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We put these mean, green, cleaning machines to the test.
Photo:Real Simple
Enter Bissells iconic Little Green Machines, the star of dozens of before-and-after cleaning videos.
Plus, they’re portable.
Need we say more?
PHOTO: Amazon
So which one isactuallythe best?
Thats where we come in.
After testing all four models ourselves, we can tell you right away that theres nowrongLittle Green.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Theyre popular for a reason: They actually work, no matter which model you choose.
If you don’t have pets or kids, you should be just fine using this model.
Plus, it comes with an 8-ounce bottle of freshness formula.
Salad dressing, however, was a bit tougher to combat, and red wine was the most difficult.
Regardless, we were pleased to have no lingering smells.
Our favorite feature, though, has to be the 3-inch tool attachment.
Its compact design and carrying handle make it small enough to store in most larger cabinets.
Its best for deep cleaning and tackling tougher stains, thanks to the heat technology and powerful suction.
However, this unit goes a step further, adding a 3-in-1 stair tool to the mix.
The clean tank capacity is 37 ounces, which is the smallest of the four models.
In terms of smell, the strong, citrus scent effectively removed (or masked) any remaining odors.
This is because the model required fewer passes and less cleaning solution than the original.
Using this equipment proved to be just as intuitive as using the original Little Green Machine.
Unsurprisingly, the 3-inch tool attachment still prevailed as our favorite feature.
It weighs just over 9 pounds and has a carrying handle, so transport and storage are a breeze.
If youre tired of being tethered to the nearest outlet, the cordless Little Green is your best bet.
This model offers two cleaning modes: turbo and eco.
Turbo is more powerful and suitable for heavy-duty messes, providing 20 minutes of extra strong suction.
Eco mode, on the other hand, operates quietly for up to 35 minutes.
Removing dirt was the easiest task, requiring just suction followed by cleaner system.
In terms of odor removal though, this model exceeded our expectations.
The smells of the maple syrup and salad dressing were replaced by a fresh, lemony aroma after use.
Since this model is cordless, it runs on a lithium battery.
The tradeoff for the convenience is the limited battery life.
This proved to be especially frustrating in our testing, as the battery died before we were finished.
Our only grievance involves the small cap on the clean water tank, which we found easy to lose.
Plus, it got rid of stains the fastest.
This model amazed us with its sheer power and range.
With a 64-ounce clean tank capacity, its certainly a heavy-duty pick.
It did take a bit of effort to clean the syrup, though.
We were also disappointed to find that the steam feature was just a stream of hot water.
While adding steam to the mix may sound daunting, this unit is fairly intuitive.
While the controls were user-friendly, we did encounter some functionality issues.
Despite its name, the Little Green HydroSteam isnt so little after all.
Weighing over 18 pounds, this is hands down the heaviest Little Green on our list.
We also found the shape to be a bit clunky and awkward, further limiting its portability.
PHOTO: Best Buy
First, we applied fresh maple syrup, red wine, and salad dressing stains to a chair cushion.
We also considered which attachments were best suited for handling each stain, experimenting with them when applicable.
We also considered whether the smells from the stains dissipated after cleaning, or if any residual odors remained.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Just as we did with the cushion stains, we used red wine remover to combat stubborn wine stains.
Finally, we cleaned the dirty water tank and machine according to the manufacturers instructions.
Questions to Consider
Is a portable cleaner like the Bissell Little Green worth buying?
A portable cleaner is useful in any cleaning arsenal, says McAllister.
Typicalcarpet or upholstery spraysrequire elbow grease, while a portable cleaner does all the hard work for you.
Which features are most important when buying a portable cleaner?
Typically, the more features a model has, the more expensive it will be.
McAllister also suggests looking for units with a long hose, good attachment options, and maneuverability.
These machines get stinky, and some of the newer designs come with self-cleaning options, says McAllister.
Pleshek stresses the importance of finding a machine thats both easy to clean and maintain.
This can help prolong the machines longevity, too.
How much should you spend on a portable cleaner?
According to McAllister, high-quality cleaning products dont have to break the bank.
She adds that Bissell models tend to be both effective and well priced for the average consumer.
The Bissell Little Greens range in price from $124-$230.
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Bissell
PHOTO: Real Simple
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