Washing vacuum cleaner: how it works, device, pros and cons

In recent years, more and more people are thinking about purchasing a vacuum cleaner equipped with a cleaning function. Washing vacuum cleaners, along with dry cleaning, are capable of wet cleaning. Such devices can collect liquid, clean surfaces, upholstered furniture, curtains, glass, and humidify the air in the room.

With many useful features, these vacuum cleaners are easy to maintain and use. The market for these devices is represented by a large assortment of brands and models of any price category.

How the washing vacuum cleaner works

The operating principle of all washing vacuum cleaners is identical.

These vacuum cleaners have 2 reservoirs:

A special container is filled with water and detergents.
The second tank is intended for dirty water.

The spraying itself occurs using a capillary tube, which is attached to the handle and at the base of the nozzle. There is a special hole on the nozzle - a narrow nozzle through which spraying water is sucked in along with dirt.

Some models are equipped with an additional mechanical filter, which is designed to collect large debris.

The location of water tanks can be different:

vertical;
horizontal;
one container into another.

Operating principle of washing vacuum cleaners:

the tank is filled with running water;
using a special nozzle, clean water is sprayed onto the surface, after which the dust suction mode is turned on along with water into a tank specially designed for this purpose;
To clean fabric surfaces, a special cleaning agent is added to the water (the proportions are indicated in the instructions). The air flow pressure created by the device makes it possible to clean carpets to the full depth of the pile;
when using the unit in dry cleaning mode, debris is collected in a bag (if provided in the design) or a waste water tank, which also doubles as a filter. In this case, the air passing through the filter is cleaned. This mode is used when cleaning surfaces that are sensitive to moisture.

Vacuum cleaner accessories

Due to additional components, the functionality of the washing vacuum cleaner is expanded:

The telescopic rod is presented in the form of a sliding tube. The user is given the opportunity to adjust the length of the handle to suit his height. Manufacturers practice installing a control panel on the handle on expensive models.
Working attachments allow you to clean flat and shaped surfaces, hard-to-reach areas, furniture, carpets, and glass. Manufacturers are constantly improving their products. Attachments are made more convenient or designed to perform new functions.

The equipment of the washing vacuum cleaner is the same as that of conventional units for dry cleaning. Only the execution of the elements differs.

A standard household cleaning device is equipped with five nozzles:

for carpets and floors;
for upholstered furniture;
for removing debris from narrow and other difficult areas;
for the care of polished surfaces;
for glass.

Manufacturers can increase the number of attachments, but advertising tricks are reflected in the high cost of the product. Housewives usually don’t use half of the attachments, and there’s no point in chasing their number.

When buying a vacuum cleaner, it is better to pay attention to the volume of the working water tank. To clean a two-room apartment, a unit with a tank volume of 4 liters is sufficient. If the room consists of three rooms, take a model with a 5 liter tank. To clean apartments with four rooms or more, buy a device with a tank of 8–10 liters. Reservoirs for clean and dirty water are the same in volume for any vacuum cleaner.

Peculiarities

One of the structural elements of the device is nozzles, they come in a set of 5 pieces:

intended for washing floors and cleaning carpets;
intended for cleaning upholstered furniture;
necessary for collecting waste from hard-to-reach, narrow places;
used for cleaning polished wooden surfaces;
used for cleaning glass.

It is important to pay attention to the length of the power cord and the function of automatically winding and placing it inside the case.

An equally important structural element is the bar. A solid, non-separable rod is considered durable and reliable. Such a rod has a disadvantage in the form of inconvenience during storage and washing.

Collapsible rods are more comfortable during operation, but after several years of use, the likelihood of leaks at the joints increases.

Power

Power is the first, but not the most important parameter that buyers pay attention to when buying a vacuum cleaner. Typically, the manufacturer indicates the power consumption in the specifications. And this is the maximum value of power consumption that the device can develop in the first seconds of operation. Power consumption in operating mode will be less than the specified maximum.

It is more important to know the indicators of another power - suction power. The quality of cleaning will depend on this power value. The suction power can be from 200 to 1000 W. The higher it is, the more efficiently the vacuum cleaner removes dust and absorbs liquid faster. All modern vacuum cleaners provide the ability to select a power mode. It is not always necessary to operate the device at full power.

Functions

This type of household appliance has more extensive functionality when compared to those not equipped with a wet cleaning function.

Functions:

Collection of large waste.
Collection of wet debris, moisture and liquids.
Air humidification in the room being cleaned.
Air aromatization.
Clearing clogs in sinks and bathtubs (additional nozzle required).
Cleaning dirt from floor coverings - tiles, natural stone, linoleum, upholstered furniture, carpet.
Cleaning vertical surfaces - glass, mirrors, curtains.
Cleaning the premises and removing pet hair.

Pros and cons of washing vacuum cleaners

A washing vacuum cleaner has many advantages, which include:

Ease and speed when cleaning dirt from horizontal surfaces;
Possibility of dry cleaning and removal of spilled liquids.
Humidification and air filtration are important for people suffering from allergic reactions and asthma. When cleaning, dust falls into a container of water rather than being sprayed.
Washing vertical surfaces and upholstered furniture.
Clearing small sewer blockages.

Despite the obvious advantages, these household appliances cannot be called universal.

The disadvantages of such washing vacuum cleaners include:

A washing vacuum cleaner will not remove dirt from surfaces covered with thick pile.
After cleaning a carpet or parquet, moisture will still remain.
Immediately after cleaning the room, you need to wash the vacuum cleaner itself. This procedure is mandatory and takes 15-20 minutes.
These units are bulky and heavy, which complicates the process of cleaning and storing the device, especially in a small apartment.
The cost is quite high.
Compared to conventional vacuum cleaners, it costs a lot of energy.

You should not use the device to clean wooden floors - residual moisture will get into the cracks of the wooden covering, and it will gradually swell and rot.

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.

How to use a washing vacuum cleaner

To prevent it from malfunctioning, you must follow a number of operating and storage rules.

Before you start cleaning, you should inspect the appliance cord and hose for any mechanical damage. If damage is detected, it is not advisable to use a vacuum cleaner, and sometimes even dangerous.
When adding detergent to the tank, you must observe the proportions - they are indicated in the instructions and are individual for each.
During cleaning, do not cover it with anything, pull the power cord, over-tighten the cord and hose, or leave the vacuum cleaner turned on unattended.

After finishing the operation of the washing vacuum cleaner, you must:

turn off the device and release the pressure into the water sprayers;
drain dirty water from the tank;
rinse the device with running water;
dry the vacuum cleaner by removing the lid or moving it to the side.

It is strictly forbidden to use a washing vacuum cleaner:

In areas with flammable gases.
On open air.
For cleaning hot, burning or smoking objects.
For cleaning hazardous liquids and unknown substances.
If there is even slight damage to the power cable, hose or other mechanisms of the device.
Non-stop for more than 1.5 hours.

It is important not only to use it correctly, but also to store it. The washing vacuum cleaner should be stored in a dry place, do not place heavy foreign objects on it, and do not bend the hose. Some models are not designed to be stored vertically.

How to prepare equipment for work

To understand how to properly use washing vacuum cleaners, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for preparing equipment for use. The user should check the complete set of attachments and perform simple manipulations, the same for models with and without filters. After checking, proceed to the following actions:

Pour clean liquid into the container;
The cleaning agent is added in accordance with the dosage specified in the operating instructions;
Place the end of the water tube into the spray nozzle, connect the second part to the telescopic element;
Install the hose into the tube to which the necessary nozzle is already attached to restore order;
Remove the network cable from the compartment and connect it to the outlet.

If the model is equipped with a filtration protection system, then the following manipulations must be carried out:

A defoamer is added to the container for collecting dirt if a special cleaning shampoo is used;
checking the cleanliness of HEPA filters;
If the device uses an aquafilter, you should also make sure it is clean and rinse it if necessary.

Understanding why such a vacuum cleaner is needed, you can easily understand the principle of its operation. It is also necessary to take into account that a number of models allow the use of devices for cleaning waterproof coatings, carpets and latex surfaces. Additionally, the equipment allows for dry cleaning. However, the device is not recommended for use for cleaning carpets made of natural materials and furniture made of fabric that absorbs moisture. This is due to the increased risk of spoiling materials.

Which means to choose

Before operating the equipment, the user selects the composition:

A universal product suitable for treating any surface;
Specialized shampoo for car interiors or a specific room;
Low foaming;
Gentle compounds are used for laminate and parquet floors;
The choice for mold elimination is based on disinfectants;
Products containing softening elements prevent the formation of known deposits and increase the service life of the equipment;
If a small child, people with allergic reactions or respiratory tract disease live in the apartment, then you should select hypoallergenic products that do not contain phosphates, fragrances and other chemical components with an aggressive effect. It is noteworthy that such preparations effectively eliminate dust mites from upholstered furniture and carpets.

Important!
Some factories offer models with a reservoir of clean liquid placed directly in a dust collection container. Shampoos and other accessories can be purchased at household chemical stores, including on the official websites of equipment manufacturers.

Precautionary measures

Like any other household appliance, a washing vacuum cleaner requires precautions when working with it.

In addition to the fact that its mechanisms cannot be touched with wet hands, the owner of the vacuum cleaner should exclude:

contact of hair, clothing, various parts of the body with moving parts and mechanisms of the vacuum cleaner;
presence of children and animals in the cleaned room;
movement of the device itself along the power cord;
closing the holes with foreign objects;
contact of the cord with sharp, hot objects;
power cord clamp by door;

Which means to choose

To treat furniture, detergent is added to the water. The proportions can be found in the instructions for the device. Typically, vacuum cleaner manufacturers offer owners to use their brand of shampoo. They consist of water and surfactants (normally their capacity should not exceed 15%), inorganic salts, flavorings and preservatives, which increase the shelf life of the product.

It is better to give preference to products from well-known manufacturers. It is less dangerous to health to use shampoo without chlorine and phosphates, without fragrances that can cause allergies. If the model is equipped with a filter, it is advisable to buy a product that already contains a defoamer.

To find out how a washing vacuum cleaner works with colored materials, experts advise applying the prepared working solution to a small area in an inconspicuous place. If the color does not change, you can pour it into the tank and start cleaning.

Malfunctions

Regardless of the brand and cost of the vacuum cleaner, a number of faults can be identified that are common to all of these devices.

During cleaning, water periodically stops flowing to the sprayer . In this case, the problem lies in the water pump, or the button responsible for spraying water. If this malfunction occurs, it is worth checking the contact connections of the wires to the pump and to the button that supplies water.
After cleaning, it is not possible to wind up the electrical cord . This problem occurs due to a broken spring mechanism (or the spring has stretched), with the help of which the electrical cord is pulled into the vacuum cleaner. You can fix this problem yourself if the spring is weakened, otherwise you should contact the service center specialists.
It does not turn on and a hum is heard, or noise or whistling is heard during operation . The reason for this is the failure of the electric motor bearing, which occurs due to overheating, moisture entering the electric motor, or foreign objects entering the hose. To diagnose and eliminate this breakdown, you must contact service specialists.
The washing vacuum cleaner works, but does not suck up dirt well, and the device’s motor is noisier than usual . This problem occurs due to objects getting stuck inside the hose. You can remove such an object by attaching a hose to the outlet. If the design does not allow this operation, then the hose can be cleaned yourself, for example, with a long strip with a rounded end or a wire with a hook at the end.

Damage or rupture of the hose . This breakdown is common; it occurs due to improper use: during cleaning, the hose is pulled, or the hose is abruptly removed after use. Improper storage that causes the hose to become kinked can also lead to damage or rupture. It is worth remembering that the hose should not be pinched or bent either during operation or during storage.

A washing vacuum cleaner will become a real helper for owners of houses and apartments with a large area, especially if there are a lot of carpets, tiles, stone coverings, and for pet owners.
Advertising from sponsors: // // //

What can be washed

Wooden floors, tiles, linoleum, hard surfaces that are not afraid of water - something that can almost always be washed with a vacuum cleaner. But this type of cleaning is also suitable for cleaning soft and delicate materials. It needs to be done correctly. This applies, in particular, to parquet and laminate.

For washing window glass, we have our own washing vacuum cleaners and portable glass cleaners. They can operate from an electrical network or from a battery. The operating instructions for a window washing vacuum cleaner indicate that it is also used for cleaning tiles, mirrors, and ceramic tiles. The advantage over the traditional unit is its small size and weight. It is easy to hold in your hands and can be lifted up. It differs from a robot in that it cannot move independently according to a predetermined pattern.