The article answers the question of what is a water filter in a vacuum cleaner. Talks about the nuances of choosing a product. What are the advantages of a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter and how to properly care for it. The work uses expert advice and expert opinions. A rating of the most interesting models is presented, from a technical point of view and the efficiency of the washing device.
Gradation of equipment according to dust collection methods
Manufacturers offer us three main types of cleaning units that can collect dust in different ways. It is the method of dust collection that fundamentally affects their design features. So, what models are offered to us:
- With a bag.
- Cleaning equipment with container.
- Vacuum cleaner with built-in water filter.
Let's take a closer look at each of the presented types.
- Cleaning equipment with bag.
The cleaning device, collecting dust particles, concentrates them in a special bag made of fabric or thick paper. It needs to be emptied (shaken out) periodically. Paper bags are designed to collect dirt only once. Once it is full, the paper dust bag needs to be replaced.
Unfortunately, after falling into the dust trap, large and medium-sized dust particles settle at the bottom. Microscopic parts of dirt come back out.
Read also how to choose a vacuum cleaner with an Anti Tangle turbine.
Types of aqua filters
Although all vacuum cleaners with water filtration work on approximately the same principle, manufacturers produce three different types of water filters.
| Hookah bars | They have the simplest design features. The sucked dirty air is passed through the water, as a result, not all small particles remain, but all large debris is absorbed. An additional filter can be installed to remove the finest dust. Hookah water filters must be periodically washed and thoroughly dried. Such filters do not have a very large capacity size |
| Cyclonic | The poured water in this filter retains dust due to the turbulence formed. Cyclonic aquafilters use centrifugal force to trap debris, dirt and dust, as a result, all contaminants become wet and cannot return to the room along with the air. The cyclone type of filter does not allow the smallest particles of dust to be retained, which do not have time to get wet in the container, so they are released back into the room |
| Separator | These devices provide the highest quality cleaning, however, these models are the most expensive. After entering such an aquafilter, dust particles are separated from the air through powerful centrifugal action. Even the smallest particles remain, and the cleanest and freshest air is sent into the room |
Note!
As the dust container fills, the suction power decreases proportionally.
- With container.
This version of the model involves the use of plastic containers. It is much easier to remove dirt from them. The container has a built-in filter, which collects dust and gradually becomes clogged. But, unlike the option presented above, filling the container with dust does not in any way affect the suction power.
- With water filter.
Vacuum cleaners use a special device instead of a bag. Aqua filter for a home vacuum cleaner, what is it? The aquafilter allows dust to pass through, which binds to water molecules and settles. The structure is easy to remove and quickly process (wash). It is important that the design can be used many times.
Advantages and disadvantages of vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter
There is no need to claim that such vacuum cleaners are exceptionally useful; they, like any product, have their own strengths and weaknesses.
The advantages include the following:
- high-quality room cleaning combined with air humidification;
- effective filtration of incoming air, purifying it even from microscopic contaminants;
- preventing dust from scattering when emptying the vacuum cleaner of collected debris;
- additional functions of wet cleaning, full surface washing and water removal.
The disadvantages of vacuum cleaners with a water filter are the following:
- high price of equipment - not everyone can afford to buy such a unit;
- large dimensions and massiveness of equipment;
- the need to wash filters and water tanks after each use.
The principle of operation of the aqua filter
The device operates according to the generally accepted scheme for all cleaning equipment: air suction. Then there are differences. The operating principle of a vacuum cleaner equipped with an aquafilter is as follows: it passes through a special container filled with water. Large particles settle, while small particles remain dry. The separator located above the water container is designed to prevent them from escaping back out.
- Water filter device.
The separator is a cylindrical structure with longitudinally arranged plates, rotating under the pressure of constant air flows. They form a trap in the form of a water cycle, into which small dust particles are drawn. Therefore, everything, even small dirt and dust, remains in the water. Already purified air, saturated with moisture, comes outside.
DIY water filter
The negative side of a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter is its high cost. That is why many craftsmen make their own aqua filter for a vacuum cleaner already in the house. In addition, you can save a lot of money by making it from scrap materials.
Option #1
If you decide to make a water filter for a cheap vacuum cleaner, you can at the same time increase the power of the device. How to do it? On the incoming filter, you need to replace the paper element with a foam rubber one. As a result, the device will begin to suck in debris with greater force. Budget models of vacuum cleaners have a filter made of dense material at the outlet, due to which the power of the device is lost. It is necessary to select a medium-density material for the filter so that it does not reduce the power of the device, but at the same time retains small dust particles.
Before you begin assembling the water filter, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and materials. We will need:
- Aluminum pan.
- Plastic water bottle, 6 liters.
- Self-tapping screws in the amount of 3 pieces.
- Metal adapter.
- Flexible hose.
- 4 screws.
So let's get started! First you need to cut a circle in the bottom of the pan, the diameter of which should be 3 cm less than the diameter of the pan. Using self-tapping screws, we attach the pan to the vacuum cleaner at the point where the air exits, having previously drilled holes in it.
Place the plastic bottle in the pan. You need to make holes in the bottle to let clean, filtered air out and pour 1-1.5 liters of water into it. Polluted air will pass through the water, where particles of debris and dust will settle.
We attach the homemade device to the exhaust of the vacuum cleaner using a metal adapter and screws. We attach the flexible hose to the adapter, at the other end we make a slot, thanks to which a whirlpool will appear inside the bottle. Ready!
Option No. 2
Let's look at how to make a separate type aqua filter. We will need:
- Separator.
- Water container.
- Water pump.
- Fan.
- Parts for fastening.
A cover must be installed on the dust collector. Next, we attach the pump with a rubber ring. To reduce the noise made by the vacuum cleaner during operation, you need to glue polyethylene to its bottom.
What is good and what is bad
It is necessary to provide full information about the technology and reveal the positive aspects without hiding the existing shortcomings. Aquafilter in a vacuum cleaner, what are the pros and cons of cleaning equipment.
- What is good.
An undoubted advantage is the high degree of purification (up to 99.99%). Only 0.003% of dust particles leak out.
Humidification of exhaust air. Dust and dirt are collected in a special container with water, and are not suspended. There is no leakage of dirt from the washing machine. Suitable for wet and dry cleaning. There are certain savings: there is no need to regularly buy dust bags.
- And what is bad.
The weight of the device and dimensions are much larger than a conventional vacuum cleaner. The average weight of the structure is about 10 kg.
After cleaning, the water filter and tanks must be rinsed under running water. The care regimen is shown in the attached instructions. The filter must be washed after seven cleanings. And maintenance of other filters is carried out regularly: after each cleaning of the room. Need a lot of meth to store. The cost of the device is higher in comparison with a traditional vacuum cleaner.
Advantages and disadvantages of an aqua filter in a vacuum cleaner
Let's look at the positive and negative aspects of aqua filters in a vacuum cleaner.
Advantages
The advantages of such filters include:
- Increasing air humidity to comfortable values. Humidified and saturated air is much pleasant and more beneficial for people prone to allergies.
- Sufficiently deep degree of air purification. Such cleansing is difficult to achieve using any other alternative household appliances. For example, as noted above, a conventional vacuum cleaner performs the task of cleaning the air much worse - some of the dust comes back.
- Ease of operation. The user is only required to add water before each cleaning. But we must not forget that after completion of work, all parts of the device must be thoroughly washed and thoroughly dried. Otherwise, clogging may occur and, as a result, a significant decrease in efficiency.
- Availability of additional functions. The most common options are flavoring and ionization.
Types of aqua filters, features of their work
When choosing equipment, you need to at least understand a little about the principle of operation of two water filters:
- Turbulent operating principle.
- Separator option.
Let's look at each type of aqua filter and look at their operating principle.
- Turbulent installation.
The principle of operation is the creation of water turbulence by nozzles that connect dirt with water. In this case, the air is purified by 96%. Then, the work is assigned to the turbulent filter. It creates vortex flows by mixing smaller dust particles (up to 0.3 microns) with water. At the third and final stage, the HEPA filter does not allow any remaining uncollected dust to pass through. This technology for retaining dirt is inherent in the world's leading manufacturers of home appliances.
- Separator option.
Operating principle: leaf turbines create turbulence. The rotation speed reaches 25-36 thousand revolutions per minute. At this speed, the size of the water particle is similar to the dirt entering the vacuum cleaner. It is believed that the described principle of operation is the most effective, and the degree of purification is higher. Naturally, such cleaning devices will cost more.
Types of water filters – which is the best?
Relatively inexpensive models of vacuum cleaners with aqua filters are usually equipped with hookah-type filter elements. This filter does an excellent job of removing large contaminants, but it does not retain small dust particles, so additional fine filters are required. And the more such filters are installed, the more effective the filtration. Because of this, the suction force is reduced, to compensate for which more powerful and voracious motors are needed. In addition, the filters will have to be constantly washed and changed periodically. And the tank capacity of the hookah filter is small. Overall, considering the lower cost, this is a very good option.
Video:
If funds allow, it is better to give preference to vacuum cleaners with a separator-type filter. According to the principle of operation, it resembles a centrifuge - under the influence of centrifugal force and pressure, water and contaminants are reliably separated. Only humidified air without any dust comes out of the vacuum cleaner. Its operation does not require additional filters, therefore, you do not have to spend money on purchasing them or time on cleaning them.
Comparing models
Let's use one example to look at two models from one of the leading manufacturers. We are talking about the Kärcher company. Among others, the global giant produces two types of cleaning equipment:
- Device with water filter DS 6000 Mediclean.
- Washing design SE 5.100.
In the washing vacuum cleaner, manufacturers tried to learn negative lessons and eliminate shortcomings.
- DS 6000 Medical.
The original design allows for easy maintenance of the equipment. There is no need to disassemble it, it is easy to clean. It is enough to lift the protective cover and remove the container with dirty water, pour it out and rinse.
An important step towards comfortable work is a significant reduction in the noise of the operating unit to 66 dB. You can use the equipment without fear of incurring the wrath of your neighbors. These indicators are recommended for medical treatment institutions.
The manufacturer's recommendations can be considered the most indicative: the vacuum cleaner is suitable for an apartment where small children live and there are animals.
As an additional weapon in the fight for room cleanliness, the DS 600 model is equipped with an additional Nera-13 filter capable of retaining up to 99.99% of dust.
- Model SE 5.100.
In this version, everything works simply and functionally. There are 2 containers of different colors:
- one container with a white handle for clean water;
- another container with an even-colored handle for dirty water.
A good design solution can be considered to lay the water supply hose in the suction structure.
How to choose the right vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter: expert advice
When choosing a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter, you need to know a few simple rules and use them:
- choosing a vacuum cleaner. This can be wet and/or dry cleaning of premises. The range of capabilities directly affects the cost of the model;
- air suction power. This indicator affects the quality of apartment cleaning. Experts say that you can clean a room with a device with a power of 300-350 W. But if there are carpets in the house, especially with long pile, you need equipment with a suction power of 450 W or more. A big plus would be the presence of a suction regulator;
- number of filtration stages. The more there are, the better the final cleaning result will be;
- An important aspect when choosing a home assistant is the noise level. Recommended values within 65 dB;
- choose according to model configuration. There is a standard option with a minimum set. Extended configuration options are available. The more additional devices, the better the cleaning process, including complex surfaces;
- a container for water, or more precisely, its displacement. This indicator affects the ability to clean a certain area of the room in one go;
- working length of cord. Everything here is simple and clear. The longer it is, the more maneuverable the equipment. Pay attention to the telescopic pipe. It is made of metal or plastic. The metal version is more reliable and durable;
- An important indicator that is often ignored when choosing a device is the presence of protection. Without it, the device can simply burn out.
And the last thing is the warranty performance of the equipment and service life. After getting acquainted with the little tricks that can help when choosing, it will be natural to review some of the most popular models: characteristics and technical data.
What is a water filter for?
With the help of a water filter built into the vacuum cleaner, you will be able to effectively wet clean the room, get rid of bacteria, pathogens, dust mites, animal hair, fill the air with cleanliness, freshness and humidify it.
The principle of operation of the aquafilter of a vacuum cleaner
By and large, an aquafilter is a device that has a reservoir filled with water. The separator in the device, which operates as a cyclone, moves a container of water. The vacuum cleaner sucks in air with particles of dust, litter and dirt, then it all passes through water, in which all the contaminants settle. After this, the air passes through filters, where it is finally cleaned and humidified. As a result, clean and fresh air returns to the room.
After each use of a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter, you need to wash the container and thoroughly dry all existing filters to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Popular models
- Let's look at Zelmer 919.0 ST Aquawelt, let's start with it.
There is an almost perfect combination of price and quality here. Plus, many positive reviews from users. It is equally good for wet and dry cleaning.
Interestingly, if necessary, the aqua filter can be easily replaced with a regular bag to collect debris. The set includes a wide range of additional attachments, which expands the possibilities for high-quality room cleaning.
These are: crevice and turbo/brush. Nozzles: for cleaning stone, high-quality cleaning of parquet, floors, furniture and collecting liquids. Considering the characteristics of the unit, we note that the suction power is at an acceptable level - 300 W. The dust container is designed to fill 1.7 liters. Good cord length: 9 meters, which allows you to maneuver when cleaning and not switch the unit when moving from one room to another. The pipe is made of steel.
The total weight of the structure is 8.5 kg with a product cost of 10,900 rubles. The delivery set includes a HEPA filter and an aquafilter.
But there are also negative aspects that need to be talked about. This is a high noise level. At the recommended 66 dB, the device produces 80 dB. The technology itself is cumbersome. Dimensions 49/35/34 cm.
The design has several modes, which in practice the owners of this vacuum cleaner do not use. But, they are included in the final cost of the model.
Users note the high cost of spare parts and consumables. Nozzles made of plastic do not last long.
- Karcher DS 6.000 Mediclean.
We have already partially examined this model. We can only note that the 900 W unit can perform dry cleaning of premises using a waste collection container.
The kit comes with a wide range of attachments. The pipe is made of durable and lightweight steel. The weight of the device is 7.5 kg. Price 20 thousand rubles. The cable length is 11.5 meters. The disadvantages include the high price of consumables.
- Vitek VT-1833.
The device, with a suction power of 400 W, is designed for dry cleaning with multi-stage filtration. There are 5 levels of cleaning available. The dust container holds 3.5 liters.
The working radius is limited to 7 meters. The pipe is made of metal. The weight of the model is 8800 rubles. The water filter can be easily removed and washed. Suction power is at the proper level.
The need for regular maintenance of filters and containers after each switching on of the equipment presents certain inconveniences. Owners talk about the high level of noise produced during operation.
- Thomas Twin Helper.
This model is designed for combined cleaning of premises: dry and wet. The container holds 4 liters of water. The working radius of the model is 10 meters: quite comfortable. The telescopic pipe is made of steel. Automatic winding of the electrical cable is provided. The wide range of attachments included in the kit allows for more thorough cleaning of rooms, easily treating hard-to-reach places. The weight of the vacuum cleaner is 8.4 kg. The price of the product is 19 thousand rubles.
