The Bissell Little Green Proheat portable carpet cleaner is a popular choice for tackling small messes and stains. Its compact size and ease of use make it a convenient option for many households. However, a common question arises: does the Little Green Proheat actually heat the water to improve cleaning performance? Let’s delve into the details and uncover the truth about its heating capabilities.
Understanding the Little Green Proheat System
The Bissell Little Green Proheat isn’t just a simple spray-and-suck machine. It incorporates several features designed to enhance its cleaning effectiveness. These features work together to lift dirt and grime from carpets and upholstery.
Key Features of the Little Green Proheat
Before examining the heating element, it’s crucial to understand the other components contributing to the Little Green Proheat’s cleaning process.
The machine uses a combination of spraying a cleaning solution and powerful suction to remove stains. The cleaning solution is mixed with water in the tank. The spray nozzle directs the solution onto the affected area, loosening dirt and grime. The suction then extracts the dirty water, leaving the surface cleaner.
The brush head is another important feature. It agitates the carpet fibers or upholstery, helping to loosen stubborn stains and dirt particles, thereby increasing the overall cleaning effectiveness.
The Role of Heat in Carpet Cleaning
Heat plays a significant role in dissolving and lifting stains. Warm or hot water can break down grease, oils, and other stubborn substances more effectively than cold water. This principle is widely used in various cleaning applications, from dishwashing to laundry.
Heated water allows cleaning solutions to penetrate deeper into carpet fibers, improving their ability to emulsify and dislodge dirt. The heat also aids in the drying process, potentially reducing the time it takes for the cleaned area to dry completely.
The Proheat Technology: Myth vs. Reality
The “Proheat” in the name suggests a heating function. However, the reality isn’t as straightforward as a built-in water heater that brings the water to a specific high temperature.
What the “Proheat” Feature Actually Does
The Bissell Little Green Proheat doesn’t have a heating element that rapidly heats cold water to a scalding temperature. Instead, it incorporates a temperature maintenance system. This system helps to maintain the temperature of warm water added to the tank.
The Proheat system is designed to keep the water at a consistent temperature throughout the cleaning process, preventing it from cooling down too quickly. It’s crucial to understand that it doesn’t heat cold water, so starting with warm water is essential to reap the benefits of the Proheat technology.
How the Temperature Maintenance System Works
The temperature maintenance system typically involves a heating element or a heat exchanger located near the water tank. This element is designed to gently warm the water as it passes through, compensating for heat loss during the cleaning process.
The system aims to keep the water within a specific temperature range, which is usually sufficient to enhance cleaning without damaging the carpet or upholstery. The specific temperature range may vary depending on the model.
Testing the Little Green Proheat’s Heating Capability
To determine the true heating capabilities, one could conduct a simple test. Fill the tank with cold water and measure the temperature. Operate the machine for a reasonable period and then measure the water temperature again. A minimal temperature increase would indicate that the Proheat feature is mainly a temperature maintenance system, not a primary heating system.
Conversely, filling the tank with warm water and repeating the process should show a slower rate of temperature decrease, confirming the Proheat feature’s ability to maintain temperature.
User Experiences and Expert Opinions
User reviews and expert opinions offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of the Proheat feature. Many users report that starting with warm water significantly improves the cleaning performance. They note that the machine maintains the water’s warmth throughout the cleaning session, contributing to better stain removal.
Experts generally agree that the Proheat system is more of a temperature maintenance feature than a true heating system. They advise users to always use warm water for optimal results. Some experts also suggest using a thermometer to ensure the water is within the recommended temperature range before starting the cleaning process.
Maximizing Cleaning Performance with the Little Green Proheat
To achieve the best cleaning results with your Bissell Little Green Proheat, follow these tips:
- Always start with warm water: This is the most important factor. The Proheat feature is designed to maintain warmth, not to create it.
- Use the recommended cleaning solution: Bissell offers a range of cleaning solutions specifically formulated for use with their machines. Using the correct solution ensures optimal cleaning performance and protects your machine.
- Pre-treat stubborn stains: For tough stains, consider pre-treating the area with a stain remover before using the Little Green Proheat. This gives the cleaning solution more time to work on the stain.
- Don’t over-saturate the area: Applying too much cleaning solution can lead to excessive moisture in the carpet or upholstery, prolonging the drying time.
- Use multiple passes: For heavily soiled areas, make several passes with the machine, allowing the suction to remove as much dirt and grime as possible.
- Properly maintain your machine: Regularly clean the tank and nozzle to prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance.
Comparing to Other Carpet Cleaners with Heating Features
Several other carpet cleaners on the market offer true heating capabilities. These machines have built-in water heaters that can heat cold water to a high temperature.
The difference lies in the heating mechanism and the temperature range achieved. True heating systems can significantly increase the water temperature, enhancing the cleaning power. However, they also tend to be larger and more expensive than the Little Green Proheat. The Bissell Little Green Proheat is often chosen for its portability and effectiveness at smaller messes.
Conclusion: Does the Little Green Proheat Heat the Water? A Recap
In conclusion, the Bissell Little Green Proheat doesn’t actively heat cold water. It’s more accurate to describe its “Proheat” feature as a temperature maintenance system. This system is designed to maintain the warmth of the water you initially put into the tank, preventing it from cooling down too quickly during the cleaning process.
To maximize the cleaning performance of your Little Green Proheat, always start with warm water and follow the recommended cleaning guidelines. While it might not offer the same heating power as some larger carpet cleaners, the Little Green Proheat remains a convenient and effective option for tackling small messes and stains. Its portability and ease of use make it a popular choice for many homes.
Does the Little Green Proheat actually heat the water it sprays?
The Bissell Little Green Proheat, despite its name, doesn’t actively heat the water to a high temperature like a traditional water heater. It uses a small, in-line heater to warm the water slightly as it passes through the machine. This means you need to fill the clean water tank with warm or hot water to begin with in order to get warm water sprayed onto the carpet or upholstery. The Proheat function then maintains this initial water temperature.
The Proheat technology primarily focuses on maintaining the temperature of the water rather than drastically increasing it. The effectiveness of the Proheat feature can be affected by factors like the ambient temperature and the length of time the machine is running. Expect the output water to be warmer than room temperature, but not scalding hot, as the primary heating relies on the pre-filled warm water.
How warm should the water be when I fill the Little Green Proheat’s tank?
When filling the clean water tank of your Little Green Proheat, it’s recommended to use warm water from your tap. Aim for a temperature that’s comfortably warm to the touch, but not so hot that it could potentially damage the machine’s components or pose a safety risk. A water temperature around 100-120°F (38-49°C) is generally considered optimal.
Using water that is too cold will hinder the effectiveness of the Proheat feature, while using water that is excessively hot could potentially warp or damage the internal plastic parts of the cleaner over time. Remember that the Proheat function is designed to maintain the temperature of the water, not significantly increase it, so starting with warm water is essential for optimal cleaning results.
What happens if I only use cold water in the Little Green Proheat?
Using only cold water in your Little Green Proheat will significantly reduce its cleaning effectiveness. While the machine will still spray water and solution, the Proheat feature will only be able to slightly raise the water temperature, resulting in less efficient stain removal, especially for grease or dirt. The warm water helps to loosen and dissolve dirt and grime more effectively.
Furthermore, using cold water can potentially lead to less effective drying times after cleaning. Warm water evaporates faster than cold water, so using cold water will extend the drying process, potentially increasing the risk of mold or mildew growth in carpets and upholstery. For best results, always start with warm water to maximize the benefits of the Proheat function.
How do I know if the Proheat feature is working correctly on my Little Green?
A simple way to check if the Proheat feature is working on your Little Green is to feel the water coming out of the nozzle after the machine has been running for a few minutes. If the Proheat function is operating properly, the water should feel noticeably warmer than the water you initially filled the tank with.
Another indicator is to listen closely to the machine while it’s running. You should be able to hear a faint humming or buzzing sound associated with the Proheat element. If you don’t notice any difference in water temperature or hear the distinct Proheat sound, it’s possible that the feature is malfunctioning and may require repair.
Can the Little Green Proheat boil the water in its tank?
No, the Little Green Proheat is not designed to boil the water in its tank. The Proheat feature uses a low-wattage, in-line heater to maintain the water temperature within a safe and effective range for cleaning. The heating element is specifically calibrated to avoid overheating the water.
Attempting to bypass the safety mechanisms or modify the machine to boil water would be dangerous and could potentially damage the appliance, cause personal injury, or create a fire hazard. The Proheat system prioritizes safety and gentle warming, not high-temperature sterilization.
How does the Little Green Proheat compare to other carpet cleaners with heating features?
The Little Green Proheat offers a targeted spot cleaning approach with a heat-maintenance feature, while other carpet cleaners with heating may provide more comprehensive, whole-room cleaning with more powerful heating elements. Full-sized carpet cleaners with heating capabilities generally incorporate larger heating elements and wider cleaning paths, designed for larger areas.
The Little Green Proheat is designed for portable spot cleaning, and its Proheat feature is best suited for maintaining a comfortable water temperature for tackling smaller stains and messes. In contrast, some larger machines heat the water to a higher temperature or even use steam cleaning technology for deep cleaning larger areas, requiring more power and a different design.
Is the Proheat feature essential for the Little Green’s cleaning performance?
While the Little Green can still function without the Proheat feature operating, the warm water significantly enhances its cleaning performance. The warm water aids in loosening and dissolving stains more effectively, especially oily or greasy residues. It also helps the cleaning solution penetrate deeper into the carpet fibers or upholstery.
The Proheat function isn’t essential in the sense that the machine won’t work without it, but it is highly recommended for achieving optimal cleaning results. Without the added warmth, stain removal might require more passes, more cleaning solution, and more effort to achieve the same level of cleanliness. Using warm water and the Proheat together will deliver the best possible cleaning power.