The most important function of any vacuum cleaner is to collect dust and dirt that has accumulated on the floors and carpets. Many models perform it perfectly, but cannot do anything, for example, with a dried stain from spilled compote in the kitchen. You can't do without a damp cloth here - that's what you have to wipe the floors with. But there is an alternative option: use a vacuum cleaner with wet cleaning capabilities. This is a much more practical way to clean: just one device, and no rags. Let's figure out which washing vacuum cleaner to choose for your home or apartment.
Features and principle of operation of washing vacuum cleaners
The operating principle of all devices equipped with a washing function is the same. They have a special container into which clean water and detergent are poured. In spray mode, it is supplied through a hose under pressure to the nozzle, distributed over its entire surface and wetting the floor. Then, under the influence of rarefied air, the dirty liquid collected from the floor surface goes through the dirt channels into the second tank - for dirty water.
1. Clean cleaning solution. 2. Sprayer. 3. Spraying the cleaning solution. 4. Dirt suction. 5. The collected dirt is moved to a special container. 6. Direction of brush movement.
After using such a vacuum cleaner, the entire floor surface becomes equally clean, there are no stains or streaks left anywhere. This quality of cleaning can be achieved thanks to the constant supply of clean water. Washed linoleum, tiles and laminate dry almost instantly. After a couple of minutes, you can already walk on the clean floor. In principle, hard floor coverings can be washed clean with a regular mop. But only a vacuum cleaner can clean and refresh the carpet, returning its bright colors.
Such devices that can clean the floor can be classified into a separate class. They, like regular vacuum cleaners, are capable of high-quality dry cleaning. However, if necessary, you can always turn on the wet cleaning mode, which allows you not only to wash the floor covering, but also to collect wet debris.
High-quality washing vacuum cleaners are more expensive than models intended only for dry cleaning:
In what cases is it convenient to use a washing vacuum cleaner?
For daily needs, especially in a small apartment, using a washing vacuum cleaner is not very convenient. It is quite bulky and requires a lot of storage space, has a significant weight and is not able to travel everywhere. And after cleaning, it will have to be disassembled into parts that require washing and drying. This takes a lot of time, so owners of small spaces are better off taking a closer look at conventional vacuum cleaners.
But it is good to use washing units in those apartments or houses where the area for cleaning is large enough. They will also come in handy for pet owners - such a vacuum cleaner will efficiently collect hair, even wet ones. And for those who prefer to cover the floor with fluffy carpets, it would also be a good idea to purchase such a device. It copes best with general cleaning, quickly processing large areas. However, some owners of large apartments are happy to use washing vacuum cleaners even for frequent cleaning.
Ideal coverings for such appliances are ceramic tiles or stone floors. They are also convenient to use on carpets where the base is thin latex. Linoleum and moisture-resistant laminate are two more surfaces suitable for wet processing. But parquet, carpets with a base made of natural jute, carpet with a base made of foam materials do not like this kind of treatment. You should also take care of furniture that is afraid of moisture.
For a room, apartment or home?
The first thing you should consider before deciding to buy a washing vacuum cleaner is the area of your home. Since such devices can be bulky and their storage requires additional space, they will be difficult to store and inconvenient to use in a small apartment. In addition, the washing vacuum cleaner must be disassembled to wash and dry the parts after each cleaning. If you can't handle it, it's better to buy a regular vacuum cleaner.
Note! Most wet vacuum cleaners have a dry cleaning mode, just like a regular device.
But in large apartments and houses, a washing device will be just in place. Prompt processing of large areas is a feasible task for such a vacuum cleaner. Moreover, it will be useful for pet owners, since it does an excellent job of collecting hair, even wet ones.
Suction power and power consumption - it is important not to confuse
In order for you to be satisfied with the cleaning quality of the vacuum cleaner, it is necessary that the minimum acceptable suction power of the washing vacuum cleaner be 300 watts. And when you need to clean it very quickly, using various filters, you will need a unit with a higher suction power - from 400 watts. You can do more - a supply never hurts.
Even if the device is rarely turned on at maximum power, it will definitely not fail under heavy loads, i.e. there will be a limited safety margin. It should be remembered that suction power is the determining parameter when choosing a vacuum cleaner. It should not be confused with the power consumption indicated in the passport.
These are the latest tricks of marketers: vacuum cleaner manufacturers, trying to attract buyers, operate with numbers in thousands of watts (1000, 2000, 2500). However, here we are talking about power consumption, an increase in which leads to increased energy consumption. And the efficiency of operation is affected by the suction power. The best washing vacuum cleaner reaches only 900 watts. At the same time, it can consume significantly less electricity than cheap Chinese models, supposedly “super powerful”.
The characteristics can indicate both the average (nominal) and the maximum value of power consumption and suction power. The maximum exceeds the nominal value by 15-30 percent. Usually it can be achieved only when the vacuum cleaner is turned on, and only if the working conditions are ideal.
Therefore, it is better to focus on average power. When deciding in a store which washing vacuum cleaner to choose, compare the average and maximum power values of the models you like. This will help you make a specific choice.
FAQ
Does it make sense to buy a washing vacuum cleaner, or is it nonsense? A washing vacuum cleaner is not considered an essential item. However, its use allows you to do better cleaning, especially if you need to clean carpets, upholstered furniture, and remove the hair of animals living in the apartment.
Is it necessary to wash the filters after each use of the vacuum cleaner? Timely removal of dirt and debris from the filter surfaces will extend the life of the products and allow for more thorough cleaning. Cleaning makes it possible to maintain the optimal value of suction power and reduce the load on the vacuum cleaner components. However, only reusable products can be washed. It is advisable to do this after each cleaning, but it is better to specify the frequency of cleaning in the instructions. Each type of filter requires its own maintenance conditions.
Water tank capacity
This is perhaps one of the most important details that you need to pay attention to when choosing a device. If your house has one or two rooms, then you can safely take a model with a tank of 2 to 4 liters. A three-room apartment will require a larger tank - from 4 to 5 liters. A large multi-room house will be conveniently cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner with a tank of 8 to 10 liters. Otherwise, you will have to constantly run for water, changing it. This is quite annoying - after all, when changing the water, the vacuum cleaner needs to be disassembled every time. It’s better to immediately buy a model with parameters corresponding to the area being cleaned.
We haven't mentioned the second tank, which collects dirty water. The fact is that its volume does not need to be taken into account when choosing a vacuum cleaner. As a rule, it depends on the volume of the clean water tank.
Conclusion
When studying tips for choosing a washing vacuum cleaner, first of all pay attention to the power, its size and functionality. The cost of the product directly depends on them. If you need cheap models, then the best option would be FIRST AUSTRIA 5546-3, Thomas Bravo 20. For small rooms, Thomas TWIN XT, Deerma Vacuum Cleaner TJ200/210 would be an excellent solution. And if there are allergy sufferers in the house, then pay attention to devices with a built-in aqua filter - ARNICA Hydra Rain Plus and Bissell 17132 (Crosswave).
What you need to know about dust filtration systems
Once in a reservoir of water, the debris becomes moistened, becomes heavier and settles at the bottom. But not all of them - from 5 to 10% of light dust particles successfully avoid this fate. They are saved by air bubbles within which they find themselves. Having emerged together with these bubbles to the surface, the fine dust remains dry and unharmed. But ahead of it are fine filters (the same as in dry-type vacuum cleaners). Typically these are AFS, S or HEPA filters. Devices with aqua filters do the best job.
They perfectly capture large particles of dirt and dust that sink in water. Thanks to this, the air that enters the room is cleaned. However, even the aqua filter is not all-powerful - and it allows 1.5 to 2% of fine dust to pass through. HEPA and S fine carbon filters help to “catch” it. They last for at least a year (some models – several years) and require only periodic rinsing under running water. According to the EN 1822 standard, the HEPA filters used capture 99.5% of particles with a size of 6 microns. S filters according to DIN 24184 remove dust particles with a size of 3 microns - this is 99.7% of contaminants.
Let's take a closer look at the classes of HEPA filters, the effectiveness of which is usually determined according to the EN 1822 standard.
The following filters are available:
| Filter name and markings | Percentage of particles removed, % |
| NERA N 10 | 85 |
| NERA N 11 | 95 |
| NERA N 12 | 99,5 |
| HEPA H 13 | 99,95 |
| HEPA H 14 | 99,995 |
| HEPA (ULPA) H 15 | 99,9995 |
| HEPA (ULPA) H 16 | 99,99995 |
A number of models of washing vacuum cleaners have a separator in their design that can trap small dust particles. After all, as we remember, they “hide” in air bubbles. The separator corrects this drawback - when it rotates quickly, a fine water suspension is formed, trapping even microscopic dust particles. Air purification efficiency increases to 99.97%.
Before purchasing the model you are interested in, be sure to ask what filtration system is installed there, this is especially true for people suffering from allergies.
Suction tubes, hoses, control panel
Modern vacuum cleaners are equipped with telescopic tubes. They are convenient because they are easily adjustable, so they are suitable for a person of any height.
“Advanced” models have a control panel on the handle, which is very convenient.
Depending on the method of connection with the electronics of the vacuum cleaner itself, they come in three types:
Method 1 – wired control. The wires are routed inside the hose, connecting the vacuum cleaner and its handle. This is the most budget option and is used quite often. It has a negative point - the wires noticeably make the hose heavier.
Method 2 – infrared control. Here the principle of operation is the same as that of a television remote control. No wires, just insert two batteries into the remote control. But sometimes the signal does not reach the vacuum cleaner, being delayed by an obstacle. This could be, for example, a sofa or a closet.
Method 3 – radio control. This method is convenient, effective and error-free. It is tempting to choose a radio-controlled vacuum cleaner for your home, but there are still very few models of this type in production. And they are expensive.
Vacuum cleaner tubes can be made of steel, aluminum or plastic. The latter are cheaper than the others, but they are not as durable. The most reliable and durable are steel tubes. It is very convenient to use dismountable telescopic tubes, but they have a significant drawback: gradually loosening connections begin to let water through. You can, of course, use long solid tubes, but they are not very convenient to use.
What attachments are needed for cleaning
Typically, a vacuum cleaner comes with five to seven such attachments. This is a device for dry cleaning, which has “floor” and “carpet” modes, as well as attachments for washing the floor, for cleaning furniture, and processing glass. Sometimes a plunger is present.
Wet cleaning is usually done with the main nozzle designed for cleaning carpets. To wash hard floor coverings, a special adapter is put on it. For wet cleaning, use an attachment for cleaning upholstered furniture and small surfaces, as well as a brush for hard surfaces.
Dry cleaning requires the presence of a universal brush, the height of which can be adjusted. It is suitable for any type of surface. A small brush will allow you to reach hard-to-reach places, and a crevice tool can be used to clean furniture.
In general, the choice of attachments and devices is very large, but it all depends on the manufacturers. Each of them, competing with each other, creates their own devices or improves old ones. It is not possible to describe them all, but some of them are worth paying attention to.
The VAX company equips its vacuum cleaners with a special antistatic brush, which is convenient for cleaning a computer monitor, keyboard, or television screen. And the plunger attachment will help the THOMAS vacuum cleaner even quickly clean the sink. Convenient devices are manufactured by ROWENTA. Thus, the Swip brush attachment will easily remove dust from blinds and keyboards, and the Wip attachment, made of soft foam, will not damage polished furniture or the TV screen. This manufacturer also took care of carpets with upholstered furniture, preparing a turbo brush for them.
The nozzle for hard surfaces has a special brush bar that can be used to thoroughly scrub dirty floors. Working with it is reminiscent of cleaning the floor with a mop, but it turns out better. After all, clean water is constantly supplied, and dirty water is sucked into a special tank.
Here it is worth praising the nozzle from PHILIPS, which will clean off the dirt stuck to the floor, thoroughly wash the floor in one go, and collect every drop of dirty water. At the same time, it is characterized by very economical consumption of clean water.
If you need to wash window glass, then window nozzles produced by ROWENTA and PHILIPS will come in handy. DELONGHI and LG companies have taken a different route - for this case they produce roller attachments. On one side they have a sponge that wets the glass, and on the other there is a rubber scraper that removes dirt. In this way, you can wash both mirrors and various ceramic coatings.
Weight and dimensions
To decide which vacuum cleaner to choose for your home or apartment, you need to know the sizes of different models. Washing units come in horizontal and vertical versions. The last option is a classic. Such models are produced by ROWENTA, DELONGHI, THOMAS, VAX. And the very first washing vacuum cleaner was vertical.
This device looks a little like a bucket equipped with automatic control. Its body has the shape of a cylinder or trapezoid, and an engine is located above the water tanks. A cylinder vacuum cleaner is heavier and larger, and its water tanks are more capacious. Such devices are used by professionals; they are also suitable for a large apartment or house.
If the bulky vertical model is not to your taste (or maybe there is simply nowhere to put it), then you can purchase a more compact vacuum cleaner. Outwardly, it is very similar to its younger brother - a device for dry cleaning. Its elegant design fits well into the style of modern apartments, and its good maneuverability allows it to be used even in small spaces.
Criterias of choice
First, you need to focus on the manufacturer, of which there are a lot now. Karcher have chosen cleaning equipment as their specialty, VAX and THOMAS produce only vacuum cleaners. Other brands do a little bit of everything, but that doesn't mean their products are of low quality. LG, Samsung, Electrolux, Miele produce very good devices.
Now you need to decide on the power you need. A more powerful vacuum cleaner will naturally be better at sucking up dust, debris and water, resulting in drier carpets after cleaning.
You should look at the equipment of the selected device, which includes a variety of attachments for dry and wet cleaning. After this, you will be able to acquire an irreplaceable and universal assistant in your difficult task of maintaining cleanliness in the house.
Ease of maintenance
Each time after use, the washing vacuum cleaner must be disassembled and washed, so manufacturers strive to make assembly and disassembly simple and quick. If everything is arranged rationally and correctly, then this process will not take more than 15 minutes. And those models in which the parts are located inconveniently have to be disassembled and assembled for a long time.
Much in this regard depends on the location of the water containers. For example, the VAX company has a clean water tank on top, and below it is a waste liquid tank. To drain it, you need to remove the top container - this is time-consuming and not very convenient.
But the often used “tank-in-tank” design is quite easy to use. Here, the lower part of the body also serves as a container for dirty water. Inside there is a removable tank with water and shampoo for cleaning. To refill it, you need to open the side latches and remove the tank. THOMAS and KARCHER produce vertical models in this design.
ROWENTA has developed a slightly different design - a one-piece tank consisting of two cylinders inserted one into the other. You can fill the inner cylinder for clean water several times before emptying the dirty water. This is very convenient for large amounts of work. And if you have to clean a small room, one portion of clean water and shampoo is enough.
