner and smell fresher.
Trunk Carpet
The trunk often accumulates dirt from groceries, luggage, and outdoor equipment. The machine can remove surface stains and refresh the appearance of the carpet without excessive moisture when used correctly.
Pet Hair and Odors
While it won’t vacuum large amounts of pet hair, it can help remove stains and lingering odors caused by pets when used after vacuuming the area.
Tight Spaces
The flexible hose allows you to clean between seats, around cup holders, and along door panels where larger carpet cleaners may not easily reach.
Tip: Open your car doors or windows while cleaning to improve airflow and help fabric seats and carpets dry faster.
How Do You Use a BISSELL Little Green Carpet Cleaner?
Using the machine is straightforward, even for first-time users.
- Fill the clean water tank with warm water up to the fill line.
- Add the recommended cleaning formula according to the mixing instructions.
- Secure the tank back onto the machine.
- Attach the cleaning tool you plan to use.
- Plug the machine into a power outlet and switch it on.
- Press the trigger to spray the cleaning solution onto the stain.
- Gently scrub the area using the attached tool.
- Release the trigger and slowly pull the tool back to extract the dirty water.
- Repeat if necessary until the stain is removed.
- Empty the dirty water tank after cleaning.
- Rinse the tanks, tool, and hose before storing the machine.
Tips for Better Results
- Vacuum loose dirt before cleaning.
- Treat stains as soon as possible.
- Avoid oversaturating delicate fabrics.
- Make extra suction-only passes to reduce drying time.
- Allow the cleaned surface to air dry completely before use.
BISSELL Little Green Instructions and Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps the cleaner performing efficiently and helps extend its lifespan.
First-Time Setup
Assembly takes only a few minutes. Fill the clean water tank with warm water and the recommended cleaning solution, attach the desired cleaning tool, and ensure both tanks are securely locked before turning the machine on.
Cleaning the Water Tanks
Empty the dirty water tank after every use to prevent odors and buildup. Rinse both tanks thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry before reassembling.
Cleaning the Hose
After each cleaning session, flush the hose with clean water to remove any remaining solution or debris. This helps prevent clogs and keeps the machine operating smoothly.
Using the HydroRinse Tool
The HydroRinse tool makes hose maintenance simple. Attach it, run clean water through the hose for several seconds, and flush out any residue left inside.
Filter Care
Check the filter periodically for dirt or debris. Clean it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain consistent suction.
Storage Tips
Store the cleaner indoors in a cool, dry place. Empty both tanks completely before storage and leave them open until fully dry to help prevent mold and unpleasant odors.
Tip: Empty the dirty water tank and rinse the hose after every use. Regular maintenance helps prevent odors, clogs, and loss of suction over time.
Cleaning Solution
Using the right cleaning formula helps achieve the best cleaning results while protecting the machine.
Recommended Formulas
The manufacturer recommends using its own carpet cleaning formulas, which are designed to remove stains, eliminate odors, and produce minimal foam during cleaning.
Popular options include:
- Spot & Stain Formula
- Pet Pro Oxy Formula
- Professional Spot & Stain Formula
Compatible Solutions
Most cleaning formulas made specifically for portable carpet cleaners are compatible, provided they are labeled as low-foaming products.
Can You Use Homemade Cleaners?
Homemade mixtures such as vinegar, dish soap, or laundry detergent are not recommended. They can create excessive foam, reduce cleaning performance, and may affect the machine’s warranty.
Can You Use Other Brands?
Some third-party carpet cleaning solutions can be used if they are formulated for portable extraction machines. Always follow the dilution instructions and test on a small hidden area first.
Mixing Tips
- Follow the fill lines on the water tank.
- Never use more solutions than recommended.
- Mix with warm water instead of hot or boiling water.
- Empty any leftover solution after cleaning instead of storing it in the tank.
What We Like
✔ Excellent stain removal on carpets and upholstery.
✔ Lightweight and easy to carry.
✔ Large clean water tanks reduce refills.
✔ Easy to use, even for beginners.
✔ Simple tank removal and cleanup.
✔ Compact enough for apartments and small storage spaces.
✔ Works well on furniture, stairs, and vehicle interiors.
What We Don’t Like
✘ Dirty water tank fills quickly during larger jobs.
✘ Not designed for cleaning entire rooms.
✘ Hose could be slightly longer for better reach.
✘ Some stubborn stains require multiple passes.
✘ Cleaning solution adds to long-term operating costs.
Amazon Customer Feedback
The cleaner has earned an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 93,000 customer reviews, making it one of the highest-rated portable carpet cleaners in its category.
What Buyers Love
Customers frequently praise its strong stain removal, especially on pet accidents, food spills, and upholstery. Many appreciate its lightweight design, straightforward setup, and compact size. Buyers also mention that it offers excellent value for money and is a reliable option for regular spot cleaning around the home and inside vehicles.
Common Complaints
The most common criticism is the relatively small water tanks, which require refilling and emptying during larger cleaning jobs.
Some users would prefer a longer hose for additional reach, while a few mention occasional leakage or that suction performance isn’t as strong as expected on heavily soiled surfaces.
Most reviewers also agree that it’s intended for spot cleaning rather than deep cleaning an entire house.
Who Should Buy This Cleaner?
This model is best suited for people who need a reliable solution for spot cleaning rather than deep cleaning an entire home. It’s a great choice if you frequently deal with spills, stains, or pet messes.
It’s especially ideal for:
- Pet owners: Removes pet accidents, muddy paw prints, and everyday messes from carpets and upholstery.
- Families with children: Makes it easy to clean juice spills, food stains, crayons, and other common household accidents.
- Apartment owners: Its compact size is easy to store in small closets or cabinets.
- Car owners: Cleans cloth seats, floor mats, trunk carpets, and other fabric surfaces without needing professional detailing.
- Anyone with upholstered furniture: Works well on sofas, dining chairs, cushions, ottomans, and mattresses.
- People looking for a spot cleaner: Perfect for treating individual stains and high-traffic areas without pulling out a full-size carpet cleaner.
Who Should Skip It?
This isn’t the right choice if you need to clean large carpeted rooms on a regular basis. A full-size carpet cleaner with larger tanks and a wider cleaning path will be more efficient for whole-house deep cleaning.
Little Green vs Competitors
| Feature | BISSELL Little Green | Shark StainStriker | Hoover CleanSlate | BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam | Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner |
| Best For | Everyday spot cleaning | Tough stains and odors | Large spot-cleaning jobs | Set-in stains with steam cleaning | Heavy-duty pet stains |
| Clean Tank Capacity | 48 oz | 2 L (67.6 oz) | 40 oz | 64 oz | 64 oz |
| Weight | 9.65 lbs | 8.51 lbs | About 11 lbs | 13 lbs | 18.7 lbs (8.48 kg) |
| Self-Cleaning Tool | ✔ HydroRinse Tool | ✘ No | ✔ Self-Clean Hose | ✔ HydroRinse Tool | ✘ No |
| Price | $99.99 | $149.99 | $99.99 | $249.99 | $139.00 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5/5 (93,915+ reviews) | 4.5/5 (5,360+ reviews) | 4.6/5 (11,500+ reviews) | 4.3/5 (3,650+ reviews) | 4.2/5 (3,100+ reviews) |
Which One Should You Choose?
The standard model is the best option for most households because it balances performance, portability, and affordability.
The Shark StainStriker is a good choice if you frequently deal with stubborn stains and odors.
The Hoover CleanSlate is better for people who want larger water tanks for longer cleaning sessions.
The HydroSteam model offers extra cleaning power for deep-set stains but comes with a higher price and additional weight.
The Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner is ideal for heavy-duty cleaning but is larger and less portable.
Common Problems and Limitations
No portable cleaner is perfect, and this model has a few limitations worth considering.
Small Tank Capacity
Although the clean water tank is generous for a portable machine, the dirty water tank fills fairly quickly when tackling multiple stains or larger furniture pieces.
Noise Level
Like most extraction cleaners, it produces noticeable noise while operating. It’s not excessively loud, but it’s certainly louder than a standard vacuum.
Hose Length
The hose is flexible and useful, but some users wish it were slightly longer for cleaning larger furniture or reaching farther inside vehicles.
Drying Time
Most surfaces dry within a few hours, but thicker carpets and cushions may require additional drying time depending on room temperature and ventilation.
Regular Maintenance
Cleaning the tanks and hose after every use takes only a few minutes but shouldn’t be skipped to prevent odors and maintain suction.
Cleaning Solution Cost
Using the recommended cleaning formulas provides the best results, but replacing them adds to the long-term cost of ownership.
Is It Worth Buying?
For anyone looking for an easy way to clean everyday spills and stains, this machine delivers excellent value.
Its biggest strengths are effective stain removal, compact size, straightforward operation, and reliable performance on upholstery, carpets, stairs, and vehicle interiors. Maintenance is simple, replacement parts are widely available, and the overall build quality feels durable enough for regular household use.
While it isn’t designed for cleaning entire rooms, it excels at the task it was built for—spot cleaning. Considering its performance, features, and affordable price, it remains one of the best portable cleaners available.
Final Verdict
The BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner continues to be one of the best portable spot cleaners for everyday household use. It delivers impressive cleaning performance in a lightweight, easy-to-store package that’s suitable for carpets, furniture, stairs, mattresses, and vehicle interiors.
Its biggest strengths are effective stain removal, portability, simple maintenance, and excellent value for money. The main drawbacks are the limited tank capacity and the fact that it’s designed for spot cleaning rather than whole-house carpet cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth buying?
Yes. If you frequently clean spills, pet accidents, or upholstery, it offers excellent performance for the price and saves money on professional cleaning.
Can it remove old carpet stains?
It can significantly improve older stains, although heavily set-in stains may require multiple treatments and may not disappear completely.
Does it work on pet urine?
Yes. It removes many pet stains and, when paired with the appropriate cleaning formula, also helps eliminate lingering odors.
Can I clean my sofa with it?
Yes. It’s designed for most fabric sofas, chairs, cushions, and other upholstered furniture. Always check the furniture’s cleaning label before use.
Can I use homemade cleaning solutions?
It’s not recommended. Homemade mixtures may create excessive foam, reduce cleaning performance, and could affect the warranty.
How often should I clean the machine?
The tanks, hose, and cleaning tool should be rinsed after every use to prevent residue buildup and keep the machine working properly.
Is it safe for delicate upholstery?
It is generally safe for most water-safe fabrics, but always test a small hidden area first and follow the furniture manufacturer’s care instructions.
Does it leave carpets wet?
Surfaces will be slightly damp after cleaning, but the strong suction removes much of the moisture. Most areas dry within a few hours under normal conditions.
