Water is a much better filter
Worth pointing out, you may come across a few water filtration vacuum cleaners with a secondary filter in their design. More often than not, this filter is placed after the water filtration stage, so it won’t require regular replacements.
Water is a much better filter
Vacuuming regularly indeed helps in minimizing dust and allergens, especially if you’re armed with one of thebest HEPA filter vacuum. However, new research findings show that traditional vacuum cleaners can release allergens and tiny dust particles in the air where they can inflame allergy symptoms and breathing difficulties.
Compared to the tiny holes on a typical air filter, the space between water molecules is almost inexistent. Essentially, water is a much more efficient filter and will remove air contaminants that are a hundred times smaller than what an air filter can block.
Takes dry and wet messes head-on
Most canister and upright vacuums are designed for dry carpets and surfaces only. Unless the device is rated for both dry and wet vacuuming, vacuuming liquid spills with it could damage the filter or the motor at worst. Even with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, you’ll need to remove the filter and make some changes on the attachments before picking up messes. The ability to suck up dry objects and all spills without the need for adjustments is what sets water filtration vacuum cleaners aside.
Cons
Cost
Water vacuum cleaners are generally pricier than their filter-based alternatives even when sold second-hand. All in all, the price depends on the size of the unit plus the features available.
They are heavy and bulky
A machine that is engineered to use several liters of water as its filter is going to have some heft, that’s for sure. It gets even heavier when you add water. This weight not only makes going up and downstairs a challenge for most people, but it also inhibits maneuverability. For that reason, these devices are best left for people with physical brawn, and not for the kids or seniors.
Bulky design
The design of water vacuum cleaners also makes them very cumbersome. This won’t be a big deal for homeowners with lots of space to spare. However, this can be a complete put-off if every inch of space counts in your home.
Regular water replacements
Lastly, remember that the water in the canister acts as the filter and the dust collection bag at the same time. So, it’s going to get dirty and demand replacement quite a lot depending on the amount of vacuuming that you’re doing. In that case, it will pay to have several water points nearby to make water replacements easier.
Best Water Filtration Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide- What to Look For
Type- Canister or Upright
Similar to traditional vacuum cleaners, water vacuum cleaners come in upright and canister options too. Upright vacuums are lighter and relatively easy to maneuver. However, as you may have realized from the reviews above, there aren’t many of these.
Canister-style water vacuums are the most popular. The significant advantage of these devices is that there are no limitations on engine size. These models offer higher suction levels and terrific flow-rates. Secondly, the design of canister water vacuum cleaners allows you to connect a wide range of attachments. This makes them very versatile and convenient to use.
Your types of flooring
The type of your surfaces also matters a lot when determining the best hydro vacuum cleaner for your needs. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, for instance, you’ll want to gravitate towards a canister vacuum cleaner with a motorized cleaner head. A machine with multiple height adjustment options will also come in handy when cleaning different pile carpets.
If you have a combination of carpets and hardwood or tile carpets, go for a machine with convenience features, including suction control, on/off brushroll control, and height adjustment. This way, you can give your carpets and area rugs a deep clean and switch to a mode that is safe for your Marple wood floor in a breeze and without damaging your floors.
Consider your budget
As we mentioned earlier, the best water filtration cleaner is going to leave a dent in your savings. So, ensure that you’re getting the best value possible for your money. First, determine how much you want to spend. The cost of these devices ranges from a few hundred dollars to well over 2 grand. Determine how much you want to pay first, then consider a machine that fits the most convenient features and modes within your budget.
FAQs
Are water filtration vacuum cleaners better?
Yes and No. The best water filtration vacuum cleaners have the upper hand not only in vacuuming your floors but in cleaning your air too. Again, compared to filter-type cleaners, these machines are less likely to release and re-suspend air contaminants in your room. However, keep in mind that these units are heavy and a tad hard to maneuver. Also, they require you to replace the water often.
Do I have to empty the canister after each use?
Yes. This is one of the major disadvantages of water filtration vacuum cleaners. Unless a bagged filter-type cleaner where you can leave the bag half-empty, you’ll need to empty and clean the canister after each cleaning session.
Can I use a water vacuum cleaner without water?
No. Water is the main filtration medium and a sort of ‘dust bin’ in these machines. If you choose to run your device without water, you’ll only be spreading dust and dirt around the house.
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