If you need a compact machine for pet stains, spills, upholstery, stairs, or car interiors, these three BISSELL portable carpet cleaners cover different priorities. The Little Green 1400B offers the largest clean-water tank in this comparison, the Little Green ProHeat Advanced Pet 2513W helps maintain warm water during cleaning, and the Little Green Max Pet SmartMix 38572 adds automatic formula mixing and stronger suction than selected competing spot cleaners. This guide compares their verified features, limitations, and best use cases so you can choose the right model without paying for features you may not need.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Quick Verdict
- Best overall for pet messes: BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix 38572
- Best for a larger clean-water tank: BISSELL Little Green 1400B
- Best for maintaining water temperature: BISSELL Little Green ProHeat Advanced Pet 2513W
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Clean Tank | Weight | Standout Feature | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Green 1400B | Longer spot-cleaning sessions | 48 oz | 9.65 lb | Largest clean tank here | Check Price |
| ProHeat Advanced Pet 2513W | Warm-water spot cleaning | 37 oz | 9.2 lb | Heatwave Technology | Check Price |
| Max Pet SmartMix 38572 | Frequent pet stains and easier formula mixing | 32 oz | 8.2 lb | SmartMix and self-cleaning stain tool | Check Price |
BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner (1400B)
Best Large-Tank Pick
The BISSELL Little Green 1400B is a practical choice for cleaning spots and stains on carpet, stairs, upholstery, and vehicle interiors. Its 48 oz clean-water tank is the largest of the three models in this guide, which can reduce refill stops during multi-seat car cleaning or several small household jobs. The machine weighs about 9.65 pounds and uses a corded design with a carry handle for room-to-room use.
It includes a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, a spraying crevice tool, a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, and a trial-size portable-cleaner formula. The straightforward spray, scrub, and suction process makes it a good fit for buyers who want proven basics rather than automatic formula mixing or Heatwave Technology.
Best For: Buyers who value a larger clean-water tank for repeated spot cleaning around the home or car.
Pros:
- 48 oz clean-water tank reduces refill frequency compared with the other two models.
- Suitable for carpet, stairs, upholstery, and auto interiors.
- Includes multiple tools for stains, crevices, and hose rinsing.
Cons:
- Heavier than the Little Green Max Pet SmartMix.
- No SmartMix system or Heatwave Technology.
- Corded operation requires a nearby outlet.
Who Should Avoid It: Choose another model if automatic formula mixing or water-temperature maintenance matters more than tank size.
BISSELL Little Green ProHeat Advanced Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner (2513W)
Best for Maintaining Warm Water
The BISSELL Little Green ProHeat Advanced Pet 2513W is designed for pet stains and everyday spills on carpet, area rugs, upholstery, stairs, pet beds, and auto interiors. Its Heatwave Technology helps maintain the temperature of the warm tap water you add; it does not heat cold water like a built-in water heater.
This model weighs about 9.2 pounds and has a 37 oz clean-water tank plus a 24.5 oz dirty-water tank. It includes a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool and a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, making post-cleaning maintenance easier. A 15-foot cord and 54-inch hose provide useful reach for stairs, sofas, and vehicle seats.
Best For: Pet owners who want a compact spot cleaner that helps keep warm water at a more consistent temperature during use.
Pros:
- Heatwave Technology helps maintain water temperature while cleaning.
- HydroRinse tool helps flush residue from the hose after use.
- Two-year limited warranty is longer than the basic one-year coverage offered with some portable cleaners.
Cons:
- Heatwave Technology maintains temperature but does not independently heat the water.
- 37 oz clean tank is smaller than the 1400B tank.
- Corded design can limit movement in areas without a nearby outlet.
Who Should Avoid It: Skip this model if your main priority is the lightest machine or the largest clean-water tank.
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix Portable Carpet Cleaner (38572)
Best Overall for Pet Messes
The BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix 38572 is the strongest match for households that clean pet accidents often. Its SmartMix Technology automatically combines formula and water, reducing measuring guesswork, and its self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool helps flush residue after suctioning a mess.
At 8.2 pounds, it is the lightest model in this comparison. Both the clean and dirty tanks hold 32 oz. BISSELL states that the machine delivers 30% more powerful suction than the Shark StainStriker and Dirt Devil Compact Spot Cleaner under its specified ASTM F558 comparison method. That comparison should not be read as a guarantee that it outperforms every portable cleaner in every cleaning situation.
Best For: Pet owners who prioritize easier formula mixing, strong suction, lighter weight, and tools designed for unpleasant pet messes.
Pros:
- SmartMix automatically blends formula and water.
- Lightest model in this three-product comparison.
- Self-cleaning stain tool reduces direct contact with leftover residue.
Cons:
- 32 oz clean tank may need refilling sooner on larger jobs.
- No Heatwave Technology.
- Corded operation still depends on outlet access.
Who Should Avoid It: The 1400B may be a better fit if tank capacity matters more than SmartMix and pet-focused tools.
How to Choose a BISSELL Portable Carpet Cleaner for Pet Stains
Focus on the messes you clean most often, the surfaces you plan to treat, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. These machines are designed for spot cleaning and small areas, not for replacing a full-size carpet cleaner on an entire room.
Cleaning Features
The Max Pet SmartMix 38572 is the most pet-focused option because it combines automatic formula mixing, a self-cleaning stain tool, and a manufacturer-supported suction comparison against two named competitors. The 2513W adds Heatwave Technology to help maintain warm-water temperature, while the 1400B uses a simpler spray-and-suction setup with a larger clean tank.
Portability, Cord, and Hose Reach
Weight differences are modest but noticeable when carrying a full machine up stairs. The Max Pet SmartMix is the lightest at 8.2 pounds, followed by the 2513W at 9.2 pounds and the 1400B at about 9.65 pounds. All three are corded, so check outlet access near stairs, parked vehicles, or large furniture before buying.
Tank Capacity
The 1400B has a 48 oz clean-water tank, the 2513W has a 37 oz clean tank, and the Max Pet SmartMix uses 32 oz clean and dirty tanks. A larger clean tank can reduce refill stops, but it also adds weight when full. Buyers cleaning one stain at a time may prefer lighter handling over maximum capacity.
Tools and Maintenance
Look beyond the machine body and compare the included attachments. A 3-inch stain tool works well for focused spots, crevice tools help around vehicle seats and furniture edges, and hose-rinsing or self-cleaning tools make cleanup easier. Accessory bundles can vary by retailer, so confirm the exact package contents before ordering.
Surface Compatibility
Check the care label before cleaning upholstery. Water-based portable carpet cleaners are generally suitable for fabrics marked W or WS. Do not use them on fabrics marked S or X unless the furniture manufacturer specifically allows it. Always test the cleaning formula on a hidden area first.
Warranty and Replacement Parts
Warranty length can differ by model and retailer bundle. Keep the receipt, register the product when available, and review the warranty terms for the exact model number. Also check whether replacement hoses, tanks, tools, and approved cleaning formulas are easy to obtain.
Before You Buy Checklist
- Confirm the exact model number and included tool bundle.
- Measure your storage space and consider full-tank carrying weight.
- Check upholstery tags for W or WS compatibility.
- Use only formulas labeled for BISSELL portable carpet cleaners.
- Expect spot-cleaning performance, not whole-room deep-cleaning speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Use a Portable Carpet Cleaner?
Use it when spills or pet accidents happen rather than waiting for a fixed schedule. Prompt treatment can make stains easier to remove. For broad carpet maintenance, follow the carpet manufacturer’s care guidance and use a full-size cleaner or professional service when needed.
Can I Use Any Cleaning Solution in These BISSELL Machines?
No. Use a BISSELL formula labeled for portable carpet cleaners. Unapproved detergents can foam excessively, leave residue, reduce performance, or damage the machine.
Can These BISSELL Portable Cleaners Be Used on Upholstery?
Yes, on many water-safe fabrics. Check the furniture care label first and use the machine only on upholstery marked W or WS unless the manufacturer gives different instructions. Test a hidden area before cleaning a visible section.
Does ProHeat Mean the 2513W Heats Cold Water?
No. Heatwave Technology is designed to help maintain the temperature of warm tap water during cleaning. Fill the tank with warm—not boiling—water according to the user guide.
What Warranty Comes With These BISSELL Portable Cleaners?
Coverage varies by model. The Little Green ProHeat family that includes the 2513W is listed with a two-year limited warranty, while other models may use different terms. Verify the warranty shown for the exact model and seller before purchase.
How Do I Maintain a BISSELL Portable Cleaner?
Empty and rinse both tanks after use, remove hair and debris from the tool, flush the hose with the included cleaning tool when available, and allow parts to dry before storage. Do not leave mixed cleaning solution sitting in the machine for long periods.
Conclusion
Final Recommendation
The BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix 38572 is the most complete choice for frequent pet messes because it is the lightest option here and combines SmartMix with a self-cleaning stain tool. Choose the Little Green 1400B when a larger 48 oz clean-water tank is more useful, or pick the Little Green ProHeat Advanced Pet 2513W when maintaining warm-water temperature is your priority.
Whichever model you choose, confirm the included tools, use an approved portable-cleaner formula, and check fabric care labels before cleaning upholstery.
