BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (1400B): Small but Mighty Stain Fighter

Update on Dec. 23, 2024, 5:51 p.m.

Life’s messy moments are inevitable. From accidental spills to the everyday wear and tear of active households, our carpets and upholstery bear the brunt of it all. While traditional cleaning methods often fall short, leaving behind lingering stains and odors, advancements in cleaning technology have brought forth powerful solutions for tackling these challenges. One such innovation is the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (1400B), a compact yet formidable machine that has taken the cleaning world by storm, earning accolades from everyday users and even becoming a social media sensation.
Bissell Little Green portable carpet cleaner

A Closer Look at the Little Green

The BISSELL Little Green 1400B isn’t just another cleaning appliance; it’s a testament to how thoughtful engineering and an understanding of cleaning science can revolutionize our approach to household chores. Its popularity, evidenced by over a million units sold in the US in 2022 (Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service), isn’t merely a result of clever marketing. It stems from the machine’s genuine ability to deliver on its promise: effective, convenient, and deep cleaning for a variety of surfaces.
The Little Green’s effectiveness is rooted in its thoughtful engineering, which addresses the core challenges of stain and odor removal from carpet and upholstery. Let’s delve into the specific features that make this machine a standout performer.

Design Philosophy - Engineered for Practicality

BISSELL’s design philosophy for the Little Green centers on a simple yet powerful concept: portability without compromising performance. This is evident in the machine’s compact form factor, weighing in at just 9.65 pounds. This lightweight design, coupled with a conveniently placed carry handle, allows for effortless maneuverability around furniture, up and down stairs, and even out to your car for interior detailing. The Little Green is truly designed to go wherever the mess takes you. Its compact size also means it is easy to store, fitting comfortably in closets or under sinks, ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
Bissell Little Green portable carpet cleaner

Powerful Suction: The Foundation of Deep Cleaning

At the heart of the Little Green’s cleaning prowess lies its powerful suction, driven by a robust 1400-watt motor that delivers a 3-amp draw. This might sound like technical jargon, but it translates to a significant ability to extract not just surface dirt but also the deeply embedded grime that traditional cleaning methods often leave behind.

To understand the importance of suction, consider the nature of a spill on a carpet. The liquid doesn’t simply rest on the surface; it penetrates the fibers and, if left unaddressed, can seep into the padding underneath. This is where many stains become truly stubborn, and odors take hold. The Little Green’s suction effectively reverses this process.

The Little Green creates a powerful vacuum that lifts the cleaning solution, along with dissolved dirt and contaminants, out from the depths of the carpet or upholstery fibers. This is not merely surface cleaning; it’s a deep extraction process that targets the root of the stain and odor, leading to a more thorough and lasting clean. A verified Amazon customer review perfectly captures this: “The dirty water tank was disgusting, which shows how much dirt it pulled out!” This visual evidence, often shared by users online, underscores the effectiveness of the Little Green’s suction.
Bissell Little Green portable carpet cleaner

Spot & Stain Formula with Febreze Freshness: The Science of Stain Removal

The Little Green’s effectiveness is further amplified by its specially formulated cleaning solution: Spot & Stain with Febreze Freshness. This isn’t your average soap and water mix. It’s a carefully balanced solution containing surfactants, and likely enzymes, designed to tackle a wide range of stains.

Surfactants are the unsung heroes of many cleaning products. These molecules have a unique structure that allows them to interact with both water and oil-based substances. They work by lowering the surface tension of water, enabling it to penetrate fabric fibers more effectively. Surfactants also surround and isolate dirt and grease particles, making them easier to lift and remove. The enzymes that may be present in the formula are designed to break down organic stains like food and pet messes. Finally, the Febreze component doesn’t just mask odors; it neutralizes them, leaving behind a genuinely fresh scent.

3-Inch Tough Stain Tool: Precision Cleaning for Stubborn Messes

For particularly challenging stains, the Little Green comes equipped with a specialized 3-inch Tough Stain Tool. This attachment is more than just a nozzle; it incorporates durable bristles that provide the necessary scrubbing action to agitate and loosen set-in stains.

The effectiveness of this tool lies in the synergy between mechanical action and powerful suction. As you scrub, the bristles work to break the bonds between the stain and the fabric fibers. Simultaneously, the Little Green’s suction immediately extracts the loosened particles, preventing them from resettling and ensuring a thorough clean. As one Amazon customer states, “The 3-inch tough stain tool works wonders on set-in stains, I was really impressed how it removed a coffee stain that had been there for months”

HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool: Maintaining Peak Performance

Maintaining your cleaning equipment is just as important as the cleaning itself. BISSELL recognizes this and has equipped the Little Green with an ingenious HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool. This feature simplifies the often-overlooked task of cleaning the machine’s hose, a crucial step in preventing clogs, odors, and the buildup of bacteria.

The HydroRinse tool attaches to the hose and allows you to flush it with clean water after each use. This simple yet effective process ensures that any residual dirt, cleaning solution, or debris is removed, keeping the machine in optimal condition and ready for the next cleaning task. This ease of maintenance contributes to the Little Green’s longevity and overall user satisfaction.

48 oz. Tank Capacity: Optimized for Efficiency

The Little Green’s 48 oz. tank capacity strikes a balance between portability and practicality. It’s large enough to tackle substantial cleaning tasks without requiring constant refills, yet it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the machine. This thoughtful design element minimizes interruptions during cleaning sessions, allowing you to focus on the task at hand and achieve a more efficient clean. It is a feature clearly valued by users, with many reviews highlighting the convenience of not having to frequently stop and refill the tank.

Versatility: A Multi-Surface Cleaning Solution

While excelling at carpet and upholstery cleaning, the Little Green’s capabilities extend far beyond these primary applications. Its portable design, coupled with the specialized attachments, makes it a versatile tool for tackling a variety of surfaces around the home and beyond.

  • Stairs: Carpeted stairs, with their tight corners and heavy foot traffic, are notoriously difficult to clean. The Little Green’s compact size and maneuverability make it ideal for navigating these challenging areas, ensuring a thorough clean from top to bottom.
  • Area Rugs: Instead of the hassle of moving heavy area rugs or resorting to superficial spot cleaning, the Little Green allows you to deep clean your rugs in place, restoring their vibrancy and freshness.
  • Auto Interiors: Spills and stains are inevitable in cars, especially with kids or pets. The Little Green is perfect for detailing car seats, carpets, and mats, effectively removing dirt, grime, and odors, leaving your vehicle’s interior looking and smelling its best. This is a feature frequently praised in user reviews, with many highlighting how effective the Little Green is at revitalizing their car’s upholstery. One user stated, “I’ve used this on my carpets, my couch, and even my car seats. It works great on all of them!”

Beyond Cleaning: A Commitment to Pet Welfare

BISSELL’s dedication extends beyond creating effective cleaning products. Through the BISSELL Pet Foundation, the company actively supports animal welfare initiatives, with a particular focus on helping homeless pets. Every purchase of a BISSELL product, including the Little Green, contributes to this worthy cause. This commitment to social responsibility resonates with many consumers, adding another layer of value to their purchase.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment in a Cleaner Home

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (1400B) is more than just a cleaning appliance; it’s a well-engineered solution that combines powerful performance with user-friendly design. Its ability to deep clean a variety of surfaces, coupled with its ease of use and maintenance, makes it a valuable asset for any household. By choosing the Little Green, you’re not only investing in a cleaner home but also supporting a company committed to making a positive impact on the lives of pets. The Little Green is a testament to how innovative technology, combined with a thoughtful approach to design, can truly make a difference in our everyday lives.