I’m no stranger to spills, pet accidents, and stubborn stains—my house is a lively mess with kids and a dog. When it came to picking a portable spot cleaner, I narrowed it down to the Bissell Little Green and the Shark StainStriker.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with both, breaking down their features, performance, and quirks using a semantic SEO approach to cover what you need to know.
From pros and cons to a head-to-head comparison, I’ve got you covered to help you choose the right cleaner for your home.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Bissell Little Green | Shark StainStriker |
| Price (Approx.) | $124.99 | $139.99 |
| Weight | 9.65 lbs | 8.66 lbs |
| Tank Capacity | 48 oz (clean), 48 oz (dirty) | 22 oz (clean), 26 oz (dirty) |
| Cord Length | 15 ft | 15 ft |
| Hose Length | 4 ft | 5 ft |
| Suction Power | Strong, consistent | Very strong, slightly better |
| Attachments | 3-inch stain tool, hydro-rinse tool | 3.5-inch stain brush, pet tool, crevice tool |
| Solution Included | 8 oz Bissell Spot & Stain | 16 oz Shark Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Best For | General stains, larger areas | Pet messes, tough stains |
My Journey With Spot Cleaners
Living in a house with a rambunctious golden retriever and two kids under 10, I’ve seen my fair share of carpet catastrophes. Coffee spills, muddy paw prints, and the occasional juice explosion are par for the course. I needed a spot cleaner that could keep up without breaking the bank or my back.
After researching, I zeroed in on the Bissell Little Green and the Shark StainStriker—two compact machines with big promises. I’ve used both extensively, and I’m here to share what worked, what didn’t, and which one might be your cleaning soulmate.
Key Features of The Bissell Little Green
The Bissell Little Green is a household name for a reason. It’s been around forever, and its reputation for reliability precedes it. Here’s what stood out when I used it:
- Portability and Design
Weighing in at 9.65 pounds, the Little Green isn’t featherlight, but it’s manageable.
Its compact, boxy design with a built-in handle makes it easy to carry up stairs or to the car for upholstery cleaning.
The green-and-white color scheme is iconic, though it’s not winning any style awards.
Functionally, it’s straightforward, with a 48-ounce clean water tank and a separate 48-ounce dirty water tank, which means fewer trips to the sink during big jobs.
- Suction and Cleaning Power
The suction on this machine is impressive for its size. It tackles wet messes like spilled milk or pet accidents with ease, pulling up liquid and leaving carpets noticeably drier.
I used it on a red wine spill on my beige carpet, and after a few passes with the 3-inch stain tool, the stain was barely visible. The key is Bissell’s cleaning solution, which works well on organic stains like food or pet messes.
- Attachments and Accessories
The Little Green comes with a 3-inch tough stain tool, which is great for small, concentrated messes, and a hydro-rinse tool for cleaning the hose itself—a genius feature that prevents gunk buildup.
The 4-foot hose is flexible but feels a bit short when you’re stretching to reach under furniture. The 15-foot cord, though, gives you decent range without constant unplugging.
- Ease of Use
Setting up the Little Green is a breeze. Fill the clean water tank, add the provided Bissell solution, and you’re ready to go. The controls are simple—just a trigger on the tool to spray solution and a switch to turn it on.
Cleaning it afterward is straightforward, thanks to the removable tanks and rinse tool, though you’ll need to rinse thoroughly to avoid moldy smells.
Pros of the Bissell Little Green
- Large Tank Capacity: The 48-ounce tanks mean you can clean longer without stopping to refill or empty.
- Reliable Suction: It pulls up liquid and dirt effectively, leaving surfaces cleaner and drier.
- Affordable: At around $124.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for most households.
- Hydro-Rinse Tool: Keeps the machine clean and prevents clogs, which is a lifesaver for frequent users.
- Trusted Brand: Bissell’s reputation for quality gives peace of mind.
Cons of the Bissell Little Green
- Short Hose: The 4-foot hose can feel limiting when tackling larger areas or hard-to-reach spots.
- Basic Attachments: Only one cleaning tool is included, which might not suffice for diverse messes.
- Weight: At nearly 10 pounds, it’s not the lightest option, especially for extended use.
- Noisy: It’s louder than expected, which can be disruptive in a quiet house.
- One-Year Warranty: Feels a bit stingy compared to competitors offering longer coverage.
Key Features of The Shark StainStriker
The Shark StainStriker is a newer player in the spot-cleaning game, but it’s making waves with its aggressive marketing and pet-focused design. Here’s what I noticed when I put it to the test:
- Portability and Design
At 8.66 pounds, the StainStriker is slightly lighter than the Little Green, which I appreciated during long cleaning sessions.
Its sleek, modern design with a gray-and-orange color palette looks sharper, and the ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry.
The tanks are smaller—22 ounces for clean water and 26 ounces for dirty—but they’re easy to pop off and refill.
- Suction and Cleaning Power
Shark claims the StainStriker has “20% more suction” than competitors, and I believe it. It’s a beast on tough stains like pet urine or ground-in dirt. I tested it on a dried coffee stain on my couch, and it lifted it in two passes with minimal scrubbing.
The included Shark Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator solution is potent, especially for pet-related odors, leaving a fresh scent behind.
- Attachments and Accessories
The StainStriker comes loaded with tools: a 3.5-inch stain brush, a pet tool for hair and messes, and a crevice tool for tight spaces. The 5-foot hose is a game-changer, offering more reach than the Little Green.
The 15-foot cord matches the Bissell, so no complaints there. These extras make it versatile for everything from carpets to car interiors.
- Ease of Use
The StainStriker is intuitive, with a trigger for spraying and a simple on/off switch. The smaller tanks mean more frequent refills, but they’re quick to handle.
Cleaning the machine is a bit messier than the Little Green since there’s no hydro-rinse tool, so you’ll need to flush the hose manually. Still, it’s not a dealbreaker.
Pros of The Shark StainStriker
- Powerful Suction: Noticeably stronger, making it ideal for tough, set-in stains.
- Versatile Attachments: Three tools cover a wide range of cleaning tasks.
- Longer Hose: The 5-foot hose gives better reach for awkward spots.
- Pet-Focused Design: The pet tool and solution excel at handling animal messes.
- Two-Year Warranty: Offers more confidence than the Bissell’s one-year coverage.
Cons of the Shark StainStriker
- Smaller Tanks: The 22-ounce clean tank requires frequent refills for larger jobs.
- No Hydro-Rinse Tool: Cleaning the machine is less convenient than the Bissell.
- Slightly Pricier: At $139.99, it’s a bit more expensive than the Little Green.
- Solution Cost: Shark’s proprietary solution is effective but pricier to replace.
- Less Proven Brand: Shark is newer to spot cleaners, so long-term reliability is untested.
Also Read: Differences Between Bissell SpinWave Expert And SpinWave Pet.
Performance of Bissell Little Green And Shark StainStriker On Common Stains
To give you a real sense of how these machines stack up, I tested them on three common household stains: red wine on carpet, pet urine on upholstery, and mud on a car seat. Here’s how they performed:
- Red Wine on Carpet
The Bissell Little Green handled this like a champ. After diluting the stain with water and applying the Bissell solution, three passes with the 3-inch tool removed 90% of the stain. The suction left the carpet damp but not soaked.
The Shark StainStriker was slightly faster, needing only two passes, and the carpet dried quicker thanks to its stronger suction. Shark took the edge here, but both did well.
- Pet Urine on Upholstery
My dog’s occasional accidents are why I bought these machines. The Shark’s pet tool and odor-eliminating solution were standout performers, neutralizing the smell and lifting the stain in two passes.
The Bissell required more scrubbing and a third pass to match the results, though it still got the job done. Shark’s pet focus gives it a clear win for animal messes.
- Mud on Car Seat
Mud is tricky because it’s gritty and can smear. The Bissell’s suction pulled up the bulk of the mud, but the 3-inch tool struggled with the texture, requiring extra effort.
The Shark’s crevice tool was a lifesaver, getting into the seat’s seams, and its suction cleared the mess faster. Shark won this round, too, thanks to its versatile tools.
Which Cleaner Fits Your Needs?
Let’s break this down analytically. Your choice depends on your priorities—budget, stain type, or ease of use.
The Bissell Little Green is the better all-rounder for general household cleaning.
Its larger tanks and lower price make it ideal for bigger jobs or budget-conscious buyers.
It’s a workhorse for everyday spills like food, drinks, or light pet messes.
However, its shorter hose and limited tools can frustrate when tackling tricky spots or specialized messes.
The Shark StainStriker, on the other hand, is a powerhouse for pet owners or those dealing with tough, set-in stains. Its superior suction and pet-specific tools make it a go-to for animal-related messes or heavy-duty cleaning.
The smaller tanks are a drawback for large areas, and the higher price might sting, but the extra warranty and versatility justify the cost for some.
From a semantic SEO perspective, both machines target similar user intents: portable carpet cleaners, pet stain removers, and upholstery cleaners.
The Bissell leans into its legacy, appealing to users searching for “reliable spot cleaner” or “budget-friendly carpet cleaner.” The Shark, with its pet-focused marketing, captures searches like “best pet stain cleaner” or “powerful spot cleaner for dog messes.”
Understanding these intents helped me evaluate how each machine meets specific needs, ensuring this comparison aligns with what you’re likely searching for.
Maintenance And Long-Term Use
Maintaining these machines is critical for longevity. The Bissell’s hydro-rinse tool makes post-cleanup a breeze. I flush the hose after every use, and the tanks are easy to empty and rinse.
Without this tool, the Shark requires more manual effort—running clean water through the hose and scrubbing the tools. It’s not hard, but it’s less convenient. Both machines need regular cleaning to prevent mold or odors, especially if you’re dealing with pet messes.
In terms of durability, the Bissell feels sturdier, with a proven track record. I’ve had mine for over a year, and it’s held up through dozens of uses. The Shark, while well-built, is newer, so its long-term reliability is less certain.
The two-year warranty gives some reassurance, but only time will tell.
Also Read: Is BISSELL TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet Cleaner Worth It?
Cost Considerations
Price is a big factor.
The Bissell Little Green retails around $124.99, while the Shark StainStriker is about $139.99.
The $15 difference isn’t huge, but it could sway budget shoppers. Replacement solutions are another cost to consider.
Bissell’s 8-ounce Spot & Stain formula is affordable and widely available, while Shark’s 16-ounce Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator is pricier and harder to find.
If you clean frequently, these costs add up, so factor them into your decision.
User Experience and Practicality
Using these machines feels different in practice. The Bissell is straightforward but basic—perfect if you want a no-fuss cleaner. Its larger tanks mean less downtime, which I appreciated when cleaning an entire rug.
The Shark, with its extra tools and longer hose, feels more versatile but demands more attention due to the smaller tanks. I found myself refilling the Shark twice as often during big jobs, which was annoying.
Noise is another consideration. The Bissell is loud—think vacuum cleaner on steroids. The Shark is marginally quieter, but not by much. If you’re cleaning while kids or pets are sleeping, both might wake them up.
Comfort-wise, the Shark’s lighter weight and ergonomic design make it easier to maneuver, especially for extended sessions.
Which One Should You Choose?
After months of using both, I lean toward the Bissell Little Green for most households. Its larger tanks, lower price, and reliability make it a solid choice for everyday messes. If you’re on a budget or need a cleaner for general spills, it’s hard to beat.
But if you have pets or frequently deal with tough stains, the Shark StainStriker’s superior suction and pet-specific tools make it worth the extra cost. Its versatility shines for specialized cleaning tasks.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your home’s needs. Got a zoo of pets? Go with the Shark. Need a reliable, budget-friendly workhorse?
The Bissell’s your pick. Either way, both machines deliver on their promise to tackle stains, so you can’t go too wrong.
Also Read: Comparison of Eureka And Bissell Vacuums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your needs. The Shark StainStriker excels for pet messes and tough stains due to its strong suction and versatile tools. The Bissell Little Green is better for general cleaning and larger areas with its bigger tanks and lower price.
Yes, if you need a powerful cleaner for pet stains or set-in messes. Its suction and tools are top-notch, but the smaller tanks and higher price might not justify it for casual users.
Bissell is better for budget-conscious users and general cleaning, while Shark is superior for pet owners and heavy-duty stains. Consider your primary use case to decide.
The Shark StainStriker has slightly better suction, making it more effective for tough, ground-in stains and faster drying times.
Conclusion: Your Stain-Fighting Sidekick Awaits
You’re probably staring at a stain right now, wondering which of these machines will save your carpet or couch. I’ve been there, and after testing the Bissell Little Green and Shark StainStriker, I can say both are worthy contenders.
The Bissell’s affordability and large tanks make it a practical choice for everyday messes, while the Shark’s raw power and pet-focused features tackle tougher challenges. Think about what you need most—budget, versatility, or raw cleaning power—and pick the one that fits your life.
You’ll be glad to have a trusty sidekick for life’s inevitable spills.