Water in vacuum: can you still save him?

While you are vacuuming the bathroom, you find out that you have accidentally sucked up water. Oops! It’s a common problem. And yes, it is a problem because a normal vacuum cleaner is not made for vacuuming water.

Don’t worry: often small amounts of water do not cause major problems. Did water accidentally get into the vacuum cleaner? I’ll tell you everything you need to know to save your vacuum cleaner.

Water in the vacuum cleaner is a common problem

Oops! Water has entered the vacuum cleaner. Don’t panic: you are not the first to accidentally suck up liquids with a vacuum cleaner.

Every now and then I get messages from people who have sucked up water with their vacuum cleaner. Often in the following situations:

• Vacuuming the bathroom
• Vacuuming around pet waterers
• Cleaning the kitchen
• Vacuuming while the floor has just been mopped
• Cleaning up broken drinking glasses
• Vacuuming around plants that have just been watered

Have you experienced a different situation yourself? Please let me know so I can add to the list!

What if water got into the vacuum cleaner?

When you have sucked up water, the vacuum cleaner does not have to be broken right away. It often depends on the amount of water whether your vacuum cleaner can still be saved.

Have you continued after vacuuming water until the vacuum is not sucking anymore? Then it probably broke. It is therefore always important to stop immediately when accidentally aspirating liquids.

Let your vacuum cleaner dry thoroughly

Did you turn off your vacuum cleaner immediately after water has entered it? Well done! It is very important to let it dry thoroughly before using it again.

If you start vacuuming again too soon, the water can reach mechanical parts, after which the vacuum cleaner can irreparably break. Small amounts can also cause a vacuum that smells or a clogged vacuum cleaner hose.

Follow the steps below to dry your vacuum cleaner properly:

1. Unclip the various vacuum cleaner parts (from suction brush to dust container/dust bag)
2. Remove the filters* from the vacuum cleaner (check the manual for where they are)
3. Place all loose parts on an old newspaper in a warm environment
4. Leave the vacuum cleaner open after you have removed the dust bag/dust container and the filters
5. Let everything dry well and use a hair dryer where possible, don’t do this in a hurry

* If you have picked up a liquid other than water, it is strongly recommended to wash the filters immediately before drying. Don’t worry, you can often clean a HEPA filter under the tap.

Replace the vacuum cleaner bag and non-washable filters

There is a good chance that the water has already entered the dust container. To prevent further damage to the vacuum cleaner, it is very important to renew the vacuum cleaner bag. No new vacuum cleaner bags at home? View a wide range of universal vacuum cleaner bags here.

In addition, it is also very important to check the filters of the vacuum cleaner. Not all (HEPA) filters are washable and can withstand water. It is therefore important to replace non-washable filters. When buying a new filter, it is important to check whether it is suitable for your vacuum cleaner. This is often brand dependent.

* Have you accidentally vacuumed water with a Dyson vacuum cleaner, for example a Dyson V7 or Dyson V10? I have written an extensive guide on cleaning a Dyson HEPA filter. It is suitable for all Dyson stick vacuums.

Robbert Tigchelaar

Robbert Tigchelaar is the founder of Vacuumtester.com and is a true vacuum cleaner guru. With more than 10 years of experience in the world of electronic devices, he knows better than anyone what is important in a vacuum cleaner. When a new vacuum cleaner appears, he is eager to test it extensively.