Although the designs of different iterations of Bissell’s Little Green Machine differ slightly, their fundamental operating procedures are the same for all of them. Each Little Green ProHeat device features one tank for fresh water and cleaning solution and another that collects dirty water retrieved after cleaning carpets or water-cleanable upholstery.
It’s simple to operate your portable SpotClean Proheat machine. Fill the clean water tank with water first, and we’ll show you how to do it.
Some models also include a variety of cleaning implements that can be attached to the hose’s end, making it simpler to target messes in particular trouble spots like stairways.
Bissell Little Green Machine Assembly

While the main unit of any Little Green Machine comes preassembled, you may have to attach the hose clip and cord-wrap pieces onto the base unit before using the device for the first time. The hose clip fits into the slot on the bottom front of the Little Green Machine. This part snaps into place on designs like the 5207 series.
Some models, such as the 1425 series, also have a hose storage bracket that attaches on the back of the base unit. To attach this piece, line up the screw holes on the bracket with the holes on the device. With a Phillips-head screwdriver, tighten the included screw after inserting it.
This part installs without screws on the 5207 series. Select models also have a separate tool clip that snaps into place either on the hose-storage bracket or on the Little Green Machine base unit.
How to Use the Bissell Little Green
Deep cleaning is occasionally required, even by people who regularly vacuum their carpets and take good care of their upholstery. Particularly in high-traffic areas, dirt and soil can accumulate. Utilizing hot water extraction, the Bissell Little Green ProHeat cleaner thoroughly cleans both carpets and upholstery. In this cleaning technique, the carpet is treated with pressurized hot water and carpet cleaner while the dirty water and cleaner are simultaneously suctioned back into the machine.
Preparing the Bissell Little Green ProHeat Machine for Use
Step 1
Once the Bissell Little Green ProHeat Machine’s clean/solution tank is out of the way, unscrew the black cap on top. Fill to the “Formula” line with 2X Little Green Formula.
Step 2
Add hot, but not boiling, tap water to the tank until the liquid reaches the line labeled “Water.” Slide the tank back into the machine’s base after replacing the cap, tightening it by turning it clockwise.
Step 3
Put your preferred cleaning tool on the spray trigger at the end of the hose after removing it from the onboard storage. When the tool is securely connected to the vacuum hose, press the spray trigger firmly; the button trigger will snap into place.
Step 4
Unwrap the power cord and plug it into a grounded power outlet before moving the power switch to the “On” position. Press the water heater switch to “On” and wait for the light to come on — approximately 30 seconds — indicating that the water has reached the correct temperature.
Step 5
Press the spray trigger for approximately five to 10 seconds to allow the heated water to move through the system. Prior to releasing the trigger, hold it until the spray starts.
Getting Ready to Clean
All Bissell Little Green Machine devices are designed to use a combination of water and cleaning solution Little Green. Fill the water/solution tank with hot tap water until the marked water line after removing the water/solution tank from the base unit. When in doubt, always look for the tank with the water and formula lines to identify it as the clean-water tank. Fill the tank the rest of the way or to the indicated formula line with Little Green formula.
On some models, such as the 1725 series, the formula goes in first. The water line is close to the top of the tank on these models, while the formula line is closest to the bottom. After filling the tank, in either case, snap the lid or cap back in position before clicking the tank back onto the base unit.

Pretreating Tough Stains
Enhance the effectiveness of your Little Green Machine by pretreating stains and dried spills once you’ve filled the tank with cleaning solution and water. If you haven’t already, unroll the Little Green Machine’s cord and hose, plug it in, and turn it on. Attach the desired spot-cleaning tool to the end of the flex hose. The spot will be sprayed with the cleaning solution by holding the tool a few inches above it and pulling the hose trigger. Take a five-minute break before moving on.
Cleaning Spots and Stains
Select the best cleaning tool for the job, such as the triangle-shaped tool for corners of carpeted stairs. To clean an area, press the tool firmly over it while it is connected to the flexible hose. In order to release some cleaning solution, pull the cleaning tool toward you while pressing the hose’s trigger. After releasing the trigger, pull the tool away from you. For areas that are very dirty, repeat.
To help remove dirt and debris when using a cleaning tool with a brush, brush the area without pulling the trigger. Repeat the process as often as required, bringing the tool toward you to remove moisture from the area you are cleaning. Feel free to clean the space again if it still appears dirty.
Post Cleaning Machine Care
Once you’ve finished cleaning, unplug the Little Green Machine’s cord, turn off the power, and then empty the dirty water tank into a sink. If you’re cleaning a large area, you may need to empty the tank while cleaning once it’s completely full. Rinse the tank out and reattach it to the base unit afterward. Wrap the cord around the cord holder, remove the cleaning tool from the flex hose and wrap the hose back onto its holder on the Little Green Machine.
Use warm tap water in a sink to rinse the cleaning supplies as needed.