The catch
Shark StainStriker Portable
Keeping the dual-formula routine going means stocking two compatible products.
Side by side
Shark StainStriker PX201 vs Little Green Max Pet Compared: Max automates dosing and simplifies tool rinsing, whereas Shark uses two formulas
Quick verdict
When Shark's two-part formula system fits the soil, the PX201 is right for stubborn spots. For routine pet cleanup, the Little Green Max is easier, since SmartMix takes care of dosing and its self-cleaning tool cuts the rinse step short.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The catch
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
A large sectional is too much for the 32-ounce tanks, which suit spot work.
Shark StainStriker Portable
- Why pick it
- Odor and stubborn-spot formulas take priority
- The three narrow tools suit your surfaces
- The catch
- Keeping the dual-formula routine going means stocking two compatible products.
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Why pick it
- Spots pop up often
- You want the formula dosed for you
- The catch
- A large sectional is too much for the 32-ounce tanks, which suit spot work.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
These two portable cleaners deliver formula in different ways.
This one comes down to formula delivery and hose rinse first, then to the limits of your own setup.
Day to day
How each one fits your routine
Rinsing with plain water needs different setup
Little Green Max SmartMix has a Rinse Mode that is separate from its automatically mixed cleaning pass. On the PX201, the manufacturer's guide says a water-only rinse means water in the main tank and the OXY reservoir emptied or removed as directed. If you often alternate between cleaning and water rinses that the fabric allows, choose Max. If Shark's two-part system suits your spots and you can live with the extra prep, choose Shark.
Where this comes from
Whether to rinse depends on the surface and the formula directions. Neither process gives you a reason to soak the fabric, and a water-only pass should not be described as disinfecting or as lifting every trace of residue.
Two reservoirs will not necessarily run low at the same time
The PX201 holds its two cleaning liquids apart until they are activated, and its guide says they can be used up at different rates. Max SmartMix also keeps formula and water separate, but it meters the ratio for you. Even for a short sofa job, look at both reservoirs before you begin instead of trusting the one fill level you can see. Pick the mixing routine you like better, and do not treat either system as a promise of a set cleaning area.
Where this comes from
This is a pre-start check that follows from having separate supplies. A tank with water in it does not show the formula supply is still enough, and rated capacities do not tell you how many stains you can handle.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I do not want to measure out formula every time
Shark StainStriker Portable lists “Two-part activation” for formula delivery, while BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix lists “Automatic SmartMix”. For formula delivery, this changes how much cleaning, filling and emptying you handle yourself as an owner.
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Good
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Better fit
The job includes carpeted stairs
Shark StainStriker Portable lists “Hose-rinse procedure and attachment documented, verify included bundle” for hose rinse, while BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix lists “Self-cleaning tool”. For hose rinse, this changes how much cleaning, filling and emptying you handle yourself as an owner.
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Better fit
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Good
Oily residue such as grease or makeup comes up often
On compatible fibers, pretreatment can be supported by its heat or steam-assisted mode.
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Better fit
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Depends
I want a hose-rinse routine that is easier
Residue is flushed from the hose and cleaning path by its included tool or cycle.
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Depends
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Better fit
I am concerned about carrying weight
Full-size and commercial-style machines have a higher empty weight than its published weight.
- Shark StainStriker Portable
- Good
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Better fit
Option A
Shark, PX201
StainStriker Portable
Two formulas get activated at the hand tool of this compact portable, aimed at spots and odors.
- Best for
- Odor and stubborn-spot formulas take priority
Facts we checked
- Formula delivery: Two-part activation
- Hose rinse: Hose-rinse procedure and attachment documented, verify included bundle
- Primary use: Stains and odors
- A water-only rinse is described in the PX201's guide, once its two reservoirs are prepared appropriately.
Option B
BISSELL, 38572
Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
Formula is metered automatically on this light portable, which also comes with a self-cleaning stain tool.
- Best for
- Spots pop up often
Facts we checked
- Formula delivery: Automatic SmartMix
- Hose rinse: Self-cleaning tool
- Primary use: Routine pet spots
- A water-only Rinse Mode is provided by the Max SmartMix.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Shark StainStriker Portable | BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula delivery | Two-part activation | Automatic SmartMix | For formula delivery, this changes how much cleaning, filling and emptying you handle yourself as an owner. |
| Hose rinse | Hose-rinse procedure and attachment documented, verify included bundle | Self-cleaning tool | For hose rinse, this changes how much cleaning, filling and emptying you handle yourself as an owner. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Shark StainStriker Portable
- Bundles differ from seller to seller. Look at exactly which rinse and pet tools you get, rather than assuming every tool in the family manual comes along.
With BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- You only get SmartMix's convenience if you use the compatible formula reservoir correctly.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the carpet cleaners we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark StainStriker Portable |
|
|
|
| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix |
|
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Shark StainStriker Portable
Odor and stubborn-spot formulas take priority
See price & reviews on AmazonBISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
Spots pop up often
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money