How to Clean a Bissell Little Green Machine
A Bissell Little Green can smell sour or lose suction when dirty solution remains in the hose, hair collects in the tool, or the recovery-tank float and gasket are not cleaned and seated correctly. This guide centers on the classic corded Little Green portable cleaners, including common 1400 and 3353-family layouts. Little Green ProHeat, Max Pet, HydroSteam, cordless, and commercial variants have different tanks or clean-out tools, so check the model label before removing parts. The safe routine is to extract a little clean water through the hose, empty and rinse both tanks, clear the tool and suction opening, and let every wet part dry before storage. Never immerse the powered base or substitute a homemade formula inside the solution system.
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Primary reference: Bissell official Little Green cleaning support. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- After every use
- Flush the tool and hose with clean water, then empty both tanks.
- Clean
- Rinse the recovery tank, lid, float, gasket, tool, and formula tank by hand.
- Never wet
- Keep the motor base, vents, switch, cord entry, and plug out of water.
- Avoid
- Do not run vinegar, bleach, dish soap, laundry detergent, or essential oil through the system.
- Store
- Leave tanks empty, parts dry, hose unkinked, and machine protected from freezing.
What you will need
- The Bissell guide for the exact model number on the machine label
- Warm tap water, no hotter than 140°F or 60°C
- Mild dish soap for removable non-electrical parts only
- Two soft non-abrasive cloths
- A small soft nylon brush
- A sink, utility basin, or bucket
- A clean towel or ventilated drying rack
- The supplied HydroRinse or self-cleaning tool, if the model includes one
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Switch off, unplug, and identify the model
Turn the power switch off and unplug the cord before opening either tank or touching the tool. Find the model number on the rating label and compare the tank latches and hose-cleaning accessory with the matching Bissell guide. This procedure does not authorize disassembly of the motor housing, pump, or fixed hose connection.
Step 2: Finish with a clean-water hose rinse
If the machine is still assembled after cleaning carpet, empty the formula tank and add a small amount of plain warm water. Suction that water from a bowl through the attached cleaning tool, or use the supplied HydroRinse tool exactly as the model guide shows. Continue until the liquid moving through the clear tool and hose looks mostly clean. Do not run the pump or suction motor dry for an extended period.
Step 3: Empty the recovery tank promptly
Release the dirty-water tank without tipping wastewater into the base. Carry it upright to a sink or toilet, remove the lid in the direction shown for the model, and pour out the contents. Pet waste and cleaning solution should not sit in the tank after a job because residue quickly coats the float, gasket, and corners and can create odor.
Step 4: Rinse the tank, lid, float, and gasket
Use warm water to rinse the recovery tank and lid. Move the float gently through its normal travel and remove hair or lint that could keep it closed. Wipe the sealing edge and inspect the gasket for twists, grit, or damage. Use mild soap only on removable surfaces when needed, then rinse completely; excess suds can be pulled into the airflow on the next use.
Step 5: Clean the formula tank without altering its valve
Pour out leftover mixture rather than storing the machine full. Rinse the clean-water tank and cap with warm water, wipe the cap threads, and check that the bottom valve is free of dried formula. Do not pry at the spring valve or put vinegar, bleach, essential oil, laundry detergent, or dish soap through the machine. Use only water and a formula approved for the exact Little Green model during operation.
Step 6: Remove hair from the cleaning tool
Detach the upholstery or stain tool according to its release design. Rinse the transparent suction mouth and brush area, then use a soft brush to lift lint from the narrow channel behind the bristles. If the model has a removable lens or insert, release only the documented tabs. Never force a bonded clear cover apart with a screwdriver.
Step 7: Inspect the hose and base suction opening
With power disconnected, look through the hose while flexing it gently and check the inlet beneath the dirty tank. Pull accessible fibers from the openings with fingers or a soft brush, but do not push a rigid rod down the hose or puncture its wall. Wipe splashes from the tank receiver, keeping water out of vents, switches, the cord entry, and electrical contacts.
Step 8: Wipe the exterior and cord
Use a barely damp cloth on the housing, handle, hose wrap, and unplugged cord, followed by a dry cloth. Do not hose off the base, place it in a sink, or spray cleaner into seams. Inspect the plug, cord, and hose for cuts, crushing, or exposed wire; stop using the machine if an electrical or pressure-carrying part is damaged.
Step 9: Air-dry every wet component
Leave tank lids off and set tanks, caps, tools, and removable inserts on a ventilated rack. Let the hose drain with its tool end lower than the machine and avoid sealing a wet tool inside a storage clip. The float must move freely and all mating surfaces should feel dry before reassembly. Do not accelerate drying with an oven, hair dryer, or direct high heat.
Step 10: Reassemble, check seals, and store dry
Seat the recovery-tank lid and gasket evenly, tighten the clean-tank cap by hand, and reinstall each tank until secure. Wrap the hose in broad curves without a sharp kink and wind the cool cord on its hooks. Store the empty machine indoors where it will not freeze. At the next use, investigate leaks or weak suction before adding more formula; a misseated lid or stuck float is often the cause.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.