Bissell Little Green vs. Hoover CleanSlate: Which Spot Cleaner Should You Buy?

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Spilled coffee on the rug, a pet accident on the sofa, mystery stains on the car seats: a portable spot cleaner handles all of these without hauling out a full-size carpet machine. The Bissell Little Green and the Hoover CleanSlate are two of the most popular options. Here's how they compare so you can pick the right one.

Quick verdict

• Choose the Bissell Little Green if you want a proven, budget-friendly spot cleaner that's simple to use and easy to store.

• Choose the Hoover CleanSlate if you clean up pet messes often and want a self-cleaning hose to make cleanup after each use easier.

How they work

Both machines work the same basic way. They spray a mix of water and cleaning formula onto the stain, let you scrub it with the tool on the end of the hose, then suction the dirty water back into a separate tank. Both are compact enough to carry up stairs or out to the car.

Side by side

• Type: both are portable spray-scrub-and-suction spot cleaners for carpet and upholstery

• Best for: Bissell suits everyday spills and small households; Hoover suits frequent pet messes

• Standout feature: Bissell's long track record and simple design vs. Hoover's self-cleaning hose

• Tools: both include a hand tool for scrubbing stains; the Hoover version linked here comes with a pet tool kit

• Uses: carpets, rugs, stairs, sofas, mattresses and car interiors

Bissell Little Green

The Little Green is one of the best-known portable carpet cleaners. It keeps things simple: fill the tank, spray, scrub and suction. It's light, compact and usually one of the more affordable choices, which makes it a good first spot cleaner for most homes.

Check Bissell Little Green price on Amazon →

Hoover CleanSlate

The CleanSlate's main selling point is its self-cleaning hose. After you finish, you can rinse clean water through the hose so dirty water and pet hair don't sit inside it. That's handy if you're cleaning up after pets often. The version linked here also includes extra tools for pet messes.

Check Hoover CleanSlate price on Amazon →

Which should you buy?

For occasional spills and a lower price, the Bissell Little Green is a safe pick. If you have pets and use a spot cleaner every week, the Hoover CleanSlate's self-cleaning hose and pet tools are worth a look. Tank sizes and included accessories vary by model and bundle, so check the Amazon listing before you buy.