Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner Review: Is It the Best Budget Stain Remover?

If you are a pet owner or just someone who enjoys a glass of red wine on a beige sofa, you know the panic of a spill. I used to rely on paper towels and prayer, but eventually, I realized I needed a machine. That is when I found the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner. This compact little machine promises to erase messes from carpets, upholstery, and car interiors without the bulk of a full-sized upright vacuum. But does it actually work?

In this review, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner. I will walk you through my personal experience, test it on some “accidental” messes, and see if it stands up to the competition. Whether you are dealing with muddy paw prints or a toddler’s juice box disaster, this guide will help you decide if this is the right tool for your cleaning arsenal.

Why You Need a Portable Spot Cleaner

Before I dive into the specifics of the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner, let’s talk about why you even need a machine like this. I used to think a spray bottle and a rag were enough. I was wrong.

When you scrub a stain by hand, you often push the dirt deeper into the fibers. A spot cleaner works differently. It uses extraction technology—spraying a cleaning solution into the fabric to break down the grime and then powerfully sucking it back up. This removes the mess rather than just spreading it around.

Here is why adding a Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner to your home makes sense:

• Immediate Action: Stains set quickly. Having a lightweight machine you can grab in seconds saves your rugs.
• Hygiene: For pet owners, it’s not just about the look; it’s about removing bacteria and odors from urine or vomit.
• Versatility: It’s not just for floors. I use mine on car seats, dining chairs, and even mattresses.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When the box arrived, the first thing I noticed was how light it was. The Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner weighs significantly less than its main competitors—about 20% lighter, to be exact. As someone who has to lug appliances up and down stairs, this was immediately a huge plus for me.

Out of the box, the setup was incredibly simple. You don’t need an engineering degree to put it together.

• The Unit: Compact, black and red design that looks sleek.
• The Hose: A decent length (around 4.5 feet), which is flexible and doesn’t kink easily.
• Attachments: It comes with a 4-inch stain tool, which is the perfect size for stair treads or armrests.
• Tanks: There are two separate tanks—one for clean water/solution and one for dirty water. This separation is crucial for effective cleaning.

I filled the clean water tank with the sample solution provided (always a nice touch) and warm water. The tank clicked into place with a satisfying snap, and I was ready to start cleaning.

Key Features and Specifications

To really understand what you are getting, let’s look at the specs. The Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner (Model FD13000) packs a lot of features into a small frame.

Feature	Specification	Benefit
Weight	~11 lbs	Easy to carry up stairs or to the car.
Tank Capacity	19 oz	Enough solution to clean multiple spots without refilling.
Cord Length	15 ft	Good reach; you don’t have to switch outlets constantly.
Motor Amperage	2.5 Amps	Powerful enough for extraction but energy-efficient.
Cleaning Path	4 inches	Wide enough for efficiency, narrow enough for corners.
Hose Length	4.5 ft	Reaches across large cushions or awkward car angles.

One feature I specifically want to highlight is the Easy-Empty Dirt Cup. Unlike some older machines where you have to dump a tray, this has a dedicated dirty water tank that is easy to rinse out.

Performance Test: The “Red Juice” Challenge

I didn’t just want to tell you it works; I wanted to see it in action. I created a simulated mess on an old rug using spilled fruit punch (sticky and red—the worst combination) and some potting soil to mimic muddy footprints.

The Setup

I plugged in the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner and turned it on. It’s loud, similar to a vacuum, but not deafening. I felt the suction against my hand, and it felt strong—promising!

The Cleaning Process

1. Pre-Treat: I pressed the trigger on the handle to spray the solution over the stain. I let it sit for about 30 seconds to break down the sugar in the juice.
2. Scrub: I used the bristles on the attachment to gently agitate the carpet fibers. This helps lift the mud.
3. Extract: This is the satisfying part. I pressed the nozzle firmly into the carpet and pulled slowly backward.

The Result

I watched in disgust and delight as the clear nozzle turned brown and red. The dirty water was being sucked right up. After three passes, the red stain was completely gone. The mud took a little more scrubbing, but the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner handled it.

Dryness Test: One thing I was worried about was soaking the carpet. However, the suction on this unit is surprisingly good. The carpet was damp to the touch but not soaking wet. It dried completely within about two hours, which is faster than I expected.

Real-World Application: Pet Messes

Let’s be real—most of us are buying this for pet accidents. I have a golden retriever who occasionally tracks in “yard gifts.”

I used the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner on a fresh urine spot. The key here is the suction power. You need to pull that liquid out of the pad, not just the surface. I found that if I moved slowly, the Dirt Devil extracted almost all the liquid.

Pro Tip: For pet messes, use an enzyme-based cleaner in the tank instead of just soap. The machine works perfectly with third-party solutions as long as they are designed for portable extraction machines.

Comparison: Dirt Devil FD13000 vs. Bissell Little Green

You cannot talk about portable cleaners without mentioning the “green giant.” Here is how the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner stacks up against the famous Bissell Little Green.

• Portability: The Dirt Devil wins here. It is noticeably lighter and more compact. If you have limited storage space in an apartment, the Dirt Devil is the better choice.
• Tank Size: The Bissell usually has a slightly larger tank (48 oz vs 19 oz). If you are cleaning a whole sofa, you might refill the Dirt Devil more often. But for spot cleaning, the Dirt Devil’s 19 oz tank is plenty.
• Suction: Both are comparable for their size. The Bissell might have a slight edge in raw motor power (3 amps vs 2.5 amps), but in my practical test, the difference in cleaning results was negligible.
• Price: The Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner is often more affordable. For budget-conscious buyers, it offers better value for money.

Winner? If you want heavy-duty capacity, go green. If you want something lightweight that is easy to grab for quick spills, the Dirt Devil is superior.

Maintenance and Cleaning the Machine

A machine that cleans needs to be cleaned, too. I’ve had spot cleaners before that smelled like mildew because you couldn’t clean the hose.

The Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner has a clever design feature: a Hose Rinse Tool. You plug this into the end of the hose, turn the machine on, and it sucks clean water from the tank through the hose to flush out any trapped dirt or pet hair. This is a game-changer for longevity.

To clean the tank:

1. Unlatch the dirty water tank.
2. Pop the lid (it’s wide enough to get your hand in if needed).
3. Rinse with hot water.
4. Let it air dry completely before reassembling.

Pros and Cons Summary

To summarize my experience with the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner, here is a quick breakdown.

Pros:

• Lightweight: Very easy to maneuver.
• Strong Suction: unexpected power for such a small motor.
• Price Point: Generally cheaper than competitors.
• Transparent Nozzle: You can see the dirt being removed, which is incredibly satisfying.
• Hose Rinse: Keeps the machine smelling fresh.

Cons:

• Small Tank: 19 oz means frequent refills if you get carried away cleaning a large area.
• Attachment Removal: The release latch for the tool head can be a bit stiff. I found that I had to wiggle it a bit to get it off.​
• Loudness: It’s a vacuum; it’s going to be loud. Do not use it while the baby is sleeping.

Who Should Buy This?

I believe the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner is the perfect choice for:

• Apartment Renters: It takes up very little closet space.
• New Pet Owners: Puppies happen. This machine saves your security deposit.
• Car Enthusiasts: The 15ft cord + hose length makes it great for detailing car interiors in the driveway.
• Busy Parents: Spilled milk on the rug doesn’t have to be a tragedy.

If you are looking to clean wall-to-wall carpeting in a 3,000 sq ft house, this isn’t for you (get an upright). But for spots, spills, and upholstery, it is a champion.

How to Get the Best Results

Over the weeks of using the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner, I’ve developed a technique for maximum cleanliness:

1. Blot First: If the spill is fresh liquid, blot up the excess with a paper towel before using the machine. This keeps the internal tank from getting too gross too fast.
2. Don’t Over-Wet: Spray the solution on the forward pass, and just use suction on the backward pass. Do two or three “dry” passes (suction only) for every “wet” pass to ensure faster drying.
3. Clean the Filter: There is a small foam filter near the motor exhaust. Check it every few months to keep suction strong.

Final Verdict

Is the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner worth the investment? Absolutely.

It bridges the gap between a spray bottle and a professional cleaning service. It’s affordable, effective, and incredibly satisfying to use. Seeing that dirty water tank fill up is proof that your home is cleaner than it was ten minutes ago. For anyone who values a clean home but hates the hassle of heavy machinery, this little red device is a must-have.

I highly recommend checking it out if you are tired of looking at that one coffee stain on the rug that just won’t go away.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use any cleaning solution in the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner?
Technically, Dirt Devil recommends their own solution to prevent internal damage and maintain the warranty. However, many users (myself included) have successfully used other high-quality portable machine formulas. Just avoid using dish soap or anything that creates excessive suds, as this can damage the motor.

2. Does the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner heat the water?
No, the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner does not have an internal water heater. You should fill the clean water tank with hot tap water for the best cleaning results. The heat from the tap water helps activate the cleaning solution and break down grease or sticky stains effectively.

3. Is this machine good for old, set-in stains?
Yes, but it requires a bit of patience. For old stains, I recommend pre-treating the spot with the spray nozzle and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing and extracting. You might need to repeat the process twice for stains that have been there for months, but the suction power is usually sufficient to lift them.