I’ll admit, my experience with DIY carpet cleaners was limited and frankly, not impressive, until I encountered the Bissell Little Green. Like many, my prior attempts involved cumbersome rental units that promised more than they delivered, often leaving rugs soaked and hardwood floors unhappy. Skepticism was my default setting when approaching this compact machine, despite the buzz online, especially around the Bissell Little Green, known for its portable convenience.
My home, shared with pets, is a constant battleground against fur, spills, and the general wear-and-tear that comes with animal companionship. Therefore, the Bissell Little Green became an intriguing prospect – could this small device truly tackle pet messes and keep both my car and home interiors pristine? My initial test subject was a white shag rug, a beloved item unfortunately marred by old pet stains. Facing the choice between professional cleaning or disposal, the Bissell Little Green was my hopeful last resort.
Discovering the Bissell Little Green Machine
The Bissell Little Green is designed as a portable solution for carpet and upholstery cleaning. This machine combines the functionality of a wet vac in a compact form, featuring a 48-ounce tank for cleaning solutions and a separate container for dirty water. The operation is straightforward: a trigger on the handle controls the spray of cleaning solution through a nozzle, while a 3-inch soft brush attachment, easily clicked into place, aids in lifting stains.
Its compact size—17 inches by 8 inches, and under 14 inches tall—allows for easy storage. Weighing less than 10 pounds when empty and equipped with a sturdy carrying handle, the Bissell Little Green is truly portable. It also features a 15-foot power cord and a 4-foot hose, accommodating various cleaning attachments for diverse tasks.
Key Features of the Bissell Little Green for Pet Owners and Car Cleaning
The standard Bissell Little Green package includes a 3-inch brush tool and a trial-size bottle of Spot & Stain cleaner with OXY. Assembly is minimal, mainly involving attaching the hose holder and tool head, making it ready for immediate use. A self-cleaning hose tool is also included, a thoughtful addition for maintaining the machine’s hygiene.
The lightweight design and slim handle make it exceptionally user-friendly, particularly for detailed work in car interiors or on stairs. The 3-inch brush attachment is soft yet effective, with three rows of bristles to gently agitate and lift stains from fabrics without causing damage. The clear view edge on the brush tool is a practical feature, allowing you to monitor the stain removal process and the moisture being extracted.
Refilling the tank is simple at any sink; just follow the fill lines for Bissell formula and water. The efficient use of water means a single tank can last through multiple cleaning sessions, which is ideal for tackling both home and car cleaning tasks. Remember, Bissell advises against storing the machine with solution in the tank to prolong its life and prevent potential issues.
Real-World Stain Battles: From Home to Car with the Bissell Little Green
While careful, spills are inevitable, especially in a home with pets. My first major test came unexpectedly – a coffee spill on a new sectional sofa. Reacting quickly, I used a dishcloth to absorb the excess and then deployed the Bissell Little Green. However, initial haste led to overspray due to holding the sprayer too far from the fabric. Learning quickly, I adjusted to spraying closer to the stain to focus the cleaning action.
In my rush, I skipped a spot test, but in an emergency, speed is key. The machine efficiently extracted the coffee stain, the clear tool head showing the dirty liquid being removed. Although effective, my heavy-handed approach meant the sofa cushion took about eight hours to dry completely. A faint detergent ring appeared later, a reminder to be more measured with the spray application in the future. Interestingly, while the sofa stain vanished, the coffee stain remained on my sweatshirt – a testament to the Bissell’s cleaning power on upholstery.
Tackling Set-in Stains and Pet Messes
Fresh spills are one thing, but set-in stains, especially pet-related ones, are a tougher challenge. My next test was on that long-abandoned white shag rug with years-old pet stains. Using Bissell’s Pet Spot & Stain cleaner in the Little Green, I treated the rug, even repeating the process after 48 hours.
The rug was undeniably freshened and brightened. While the oldest stains proved resilient, using a scrub brush to work the detergent into the fibers did show a visible improvement. For other, less ancient stains on hallway runners – including oily marks, sticky residues, coffee, and paw prints – the Bissell Little Green performed impressively. The amount of dirt and pet hair extracted from seemingly clean rugs was astonishing. Most of these stains lifted with patient treatment, though the tar-like marks remained stubborn.
Lessons Learned: Maximizing the Bissell Little Green’s Potential
My key takeaway? For best results, address stains promptly and avoid overspray. The 48-ounce tank is ample for spot cleaning; less solution is often more effective. Deep cleaning is crucial for removing spills completely, preventing residue build-up that attracts more dirt over time. The Bissell Little Green excels at this, making thorough cleaning convenient and effective.
Pros:
- User-friendly and straightforward to operate.
- Lightweight and highly portable, ideal for cars and homes.
- Effectively extracts moisture and dirt from fibers.
- Compact for easy storage.
- Long 15-foot power cord offers great reach.
- Large 48-ounce tank capacity.
Cons:
- Bissell recommends using only their cleaning products.
- The hose is short and doesn’t swivel at the base, limiting maneuverability.
- Operation is quite loud.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Bissell Little Green
Is the Bissell Little Green Effective?
Yes, the Bissell Little Green is highly effective for quick and thorough mess clean-up. It saturates fibers, loosens debris with the brush, and powerfully extracts moisture, protecting fabric integrity. It’s a time-saver compared to manual scrubbing and blotting, and the suction significantly reduces drying time.
Will the Bissell Little Green Leave Car Seats Wet?
While over-spraying can lead to longer drying times, as experienced with my sofa, using a controlled spray application results in minimal dampness. When cleaning a dusty chair, it was only damp to the touch for about an hour. The Bissell Little Green effectively freshens upholstery without excessive wetting.
How Quickly Does Carpet Dry After Using the Bissell Little Green?
Drying time varies. Low-pile carpets dried within an hour, feeling only slightly damp initially. Thicker shag carpets, especially in cooler environments, took a few hours to dry completely.
What Others Are Saying: Bissell Little Green Reviews
Enthusiastic endorsements from users and professionals alike highlight the Bissell Little Green’s value. Even my vet exclaimed it was indispensable! Online reviews echo this sentiment, praising its compact size and cleaning power.
Cindi Willette on Amazon describes it as a “carpet-cleaning sidekick,” always ready for action. Collin M. calls it “simply magic,” praising its ease of use and self-cleaning nozzle. Mona, a parent and pet owner, hails it as a “game changer” for daily messes.
Product Comparison: Bissell Little Green and Alternatives
Bissell offers a range of carpet and upholstery cleaners. For enhanced features, the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe includes additional tools like a stain trapper and specialized pet cleaning formulas.
For multi-surface cleaning, consider the Little Green Hydrosteam, which adds steam cleaning and includes a hard surface tool for tiles and hardwood. The Hydrosteam also boasts more powerful suction and larger tanks.
For upright deep cleaning with steam, the Revolution HydroSteam offers superior cleaning power and an upright design with a hose for upholstery and hard-to-reach areas. For a broader comparison, resources detailing the best Bissell carpet cleaning machines are readily available.
Final Verdict: Is the Bissell Little Green Worth It?
The Bissell Little Green is an excellent tool for upholstery and spot-cleaning carpets, and crucially, for maintaining a clean car interior. Its portability and compact design are major advantages. The 15-foot cord provides ample reach for cars and homes alike.
It cleans more effectively than basic blotting or spray-and-vac methods, truly washing away messes. While stable and user-friendly, the short, non-swiveling hose is a minor drawback, requiring adjustments for extended reach. The recommendation to use only Bissell cleaners is also a point to consider, though the included starter solution is generous.
Regarding noise, at 82.2 decibels, it’s comparable to a loud vacuum. While noticeable, the cleaning efficiency and convenience are significant trade-offs.
Overall, the Bissell Little Green is a worthwhile investment for preventing stains in both your home and car. Its ability to quickly tackle spills and pet messes makes it an essential tool for maintaining a clean environment.
Where to Purchase the Bissell Little Green
On Sale
The Bissell Little Green is available at major retailers like Bissell, Wayfair, and Amazon. Trusted by pet owners for years, its cleaning power extends to all types of messes, making it a valuable tool for any household or car owner.
