The Bissell Little Green ProHeat. Just the name conjures images of tackling stubborn stains and breathing new life into carpets and upholstery. But does this portable cleaner live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of the Little Green ProHeat, helping you decide if it’s the right cleaning solution for your needs.
Understanding the Bissell Little Green ProHeat
The Bissell Little Green ProHeat is a compact and portable deep cleaner designed for spot cleaning and stain removal on carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. Its small size makes it ideal for tackling messes quickly without having to haul out a full-sized carpet cleaner. But what sets it apart from other portable cleaners?
Key Features and Specifications
The ProHeat boasts several features designed to enhance its cleaning power. The most notable is its built-in heater, which warms the cleaning solution to help break down tough stains more effectively. This is a significant advantage over models that only use cold water.
Other key features include:
- A powerful spray and suction system.
- Multiple cleaning tools for various surfaces.
- A two-tank system to keep clean and dirty water separate.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
- A long power cord for extended reach.
These features combined aim to deliver a convenient and effective cleaning experience. It is important to remember that power cords are an important factor, especially when dealing with deep cleaning. A longer cord often provides a better cleaning experience.
What Types of Messes Can It Handle?
The Bissell Little Green ProHeat is marketed as a versatile stain remover, capable of handling a wide range of messes. These include:
- Pet stains and odors.
- Food and drink spills.
- Dirt and mud.
- Coffee and wine stains.
- Urine and vomit.
Its effectiveness on these different types of messes varies depending on the severity and age of the stain. However, the ProHeat is generally considered a powerful tool for tackling everyday household stains.
Evaluating the Cleaning Performance
The ultimate test of any cleaning product is its performance. Does the Bissell Little Green ProHeat effectively remove stains and leave surfaces looking clean?
Effectiveness on Different Surfaces
The ProHeat performs well on various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. On carpets, it can effectively lift stains and dirt, leaving them looking refreshed. On upholstery, it can remove spills and odors, restoring furniture to its former glory. And in car interiors, it can tackle stains on seats and carpets, making your vehicle feel cleaner.
However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the type of surface and the severity of the stain. For example, delicate fabrics may require a gentler approach, while heavily soiled areas may require multiple passes.
Ease of Use and Maneuverability
One of the biggest advantages of the Bissell Little Green ProHeat is its ease of use. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and maneuver in tight spaces. The controls are simple and intuitive, allowing you to start cleaning quickly.
The two-tank system also makes it easy to fill and empty the water tanks. And the long power cord provides ample reach, so you don’t have to constantly switch outlets.
Comparing with Other Portable Cleaners
When compared to other portable cleaners, the Bissell Little Green ProHeat stands out for its heating function and powerful suction. While other models may offer similar features, the ProHeat’s combination of heat and suction often results in superior cleaning performance.
However, some other portable cleaners may offer larger tank capacities or more specialized attachments. It’s important to consider your specific cleaning needs when choosing a portable cleaner.
Pros and Cons of the Bissell Little Green ProHeat
Like any product, the Bissell Little Green ProHeat has its pros and cons. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right cleaning solution for you.
The Advantages of Owning a ProHeat
Here are some of the key advantages of owning a Bissell Little Green ProHeat:
- Effective stain removal: The ProHeat’s heating function and powerful suction make it highly effective at removing stains from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.
- Portability: Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and maneuver in tight spaces.
- Ease of use: The ProHeat is simple to operate, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly design.
- Versatility: It can be used on a variety of surfaces, making it a versatile cleaning tool for your home and car.
- Two-tank system: The separate clean and dirty water tanks make it easy to fill and empty the machine.
These advantages make the ProHeat a popular choice for homeowners who want a convenient and effective way to tackle stains and messes.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its many advantages, the Bissell Little Green ProHeat also has some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Small tank capacity: The ProHeat’s small tank capacity means you may have to refill it frequently when cleaning larger areas.
- Noise level: It can be quite noisy during operation, which may be a concern for some users.
- Cleaning solution required: The ProHeat requires Bissell cleaning solutions, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
- Durability: Some users have reported issues with the ProHeat’s durability, particularly with the hose and attachments.
- Spray Nozzle Clogging: A common problem found in many reviews is the clogging of the spray nozzle which affects cleaning effectiveness.
These drawbacks are important to consider when evaluating the overall value of the Bissell Little Green ProHeat.
Real-World User Experiences
User reviews provide valuable insights into the real-world performance of the Bissell Little Green ProHeat. Examining these reviews can help you get a better sense of its strengths and weaknesses.
Positive Feedback from Satisfied Customers
Many users praise the ProHeat for its effectiveness at removing stains and its ease of use. They appreciate its portability and versatility, and they find it to be a valuable tool for tackling everyday messes.
“I was amazed at how well the Little Green ProHeat removed a stubborn stain from my carpet,” wrote one satisfied customer. “It was so easy to use, and it left my carpet looking like new.”
“I love how portable and lightweight the ProHeat is,” said another user. “I can easily carry it around the house and use it to clean up spills and messes as they happen.”
These positive reviews highlight the ProHeat’s strengths and demonstrate its value to many users.
Criticisms and Concerns Raised by Users
However, not all users are completely satisfied with the Bissell Little Green ProHeat. Some have raised concerns about its small tank capacity, noise level, and durability.
“The tank is too small,” complained one user. “I have to refill it constantly when cleaning larger areas.”
“It’s very noisy,” said another user. “I wouldn’t recommend using it late at night or early in the morning.”
“The hose broke after only a few uses,” reported a third user. “I was very disappointed with the quality.”
These criticisms highlight some of the ProHeat’s potential weaknesses and suggest areas where it could be improved.
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Performance
To get the most out of your Bissell Little Green ProHeat, it’s important to use it correctly and follow some helpful tips and tricks.
Pre-Treating Stains for Best Results
For best results, always pre-treat stains before using the ProHeat. This will help to loosen the stain and make it easier to remove. You can use a stain remover spray or a mixture of water and vinegar.
Allow the pre-treatment solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes before using the ProHeat. This will give it time to penetrate the stain and break it down.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
When using the ProHeat, use short, overlapping strokes. This will ensure that you cover the entire area and remove all of the stain. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can damage the fibers of the carpet or upholstery.
After cleaning, allow the area to dry completely. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening a window.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
To ensure that your Bissell Little Green ProHeat lasts for years to come, it’s important to maintain it properly. After each use, empty and rinse the water tanks. Clean the nozzles and attachments regularly. And store the ProHeat in a dry place.
Regular maintenance will help to prevent clogs and extend the life of your ProHeat.
Is the Bissell Little Green ProHeat Worth the Investment?
So, does the Bissell Little Green ProHeat really work? The answer is a resounding yes, with some caveats. It is a powerful and effective stain remover that is easy to use and portable. It is a valuable tool for tackling everyday messes and keeping your home and car clean.
However, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks, such as its small tank capacity, noise level, and durability. If these drawbacks are not a concern for you, then the Bissell Little Green ProHeat is definitely worth the investment.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the Bissell Little Green ProHeat depends on your individual cleaning needs and preferences. If you are looking for a convenient and effective way to tackle stains and messes, then the ProHeat is a great option. However, if you need to clean large areas or are concerned about noise or durability, then you may want to consider other options.
What types of stains is the Bissell Little Green ProHeat most effective at removing?
The Bissell Little Green ProHeat excels at removing fresh, water-based stains such as spills from juice, coffee, wine, and mud. Its heated cleaning action helps to loosen and lift these types of stains from carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. The machine’s powerful suction then extracts the dirty water, leaving surfaces cleaner and drier.
However, it may struggle with older, deeply embedded stains or those caused by oil-based substances like grease or certain inks. For these tougher stains, pre-treating with a specialized stain remover and allowing it to sit for the recommended time before using the Little Green ProHeat will likely yield better results. Repeat applications might also be necessary for stubborn marks.
Is the Bissell Little Green ProHeat easy to use and maneuver?
The Bissell Little Green ProHeat is generally considered user-friendly due to its lightweight design and simple operation. Filling the tank, attaching the hose, and selecting the appropriate cleaning tool are all straightforward processes. The compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, such as car interiors and around furniture.
However, the shorter hose length can be a limitation when cleaning larger areas or reaching high places. Users may need to move the machine frequently to cover the entire surface. Additionally, emptying and cleaning the dirty water tank is necessary after each use, which adds a small amount of maintenance time.
How does the ProHeat feature actually work, and how much does it improve cleaning?
The ProHeat feature on the Bissell Little Green ProHeat utilizes a built-in heater to maintain a consistent water temperature during the cleaning process. This heated water helps to dissolve and lift stains more effectively compared to using cold or lukewarm water alone. The heat also aids in sanitizing the surface being cleaned, killing bacteria and allergens.
The effectiveness of the ProHeat feature largely depends on the type of stain and the material being cleaned. While it generally improves stain removal performance, the difference may not be drastically noticeable on all surfaces or with all types of stains. However, for many common household spills and stains, the added heat can significantly enhance the cleaning power of the machine.
What kind of maintenance is required for the Bissell Little Green ProHeat?
Regular maintenance of the Bissell Little Green ProHeat primarily involves emptying and thoroughly cleaning the dirty water tank after each use. This prevents the buildup of mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Rinsing the cleaning attachments and hose is also recommended to remove any residual cleaning solution or debris.
Periodically, it’s essential to check and clean the spray nozzle and brush attachment to ensure optimal performance. Mineral deposits can accumulate over time, especially if hard water is used, so descaling the machine may also be necessary. Proper storage in a dry place is crucial to prevent damage and extend the lifespan of the machine.
What are the main differences between the regular Little Green and the ProHeat version?
The primary difference between the standard Bissell Little Green and the ProHeat version is the inclusion of a built-in heater in the ProHeat model. This heater warms the cleaning solution, enhancing its stain-lifting and cleaning capabilities. The standard Little Green does not have this feature and relies on room-temperature water.
While both models share a similar design and functionality, the ProHeat version is generally considered to be more effective at removing tough stains due to the added benefit of heat. However, the standard Little Green might be sufficient for lighter cleaning tasks and smaller spills, and it often comes at a lower price point.
Is the Bissell Little Green ProHeat suitable for cleaning large areas of carpet?
The Bissell Little Green ProHeat is primarily designed for spot cleaning and smaller areas, not for cleaning entire rooms or large carpets. Its compact size and limited tank capacity make it less efficient for extensive cleaning tasks. The short hose also requires frequent repositioning of the machine.
For cleaning larger areas of carpet, a full-sized carpet cleaner is generally a more suitable option. These machines have larger tanks, wider cleaning paths, and more powerful suction, allowing them to cover more ground quickly and efficiently. The Little Green ProHeat excels in its niche of spot cleaning and detailing, complementing larger carpet cleaning efforts.
What types of cleaning solutions are recommended for use with the Bissell Little Green ProHeat?
Bissell recommends using their own line of cleaning solutions specifically formulated for portable carpet cleaners, such as the Little Green ProHeat. These solutions are designed to work effectively with the machine’s heating and suction capabilities while also being safe for use on various types of carpets and upholstery. Using non-Bissell solutions might void the warranty.
However, many users have reported success with diluted versions of other carpet cleaning solutions, but it’s crucial to carefully review the product label to ensure compatibility and avoid damaging the machine or the surface being cleaned. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness and adverse reactions before cleaning a larger area.