This Top-Rated Portable Cleaner Is a Must Have For Spill-Prone Homes (Like Mine)

Arguably my biggest guilty pleasure of the moment is scrolling through Amazon's bestsellers page and monitoring (read: often buying) all of the products that are trending on any given day. Naturally, my binge-scrolling has introduced me to a number of incredible products, from portable fans that proved to be a lifesaver during the summer months to cool indoor hydroponic gardens that have seriously elevated my cooking game and, most recently, the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner ($110, originally $124). If you spend any amount of time on Amazon, it's likely you've seen this bestselling cleaner bubble up on your own recommended results — and for good reason.

With more than 47,000 five-star reviews on Amazon's site, the portable cleaner is consistently a top seller for the online retailer, with shoppers raving about everything from its practical and compact nature to the effectiveness of the tool — which is designed to tackle upholstery stains and dirt at the source — along with its easy assembly and generally feasible price tag.

Curious to see how the cleaner lived up to its "bestseller" title, I purchased the product for myself — and can honestly say it's elevated my home living situation for the better (and even sharpened the look of my vintage rugs in the process). Ahead, I break down the full product details about this cleaner, including how to use it, who it's best for, and whether or not the cleaner is worth the splurge.

As someone who lives in a smaller apartment space that requires me to clean it once (if not a few times) every week, I appreciate the portable and easy-to-use nature of this cleaner. The product is easy to assemble, as it comes mostly put together and simply requires that you join the actual cleaner with attachments like the flex hose storage bracket. Within a few minutes, you're ready to begin putting the cleaner to work.

Per directions from the brand, it's recommended that you start by vacuuming your carpet, rug, or desired surface before using the cleaner, that way you'll remove all the loose dirt in the area. After I finish vacuuming my space, I fill the product's clean water tank with the Bissell spot and stain pre-treatment formula (which is included in purchase) all the way up to the "formula" line on the tank, then fill the rest of it up with warm tap water. From there, I slide the water tank back into the machine and select my preferred cleaning tool. Each Bissell cleaner comes with a variety of tools that boast different sizes, shapes, and uses. For example, the pet stain tool is ideal for targeting pet stains in particular, whereas the three-inch and four-inch tools are better for more day-to-day messes on carpets or in hard-to-reach places.

I personally get the most use out of the three-inch and four-inch tools, so I opt for those in most instances. They're easy to attach — I simply release the flex hose, plug the product's cord into an outlet, snap the tool onto the end of the hose, then switch the power button to "on." I then hover the tool about one inch above the spot or stain I'm looking to remove, then press down on the cleaner's spray trigger. From there, the cleaner will begin doing its magic, and I'll gently scrub the stain with the spray trigger, moving in a back and forth motion until I'm sure the entire area is well-coated. Within a few minutes, I'm able to see the results firsthand and notice my upholstery — particularly my vintage rugs and bath mats, which have a tendency to look pretty discolored and worn down over time — look visibly more vibrant and refreshed.

The aftercare is also incredibly easy — I simply unplug the cleaner, empty and rinse the water tank, and let the tank air dry. The cleaner is compact enough to fit within the linen closet in my bathroom, so it's easy to conceal when I'm not using it and also transport with ease when I am prepared to use it again.

I haven't had my Bissell portable cleaner for too long yet, so it's difficult to rate how the model holds up after several months of use (though I reckon I'll eventually update this review with more details on it in the future). However, I have combed through reviews from other shoppers who have had the cleaner for longer, and while there are relatively few complaints when it comes to this model, some have expressed disappointment with regard to its durability and build. One shopper wrote on Amazon in their review: "Unfortunately, this scrubber is cheaply made. The bristles are already worn out on the attachment it came with and the spot where the hose has to connect within the water/solution container is very brittle." Another reviewer noted that while they "like this deep cleaner," they were less enthused with the product's design, saying: "It has a major design flaw in my opinion which is that the tool cap doesn't come off so you can't adequately or completely clean it."

The majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, though, and my experience so far can speak to that. However, as with most things, it's important to do your research prior to purchasing this cleaner to ensure it's the best choice for you and your household. And if you're in the market for something that can work in your home for the longterm without fear of its quality deteriorating too quickly, it's worth taking these criticisms into account.

This bestselling cleaner is great for all types of households and messes — but especially homes with kids or pets where dirt and spills are abundant. Unlike most traditional cleaners, this model is incredibly compact and easy to transport, making it ideal for families who constantly find themselves cleaning all corners of their household. It also holds a decent amount of water within its 48-ounce tank, so you can use the tool multiple times without having to empty out the dirtied water after each instance.

This portable Bissell cleaner is available to shop at Amazon, Walmart ($89, originally $123), and Bissell ($110, originally $124).

Rating:

★★★★☆