This Bissell Little Green HydroSteam review finds the steam-equipped spot cleaner edged out the Little Green Pro to win a lineup test by French Glow, a YouTube cleaning-product reviewer, which called it possibly the best spot cleaner Bissell has made.
Its three modes use steam to pre-treat sugary, oily and sticky stains, and steam alone dried upholstery in about 25 minutes in that test. Here is how it works, with Amazon prices checked October 16, 2026.
Bissell Little Green HydroSteam review: models compared
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Bissell Little Green HydroSteam 3618 | Bissell Little Green Pet Pro 3909 | Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro 2458 | Bissell Little Green 1400B | Bissell Little Green Max Pet SmartMix 38572 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Corded, steam + wash | Corded, 5.7-amp | Corded, 5.7-amp | Corded, 3-in tool | Corded, auto-mixing |
| Tank | 64 oz clean tank (listed) | 96 oz clean tank (French Glow) | Same tanks as Little Green Pro (Just A Dad) | 48 oz clean tank (listed) | See listing |
| Weight | About 13 lb (French Glow) | About 13 lb (French Glow) | 13.2 lb (listed) | 9.65 lb (French Glow) | See listing |
| Notable | SteamWash, Steam and Wash modes (listed) | 20-ft cord, 5-ft hose (French Glow) | Pet Stain Trapper tool; 22-ft cord (listed) | Classic compact model | SmartMix formula dosing; self-cleaning tool (listed) |
| Buy | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
What is new on the HydroSteam
French Glow said the Bissell Little Green HydroSteam 3618 brings changes first seen on Bissell’s Revolution HydroSteam: a frosted dirty tank that looks cleaner, a mode knob, and a larger, easier-to-grip handle with nothing in front of or behind it to bump your knuckles. The clean tank now has a flip lid instead of a screw cap, which the reviewer found faster to fill, with a click to confirm it is closed. Bissell lists a 64-ounce clean tank, a 5-inch Tough Stain Tool and a Multi-Surface Tool for tile, grout and even sneakers.
The three modes
- Steam: steam only, for refreshing upholstery and cleaning tile and grout, Bissell says.
- Wash: spray only, like a classic spot cleaner, with no heat; Bissell recommends it for enzyme-based stains like pet accidents.
- SteamWash: spray and steam together, which French Glow described as a spot cleaner with steam as a bonus.
Which mode for which stain
French Glow walked through the chart in Bissell’s manual. For beverages such as coffee, cola, fruit juice and red wine, use SteamWash or Steam. For oily messes such as cooking grease and pasta sauce, use SteamWash or Steam. For sticky messes such as chocolate syrup, honey and jelly, use SteamWash, not steam alone. For pet stains and dairy, use Wash, because you do not want to add heat to milk.
Stain test results
French Glow tested fresh orange juice, red wine and ketchup about 30 minutes after pouring, comparing the HydroSteam, Little Green Pro and classic Little Green with the same amount of solution. The reviewer used steam as a pre-treat and said the HydroSteam really shines on sugary orange juice and excels on ketchup. Red wine was the toughest because tannins bond with carpet fibers; the Little Green Pro with its deep stain tool matched the HydroSteam on wine and did best on ketchup. The classic Little Green made good work of all three stains, but with less extraction than the other two.
Drying time
On steam alone, French Glow measured drying times of about 25 minutes; Bissell lists about 30 minutes for upholstery. In SteamWash or Wash, drying times were similar to a SpotClean Pro or classic Little Green, the reviewer said.
HydroSteam vs Little Green Pro
French Glow called it a close call. For wet messes the two are basically equal, and the Bissell Little Green Pet Pro 3909 carries 32 more ounces of clean water, so you empty tanks less often. The HydroSteam uses water for steam as well as cleaning, so its tank runs down faster. Both weigh about 13 pounds, but the reviewer found the HydroSteam better balanced and easier to maneuver, and it is the only one with three modes. French Glow said a full Little Green Pro can weigh about 20 pounds.
HydroSteam vs Pro Heat and classic Little Green
Bissell’s Little Green Pro Heat warms water using motor heat, but French Glow said it does not get nearly as hot as the HydroSteam and has less suction; it is much lighter, uses less solution and dries fastest. The reviewer suggested starting with warm water in the Pro Heat. The classic Little Green, at 9.65 pounds with a 3-amp motor, 15-foot cord, 4-foot hose and 48-ounce tanks, remains an iconic, affordable pick for upholstery and small stains, French Glow said.
Care tips
- Water: French Glow uses tap water; with hard water, descale occasionally by running vinegar through the machine.
- Steam is hot: the reviewer cautioned that HydroSteam steam can burn, so keep hands clear of the nozzle.
- Choose the mode by stain using Bissell’s chart, especially Wash for pet and dairy stains.
- Rinse after use: Bissell lists a self-cleaning tool rinse on related Little Green models; see How to Use a Spot Cleaner.
The spot-cleaning basics
French Glow compared any spot cleaner to a washing machine for fabric: add water and solution, agitate with brushes to break up dried-on stains, then extract with strong suction, and repeat with clean water. Look for good brushes and a powerful motor, the reviewer said, and the HydroSteam adds heat on top.
Video: French Glow: “Bissell Little Green HydroSteam vs Little Green Pro vs Little Green Machine”. Embedded with credit; the findings are the creator’s own.
Video: French Glow: “Shark StainStriker vs Bissell Little Green Pro vs Hoover CleanSlate”. Embedded with credit; the findings are the creator’s own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bissell Little Green HydroSteam worth it?
French Glow named it the winner of Bissell’s lineup, narrowly ahead of the Little Green Pro, for its steam modes and handling.
What mode should I use for pet stains?
Wash, according to Bissell’s chart, because heat is not recommended for enzyme-based stains or dairy.
How long does the HydroSteam take to dry?
About 25 minutes on steam alone in French Glow’s test; Bissell lists about 30 minutes for upholstery.
Can I use tap water?
French Glow does, and suggests descaling with vinegar if you have hard water.
Is the HydroSteam better than the Little Green Pro?
For wet messes they are about equal, French Glow said; the Pro has a larger tank, the HydroSteam adds steam and better balance.
Sources
- Amazon product listings for the products linked above, checked October 16, 2026
- French Glow: “Bissell Little Green HydroSteam vs Little Green Pro vs Little Green Machine”
- French Glow: “Shark StainStriker vs Bissell Little Green Pro vs Hoover CleanSlate”
- Just A Dad Approved: “Bissell Little Green vs Hoover CleanSlate vs Little Green Pro vs SpotClean Pet Pro”
Related: Best Spot Cleaner | Bissell Little Green vs Hoover CleanSlate | Shark StainStriker HairPro Review | How to Use a Spot Cleaner
Notes and disclosure
Note: Prices come from Amazon listings checked on October 16, 2026. Prices change often, so check the current listing. Weights, tank sizes, cord lengths and motor ratings are the manufacturers’ listed figures unless a reviewer is credited. Reviewer stain tests reflect their own carpets, stains and methods. Always test a cleaning formula on a hidden area first and follow the care label on upholstery. Test results and tips quoted above come from the YouTube creators credited in each section; they are their findings, not hands-on claims from me.
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