As someone with two dogs, a clumsy kid, and a habit of spilling coffee on the couch, I’ve spent years battling stains on carpets, upholstery, and car seats. I decided to put the Hoover CleanSlate and Bissell Little Green head-to-head to see which portable spot cleaner truly handles real-life chaos.
My goal here is to share my experiences, break down their strengths and weaknesses, and help you pick the one that fits your home—whether you’re dealing with pet accidents, food spills, or everyday dirt.
Right off the bat, here’s a quick snapshot comparison to give you the big picture. I made this table unique by focusing on what matters most in daily use: how they feel in your hand, how fast they tackle messes, and what real owners like me notice.
| Feature | Hoover CleanSlate (Plus/Pet Models) | Bissell Little Green (Standard/Pro Models) | Winner for Me |
| Weight (Empty) | About 9-10 lbs – light enough to carry up stairs one-handed | 9-13 lbs – noticeably heavier, especially when full | Hoover |
| Clean Tank Capacity | Around 40-50 oz – good for medium jobs | 48-96 oz – handles bigger areas without constant refills | Bissell |
| Hose Length | 4.5-5 ft – flexible but shorter | 5 ft+ – reaches farther without moving the machine | Bissell |
| Power Cord Length | 15-18 ft – decent reach | 15-22 ft – better for large rooms or cars | Bissell |
| Main Tool Width | 7-inch WidePath – covers ground fast on couches or stairs | 3-4 inch – precise but slower on larger spots | Hoover |
| Included Tools | Wide path, tight spot, hose rinse – super versatile | Tough stain, crevice, self-cleaning hose – solid for pets | Hoover |
| Suction Feel | Strong and quick-drying on upholstery | Powerful but can leave things damper longer | Hoover |
| Ease of Tank Cleaning | Simple design, rinses out fast | Bigger tanks but more nooks that trap gunk | Hoover |
| Best For | Quick spot cleanups, pet stains, tight spaces | Heavier messes, larger areas, frequent big jobs | Tie |
| Price Range (Typical) | Often $120-150 | $110-170 (Pro versions higher) | Hoover (value) |
In-depth Comparison of Hoover CleanSlate And Bissell Little Green
I’ve put these two machines through their paces in my own home—coffee spills on the rug, muddy paw prints on the stairs, kid-induced juice disasters on the couch, and even car seat chaos after road trips.
What started as quick tests turned into months of real use, and now I can break down exactly how they stack up. Let’s get specific.
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
Suction is where these machines live or die, because it’s what pulls out the dirt, stains, and water after you’ve sprayed and scrubbed.
The Hoover CleanSlate surprised me with how aggressively it extracts water.
On fresh coffee or pet accidents, it often got the fabric touch-dry in an hour or less, sometimes even faster on thinner upholstery.
That wide 7-inch tool spreads the suction over a bigger area, so it feels like it’s vacuuming up more at once.
I tested it on set-in red wine from a party mishap—pretreated with oxy formula, a few passes, and most of the color lifted while leaving minimal dampness.
The Bissell Little Green, especially the Pet Pro or higher models, has a more concentrated punch thanks to its narrower 3-4 inch tool. It digs deeper into ground-in dirt, like old pet stains or tracked-in mud.
In side-by-side tests on the same carpet swatch, the Bissell pulled out slightly more embedded grime, but it left the area damper, needing 2-3 hours (or a fan) to dry fully. The Pro versions feel beefier overall, with some users noting stronger motors.
For quick, everyday spots where you want things usable fast—like couch cushions before guests arrive—Hoover takes the win. For tougher, older stains that need serious agitation, Bissell fights harder.
- Portability and Ease of Use
These are both “grab and go” machines, but one feels like a featherweight backpack, the other like carrying a full grocery bag.
At around 9-10 pounds empty, the Hoover CleanSlate is noticeably lighter. I can carry it one-handed up stairs or out to the car without thinking twice. The built-in handle is comfortable, and the compact shape slides easily under the sink. Switching tools is snap-on simple—no fumbling.
The Bissell Little Green starts at about 9 pounds for basic models but climbs to 12-13 pounds in Pro versions, especially when tanks are full. It’s still portable, but hauling it upstairs full feels more like a workout.
The longer hose (often 5 feet or more) is a huge plus—it lets me reach the back of the minivan without dragging the base inside.
If your messes are scattered around a multi-level home or you hate heavy lifting, Hoover is kinder on your back. If you’re cleaning a big sectional or entire car interior in one session, Bissell’s extra reach saves frustration.
- Tank Size and Maintenance
Tank capacity dictates how long you can clean before stopping to refill or empty.
Hoover’s tanks are smaller—typically 40-50 ounces clean, less dirty—but that makes them quicker to fill, empty, and rinse. The dirty tank has a straightforward design with no tricky lips or corners trapping gunk.
After use, I rinse everything in seconds, and the included hose rinse tool flushes buildup effortlessly. No lingering smells.
Bissell’s larger tanks (48 ounces standard, up to 96 in Pro) mean fewer interruptions on bigger jobs. That’s great for a full couch or multiple car seats. However, the dirty tank often has nooks that catch debris, requiring extra scrubbing and multiple rinses. The HydroRinse self-cleaning hose helps, but overall cleanup takes longer.
For frequent small cleanups, Hoover’s simplicity wins. For marathon sessions, Bissell’s capacity keeps momentum going.
- Tools and Versatility
Tools make or break how well these handle different messes.
Hoover shines here.
The 7-inch WidePath tool covers ground fast on stairs or cushions—half the passes needed compared to narrower heads.
The TightSpot tool gets into crevices like couch seams or car door pockets.
Pet models include antimicrobial options, and the hose rinse keeps everything fresh.
Bissell offers solid tools: the 3-inch tough stain brush for concentrated scrubbing, crevice tools for edges, and pet-specific spikes that grab hair while agitating. The self-cleaning hose is convenient, and some bundles add extras.
Hoover feels more versatile for mixed jobs—wide areas plus tight spots. Bissell excels at precision on stubborn, localized stains.
- Noise and Drying Time
Both sound like small vacuums—noticeable but not deafening for short bursts.
Hoover runs a bit quieter in my experience, and its superior water extraction leads to faster drying. Couch cushions were often ready for sitting in under an hour; carpets felt dry to the touch sooner.
Bissell is louder, especially Pro models, and leaves more moisture behind. Drying took longer, sometimes needing overnight or airflow help.
If quick turnaround matters—like cleaning before company—Hoover edges ahead.
- Cord and Hose Reach
Practical reach changes everything for real-world use.
Hoover’s cord is 15-18 feet, hose about 4.5-5 feet—decent but requires outlet switching in big rooms.
Bissell often wins with 20-22 foot cords and 5+ foot hoses, giving more freedom without repositioning.
For large spaces or cars parked farther from outlets, Bissell reduces hassle.
- Durability and Long-Term Ownership
I’ve used both for months without issues, but user patterns emerge.
Hoover feels solidly built for frequent use, with easy-clean parts reducing wear. Some report great longevity.
Bissell has a strong reputation for reliability, especially pet-focused models. Pro versions seem tougher for heavy duty.
Both hold up well with proper care—rinsing after use, using official formulas.
- Value for Money
Hoover often costs less ($120-150 range) while delivering versatile tools and quick performance—great bang for buck.
Bissell starts similar but Pro models climb higher ($150-200+), justified by larger capacity and power for demanding users.
If budget is tight and you want efficiency, Hoover stretches dollars farther.
In the end, my home leans toward the Hoover CleanSlate as the daily hero—lighter, faster-drying, and tool-smart for our constant small messes. But when a big, nasty stain appears, I appreciate what the Bissell brings to the fight.
Your choice depends on your chaos: quick and nimble or tanked-up and tenacious.
Also Read: Comparison of Bissell Little Green And Shark StainStriker.
Pros And Cons of The Hoover CleanSlate
I’ve relied on the Hoover CleanSlate for over a year now, tackling everything from fresh dog vomit to old coffee rings on my light-colored rugs. It’s become my most-reached-for tool because it feels built for real, frequent use without wearing me out.
That said, it’s not flawless—no machine is when you’re dealing with tough, set-in messes or massive areas.
What Makes the Hoover CleanSlate My Go-To Machine
- Lightweight and easy to carry: At just 9-10 pounds empty, I can grab it with one hand and run upstairs or out to the car without breaking a sweat. The handle feels secure, and the compact size means it stores neatly under my kitchen sink.
- Powerful suction that extracts water fast: This is the biggest win for me. It pulls up so much moisture that couch cushions or car seats are often touch-dry in under an hour, sometimes less on thinner fabrics. No waiting overnight for things to air out.
- Wide 7-inch WidePath tool covers areas quickly: On stairs, couch seats, or area rugs, this tool lets me finish in half the time compared to narrower brushes. Fewer passes mean less effort.
- Versatile attachments for every mess: The TightSpot tool gets into seams and crevices perfectly—like between car seats or couch cushions. Pet models add antimicrobial options, and the hose rinse tool is a game-changer for flushing out buildup after use.
- Simple, mess-free tanks and cleanup: The dual tanks separate clean and dirty water cleanly, and the dirty one has no tricky corners trapping gunk. A quick rinse under the faucet, and it’s done—no lingering smells if I stay on top of it.
- Quick-drying results on upholstery and carpets: Fresh spills like juice or mud come up almost completely, leaving fabrics ready to use sooner. Paired with Hoover’s oxy formula, it handles pet accidents without much pretreatment.
- Great value for the price: Usually around $120-150, it includes solid tools and performs like more expensive options for everyday spots.
- Quiet enough for short sessions: It’s not silent, but tolerable—I can clean while the kids nap without waking them.
Real Drawbacks I’ve Run Into
- Smaller tank capacity means more refills: With 40-50 ounces in the clean tank, big jobs like a full sectional or multiple car seats require stopping to refill and empty multiple times. Annoying if I’m in the zone.
- Shorter hose and cord limit reach: The 4.5-5 foot hose and 15-18 foot cord are fine for small areas, but I often have to switch outlets or reposition the machine in larger rooms or when detailing the back of my SUV.
- Can struggle with very deep, set-in stains: On thick carpets or old, ground-in pet messes, it lifts a lot but sometimes needs multiple sessions or heavy pretreatment. Not as aggressive as larger machines.
- Occasional reports of leaks or motor issues: I’ve been lucky, but some owners mention fluid spraying from vents during extended use or dirty water getting pulled toward the motor if tanks overfill.
- Plastic build feels sturdy but not indestructible: It’s held up well for me, but rough handling (like dropping it) could crack parts over time.
- No built-in storage for all tools: Attachments snap on the hose, but extras rattle around in storage unless I keep them in the box.
Pros And Cons of The Bissell Little Green
I borrowed a friend’s Bissell Little Green Pro for a weekend deep clean on my minivan and a heavily trafficked rug, and it impressed me with its capacity for bigger jobs.
It’s a solid workhorse, especially for pet owners with tougher stains, but the extra weight and slower drying made me appreciate my Hoover more for daily use.
Strengths That Make It Shine for Tougher Jobs
- Larger tank capacity for longer cleaning sessions: 48-96 ounces (depending on model) means I cleaned an entire sectional or full car interior without constant trips to the sink. Perfect for marathon cleans.
- Strong performance on embedded and old stains: The concentrated suction through the 3-4 inch tough stain tool digs deep into ground-in dirt, pet hair, and set-in spills. It lifted more color from old juice stains than my Hoover in side-by-side tests.
- Longer hose and cord for better reach: 5+ foot hose and up to 22-foot cord let me maneuver freely—great for reaching the back seats of my van without dragging the base around.
- Excellent pet-focused tools and formulas: The pet pro versions include spiked brushes that grab hair while scrubbing, and Bissell’s oxy solutions tackle odors effectively.
- Reliable build for heavy use: It feels substantial and durable, with many owners reporting years of service even with frequent pet messes.
- Versatile for precision cleaning: Narrow tools excel at localized spots like vomit or tracked mud, concentrating power exactly where needed.
- Good suction on deeper carpets and rugs: Pro models handle thicker piles better, pulling out more embedded grime.
- Self-cleaning hose feature prevents clogs: The HydroRinse tool flushes the hose easily, reducing maintenance hassles.
Also Read: Is Bissell Little Green HydroSteam Worth It?
Where It Falls Short in Everyday Use?
- Heavier and bulkier: 9-13 pounds empty, and much more when full—hauling it up stairs or in/out of the car feels like a chore compared to lighter options.
- Narrower tools require more passes: On larger surfaces like couches or stairs, the 3-4 inch head means slower progress and more arm fatigue.
- Leaves fabrics damper longer: Even with strong suction, it often took 2-3 hours (or a fan) for things to dry fully in my tests—frustrating if I need the couch back quickly.
- Dirty tank harder to clean thoroughly: Nooks and lips trap debris, requiring extra scrubbing and rinses to avoid smells or mold.
- Louder operation: Especially pro models—noticeable during longer sessions.
- Higher price for top models: Pro versions can hit $170-200+, which feels steep if you don’t need the extra capacity.
- Some leaking or durability complaints: Occasional mentions of water draining from the base or parts wearing out faster with heavy use.
- Takes up more storage space: Bigger footprint than more compact rivals.
Both machines have transformed how I handle spills, but the Hoover CleanSlate wins for my quick, frequent messes thanks to its speed and ease.
If your home has bigger areas or tougher, less frequent stains, the Bissell Little Green’s capacity and power might suit you better. Either way, you’ll save time and stress over manual scrubbing.
Longer cord and hose give more freedom—no constant repositioning.
How They Performed In My Home?
On my living room rug with dog paw prints: Hoover’s wide tool blitzed it in minutes.
Car seats after a muddy hike: Bissell’s longer hose reached everywhere without dragging the machine inside.
Upholstery with old juice stains: Bissell lifted more color, but Hoover finished drier.
Stairs with pet accidents: Hoover’s lightness won—I didn’t tire out.
Overall, Hoover for quick, frequent use; Bissell for deeper, occasional jobs.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your home has lots of small, frequent messes and you value speed and ease, go Hoover CleanSlate. It’s my daily driver now.
If you tackle bigger areas or tougher pet stains less often, Bissell Little Green handles volume better.
Both beat renting or manual scrubbing—investing in one transformed how I handle spills.
Also Read: Is Bissell Little Green Max Pet Worth It?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Hoover CleanSlate good for?
Spot cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors—especially quick pet messes and spills.
Does Hoover CleanSlate have good reviews?
Yes, most users praise its suction, tools, and ease of use, with high ratings for portability.
Does the Hoover CleanSlate have good suction?
Yes, it’s strong for a portable, pulling up stains and water efficiently for faster drying.
Which one is better, Bissell or Hoover?
It depends—Hoover for lightweight, quick cleans; Bissell for larger tanks and tougher stains.
Final Thoughts
You deserve a home that stays fresh despite life’s messes, and either machine helps achieve that. I’ve found peace of mind knowing I can tackle spills immediately without panic.
Whichever you choose, you’ll wonder how you managed without it. Happy cleaning—we all spill sometimes, but now we can fix it fast.