Bissell Little Green Vs. Pet Deluxe: A Head-To-Head Comparison For Pet Owners And Spill Warriors

I’ve been tackling messes in my home for years, from muddy paw prints to coffee spills on my couch, and I’ve learned that not all cleaning machines are created equal.

The Bissell Little Green and Little Green Pet Deluxe are two portable carpet cleaners that promise to make quick work of stains, but which one is right for you? In this article, I’ll break down their features, share my experience using them, and help you decide which fits your cleaning needs—whether you’re a pet parent or just battling everyday messes.

Comparison Table: Bissell Little Green Vs. Little Green Pet Deluxe

My Journey With The Bissell Little Green And Pet Deluxe

As a pet owner with a rambunctious golden retriever and a knack for spilling coffee, I’ve had my fair share of cleaning emergencies. When I first heard about the Bissell Little Green series, I was intrigued by their compact size and promise of powerful stain removal. I decided to test both the standard Little Green and the Pet Deluxe to see which one could keep up with my messy household. Spoiler alert: both are fantastic, but they cater to slightly different needs. Let’s break down what makes each one tick.

Key Features Of The Bissell Little Green

The Bissell Little Green, often referred to as the “OG” model, is a no-frills portable carpet cleaner designed for versatility. It’s been a staple in homes for years, and for good reason—it’s lightweight, easy to use, and effective on a variety of surfaces. Here’s what stood out to me when I used it:

• Compact Design: At just 9.65 pounds, it’s easy to carry from room to room or even to the car for interior cleaning.
• 48-Ounce Tank: The large clean water tank means fewer refills during cleaning sessions, which I found incredibly convenient when tackling multiple stains.
• 3-Inch Tough Stain Tool: This brush is perfect for scrubbing small, stubborn spots on carpets, upholstery, and car seats.
• HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool: After cleaning, this tool makes rinsing the hose a breeze, saving me time and hassle.
• Simple Operation: Fill the tank with hot water and cleaning solution, plug it in, and you’re ready to spray, scrub, and suction.

I tested the Little Green on a wine spill on my light-colored couch. After mixing the included 8-ounce Spot & Stain formula with hot water, I sprayed the stain, scrubbed with the Tough Stain Tool, and watched the red hue disappear into the dirty water tank. The suction was impressive for such a small machine, and the stain was gone in minutes. However, I noticed it took some elbow grease to get deep-set stains out, especially on thicker carpets.

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Key Features Of The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe

The Pet Deluxe is tailored for pet owners, with tools and formulas designed to tackle the unique challenges of pet messes. My golden retriever, Max, has a talent for tracking mud onto my rugs, so I was eager to see how this model performed. Here’s what I discovered:

• Pet-Specific Tools: The standout feature is the Stain Trapper Tool, which collects pet messes in a separate container, keeping the dirty water tank cleaner.
• Pet Cleaning Formulas: It comes with two 8-ounce bottles—Pet Spot & Stain and Pet Oxy Boost—designed to break down pet stains and eliminate odors.
• Same Core Specs: Like the standard model, it has a 3-amp motor, 48-ounce tank, 4-foot hose, and 15-foot cord, ensuring similar performance.
• Compact and Lightweight: Also weighing 9.65 pounds, it’s just as portable as the Little Green.
• HydroRinse Tool: This is included, making post-cleanup maintenance straightforward.

I used the Pet Deluxe on a muddy paw print disaster on my area rug. The Stain Trapper Tool was a game-changer—it sucked up the mess without spreading it around, and the Pet Oxy Boost left no lingering doggy odor. The process was straightforward, but I had to make multiple passes to fully lift the stain, similar to my experience with the standard model.

Pros of the Bissell Little Green

• Affordability: Priced at around $123.59, it’s one of the most budget-friendly portable carpet cleaners on the market.
• Versatility: Works well on a variety of surfaces, from carpets and rugs to upholstery and car interiors.
• Ease of Use: Simple setup and operation make it accessible for cleaning novices like me when I first started.
• Large Tank Capacity: The 48-ounce tank allows for extended cleaning without constant refills.
• Compact Storage: Its small footprint and wrap-around hose make it easy to store in a closet or cabinet.
• Effective for General Stains: Handles everyday spills like wine, coffee, and food with ease.

Cons of the Bissell Little Green

• Limited Tools: Only comes with the Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse, which may not suffice for specialized messes like pet stains.
• Manual Effort Required: Deep stains require significant scrubbing, which can be tiring.
• No Heat Technology: Lacks features like HeatWave technology, so it relies on hot tap water that cools over time.
• Hose Length: The 4-foot hose can feel restrictive when cleaning larger areas or hard-to-reach spots.
• Noise Level: It’s loud, around 70-80 dB, which might be disruptive in a quiet home.

Pros of the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe

• Pet-Specific Design: The Stain Trapper Tool and pet formulas make it ideal for tackling pet messes and odors.
• Powerful Suction: The 3-amp motor provides strong suction for lifting wet messes.
• Dual Formulas: Includes Pet Spot & Stain and Pet Oxy Boost, enhancing cleaning power for pet-related stains.
• Easy Maintenance: The HydroRinse Tool simplifies cleaning the hose and attachments.
• Portable: Like the standard model, its 9.65-pound weight makes it easy to carry and store.

Cons of the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe

• Higher Price: At around $139.99, it’s pricier than the standard Little Green.
• Manual Scrubbing Needed: Like the standard model, it requires effort to remove deep-set stains.
• Hose Durability Concerns: Some users report the hose cracking if stored improperly, which I avoided by detaching tools after use.
• Noisy Operation: Similar to the Little Green, it’s loud during use, which can be a drawback.
• Limited Heat: Relies on tap water temperature, lacking advanced heating features.

Performance Comparison: Cleaning Power And Usability

Both machines share the same 3-amp motor, delivering comparable suction power. In my tests, they performed equally well on fresh stains, but the Pet Deluxe had an edge with pet messes due to its specialized tools and formulas. For instance, when Max left a urine stain on my carpet, the Pet Deluxe’s Stain Trapper Tool kept the mess contained, and the Pet Oxy Boost neutralized the odor completely. The standard Little Green handled a similar stain but required more scrubbing and didn’t address the smell as effectively.

Usability is nearly identical. Both are lightweight, with intuitive controls—a single switch to power on and a trigger to spray solution. The 48-ounce tank meant I could clean multiple areas without stopping to refill, a huge plus when dealing with a series of spills. However, the 4-foot hose felt limiting when I tried to clean the back of my car seats, requiring me to reposition the machine frequently. The 15-foot cord was sufficient for most rooms but occasionally needed an extension cord for larger spaces.

The Pet Deluxe’s Stain Trapper Tool was a standout for pet owners. It collects debris like pet hair or vomit in a separate container, preventing clogs in the dirty water tank. This was a lifesaver when cleaning up after Max’s occasional accidents. The standard Little Green’s Tough Stain Tool is versatile but lacks this specialized feature, making it less efficient for pet messes.

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Maintenance Tips

Maintaining these machines is straightforward, but it’s crucial to keep them in top shape. Here’s what I learned:

• Clean the Hose After Use: Use the HydroRinse Tool to flush clean water through the hose, preventing residue buildup.
• Rinse the Dirty Water Tank: Empty and rinse the tank thoroughly two or three times to remove sludge and odors.
• Clean the Tools: Soak the Tough Stain Tool or Stain Trapper Tool in warm water to clear debris, ensuring they’re ready for the next use.
• Store Properly: Detach tools and avoid curling the hose tightly to prevent cracking.
• Check the Filter: Inspect the filter regularly for clogs, especially after heavy use on pet hair or debris.

Comparison With Other Brands

I also looked at how these Bissell models stack up against competitors like the Hoover CleanSlate and Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner:

• Hoover CleanSlate: More powerful suction (7 amps vs. 3 amps): It’s better for deep cleaning but heavier (11.7 lbs) and pricier ($149.99).
• Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner: Stronger motor (10 amps): Great for tough stains but bulkier and has a larger nozzle, which can be awkward for small spaces.
• Kenmore KW2001 Spot Cleaner: Comparable suction (6.5 amps): A solid alternative, but it lacks the pet-specific tools of the Pet Deluxe.

The Bissell models shine for their compact size and affordability, making them ideal for small to medium cleaning tasks. However, if you need more power for larger areas, Hoover or Rug Doctor might be worth considering.

Real-World Scenarios: Which One Should You Choose?

Let’s talk about your needs. If you’re like me, juggling a busy household with occasional spills—think coffee, wine, or muddy footprints—the standard Little Green is a fantastic choice. It’s affordable, versatile, and gets the job done without breaking the bank. I used it on my car’s upholstery after a road trip spill, and it restored the fabric to near-new condition.

If you’re a pet owner, the Pet Deluxe is your best bet. The Stain Trapper Tool and pet-specific formulas make a noticeable difference for messes like urine, vomit, or muddy paw prints. When Max had an upset stomach on my rug, the Pet Deluxe cleaned it up faster and left no odor, unlike my attempts with the standard model.

Budget is another factor. The Little Green’s lower price point ($123.59) makes it appealing if you don’t need pet-specific features. The Pet Deluxe’s $139.99 price tag is justified by its extra tools and formulas, but it might be overkill if you don’t have pets.

My Experience: The Good, The Bad, And The Messy

Using both machines was eye-opening. The Little Green was my go-to for quick cleanups, like when I spilled marinara sauce on my dining room rug. It took about 10 minutes to set up, clean, and store, and the stain vanished. However, I found myself wishing for a longer hose when cleaning stairs, as I had to keep moving the machine.

The Pet Deluxe impressed me with its pet-focused features. The Stain Trapper Tool was a revelation for dealing with Max’s muddy paw prints—it kept the mess contained, and the rug smelled fresh afterward. But both machines are loud, so I avoided using them when my family was watching TV. Also, deep stains on thicker carpets required multiple passes and some muscle, which could be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for effortless cleaning.

Long-Term Value And Durability

Both models come with a one-year warranty, which is standard for portable cleaners. I’ve used mine for over a year without issues, but online reviews mention hose durability problems if not stored properly. By detaching tools and storing the hose loosely, I’ve avoided this. The machines feel sturdy, with no loose parts or flimsy components, but they’re not built for heavy-duty, daily use. For occasional messes, they’re a solid investment.

Environmental And Practical Considerations

Bissell’s formulas are designed to be safe for fabrics, but I spot-tested on a hidden area of my couch to be sure. The Pet Deluxe’s Pet Oxy Boost is eco-friendly, which I appreciated as someone trying to reduce my environmental footprint. Both machines use a fair amount of water, so I was mindful not to over-wet my carpets to avoid mold.

The compact design of both models is a big plus for small apartments or homes with limited storage. I keep mine in a hall closet, and they take up minimal space. The long power cord was handy, but I wished for a retractable option to make storage even neater.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

Conclusion: Making The Right Choice For You

After testing both the Bissell Little Green and Pet Deluxe, I can say they’re both reliable tools for keeping your home spotless. If you’re dealing with general spills and want an affordable, versatile cleaner, the Little Green is your go-to. But if you’re a pet owner like me, facing furry messes regularly, the Pet Deluxe’s specialized tools and formulas make it worth the extra cost. Consider your budget, cleaning needs, and whether pets are part of your life—you can’t go wrong with either, but the right choice depends on what you’re up against.