A Complete Guide to Cleaning with a Bissell Little Green

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Get carpets, curtains, & sofas clean with the Little Green Machine
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The Bissell Little Green is a compact carpet cleaner that’s perfect for tackling spills and stains on rugs, furniture, vehicle upholstery, and more. [1] This little machine has a big reputation, gaining popularity on platforms like TikTok thanks to its portability and easy-to-use design. In this article, we’ll cover how to set up and use your Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner. We even talked to cleaning experts Andrew Rohr and Grettel Monge to help you get the most out of your Little Green.

Cleaning With a Bissell Little Green

  1. Add cleaning solution and warm water to the clean water tank.
  2. Hold the spray trigger to prime the machine, then saturate the surface you’re cleaning.
  3. Scrub the stain with the bristles of the cleaning tool.
  4. Press the top of the cleaning tool against the stain to suck up as much water as you can.
  5. Empty the dirty water tank when it’s full.
Section 1 of 4:

Filling the Bissell Little Green's Tank

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  1. Pull straight up on the clean water tank to remove it. Then, either unscrew the cap or pull out the plug on top of the water tank—the exact design may be different depending on which version of the Little Green you have. [2]
    • The location of the clean water tank may vary by model, but on most Little Greens, it’s located on the left side of the machine. [3]
  2. Carefully pour carpet cleaning solution into the clean water tank. Bissell recommends that you only use Bissell brand cleaning solution in the Little Green machine. [4]
    • Bissell offers several different types of cleaners, like formulas designed for pet stains or deodorizing formulas to leave your home smelling fresh.
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  3. After you add the solution, add warm or hot water to the tank, all the way up to the Fill line at the top of the tank. The max temperature recommended for a Little Green cleaner is 140 °F (60 °C). [5] Most household water heaters are set between 120–140 °F (49–60 °C), so using the hottest water from your tap is probably fine. [6]
    • Do not use water that is hotter than the recommended temperature—it could damage the Little Green carpet cleaner.
  4. Add 1  fl oz (30 mL) of Bissell Boost for extra cleaning power. Bissell Boost is a concentrated cleaner that may help break down dirt, odors, and stains that might otherwise be tough to remove. Bissell recommends adding a small amount of Boost to each tank of cleaning solution. [7]
    • Bissell Boost comes in different formulas as well, including pet odor removal and stain removal.
  5. Attach the lid or press the plug back into place to ensure the tank is closed. Then, slide the fill tank back onto the Little Green and push down until you hear it click into place. [8]
    • At this point, your Bissell Little Green is ready to use!
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Section 2 of 4:

Cleaning with the Bissell Little Green

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  1. Rohr recommends using a traditional vacuum “to remove dry soil and as much hair as possible” before you use a carpet cleaning machine. Dirt, hair, and other debris can clog up your Little Green, so vacuuming first can help extend the life of your carpet cleaner.
    • If you have a pet that sheds a lot, Rohr also recommends using a carpet rake to pick up even more pet hair.
  2. If you’re trying to get rid of an especially stubborn stain, apply a pre-treating solution and let it sit a few minutes before you use the Little Green. [9] If you use a commercial pre-treating product like Bissell Pretreat spray , check the label directions for specifics like how long to leave the cleaner on the stain and what materials you can use it on.
    • To clean tough stains like spilled wine, Monge recommends using a paste made from baking soda and hot water. Spread it evenly over the stain and let it sit for about 15–30 minutes, then follow up with the carpet cleaner.
  3. Slide the hose out of its clip and unwrap it from the machine. Find the size and shape of the cleaning attachment you want to use, then slide it onto the hose until you hear a click. [10]
    • Depending on the model of your Bissell Little Green, you may have different cleaning tools to choose from. For instance, the Little Green Pet Pro comes with a Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool, which is designed to clean yucky pet messes out of the Little Green so you don’t have to touch them. [11]
  4. Unwrap the power cord from the Little Green, then plug in the Little Green and turn it on. Then, place the cleaning tool over the area you want to clean. Press and hold the spray trigger until water starts to spray out of the end of the cleaning tool. This is called priming the machine, and you'll need to do it every time you use the Little Green. [12]
    • Always use a grounded outlet when you plug in your Bissell Little Green. [13]
    • The spray trigger should be located at the end of the hose near the cleaning attachment.
    • It usually takes about 30 seconds to prime the Little Green, so don’t worry if you don’t see water coming out before then.
  5. Move the cleaning tool back and forth, misting the section you want to clean until it’s thoroughly saturated. But don’t use too much water—Rohr says that oversaturating the carpet is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make, and it can take days for the carpet to dry afterward.
    • If the area is really dirty or stained, let the cleaning solution sit on the carpet for about 5 minutes, then continue cleaning. [14]
  6. Let go of the spray trigger, then use the bristles on the end of your cleaning tool to gently scrub the area you want to clean. This will help break up dirt or grime embedded in the carpet or upholstery fibers. [15]
    • Don’t spray more water during this step or you could oversaturate the area.
  7. Place your cleaning tool at the top of the stain and tilt it forward—there’s a channel running across the top that will suck up water. Slowly move the head of the cleaning tool backward toward you. Then, repeat that process until you’ve picked up as much of the excess water as possible. [16]
    • You should be able to feel the suction when the opening makes contact with the surface you’re cleaning.
    • Watch the end of your cleaning tool—you’ll be able to see dirty water entering the hose. When you can’t see any more water entering the nozzle, you’ll know you’ve picked up as much as you can.
  8. When it’s time to empty the tank, turn off the power, pull the lever on the tank, and lift the tank away from the machine. Pour the water down a sink drain or into a toilet, then rinse the dirty water tank and cleaning tool to with fresh water to prevent odors. [17]
    • If you hear a change in your Little Green during the cleaning process and it seems to lose suction, check the dirty water tank—it’s probably full.
    • Do not overfill the dirty water tank. If it reaches the Full line, stop and empty the tank right away. If you’re cleaning a large area or a really difficult stain, you may need to empty and refill the tank more than once during the process.
    • Do not dispose of used carpet cleaning solution outside—not only is it bad for the environment, but in some places, it may actually be illegal. [18]
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Assemble a New Bissell Little Green

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  1. If your Little Green is new in the box, you may need to assemble it before you can use it. Find the flex hose clip—it should be labeled in your user manual. Then, press it into the opening on the front of the Little Green. You’ll hear a click when it’s correctly inserted. [19]
    • This process may vary slightly by model, so check your owner's manual for specific instructions. For instance, on a Little Green Max Pet, you'll insert the clip, then rotate it until it snaps into place. [20]
  2. Slide the bracket into the corresponding opening on the back of the Little Green. Place the included screw into the hole in the center of the bracket, then tighten it with a screwdriver. [21]
    • Don’t overtighten the screw—it could crack the bracket.
  3. Wind the cleaning hose around the Little Green machine, then tuck the end into the bracket. Secure it by turning the bracket latch clockwise. [22]
    • To release the hose, turn the latch counterclockwise.
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Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting Tips

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  1. It’s normal for the Little Green to have less power when the dirty water tank is full—this is actually a feature intended to keep water from getting into the motor. [23] But if you’ve already emptied the tank and it still isn’t working, try this:
    • Make sure the clean and dirty water tanks are both fully seated in the machine. [24]
    • Clean any clogs out of the cleaning hose. [25]
    • Inspect the cleaning tool for damage. [26]
    • Take off the dirty water tank and put your hand over the duct. If there’s no suction, you may have an issue that requires servicing.
  2. Turn off the Little Green and unplug it, then remove the water tank. Wipe the area underneath the tank with a cloth or paper towel, then replace the tank and see if the problem is resolved. Sometimes debris can get trapped under the clean water tank, blocking water from entering the hose. [27]
    • If that doesn’t work, try cleaning out the end of the spray tip with a paperclip or another small object.
    • Double-check that the tank is filled and that you waited 30 seconds for the pump to prime.
  3. Be sure the Little Green is turned off and unplugged. Then, inspect the entire length of the power cord for any damage. Be sure to check the plug, as well. [28]
    • If you do see damage, stop using the Little Green and reach out to Bissell customer support for next steps.
    • If there’s no damage to the cord or plug, check that the outlet is working.
  4. The dirty water float is a failsafe that will limit the Little Green’s suction if the dirty water tank is too full. But that float can pick up dirt and grime, which can cause water to leak from the water tank. If that happens, rinse the dirty water tank and the float with clean water, then reassemble the machine and see if that helps. [29]
    • If that doesn’t fix the issue, remove and clean the duck bill gasket. You may need to unfasten a screw to remove the gasket. [30]
    • If the leaks are coming from the clean water tank, check the tank and cap or valve for damage. You may need to replace them. [31]
    • If the leaks are coming from the hose, replace the hose.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bissell.com/en-us/product/little-green-portable-carpet-cleaner-1400B.html
      2. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2118/~/use-%7C-how-to-videos-%7C-spotclean-little-green-pro-portable-carpet-cleaner
      3. ↑ https://bissellcdn.blob.core.windows.net/cdn-storage-container/Web%20Portal%20User%20Guides/CA/1400J%2C%201400P%2C%2014006%2C%203369C%2C%203369N%2C%203353B.pdf
      4. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      5. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      6. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-lower-water-heating-temperature
      7. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2118/~/use-%7C-how-to-videos-%7C-spotclean-little-green-pro-portable-carpet-cleaner
      8. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2118/~/use-%7C-how-to-videos-%7C-spotclean-little-green-pro-portable-carpet-cleaner
      9. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      1. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      2. ↑ https://www.bissell.com/en-us/product/little-green-pet-pro-portable-carpet-cleaner-exclusive-bundle-39071.html
      3. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      4. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2118/~/use-%7C-how-to-videos-%7C-spotclean-little-green-pro-portable-carpet-cleaner
      5. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2118/~/use-%7C-how-to-videos-%7C-spotclean-little-green-pro-portable-carpet-cleaner
      6. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      7. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      8. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      9. ↑ https://www.streetstocreeks.org/residential/carpet-cleaning/
      10. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      11. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7055/~/little-green%C2%AE-max-pet-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      12. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      13. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5683/~/little-green%C2%AE-%7C-getting-started-with-your-machine
      14. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3700
      15. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3700
      16. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3700
      17. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3700
      18. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3709
      19. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/300
      20. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3712
      21. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3712
      22. ↑ https://support.bissell.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3715

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