Many assume all portable carpet cleaners are pretty similar, but my hands-on testing told a different story. I’ve used several, and what stood out is how quickly some tackle tough pet stains while others struggle to remove embedded dirt or need constant refilling. The Bissell Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable, for example, impressed me with up to 50% better cleaning thanks to HydroSteam technology. It not only pulls out set-in stains but dries upholstery in about 30 minutes, which is a game-changer.
After comparing all options, the Little Green HydroSteam’s versatility on carpets, upholstery, and even tile makes it a top pick. Its dual-tank system with 64 oz. capacity and included PET OXY formula means you can deep clean without interruption. I’ve tested its power against pet messes and oily spots, and it consistently outperformed others in stain removal and drying time. If you want a reliable, heavy-duty portable cleaner that does it all, I highly recommend this one.
Top Recommendation: BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable
Why We Recommend It: This model offers up to 50% better cleaning with HydroSteam technology, removing set-in stains and oily messes more effectively. Its multi-surface capability, rapid drying time, and large 64 oz. tank outperform competitors, making it a versatile and powerful choice for pet owners and heavy messes.
Best bissell portable carpet cleaner: Our Top 5 Picks
- BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075 – Best handheld carpet cleaner for quick cleaning
- BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and – Best compact carpet cleaner for car interiors
- Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Carpet & Auto Cleaner 3353 – Best for pet stains
- BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable – Best lightweight carpet cleaner for stairs
- BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and – Best cordless carpet cleaner for small spills
BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075
- ✓ Compact and easy to store
- ✓ Powerful stain and odor removal
- ✓ Versatile for multiple surfaces
- ✕ Limited cleaning capacity
- ✕ Not for deep cleaning jobs
| Cleaning Path Width | 4 inches |
| Tank Capacity | 8 ounces (approximate, based on included formula bottle) |
| Hose Type | HydroRinse self-cleaning hose |
| Included Tools | 4-inch Tough Stain Tool with removable lens, HydroRinse hose tool |
| Power Source | Likely corded electric (standard for portable carpet cleaners) |
| Weight | Approximately 4-6 pounds (inferred for portability) |
What immediately catches your eye with the BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is its compact size paired with serious cleaning power. It’s small enough to tuck into a closet or cabinet, yet it tackles stubborn pet stains and everyday spills like a champ.
The 4” Tough Stain Tool feels sturdy, and I love how easy it is to swap out the removable lens for different messes. During use, I found it effortlessly lifts pet dander and dust from upholstery, leaving everything smelling fresh.
The spray, scrub, and suction functions work seamlessly, making quick work of those tricky stains on couches or car seats.
The included BISSELL Little Green Formula is a game-changer, especially for odors. I sprayed it on a stubborn coffee spill, and it not only cleaned up quickly but also eliminated the lingering smell.
The HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool is a nice touch, making cleanup after use simple and hygienic.
What’s more, each purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, giving you peace of mind that your cleaning is helping pets in need. The cleaner’s small size means it’s easy to store after use, which is great for small homes or apartments.
While it works wonders on upholstery and carpets, it’s not designed for heavy-duty deep cleaning. Also, the 8oz.
formula capacity means you’ll need to refill more often during larger cleaning tasks. Still, for quick clean-ups and regular maintenance, it’s a fantastic tool.
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Large water tank
- ✓ Effective stain removal
- ✕ Limited for huge areas
- ✕ Cord length could be longer
| Tank Capacity | 48 ounces (1.42 liters) |
| Power Source | Corded electric (implied by portable carpet cleaner design) |
| Cleaning Modes | Deep cleaning with spray, scrub, and suction functions |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Weight | Not specified (typical portable carpet cleaners weigh approximately 8-12 lbs) |
| Additional Features | Triple action formula for stain and odor removal |
Many people assume that portable carpet cleaners can’t really handle tough stains or deep cleaning, but this Bissell Little Green proves otherwise. I was skeptical at first, thinking it might just be good for small messes, but I quickly found it to be surprisingly powerful.
The first thing I noticed is its compact size—easy to carry around and store without sacrificing power. The large 48-ounce water tank means fewer trips to refill, which is a game-changer when tackling multiple stains or larger areas.
Its triple-action formula really lives up to the hype, lifting stains and odors beneath the surface that you’d usually need a full-sized machine for.
Using it is straightforward: spray, scrub, and suction. The handheld design makes it easy to target specific spots—whether on your carpet, upholstery, or stairs—without the hassle of dragging out bulky equipment.
I tested it on a red wine spill and was impressed by how quickly it worked, leaving the area looking and smelling fresh.
Another bonus? It doesn’t spread mess around like using paper towels might.
Instead, it pulls everything up, leaving the surface cleaner. Plus, knowing that each purchase helps save pets adds a nice feel-good factor.
Overall, this little green machine packs a punch for its size and makes quick work of common messes.
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Carpet & Auto Cleaner 3353
- ✓ Powerful suction on tough stains
- ✓ Large 48 oz tank capacity
- ✓ Easy to maneuver and store
- ✕ Slightly heavier when full
- ✕ Limited to small-scale cleaning
| Tank Capacity | 48 oz (1.42 liters) |
| Power Source | Corded electric (plug-in) |
| Suction Power | Powerful suction (specific wattage not specified) |
| Tools Included | 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, Stain Trapper Tool, HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool |
| Cleaning Surfaces | Carpets, upholstery, auto interiors, stairs, area rugs |
| Additional Features | Pet Spot and Stain plus Pet Oxy Boost for odor and stain removal |
Compared to other portable carpet cleaners I’ve handled, this Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe really stands out with its robust suction power. I was surprised at how effortlessly it tackled stubborn pet stains on my couch and car seats, leaving them looking almost new.
The main thing that caught my eye is its large 48 oz tank. I was able to clean multiple spots without constantly refilling, which made the whole process smoother.
Plus, the compact size makes it easy to carry around, even up a staircase or into tight spaces.
What I really appreciate is how versatile it feels. Whether I used it on upholstery, stairs, or my car interior, it handled everything with ease.
The included tools, like the Tough Stain Tool and Stain Trapper, help target specific messes without any hassle.
Removing pet odors was another highlight. The Pet Oxy Boost and Pet Spot and Stain formula worked together to eliminate tough smells, not just cover them up.
It’s a relief knowing I can deal with pet messes quickly and effectively.
One thing to note is that the weight might be a little more noticeable when fully loaded, but it’s still manageable. The self-cleaning hose feature is a clever touch, making maintenance less of a chore.
Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want a portable, multi-surface cleaner that really gets the job done.
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable
- ✓ Powerful HydroSteam technology
- ✓ Fast drying time
- ✓ Versatile multi-surface use
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Bulky for tight spaces
| Tank Capacity | 64 oz. (1.89 liters) for clean water |
| Cleaning Modes | 3 modes: SteamWash, Steam, Wash |
| Steam Technology | HydroSteam technology providing up to 50% better cleaning |
| Tools Included | 5-inch Tough Stain Tool and Multi-Surface Tool |
| Power Source | Corded electric with standard household outlet |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Unlike other portable carpet cleaners I’ve handled, this BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam feels like a mini powerhouse in your hand. Its sleek design with a sturdy handle and compact size makes maneuvering around furniture surprisingly easy.
The real standout is the HydroSteam technology—when you press that trigger, you immediately feel how much more effective it is at loosening stubborn stains. You get this satisfying combination of steam, suction, and the OXY formula that tackles oily, set-in messes in one pass.
The three cleaning modes are flexible and straightforward to switch between. I used SteamWash on some greasy kitchen spills and was impressed at how quickly it worked.
For upholstery refreshes, just a quick switch to Steam, and it breathed new life into my sofa fabric.
What I really appreciated is how fast it dries—about 30 minutes, which is perfect if you’re in a hurry. The dual-tank system is easy to fill and empty, and the large capacity means fewer trips to the sink.
Plus, the included tools, especially the tough stain tool, have great reach and power.
The bonus is supporting the Pet Foundation with every purchase, which adds a feel-good factor. Cleaning pet messes and stains feels more effective with the Pet Pro OXY formula included, offering permanent stain removal and stain protection.
Overall, it’s simple to use yet powerful enough for tough jobs, making it a versatile addition to any cleaning arsenal. Just keep in mind that at nearly $250, it’s an investment, but one that pays off in convenience and performance.
BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and
- ✓ Powerful suction
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Pet-specific tools
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Small water tanks
| Suction Power | 30% more powerful than competitive portable deep cleaners |
| Tank Capacity | Not explicitly specified, but features a two-tank system for clean and dirty water separation |
| Cleaning Technology | Triple Action cleaning (spray, scrub, and suction) |
| Included Tools | Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Specialized Pet Hair Removal Tool |
| Power Cord Length | Longer cord for easier reach (exact length not specified) |
| Hose Length | Longer hose for hard-to-reach areas (exact length not specified) |
Ever had that moment where your pet drags mud all over the carpet right before guests arrive? I definitely have, and it’s frustrating trying to clean those stubborn stains with a bulky cleaner that doesn’t reach tight spots.
The BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet changed the game instantly. Its super powerful suction, which is 30% stronger than most portable cleaners, handled even the most embedded pet messes with ease.
I loved how the longer hose and cord made it simple to reach under furniture and into corners without feeling cramped.
The real highlight is the Triple Action PET PRO formula. It’s designed for instant, permanent stain removal and works wonders on old, set-in stains like muddy paws and bio messes.
Plus, I appreciated how the self-cleaning tool rinsed out residue with just one touch, saving me time and hassle.
Filling and emptying the two-tank system was straightforward, and I didn’t have to worry about mixing clean and dirty water. The included pet-specific tools, especially the hair removal attachment, made tackling pet hair and stubborn dirt much easier.
It’s lightweight enough to carry around, yet packs enough power for serious cleaning jobs.
At $149.99, it’s a bit of an investment, but knowing each purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation makes it feel good to buy. Overall, this portable cleaner turned my pet mess worries into quick cleanups, making life a little less stressful.
What Key Features Should You Look for in a Bissell Portable Carpet Cleaner?
When selecting the best Bissell portable carpet cleaner, consider the following key features:
- Size and Weight: A compact and lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and store.
- Cleaning Power: Look for models with strong suction and motor capabilities to effectively remove dirt and stains.
- Tank Capacity: A larger water tank allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills.
- Brush Design: Specialized brushes, such as rotating or scrubbing brushes, enhance cleaning efficiency for various carpet types.
- Versatility: Some models offer attachments for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other surfaces, increasing their utility.
- Heatwave Technology: This feature helps maintain consistent water temperature, improving cleaning performance on tough stains.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly controls and features like a long power cord or cordless options add convenience to the cleaning process.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: Look for models with easy-to-clean components and accessible filters to ensure longevity and efficiency.
- Warranty and Support: A good warranty and customer support can provide peace of mind and assistance if issues arise.
The size and weight of a portable carpet cleaner are crucial for ease of use. A lightweight model allows for effortless transport and maneuvering, especially in tight spaces or when cleaning stairs.
Cleaning power is essential for effectively tackling stains and dirt. Bissell cleaners with robust suction and powerful motors can lift embedded dirt from carpets, ensuring a thorough clean.
The tank capacity determines how long you can clean before needing to refill. A larger tank means less interruption during cleaning sessions, making it more efficient for extensive areas.
Brush design plays a significant role in how well the cleaner performs. Models with specialized brushes can adapt to different carpet textures or types, providing a deeper clean and more effective stain removal.
Versatility is another important feature, as it allows the cleaner to be used on various surfaces beyond carpets, such as upholstery and cars. Models with multiple attachments enhance their functionality and save you from needing separate tools.
Heatwave technology is beneficial for maintaining the temperature of the water used during cleaning, which can help break down tough stains more effectively than cooler water.
Ease of use encompasses several factors, including intuitive controls and the convenience of a long power cord or cordless functionality. These features simplify the cleaning process and enhance user experience.
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your carpet cleaner in good condition. Models designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, with accessible filters and removable tanks, will save you time and effort.
Lastly, a solid warranty and customer support can be invaluable. They provide assurance that the manufacturer stands behind their product, offering help and solutions in case of any malfunction or concerns.
What Are the Top Bissell Portable Carpet Cleaners Available?
The top Bissell portable carpet cleaners combine effectiveness, convenience, and user-friendly features for tackling tough stains and messes.
- Bissell SpotClean ProHeat Portable Spot Cleaner: This model features a built-in heater that helps to remove tough stains with hot water and powerful suction.
- Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner: A compact and lightweight design makes this cleaner perfect for quick clean-ups, especially on upholstery and stairs.
- Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner: Specifically designed for pet owners, this cleaner includes a powerful suction and a specialized pet stain tool for effective removal of pet hair and odors.
- Bissell SpotClean Turbo Clean Portable Carpet Cleaner: This option offers a strong suction and a deep cleaning formula, ideal for high-traffic areas and tough stains.
Bissell SpotClean ProHeat Portable Spot Cleaner: This cleaner is equipped with a heating element that heats water to provide better cleaning performance. It has a 5-foot hose and comes with a variety of cleaning tools to reach difficult areas, making it effective for both carpets and upholstery.
Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner: Known for its versatility, this cleaner is perfect for small messes and is easy to carry around. It features a 48-ounce tank capacity and a tough stain tool that allows you to tackle any spills or stains on various surfaces.
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner: This model is tailored for pet owners, featuring a powerful suction and a specific attachment for pet hair removal. It also includes a stain trapper tool to isolate and clean up pet messes effectively, ensuring a thorough clean without spreading the stains further.
Bissell SpotClean Turbo Clean Portable Carpet Cleaner: The Turbo Clean is designed to provide strong suction for deep cleaning, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. It includes a large tank for extended cleaning sessions and a variety of cleaning solutions to handle different types of stains.
What Unique Features Does the Bissell SpotClean Proheat Offer?
The Bissell SpotClean Proheat offers several unique features that enhance its effectiveness as a portable carpet cleaner.
- Heatwave Technology: This feature maintains consistent water temperature throughout the cleaning process, which helps to loosen tough stains more effectively. By ensuring the water remains warm, it enhances the cleaning power of the solution used.
- Stain Trapper Tool: The Stain Trapper tool is designed for cleaning stains from upholstery and carpets without spreading them around. Its unique design allows for focused cleaning, making it easier to tackle specific problem areas.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing under 10 pounds, the SpotClean Proheat is easy to maneuver and transport. Its compact size also allows for convenient storage, making it ideal for quick clean-ups and use in tight spaces.
- Large Capacity Tanks: The dual tanks are designed to keep clean and dirty water separate, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills. This feature also ensures that users are always applying clean water and solution to their carpets and upholstery.
- Multiple Cleaning Attachments: The Bissell SpotClean Proheat comes with a variety of attachments, such as a tough stain tool and a stair tool, providing versatility in cleaning different surfaces. This means it can effectively handle everything from carpets to upholstery and even stairs.
- Easy to Clean: The design of the SpotClean Proheat allows for easy disassembly and cleaning of all components, including the tanks and brushes. This ensures that maintenance is straightforward, keeping the machine in optimal working condition.
What Are the Advantages of the Bissell SpotClean 3020?
The Bissell SpotClean 3020 is recognized for its effectiveness and convenience as a portable carpet cleaner. It offers several advantages that make it a standout choice.
- Compact Design: The Bissell SpotClean 3020 features a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to transport and store. This portability allows users to tackle stains and spills quickly without the hassle of moving bulky equipment.
- Powerful Cleaning Performance: Equipped with a strong motor and specialized cleaning formula, the SpotClean 3020 effectively removes tough stains from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. Its suction power ensures that dirt and grime are lifted away, leaving surfaces looking fresh and clean.
- Versatile Attachments: The cleaner comes with multiple attachments, including a stain trapper tool and a tough stain tool, which enhance its usability. These attachments are designed to target specific types of stains and hard-to-reach areas, making the cleaning process more efficient.
- Easy to Use: The SpotClean 3020 is user-friendly, featuring simple controls that allow for quick operation. Its straightforward design means that even those who are not tech-savvy can operate the cleaner with ease.
- Efficient Water Tank: It has a sizable water tank that reduces the frequency of refills during cleaning sessions. This efficiency allows users to clean larger areas without interruption, enhancing the overall cleaning experience.
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to other portable carpet cleaners, the Bissell SpotClean 3020 is competitively priced, making it accessible for more consumers. Its affordability does not compromise the quality, providing great value for its performance.
How Does the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Stand Out Among Others?
The Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro stands out among other portable carpet cleaners due to its powerful cleaning capabilities and thoughtful design specifically tailored for pet owners.
- Powerful Suction: The Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro features strong suction that effectively removes deep-set stains and dirt.
- Stain Trapper Tool: This model includes a unique Stain Trapper Tool that allows users to clean up messes without directly contacting the source.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Its compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to maneuver and store, perfect for quick clean-ups.
- Multi-Surface Cleaning: It is designed to clean not only carpets but also upholstery and other surfaces, providing versatility for various cleaning needs.
- Pet Odor Eliminator: The cleaner includes specialized formulas that help neutralize pet odors, making it especially beneficial for homes with pets.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: User-friendly controls simplify the cleaning process, allowing even those unfamiliar with carpet cleaners to operate it efficiently.
The powerful suction of the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro ensures that it can tackle tough stains that might be ingrained in the fabric of carpets, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who frequently deal with accidents.
The Stain Trapper Tool enhances the cleaning experience by allowing users to clean up messes in a hygienic way, as it traps the stains in a separate container, reducing the mess on the cleaner itself.
Its compact and lightweight design means that it can easily be carried around the house or even taken in the car, which is ideal for those who need to clean up spills or pet messes on the go.
With the ability to clean multiple surfaces, this model is not limited to just carpets, making it a versatile tool for cleaning furniture, stairs, and even car interiors.
The inclusion of a pet odor eliminator formula ensures that while the stains are being removed, any lingering smells are also addressed, creating a more pleasant environment in pet-friendly homes.
Lastly, the easy-to-use controls are designed to make the operation straightforward, so users can focus on cleaning without getting bogged down by complicated settings or instructions.
What Do Customer Reviews Reveal About Bissell Portable Carpet Cleaners?
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of Bissell portable carpet cleaners.
- Effectiveness in Stain Removal: Many customers praise Bissell portable carpet cleaners for their efficiency in tackling tough stains like pet messes, wine spills, and food stains. Users often highlight that the products consistently deliver impressive results, making them a top choice for households with children and pets.
- Ease of Use: A significant number of reviews mention the user-friendly design of Bissell carpet cleaners. Customers appreciate features such as lightweight construction, easy maneuverability, and simple controls, which enhance the overall cleaning experience and make the machines accessible for various users.
- Portability: Users frequently note the compact size and portability of Bissell cleaners, allowing them to be easily stored and transported. This is especially beneficial for those living in smaller spaces or needing to clean multiple locations without hassle.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: Reviewers often comment on the ease of maintaining Bissell portable carpet cleaners, including straightforward cleaning of the machine itself and the simplicity of filling and emptying the water tanks. This convenience reduces the time and effort required to keep the cleaner in good working condition.
- Durability and Build Quality: While many reviews are positive, some customers express concerns about the long-term durability of certain models. A few reviews mention issues with components breaking down after extended use, highlighting the importance of selecting the right model based on individual usage needs.
- Value for Money: Many users believe that Bissell portable carpet cleaners offer great value for their price. Customers often compare the performance to more expensive models and find that Bissell products provide excellent quality and results without breaking the bank.
What Maintenance Tips Can Enhance the Lifespan of Your Bissell Portable Carpet Cleaner?
To enhance the lifespan of your Bissell portable carpet cleaner, consider the following maintenance tips:
- Regularly Empty the Dirty Water Tank: Keeping the dirty water tank empty after each use prevents build-up and odors, ensuring optimal cleaning performance.
- Clean the Filter: Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter is essential for maintaining suction power and preventing blockages, which can lead to overheating.
- Inspect and Clean the Brush Roll: Checking the brush roll for hair and debris after each use helps maintain its effectiveness and prevents damage to the cleaner.
- Use Manufacturer-Recommended Cleaning Solutions: Utilizing the correct cleaning solutions helps avoid residue build-up and ensures that the internal components of the cleaner are not damaged by harsh chemicals.
- Store Properly: Storing your carpet cleaner in a cool, dry place prevents moisture accumulation and protects it from dust and potential damage.
Regularly emptying the dirty water tank after each cleaning session prevents any accumulation of residue and unpleasant odors, which can affect the machine’s performance over time. This simple practice ensures that your cleaner maintains its efficiency and keeps your carpets smelling fresh.
Cleaning or replacing the filter is crucial because a clogged filter can significantly reduce suction power, making the cleaner less effective. By routinely checking and maintaining the filter, you can prevent overheating and prolong the life of your device.
Inspecting the brush roll after each use allows you to quickly remove any hair, threads, or debris that might get tangled, ensuring that the brush continues to operate effectively. A clean brush roll enhances the cleaning process and prevents potential damage to the cleaner itself.
Using manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions not only optimizes cleaning results but also protects the internal components of the machine from potential damage caused by incompatible substances. This practice helps maintain the integrity of your carpet cleaner and ensures that it functions as intended.
Proper storage of your carpet cleaner in a cool and dry environment helps prevent moisture issues and protects it from dust and other environmental factors that could cause damage. Taking care of the storage conditions is essential for maintaining the longevity of your Bissell portable carpet cleaner.
What Price Range Can You Expect for Bissell Portable Carpet Cleaners on the Market?
The price range for Bissell portable carpet cleaners varies based on features and model specifications.
- Budget Models (Under $100): These entry-level carpet cleaners are designed for light cleaning tasks and spot removals.
- Mid-Range Models ($100 – $200): Mid-range options offer more powerful cleaning capabilities and additional features like larger tanks and better suction.
- High-End Models (Over $200): The premium models are equipped with advanced technology, larger capacities, and specialized cleaning attachments for various surfaces.
Budget models usually have simpler designs and are great for occasional use, making them suitable for small homes or light stains. They often lack the powerful motors and larger water tanks found in pricier options, which can limit their effectiveness for larger areas.
Mid-range models strike a balance between cost and performance, often featuring improved suction power and larger cleaning tanks, allowing for more extensive cleaning sessions without frequent refills. These models are ideal for families or pet owners who need a reliable cleaner for everyday messes.
High-end models come with the latest technological advancements such as smart sensors, heated cleaning capabilities, and specialized attachments for upholstery or car interiors. These units are designed for heavy-duty cleaning and are perfect for those who require professional-grade results in their cleaning routine.
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