A vacuum cleaner might appear to be one of the more straightforward pieces of cleaning equipment you can buy. However, there is something past the basic dust buster: Purification vacuums would be the way to go should you really want an intensive clean. While most vacuums make use of a removable filter to trap dirt, water filtration vacuums rely on old fashioned H2O. Whatever you do is add water into the tank, and then watch the magic happen. Unlike other vacs, they can suck up wet messes, and reduce allergens in a room. In short, no home should do without one. Even though they can be on the heavier side, there are some awesome lightweight models that tackle big stains. Before we reveal our favorites, here's the dirt on why vacuums which use water can beat their waterless counterparts.
Are water filter vacuums better than regular vacuums?
If vacuums were like sweaters, a water filter vacuum would be made from cashmere. It performs a fundamental job (cleaning), but will it more proficiently than traditional ones. Although it uses air suction, it utilizes water to absorb dirt instead of a filter. Once you add the water you can actually view it becoming dirty using the gunk being removed from floors. It's a surprisingly satisfying experience. If you want to see one out of action, read this demo video with the Quantum X Upright Vacuum. (Tip: Speed to minute 4:25 to the full water tank).
One from the reasons people discover water filtration vacuums to be the best is because they can suck up liquid mishaps. There's virtually no dry time, and most transition easily between different types of flooring.
Another reason these vacuums are notable is because they don't kickback dust. Inside a study published by the Journal of Air and Waste Management Association, purification vacuums did a more satisfactory job at capturing particles in comparison to conventional ones. Additionally, researchers discovered that less contaminates escaped during cleaning. They are able to also hold more dirt, are easier to empty, and are more energy efficient.
Continuing my sweater analogy, a normal vacuum is like your basic cotton cardigan. It gets the job done – sort of -. However, if you wish to be warm you go for the cashmere. In short, vacuums using water provide the deepest clean.
Best Water Filtration Vacuums
- Best Overall water filtration vacuum : Tineco iFLOOR3
- Best quality purification vacuum : Sirena Vacuum
- Best Quantum water filtration vacuum : Quantum X Upright Water Filter Vacuum
- Best water filtration vacuum for liquid messes : Kalorik Purification Canister Vacuum Cleaner
- Best purification vacuum for carpets : Polti Eco Steam Vac
- Best purification vacuum for pet hair : HYLA GST
- Best purification vacuum for hardwood flooring : Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum Cleaner
- Best purification vacuum for spot cleaning : Hoover CleanSlate
Is a water filtration better than a HEPA filter?
HEPA filters are one of the top purification systems available. Most of the best home air cleaners for mold ask them to, and may even catch airborne viruses, like COVID, according to PLoS One. Similarly, purification vacuums also remove pathogens from surfaces, but do a better job at keeping them inside the machine.
Some from the top water filtration vacuums use two cleansing mechanisms. For instance, the Sirena Vacuum features a Hepa filtration system, in addition to a deodorizer. It also includes a compartment that separates chunkier debris (think pet hair or leaves) from the other gunk, so nothing becomes clogged whenever you pour water to waste.
Another great choice is the Poltic Eco Steam Vac. You can use it on drapes – toodles, dry cleaners! – and it has a Hepa filtration system. For me, that earns it a place among the best purification vacuums around.
How is really a purification vacuum different than a wet/dry vac?
Many confuse water filtration vacuums for wet/dry vacuums. It's an understandable mistake. Some wet/dry vacuums, also called wet vacs, are huge, ideal for commercial spaces, and pick up debris and wet messes simultaneously. Unlike purification vacs, they use a foam or paper based filter.
Another type of wet/dry vac can also be known as the vacuum mop. It's smaller, washes floors, and it has vacuum pressure function. Like regular vacuums it uses a traditional filter. In comparison, water filtration vacuums only need a clear tank of water to soak up and retain pollutants. They help users save money on filters, and do not put contaminants into the house.
What is the best water filtration vacuum?
Now that you understand how water acts as a filter, you're ready to ponder which purification vacuum is right for you. Besides offering a deep clean, water vacs coolest feature are they remove spills. The Rainbow Vacuum is often mentioned like a favorite with this but it's not available at retailers. Fortunately, there are some other great water vacuums for liquid messes, such as the Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum Cleaner.
This is one of best purification vacuums currently on the market, and a personal favorite. It has a cyclonic filtration system, which separates particles from air and liquid. The vortex-style suction not just grabs dirt deeply baked into your carpet but moisture (and the germs inside it). With typical vacs a few of these pollutants could be pushed outward during vacuuming, however the Kalorik is so fast and powerful that this doesn't happen.
Another fantastic feature of the water vacuum is it has a see-through canister. You can literally watch all the dirt collecting inside. The top includes a huge handle, making transport easy. Customers on Amazon provide wave reviews, and shipping is free!
How will i know if my purification vacuum is strong enough?
One way to know the nit and grit of a vacuum's suction power is as simple as viewing its airflow or CFM. It's the measure of just how much vacuum pressure pulls up in a cubic feet each minute. Typical vacuums have a CFM of fifty to 100. In comparison, water vacs tend to be higher. Just to illustrate, the Prolux CTX includes a CFM of 130. The important thing thing to remember is that what sets water vacs aside from similar devices is they don't re-release particles. It's this specific aspect that enables these to generate a better cleaning job.
Many vacuum makes don't provide the CMF specifications, so a different way to measure their ability is as simple as checking their air wattage. The larger the number, the stronger the suction. The typical upright vacuum should use at least 80 watts. The very best water filtration vacuums (like our picks below) typically start at 130 watts.
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Best Water Filtration Vacuums
Tineco iFLOOR3
Best Overall purification vacuum
Buy from Amazon, $299
Why we love to it:
- Self cleaning system
- More than 16,000 reviews on Amazon!
- Two tank design
You have no need for a bulky vacuum to clean big messes. The lightweight, slim design of the Tineco iFLOOR3 easily fits in a corner or closet, and it is amazing at absorbing dirt you didn't know was there. It has a simple touchscreen interface, and could be used cordless for 25 minutes. This vacuum is self-cleaning, so that all you have to do is fill the tank. This device can wash your floors – definitely a plus – but if you need to do, use the Tineco cleaning solution for the best results.
Promising Review: “This Tineco is a gamechanger for all of us because we no longer have to compromise between some time and cleanliness. The battery lasts of sufficient length for all of us to complete the major problem areas on a single charge. Even when the ground looks “clean” to the human eye alone, the Tineco's dirty water tank tells a different story, and you will be cleaning grime you had no clue existed – especially if you come with an older hardwood floor with gaps between the boards.”
Sirena Vacuum
Best quality water filtration vacuum
Buy from Amazon, $989
Why we like it:
- Dual filtration system
- Includes vaporizer with scents
- Lots of accessories, and a built-in storage container
The sticker price for that Sirena Vacuum might seem hefty, but it's the Rolls-Royce available! Whether utilized on your tile or bedroom carpet, its powerful suction will grab the tiniest dust mites. It's engineered with a 200W dual cyclonic action Italian-made motor that catches 100 percent of debris. A HEPA filter adds an additional layer of purification, and a built-in vaporizer purifies the environment. If you are feeling fancy, add an essential oil to it. Your house will be clean, and the air will smell fantastic! Switch between six different attachments to hit every nook and cranny.
Product review: “The amount of dust and dirt the Sirena gets is amazing. With these vacuum there would be huge amounts of dust floating around, also it was like I hadn't vacuumed. After my very first time with this machine I didn't use whatever anything floating in mid-air! I dusted prior to my initial vacuum, and it was amazing what was pulled up out of the carpet- The house smells better. No one is sneezing, and I'm really impressed. It's worth it.“
Quantum X Upright Water filtration Vacuum
Best Quantum purification vacuum
Buy from Amazon, $439
Why we love to it:
- Automatically transition between floor heights
- Great for all surfaces
- Antimicrobial feature
The Quantum X laughs when confronted with spilled milk, also it doesn't provide a hoot about crumbs. It can handle grime in the street, pet accidents, and much more. Regardless if you're dealing with tiling or carpet, it'll suck up all in its path like a tornado. Germs and dust particles are first distracted by its filter that's infused with antimicrobial Micro-Silver Technology. Things are neutralized in the water system, and absolutely nothing gross dates back into the atmosphere. It easily moves between surfaces, and the telescoping body causes it to be certainly one of best water filtration vacuums for nabbing dust bunnies in difficult to reach places.
Promising review: “We took the vacuum challenge and used our old vacuum and then the Quantum X. I was amazed how much dirt remained behind that the Quantum acquired. Probably the most impressive part can there be are no more expensive filthy filters to replace that introduce the dirt back into the house. Water filter basin is simple to remove and fill with water. It is a new clean water filter each and very time you clean.”
Kalorik Purification Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Best water filtration vacuum for liquid messes
31% off!
Buy from Amazon, $104 (was $149)
Why we like it:
- Releases clean air
- Great for big rooms
- Long hose to reach shelves, fan blades, along with other high surfaces
Don't be afraid of the big canister. The Kalorik Water Filtration Vacuum Cleaner is rollable, which makes it easy to change from kitchen to family room. Its telescopic metal tube enables you to get under beds without crouching, and also the extra long hose helps you to target shelves with the dust brush or crevice tool. It's among the best water filtration vacuums, especially for individuals with allergies, because of its air out top design. As the allergens get sucked up, the Kalorik disperses clean air. You'll breath better, as well as your home will sparkle.
Promising review: “Half my house is carpet, the other half is difficult wood. With my cats and dogs, I desired something that wouldn't lose suction after a couple of months. I have allergies, so the concept that water filters the air and cleans it was very attractive to me. Having one of these much traffic within my home, I'm also an avid carpet cleaner-The first [three uses] my Kalorik sucked up a lot hair from my carpets I had to dump the water halfway through. It had been disgusting, however i was happy that my new vacuum was setting it up all! My allergies are much better, and i have noticed I've required to do less dusting in our home.”
Polti Eco Steam Vac
Best water filtration vacuum for carpets
Buy from Amazon, $899
Why we love to it:
- Can be utilized on several types of upholstery, in addition to carpets
- Includes a HEPA filter
- Steamer has 5 settings that actually works with assorted surfaces
This vacuum may look spacey, and to be fair, its cleaning powers are far out. Without steaming function the Polti Eco Steam Vac would be one of the best purification vacuums money could buy, however the fact it doubles as a steamer is fairly cool. The device can heat water to 315 degrees, has five different settings, and you may apply it to furniture, drapes, and even shower tiles. Your house will feel brand new.
Promising review: “Having there dogs and a myriad of surfaces to wash, I've used almost every vacuum, steamer, mop, cleaning agent around. My hubby had a Polti when he lived in Europe and kept asking me to test one. Being the 'expert' on cleaning, it took me years to listen to him-This Steam Vac is great! I really like it pulls up the dirt right after blasting it with the steam. No chemicals needed.”
HYLA GST
Best purification vacuum for pet hair
Buy from Amazon, $860
Why we like it:
- LED water basin lighting
- Light on nozzle
- Great at obtaining fur
Pets bring joy, however their fur balls? Not so much. If you're through rubbing down chairs with those sticky wands or can't cope with seeing a clump of Fido's hair roll across the floor, this is actually the vacuum for you. The HLYA GST large tank prevents clogging in the filtering process, and it is powerful suction means the most stubborn strands won't remain stuck to the rug. The machine just uses 850 watts of power, making it energy-efficient. A LED light within the water basin as well as on the nozzle help you see dirt before its whisked away.
Promising review: “You wouldn't believe the hair and gunk it accumulates when I vacuum weekly (we have a chocolate lab). It really works just like it did your day we bought it. And think how many filter bags I didn't need to buy. This thing really [works]!”
Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Best purification vacuum for hardwood floors
Buy from Amazon, $799
Why we like it:
- Can be used on drapes too!
- Has a UV-C light to kill bacteria
- Different speed settings to handle different types of messes
There's so much to love about the Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum Cleaner. It pairs its water filtration system with UV-C lighting, filtering and killing dangerous contaminants. Turn it on high to fight high traffic areas. Choose low when vacuuming blinds or curtains. Its ten cleaning accessories can be stored in the canister's base, and it even includes fragrance oils if you want to deodorize the environment. The machine can tackle sauce spills, mud, and more. It's able to handle the grimiest carpets and floors, but when you would like the choice to shampoo, a model with a shampooing system is also available.
Promising review: “With two young children and something large dog, i was constantly chasing dirt, grass, and other outside junk on our wood floors and carpet. Regardless of how much I spent on a vacuum or how often I changed the filters, it seemed carpeting only agreed to be staying dirty. Let me tell you, this thing is amazing. The suction is incredible, the tool selection great, and it can easily go from carpet to hardwoods in a few seconds. The quantity of dirt, dog hair, and small items of grass it pulled up was both disgusting and outstanding. I love this vacuum and would suggest you are taking a serious look in internet marketing if you want a true professional product for your house.”
Hoover CleanSlate
Best water filtration vacuum for spot cleaning
Buy from Amazon, $127 (was $139)
Why we like it:
- Dual chambers to split up neat and dirty water
- Portable
- Multiple accessories for a number of surfaces
Maybe you're satisfied with your current vacuum but have some stubborn stains that won't budge. Believe me, the Hoover Cleanslate will make them move. This super portable vacuum includes a dual water chamber, and includes three different tools to get rid of dirt from corners or beneath boards that regular vacuums just can't grab. It's cord is 18 feet, so regardless of your outlet situation, you can change from one soiled spot to another. It can even be used to clean your car's upholstery. I know I can not be the sole one who's spilled a mocha frap on my small drive to work.
Promising review: “With kids and a lot of pets, accidents happen. Drinks get knocked over, and muddy footprints [ruin] the brand new rug. Want to know why I don't stress the mess? CleanSlate! The size of this thing makes it perfect to seize and go. With so many attachments, no stain is off limits. Now my children can play, the dogs can run, and that i can relax sipping my coffee knowing my floors will still be stain free, because of my little buddy!”
