The Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, popularly known as the “Little Green Machine”, is a powerful, compact carpet and upholstery cleaner ideal for tackling small messes around the home. With just the right amount of suction power, handy attachments, and cleaning solution, the Little Green provides professional-grade cleaning for stains, dirt, and grime on carpets, stairs, upholstery, and more.
Gather Supplies
Before getting started, make sure you have everything you need:
- Bissell Little Green cleaning machine
- Bissell cleaning formula (choose per stain type)
- Clean water in the tank
- Power cord plugged in
- Attachments (stair tool, tough stain tool, etc.)
Prepare the Area
To get the best results, prepare the area before cleaning:
- Remove any debris or large particles of dirt
- Vacuum thoroughly to lift dirt from carpet fibers
- Pretreat extra tough stains by spraying Bissell pretreat directly on area
- Allow pretreat to sit for 5-10 minutes before cleaning
Fill the Tank
Make sure to use the correct ratio of water and cleaning formula in the tank:
- Fill tank with hot tap water to the “fill line”
- Add 2-4 ounces of Bissell cleaning formula
- Screw tank back onto machine once filled
Tip: Check cleaning formula bottle for exact ratio recommendations
Clean the Area
Now you’re ready to start cleaning that dirty carpet, upholstery or area rugs:
-Plug in the machine and turn it on.
-Using the appropriate attachment, spray the cleaning solution evenly over a small area of about 2 feet.
-Using overlapping strokes, gently scrub the area to agitate the dirt and formula.
-Use the suction to immediately extract the dirty solution.
-Work in small sections until the entire area is cleaned.
Tip: Go over extra dirty spots a second time for maximum cleaning power.
Useful Attachments
The Little Green comes with handy snap-on attachment tools:
- Stair Tool: Great for cleaning carpeted stairs and auto interiors.
- Tough Stain Tool: Concentrated, direct suction for stubborn, set-in stains.
- Spraying Crevice Tool: For tight spaces and upholstery.
- Brush: Use short strokes to clean delicate fabrics.
Maintenance Tips
Follow these tips to keep your Little Green running its best:
- Rinse out the tank after each use using clean water.
- Periodically deep clean the machine by filling tank with warm water and vinegar, running it through the tubes/hose, and extracting it out.
- Avoid over-wetting carpets and always extract cleaning solution immediately.
- Replace filters as needed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
FAQs
How do I know if my carpet is too wet?
Your carpet should never be soaked or squishy wet. The Little Green extracts water as it cleans. If carpet feels overly damp, make additional dry passes to extract more liquid.
What about pet stains and odors?
Pretreat pet stains with an enzymatic pet formula like Bissell Pet Stain Pretreat. This will help remove stains and neutralize odors caused by pet accidents.
Can I use other cleaning solutions?
It’s recommended to use Bissell formulas, as they are specially designed for the Little Green’s cleaning system. Using other cleaners could damage the machine.
How often should I clean the machine?
For optimal performance, deep clean the Little Green every 3-5 uses by flushing vinegar water through the system. Check/change the filter every 6 months.
How do I clean stairs?
Use the included stair tool. Spray cleaner on a few stairs at a time. With the suction on, scrub stairs in a zig-zag pattern. Extract dirty solution immediately while moving down the stairs.
What’s the best way to clean upholstery?
Always check fabric care labels first. Use the crevice tool to spray and scrub stains. Make dry passes to extract excess moisture. Let upholstery dry completely before using.
Conclusion
The versatile, compact Bissell Little Green provides powerful carpet and upholstery cleaning in a portable package. Just fill with formula and water, attach the right tool for the job, scrub away stains and dirt, and immediately extract with the builtin suction. With a few handy attachments and the right techniques, the Little Green makes it easy to tackle small messes and keep your carpets, stairs, upholstery and more looking their best. Follow the tips above to get professional-style cleaning results throughout your home.