Best Water Filtration Vacuum Cleaners

Versatility is the strong suit of the water filtration vacuum. Remember that one of the biggest pros of the water-based design is that it allows for wet messes to be picked up without fear of damaging the device. These products can also inflate air mattresses and release aromas into the air.

Furthermore, fans of aromatherapy and essential oils will greatly appreciate a vacuum cleaner that can double as an air purifier. This filtration method is a simple and powerful way to clean out dirt and debris from incoming air, which is often why pet owners and anyone concerned about air quality can be drawn to a water filtration vacuum.

The design of these vacuums–often compared to that of a Shop Vacuum Cleaner–allows for the greater versatility–as air is passed through the system as opposed to simply ending at the bin.

We know there’s a lot to consider when looking into Water Filtration Vacuum cleaners. The unique sales system (more on this later) can be confusing and make it easier to skip this category entirely. That’s why we think you should keep the following pros and cons in mind before making your decision:

Not many manufacturers are producing water filtration vacuum cleaners. These products tend to command higher prices, and with such a minimal amount of general audience awareness, information on water filtration vacuums can be hard to come by. What is clear, however, is that through “As Seen On TV” marketing and direct selling certain companies have carved out a considerable name for themselves with the water filtration vacuum cleaner. Brands like Rainbow, Quantum, and Sirena especially are focused on transforming the water filtration vacuum into a one-stop shop for all home cleaning needs.

Part of that lack of audience awareness comes from the focus of many of the above companies on direct selling. Instead of manufacturing their products and handing them off to distributors, Rainbow, Quantum and Sirena specifically are more interested in a face-to-face meeting between the prospective owner and a representative of the manufacturer. This method relies on customers either heading to licensed distributors or setting up an appointment with a salesperson, who will come into the home and pitch the product.

This method of sales has generally faded with the advent of the Internet and E-commerce, but there’s another reason for these companies to stick to their guns on their sales vehicles. Water filtration vacuums, more than most other categories of vacuum cleaners, have comprehensive warranties that last for years or even decades. Keeping a tight handle on the distribution process means that these companies can know who bought their vacuums from the primary market and which ones picked their vacuum up from an unauthorized reseller.

Water filtration vacuums tend to last several years, and purchasing one from a trusted friend or reseller is an avenue worth considering. Don’t expect your warranty to be honored, however, should something go awry.

• Does my water filtration vacuum cleaner need water loaded into it before I turn it on?

• Absolutely! Water filtration vacuum cleaners almost always require a minimum amount of water to work. Otherwise, air may pass through the system unfiltered–which will release all picked up debris back into your home’s air supply.

  Keep an eye out for the minimum water line fill in your water filtration vacuum cleaner. Make sure to hit this point and empty whenever the basin fills to the maximum line. To clean out the vacuum of debris, simply dispose of the used water and fill the basin back to the minimum fill line.

  It’s a little unintuitive and different than most vacuum cleaners you’ll find on the market, but many owners prefer this simple method of debris disposal over messy dry bins and costly disposable bags.

• Should I pick a water filtration vacuum cleaner over an upright option? How about another canister?

• Knowing which category of vacuum to go with is one of the hardest decisions to make when replacing your current model. And while not everyone will benefit from a water filtration vacuum cleaner, we think any one of these five picks are best for homes that need low appliance maintenance and both wet & dry messes to worry about.

  Water filtration vacuum cleaners tend to work best for multi-surface homes, so those with all carpeting may want to consider an upright or a Canister Vacuum Cleaner, which may be better at deep cleaning carpet fibers. Likewise, those with lots of harder surfaces may want to consider a Vacuum for Hardwood Floors, such as a cordless stick option.

  At the end of the day, water filtration vacuum cleaners are best served where they can clean multiple surfaces for years at a time.

• Can I buy a water filtration vacuum cleaner without dealing with the direct sales process?

• With the exception of the Bissell Big Green and Kalorike vacuum picks on our list, many water filtration vacuum cleaners, as well as the other picks on our list, are sold via a “direct sales” process. However, due to the long-lasting nature of these vacuums, it is common for many of the options on our list to pop up through online retailers and second-hand markets.

  While you’re perfectly within your rights to purchase a water filtration vacuum cleaner through these means, much like when you purchase a product at a garage sale or thrift shop, there is no guarantee that the product will continue to work. Should you run into any issues, companies like Rainbow and Sirena will most likely deny any claims to the warranty, which is owned only by the original purchaser.

  We recommend considering used vacuums of any type in any category very carefully. Purchase with discretion, and at your own risk.