When it comes to unexpected spills, pet stains, and deep-set dirt in carpets and upholstery, most traditional vacuum cleaners fall short. That’s where a portable carpet cleaner like the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner becomes essential. Compact, lightweight, and impressively powerful for its size, this device is designed to deliver professional-grade cleaning in the comfort of your home.
In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the BISSELL Little Green (Model 1400B)—from its standout features and specifications to how it performs in everyday use.
Product Overview
- Brand: BISSELL
- Model: 1400B
- Product Type: Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
- Power Rating: 3 amps
- Tank Capacity: 48 oz (clean water tank)
- Cord Length: 15 feet
- Hose Length: 4 feet
- Cleaning Path Width: 3 inches
- Weight: 9.65 pounds
- Cleaning Formula: Compatible with BISSELL cleaning solutions
- Color: Green and clear plastic body
Design and Build Quality
The BISSELL Little Green earns its name from both its compact footprint and its eco-conscious design. It has a lightweight, durable body made from post-consumer recycled plastic and uses PVC-free tanks and hoses. The green color gives it a fresh, approachable look, and its clear tanks make it easy to monitor both clean and dirty water levels.
Despite its small size, the build feels solid and rugged—clearly built to withstand frequent use. The carrying handle on the top is comfortable and sturdy, making it easy to transport the unit from room to room or store it in small spaces like closets or under sinks.
All parts snap into place smoothly, and the hose wraps neatly around the unit for a clutter-free look when stored.
Features and Specifications
🧼 Dual-Tank System
The Little Green is equipped with separate clean and dirty water tanks, allowing you to fill and dispose of water without cross-contamination. The 48 oz clean tank capacity is sufficient for multiple small cleanups without frequent refills.
🌀 Powerful Suction
Though compact, this cleaner uses a 3-amp motor that delivers surprisingly strong suction. It effectively lifts stains, dirt, and debris from carpets, car seats, and upholstery, pulling out moisture to speed up drying time.
🛠️ 3-Inch Tough Stain Tool
Attached to the 4-foot hose is a 3-inch tough stain tool that sprays, scrubs, and lifts stains in one motion. The bristles are firm enough to agitate stubborn grime but gentle enough to use on delicate upholstery.
♻️ Eco-Friendly Materials
A standout aspect of this model is its use of recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice. BISSELL claims the housing is made from at least 50% recycled plastic.
🧴 Formula-Compatible
The machine works best with BISSELL’s line of cleaning solutions, but it’s versatile enough to be used with water and mild detergents in light-duty situations.
Setup and Ease of Use
Getting started with the BISSELL Little Green is simple:
- Fill the clean water tank with warm water and cleaning solution.
- Plug in the unit—the 15-foot cord provides enough range for most rooms.
- Spray the solution onto the stain using the trigger on the tool.
- Scrub and suction the area with the tough stain tool.
Because of its lightweight design, it’s very manageable to maneuver, even with one hand. The trigger handle feels intuitive, and the transparent nozzle lets you see the suctioned debris, providing instant feedback on how much dirt is being removed.
The tanks are also very easy to remove, refill, and clean—something many larger machines complicate with overly complex locking mechanisms.
Performance in Real-World Use
The BISSELL Little Green truly shines when put to the test on everyday messes. Here’s how it performs across common cleaning situations:
🐾 Pet Stains and Accidents
For households with pets, this machine is a game-changer. It efficiently lifts urine, vomit, and muddy paw prints from carpet and furniture without lingering odors. The strong suction minimizes moisture retention, which helps avoid mildew and foul smells.
☕ Spills and Food Stains
Coffee, juice, and wine spills are no match for this device. With the cleaning solution and suction working together, it removes both fresh and old stains, leaving fabrics looking revived.
🚗 Automobile Interiors
Thanks to its portability and 4-foot hose, the BISSELL Little Green is also excellent for car seats, floor mats, and fabric-lined trunks. It’s compact enough to fit into most vehicle interiors without hassle.
🛋️ Upholstery and Fabric Furniture
Couches, chairs, and mattresses benefit from occasional deep cleaning, and this machine delivers. Its bristles loosen embedded dirt without damaging the fabric, and it leaves minimal moisture behind, allowing furniture to dry quickly.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining the BISSELL Little Green is as simple as using it:
- Rinse the dirty water tank after each use.
- Clean the nozzle and hose periodically to avoid clogs.
- Wipe down the brush tool and ensure all parts are dry before storing.
- Use only approved formulas to extend the lifespan of internal parts.
The transparent plastic construction helps you monitor buildup or soap residue, which is easily addressed with warm water and a soft cloth.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage and mobility
- Strong suction power removes deep-set dirt and moisture
- Easy-to-use with intuitive design and simple setup
- Eco-friendly construction with recycled plastic materials
- Dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate
- Perfect for small spaces, cars, and upholstery
❌ Cons
- Not suitable for full-room carpet cleaning—best for spot cleaning
- No built-in heating element, so hot water must be added manually
- Suction head is small, which means larger areas take more time
- Power cord could be longer for maximum range in bigger rooms
Who Is It Best For?
The BISSELL Little Green is ideal for:
- Pet owners dealing with frequent messes
- Parents with young children who spill often
- Apartment dwellers and those with limited storage
- Car owners wanting to detail their vehicle interior at home
- Anyone looking for an eco-friendly and affordable spot cleaner
It’s not built to replace full-sized carpet cleaners, but for everyday spills, stains, and small-area cleaning, it’s a fantastic solution.
Final Verdict
The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a powerful, user-friendly, and sustainable appliance that delivers professional-level cleaning in a small package. Whether you’re battling pet stains, cleaning up after kids, or simply maintaining your upholstery and vehicle interiors, this machine rises to the challenge with ease.
Its compact design, strong suction, and eco-conscious build make it a smart investment for households that need convenient, effective spot cleaning without the bulk and cost of a full-sized machine.
If you’re looking for a reliable, portable cleaner that’s ready whenever life gets messy, the Little Green is a choice you won’t regret.