How to Clean Bissell Little Green After Use

Your Bissell Little Green just saved your carpet from that red wine disaster, but now it’s sitting there full of dirty water and solution residue. Skip the cleanup, and within days you’ll face clogged nozzles, foul odors, and reduced suction power when you need it most. The truth is, a proper post-use cleaning takes just 10-15 minutes and prevents these headaches entirely—making your next cleaning session actually work instead of fighting a machine that won’t spray or smells like mildew.

This guide delivers the exact steps to clean every component after each use, ensuring your Little Green stays fresh and powerful for years of reliable spot-cleaning service. Forget generic advice—this is the specific maintenance routine Bissell technicians recommend to prevent the most common failure points in these compact machines.

Empty Tanks and Remove Components Immediately After Use

Power Down and Empty Dirty Water Tank Properly

Unplug your Little Green from the wall before touching anything—safety comes first. Locate the dirty water tank at the back of your machine (it’s the larger tank with the handle), press the release button firmly, and lift straight up. Carry it to your toilet or utility sink and pour out the contents through the spout. Critical step: Rinse the tank twice with warm water while gently swirling to dislodge debris clinging to the sides and bottom. Skipping this initial rinse allows particles to harden, making them impossible to remove later.

Clean Water Tank Removal and Initial Rinse

The front tank holds your cleaning solution—lift it straight up without pressing any buttons. If the solution is still clean, pour it back into its original bottle; otherwise, discard it down the drain. Focus on the dispensing valve at the bottom where clogs love to form—run warm water through it for 15 seconds while holding the tank upside down. This simple step prevents the mineral deposits that cause most “no solution coming out” problems users report.

Detach Hose and Cleaning Tool Without Damage

Press the hose release button where it connects to the base unit and pull straight out—never twist, as this can damage internal seals. Remove your stain tool or deep reach tool by pressing its release button and pulling directly away from the hose end. Check for hair or fibers wrapped around the brush edges immediately, as dried debris makes removal much harder later. If you wait to do this step, dried solution will glue debris in place, requiring much more intensive cleaning.

Deep Clean Every Component to Prevent Performance Issues

Scrub Both Tanks Thoroughly With Proper Technique

Fill each tank with warm water (not hot, which can warp plastic) and add two drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft bottle brush—not a scouring pad—to scrub every corner, especially around the dirty water tank’s filter screen. This mesh screen pops out with gentle pressure; run water through it until completely clear. For stubborn film buildup (common with pet stain formulas), let soapy water sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse until no soap bubbles remain—residual soap attracts more dirt during your next use.

Flush Hose and Tools to Eliminate Hidden Clogs

Hold the hose over your sink and run warm water through for 30 seconds while squeezing sections to dislodge trapped debris. For deeper cleaning, submerge the entire hose in warm soapy water and gently shake it—this removes buildup in bends where water sits. Pull the spray trigger to flush soapy water through, then rinse with clean water. Clean your tool by using a toothpick to clear spray nozzle openings; these tiny holes clog easily with dried solution. Pro tip: Store tools with nozzles facing up to prevent dried solution from blocking the exit points.

Wipe Machine Base to Prevent Corrosion and Odors

Use a damp microfiber cloth (not paper towels, which leave fibers) to clean the entire exterior, focusing on the tank seating areas where residue accumulates. Clean around hose connections with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar solution to dissolve mineral deposits. Check the brush area for wrapped hair or debris—use scissors to cut through stubborn strands rather than pulling, which can damage bristles. Dry everything with a clean towel before moving to the drying stage.

Dry and Reassemble Correctly to Avoid Mold Growth

Air Dry All Parts Using the Right Method

Shake excess water from tanks and place them upside-down on a towel with the lids off—this allows air circulation in every corner. Drape the hose over a shower rod or similar elevated surface so water drains completely from both ends. Position tools to air dry with nozzles facing down. Critical: Wait 24 hours for complete drying before reassembly—this prevents mold and mildew growth inside your machine. Rushing this step is the #1 cause of persistent odors users report.

Quick Reassembly That Ensures Proper Function

Once dry, slide the clean water tank into its front slot first—this prevents accidental spills during assembly. The dirty water tank clicks into place at the back; press down firmly until you hear the secure click. Push the hose firmly into its port until it clicks—test by gently tugging to ensure connection. Attach your preferred tool until it locks with an audible snap. Wrap the cord around the side hooks without kinking to prevent wire damage over time.

Prevent Future Problems With Smart Maintenance Habits

Monthly Deep Maintenance That Extends Machine Life

Once per month, run a mixture of one part white vinegar to four parts warm water through the system (with empty tanks) to dissolve mineral deposits that reduce suction. Check spray nozzles monthly—use a paperclip (not a pin, which can enlarge holes) to clear clogs gently. Replace the dirty water filter every 3-6 months depending on usage; a clogged filter causes 80% of suction problems technicians see.

Smart Storage Tips That Protect Your Investment

Always store with both tanks completely empty and dry—never leave solution sitting for days. Keep tanks and hose disconnected during storage for maximum air circulation behind components. Store upright to prevent moisture from settling in the base unit. Avoid basements or garages with extreme temperature swings; ideal storage is between 40-85°F. Warning: Storing with residual moisture creates the perfect environment for mold that damages internal components.

Fix Common Issues Fast Before They Worsen

Reduced suction? Check the dirty water filter for clogs and ensure the tank lid seals properly—most suction loss comes from improper tank seating. Persistent odors? Run warm water mixed with one teaspoon baking soda through the system, then let it sit for 30 minutes before emptying. Clogged nozzles? Use a paperclip at a shallow angle to avoid damaging the nozzle. Hose kinks? Run hot (not boiling) water through for several minutes, then gently straighten—never force kinks out when the hose is cold.

Safety First: Critical Cleaning Precautions Most Users Ignore

Never immerse the machine base in water—wipe only with damp cloths to prevent electrical damage. Ensure all components are bone-dry before reassembly to prevent electrical hazards that could void your warranty. Keep cleaning solutions away from children and pets during cleanup—Bissell formulas contain chemicals that can cause irritation. Skip harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners—they damage plastic components permanently and create micro-fractures that lead to leaks.

Your Bissell Little Green will reward this 10-minute investment with years of reliable, odor-free performance. Make this cleaning routine automatic after every use, and you’ll never face the frustration of a machine that won’t spray, stinks, or loses suction when you need it most. Remember: the difference between a Little Green that lasts 5+ years versus one that fails in 12 months comes down to what you do in these critical minutes after cleaning up the mess.