Hoover CleanSlate Portable Spot Cleaner vs Bissell Little Green HydroSteam

Both are small, corded spot cleaners for stains on carpet and upholstery. The Hoover CleanSlate is the better pick for whole-home spot duty: a 15-foot cord, a 54-inch hose, a hose rinse tool and a removable bristle make cleanup and reach easier. The Bissell Little Green HydroSteam is the better pick for pet messes and set-in oily stains, with three cleaning modes, a dual tank and a larger dirty-water tank. Owners of both say they work but need elbow grease; Bissell reviewers note suction could be stronger and the tank is hard to clean, while Hoover's larger rating base is solid but not glowing.

• Choose the Hoover CleanSlate if you want longer reach around the house, a rinse tool for easier cleanup, and a two-year warranty.
• Choose the Bissell Little Green HydroSteam if pet stains, odors and set-in oily messes are your main problem and you want multiple cleaning modes.