If your vacuum is letting you down, triggering your allergies, and letting dust and debris back into your home, it’s time to switch it up.
Have you heard of water filtration vacuums? They differ from traditional vacuums in that they use water as the filter. Besides that, they’re not that different — often more powerful and thorough, but still easy to use.
We’ve created a list of the 10 best water filtration vacuums so that you can find one that suits your home. To create this roundup, we spent hours researching expert advice and genuine customer reviews, alongside dozens of products. We’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to.
- 10 vacuum attachments
- Purifies air & removes odors
- Active edge cleaning
- Lightweight & cordless
- Motorized floor brush
- LED headlights
- Easy to maneuver
- Advanced filtration system
- On board storage
- Easy to clean the vacuum
- Telescoping body
- Automatically adjusts to floor types
- Great for cleaning stairs
- Bagless design
- Switch between floor types
- Suitable for all floors
- Seven attachments
- 1.5-HP motor
- LED-lit basin
- Fluorescent lights on nozzle
- Great for pet hair
- Two speed modes
- Transparent canister
- 1200-Watt motor
- Pet brush attachment
- Wet & dry messes
- Bagless and mess-free design
- Two functions in one unit
- Cleans wet and dry messes
- High-quality European design
- Our Top Picks
- Product Reviews & Ratings
- Product Comparison Chart
- What Are Water Filtration Vacuums?
- Are Water Filter Vacuums Better Than Regular Vacuums?
- How To Choose the Best Water Filtration Vacuum
- Water Filter Vacuums vs. HEPA Vacuums
- How To Clean Water Filtration Vacuums
- FAQs
- Whole New World of Vacuuming
The Best Water Filtration Vacuums of 2024
With a limited number of water filtration vacuums on the market, it can be hard to know the pros and cons of each one. We’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions to create a comprehensive guide. With all this information, you’re sure to find the best one for your home!
Here are 10 water filtration vacuums to suck the dirt out of your home.
Rainbow Model E2 Type 12 System
Best for Carpets
The brand Rainbow may be what comes to mind when you think of a water filtration vacuum. It’s one of the best! And if you have carpets, it’s particularly good as that’s the manufacturer’s recommendation for the floor type.
The power nozzle, specifically, is for carpets. This lightweight attachment gets dirt out from deep within carpet and rug fibers. This includes lint, threads, hair, and dirt, so your carpet is not only clean but super soft!
What We Like
10 Attachments for Deep Cleaning
With 10 different attachments, you can deep clean your entire home. The power nozzle is great for carpets, but what about the other attachments?
Well, the dusting brush can lift dust from blinds and furniture. The upholstery tool can clean furniture, stairs, and windows.
Another example is the floor and wall brush. If your walls are looking a little dull and dusty, you can clean them, too!
Purifies Air and Odors
This vacuum not only cleans your floors (and walls and windows) but also the air. Simply add water to the basin, put the Rainbow in the middle of a room, and turn it on low-speed mode. It will clean out foul odors, dust, and other particles.
Active Edge Cleaning
When using the power nozzle, you’ll be mega impressed by the active edge cleaning technology. It has brush cleaners on both sides, which helps you to deep clean along skirting boards, the edges of rooms, and around furniture.
Not Too Heavy (17 Pounds)
This is an excellent weight if you don’t want something extraordinarily heavy. At 17 pounds, it’s pretty easy to transport around the house. Plus, it’s a canister vacuum, so it’s even lighter when it’s in use, since the heavy element of it remains stationary.
What We Don't Like
Expensive Price
This vacuum is on the more expensive side. It’s one of the best, so we think the price is justified, especially considering how much it can do. But it is very pricey.
Hard To Set Up and Put Away
With all the attachments, setting this vacuum up and putting it away can be challenging. If you don’t have a ton of storage space, it can be quite bulky.
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Any but recommended for carpet |
Weight | 17 pounds |
HEPA Filter | HEPA neutralizer |
Warranty | Warranty does not apply to this listing |
Our Ratings
Kalorik Cordless Water Filtration Vacuum Cleaner
Best Upright Vacuum
Looking for an upright vacuum?
Some customers prefer these as they don’t feel like such a big change from traditional vacuums. This Kalorik cordless one is a popular choice.
It’s a 2-in-1 option in that it works as a stick vacuum. It also has a handheld attachment for getting into tight corners, under furniture and cleaning the car.
What We Like
Lightweight and Cordless
This vacuum’s lightweight and cordless design makes it easier than ever to maneuver around your house. Weighing only 7.9 pounds, most people can use this vacuum! Plus, the cordless design means no tripping over wires as you clean the home.
Motorized Floor Brush
The strong motorized floor brush suits many floor types, including hardwood, carpet, laminate, and ceramic.
LED Headlights
The LED headlights are an awesome feature. They show you the dust and dirt ahead of you, which is especially useful under furniture so that you can make sure every corner is clean.
Patented Water Filtration System
This unique filtration system is so useful for various settings. You can use it for cleaning your car, boat, home, and more. It traps dust, pet hair, pollen, and other tiny particles, leaving your environment and air cleaner than before.
What We Don't Like
Short Run Time
The battery life on this vacuum isn’t great. It takes around six hours to charge, and the battery lasts a maximum of 25 minutes. It’s only 15 minutes if you use it on the high-speed setting.
Small Water Tank
Many customers find the water tank is relatively small and therefore needs frequent emptying. We recommend emptying your water tank after every use, no matter which vacuum you go for, so it’s not a huge drawback, in our opinion. But do keep it in mind!
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Upright |
Type of Floor | Hard and carpet |
Weight | 7.9 pounds |
HEPA Filter | No |
Warranty | One year |
Our Ratings
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Best Bagless Water Filtration Vacuum
Many prefer a bagless vacuum because they are easier to use. There’s no long or dusty emptying process.
The Kalorik canister vacuum is a great bagless water filtration vacuum option. It has a range of useful features which make it a popular choice amongst customers.
With this vacuum, your house will be cleaner, and your air will be healthier.
What We Like
Easy To Maneuver
This canister vacuum is super easy to maneuver. Transporting it around your house on the four caddy wheels is simple and hassle-free!
Useful Technology Features
This vacuum has two useful bits of technology. One indicator is to let you know the water tank and dust tank are full. The other is the auto-stop switch, so the vacuum automatically turns off when you’re not using it.
On-Board Storage
This vacuum has onboard storage for the accessories, making it easy to keep everything contained. Regarding the accessories, you’ll find the heavy-duty floor brush, a dust brush, and a crevice tool.
Advanced Filtration System
This unique filtration system has been designed to trap even the smallest of particles. So all the tiny debris that some vacuums might blow back out, this vacuum can handle it!
What We Don't Like
Not Great on Carpets
The carpet attachment isn’t great. Customers report it’s difficult to use and doesn’t glide well. Some of the other attachments haven’t gone down well either, with the main hose being described as cheap and too short.
Hard To Clean
Cleaning this vacuum is a hassle for many customers. It’s such a big canister that emptying it all out and deep cleaning it is a big job that takes a lot of time.
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Hard and carpet (but works best on hard) |
Weight | 14.3 pounds |
HEPA Filter | No |
Warranty | One year |
Our Ratings
Quantum X Upright Water Vacuum Cleaner
Best for Apartments
For apartments, we recommend this Quantum X Upright vacuum. It is compact and upright, so you can store it in a cupboard or a corner where it won’t take up much space at all.
Plus, it’s shaped like a traditional vacuum, so if your roommates are confused by your new purchase, they’ll find it easy to get used to.
Lastly, it’s available in three colors, so you can choose one that matches your decor. Choose from blue, red, or grey.
What We Like
Easy To Clean the Vacuum
This vacuum doesn’t use any filters. That includes HEPA, so if you do have allergies, you may want to choose another option. But the significant advantage of no filters is that the vacuum is much easier to clean.
You don’t need to wash out gross, dirty, or clogged filters. Just the tank!
Telescoping Body Increases Maneuverability
The body telescopes up four inches, giving you more clearance for getting the vacuum in tight corners or underneath furniture.
Automatically Adjusts to Floor Types
This is another great reason why it’s suitable for apartments. If you’re renting, you may not be a huge fan of your varying floor types. And it can be hard to find a vacuum that does a good job.
But this one automatically adjusts to different floor types to give you perfect cleaning results in every room.
Cleans Wet and Dry Messes
If you have pets or toddlers, you’ll understand the reality of a messy house. Somehow there are Cheerios, milk, or spilled water everywhere — even after you’ve just cleaned. This vacuum can clean up both dry messes and liquids.
All you need to do is attach the hose extension, which works like a cloth without losing any suction power.
What We Don't Like
17 Pounds Heavy
At nearly 17 pounds, this is a heavy vacuum, especially for an upright model. Many customers — even very happy ones — complained that this was a pain to push around.
Nowhere To Hang Power Cord
On ordinary vacuums, there is a hook to wrap the power cord around. This creates easy storage and protects the wire. But with this vacuum, there’s no hook which is annoying!
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Upright |
Type of Floor | Hard or carpet |
Weight | 16.93 pounds |
HEPA Filter | No |
Warranty | Three years |
Our Ratings
Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner
Best for Pet Hair
This is a super powerful water filtration vacuum, so you know it will do a great job cleaning your pet’s hair. It’s one of the most powerful on the market, with 80 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of power!
It also has six different attachments, hoses, tools, and wands so that you can switch between different surfaces.
These attachments make it even more effective at getting dirt, dust, and hair off your chosen surface.
What We Like
Switch Between Floor Types
With the flick of a button, you can switch between different floor types. This vacuum works on hard floors and carpets. However, it’s essential to switch so the vacuum can adjust its suction power to best clean the floors.
Cleaning Stairs Is a Breeze
With the long hose and the useful attachments, this is an excellent vacuum for cleaning stairs. Stairs can often get neglected, especially if your vacuum doesn’t make it easy.
Bagless Design
While many prefer a bagged vacuum, some prefer a bagless one. This means you save money over time since you don’t have to constantly buy new bags. Plus, you can deep clean the entire tank rather than all the separate elements.
What We Don't Like
It’s a Refurbishment
Remember that this is a refurbishment, so it’s not brand new. Therefore, some customers found theirs quite cheap or not as sturdy.
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Hard or carpet |
Weight | Not specified |
HEPA Filter | No |
Warranty | Five years |
Our Ratings
Ocean Blue Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Best With HEPA Filter
For a water filtration vacuum with a HEPA filter, this is a top option. Besides giving you cleaner air, it’s super powerful, so it can tackle every speck of dirt on your floors.
This uses a state-of-the-art filter system to capture dust and dirt better. It has a large dustbin, so you can take longer between emptying it.
All this adds up to being one of the most hygienic filtration systems. So if you’re trying to limit dirt from circulating back into the home — this is a great option.
What We Like
Great for All Floors
This has a nozzle, making it easy to switch between carpets and hard floors. This ensures a deep clean of whatever floor type you’re on.
When you’re not using it on hard floors and want to switch to carpets, you can connect this to a shampooer system. You can shampoo and deep clean your carpets with this handy little fella!
Powerful Features and Seven Attachments
There are a few nifty features to this vacuum that make it super powerful. Firstly, it has seven attachments that allow you to tackle all kinds of dirt on all kinds of surfaces. Secondly, it has strong headlights to see the dirt before you, even in dark spaces.
1.5-HP Motor
With a 1.5-horsepower motor, this is a super strong and reliable vacuum. This great suction power makes it triumphant over all sorts of messes.
Turbo Mini Pet Head Tool
We mentioned that this has seven attachments. One fantastic addition is the turbo mini pet head tool which can clean pet hair build-up from stairs, carpets, and upholstery.
What We Don't Like
No Instructions
Many customers struggled to use this vacuum. It didn’t come with instructions, making it hard to navigate. Besides that, it’s tricky to figure out how without the instructions if you want to use the carpet shampoo feature!
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Hard or carpet |
Weight | 32 pounds |
HEPA Filter | Yes |
Warranty | Five years |
Our Ratings
Hyla GST Water Filtration Vacuum
Best for Hard Floors
This is a great option for hard floors and carpets since it has varying attachments depending on the floor type.
It’s also great for cleaning up wet and dry messes since this vacuum is capable of both.
No matter what you’re cleaning up, this vacuum will give you purified and dust-free air. You can rest assured that your home is healthy, clean, and safe for folks with allergies.
What We Like
LED-Lit Basin
The water basin has LED lighting in it. This may seem like a random feature, but it’s beneficial. This allows you to see everything going on inside so you can check how dirty the water is and when it needs changing.
Fluorescent Lights on Nozzle
Besides the bright lights in the basin, there are also fluorescent lights on the nozzles. This helps with vision in dark spots, corners, and underneath furniture.
Great for Cleaning Pet Hair
Pet owners love this product. It has superior suction for pulling pet hair out of all types of flooring, even deep rugs and high-pile carpets.
Clean Wet or Dry Messes
This vacuum works to clean wet or dry messes. If you have pets or toddlers, this is a fantastic addition, and we can see why customers love it so much!
It also includes an extra hose if you need to set one aside for cleaning. You’ll always have a backup.
What We Don't Like
High Price
One of the significant drawbacks to this vacuum is the high price tag. While this is discounted, the other models can be up to three times the price. Even discounted, it’s very expensive!
Plus, you can’t replace some parts, which is how the company makes even more money. If you have any faulty parts, you’d need to buy a whole new machine!
Cheap Handle and Bin
Customers reported that the handle and bin were made of cheap parts. Over time, they cracked a little, causing leaks and other issues. For such a high price point, this is disappointing.
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Hard or carpet |
Weight | N/A |
HEPA Filter | No |
Warranty | Five years |
Our Ratings
Sirena 2-Speed Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Best for RVs
If you have an RV, you want something compact. That’s why we recommend this Sirena canister vacuum.
It’s nice and compact so that you can slot it under a bed or at the bottom of a cupboard, and it won’t take up much space at all.
It’s also suitable for hard floors and carpets. So no matter what kind of flooring your RV has, this is an excellent option for deep cleaning between guests and road trips.
What We Like
Two Speed Modes
This vacuum does more than just suck up dirt. When you use it at high speed, yes, that’s its main power. It will quickly clean carpets, floors, furniture, and more.
But check this out: If you switch to low speed, you can use the vacuum as an air purifier. Move it around a room, and it will trap allergens, bacteria, odors, and other nasties in the air.
Emptying Is a Breeze
With the transparent canister, you can see everything that’s going on inside the vacuum. That lets you know when it’s working and when it’s time for a water change.
Besides that, there’s an included separator to hold back large debris when you’re pouring the water out. This stops you from clogging up your sink, which is a nice bonus.
1200-Watt Motor
The 1200-watt motor is super strong and powerful. It can tackle all kinds of debris and dirt, at a quick and efficient pace. Besides that, it’s built to last for 10 years. So this investment should stay with you for a long time.
HEPA-Filter Included
Not many water filtration vacuums include a HEPA filter. Since the water does a good job, having a HEPA filter is not crucial, but we like when one does. This is especially useful if you have asthma or allergies.
This model uses a Sirena HEPA filter to trap particles that aren’t water-soluble. In turn, this delivers the cleanest air possible. Say goodbye to dust mite droppings and other minute elements.
What We Don't Like
Tricky To Navigate
While the option for many attachments is good, some customers found it overwhelming. There are six attachments, as well as a DVD, to explain everything. It’s a lot to learn.
Cheap Plastic Materials
The canister and the attachments are made of cheap plastic material. Many customers experienced the attachments or the water tank snapping or cracking.
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Hard or carpet |
Weight | 40.2 pounds |
HEPA Filter | Yes |
Warranty | 10-year motor and three years parts |
Our Ratings
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum
Best Budget Choice
On a budget but still want to try a water filtration vacuum for yourself? The Kalorik canister vacuum is one of the more affordable options.
It can remove dust, dirt, and allergens from your home, making each room much cleaner.
It’s great for people with allergies and asthma since it improves the air quality. The water reservoir traps particles and stops them from recirculating in your home.
What We Like
Pet Brush Attachment
The special pet brush attachment is perfect for cleaning up pet hair and dander. If you have furry friends in the home, and their hair sticks to every piece of furniture — then you need to try this out!
Wet and Dry Messes
You can clean up every last mess with this vacuum. The wet vacuuming function picks up spills and other liquid messes. The dry function has super strong suction and a high-torque blower to pick up stuck-on dirt.
Bagless and Mess-Free Design
This is super easy to empty and clean. You can simply empty the contents with no mess at all. Plus, the bagless design means you’re not faffing with emptying bags and replacing them.
On-Board Storage
We love when a vacuum comes with loads of attachments. But we hate losing them! With this vacuum, enjoy on-board storage for all the accessories.
What We Don't Like
Short Hose Attachment
The solid hose attachment is short for some users. You may need to hunch over to use this if you’re tall.
Not Smooth on Carpets
Some customers found that it didn’t glide on the carpet that well. It may get stuck and not glide as smoothly as other options.
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Hard or carpet |
Weight | 14.33 pounds |
HEPA Filter | No |
Warranty | One year |
Our Ratings
Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Best for Extra Attachments
Do you like having a lot of attachments that give you great options for cleaning? The more attachments, the more meticulously you can clean different areas of your home.
The Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum Cleaner comes with 13 attachments! You can deep clean almost everything in your home, including your grout, mattress, and floors.
What We Like
Two Functions in One Unit
This vacuum cleaner works as both a hoover and an air purifier. Set the unit on low mode when you want to clean the air in your home from dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Enjoy cleaner air in no time!
Cleans Wet and Dry Messes
Spilled milk? Leaky shower? Muddy pawprints on the ground? Cereal everywhere? No matter the mess, this vacuum can handle it.
High-Quality European Design
Say hello to the German-made power nozzle with rubber wheels, safety shut-off, and tons of power. As for the motor, it’s Italian with two speeds. One for air purifying, the other for vacuuming.
Lifetime Warranty
A lifetime factory service cover backs this high-quality vacuum. So the company will cover it if anything goes wrong that wasn’t your fault.
What We Don't Like
Costly Vacuum
This vacuum is two to three times the price of a regular vacuum, so it might break the bank for many customers. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider another option.
Parts Don’t Connect Well
A few customers have noticed that the attachments don’t attach that well. It’s hard to lock them into place, which causes them to disconnect while you’re using them.
Product Specs
Type of Machine | Canister |
Type of Floor | Hard floor, upholstery, and carpet |
Weight | 17 pounds |
HEPA Filter | No |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Type | Type of Floor | Weight | HEPA Filter | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rainbow Model E2 Type 12 System | For Carpets | Canister | Any | 17 lbs | Yes | None |
Kalorik Cordless Water Filtration Vacuum | Upright Vacuum | Upright | Hard or carpet | 7.9 lbs | No | 1 year |
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum | Bagless Water Filtration Vacuum | Canister | Hard or carpet | 14.3 lbs | No | 1 year |
Quantum X Upright Water Vacuum | For Apartments | Upright | Hard or carpet | 16.93 lbs | No | 3 years |
Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner | For Pet Hair | Canister | Hard or carpet | N/A | No | 5 years |
Ocean Blue Bagless Canister Vacuum | With HEPA Filter | Canister | Hard or carpet | 32 lbs | Yes | 5 years |
Hyla GST Water Filtration Vacuum | For Hard Floors | Canister | Hard or carpet | N/A | No | 5 years |
Sirena 2-Speed Canister Vacuum | For RVs | Canister | Hard or carpet | 40.2 lbs | Yes | 10-year motor; 3 years parts |
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum | Budget Choice | Canister | Hard or carpet | 14.33 lbs | No | 1 year |
Prolux CTX Vacuum Cleaner | For Extra Attachments | Canister | Hard floor, upholstery, carpet | 17 lbs | No | Lifetime |
What Are Water Filtration Vacuums?
A water filtration vacuum works like a regular vacuum. They suck up dirt and clean your floors thoroughly. But instead of a dust bin or a dust bag for collecting debris, they have a water filter.
How Do Water Filtration Vacuums Work?
The dirt is sucked into the water rather than a dirt bag or bin. The water absorbs the dirt. You may think this looks gross, but that just means it’s working.
From then on, the water better filters out and traps the dirt, which prevents it from being blown back out of the vacuum.
Are Water Filter Vacuums Better Than Regular Vacuums?
Some people prefer a water filter vacuum over a regular vacuum. Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons.
Pros
- They may hold more dirt than a standard vacuum, meaning you must empty them less often.
- The water traps more dust, resulting in cleaner air blown from the vacuum.
- Great for people with allergies.
- You eliminate the risk of clogged filters.
- Easy to empty and less messy.
- May be more energy efficient.
- It can clean wet and dry messes.
- Good for cleaning pet hair.
Cons
- Much more expensive than regular vacuums.
- Heavier and harder to transport.
- Not as many options on the market.
How To Choose the Best Water Filtration Vacuum
Consider these important factors to find the best water filtration vacuum for your home.
Water Filter Vacuums vs. HEPA Vacuums
Water filter vacuums are better at catching particles and delivering cleaner air than traditional ones. But HEPA vacuums are the most effective of all.
HEPA filters usually capture 99.9 percent of particles as little as 0.3 microns. You can get water filter vacuums with HEPA filters, which will be super reliable. If you have allergies, this is a super-safe option.
How To Clean Water Filtration Vacuums
You should regularly clean the water filtration vacuum. This may seem like a big task, but it will keep the vacuum in mint condition. You’ll have to go through the four main elements of the vacuum.
Top Tip
Rotating Brush
- Unplug: Unplug the vacuum cleaner.
- Cut: Use scissors to cut hair and fabric so you can pull it from the brush.
- Unplug: If you can’t get it all, unplug the drive belt and housing plate.
- Clear: Clear it out thoroughly.
- Reassemble: Put the pieces back together. Spin the brush to check it’s rotating smoothly.
Dust Canister
- Empty: If you have a separate dust canister, empty the bin over the trash until all the dirt is gone.
- Remove debris: Use an old toothbrush to remove any stuck debris.
- Wipe: Use a dampened microfiber cloth to clean the inside.
- Empty: If the dirt and water are mixed together, empty this after each use. You can pour this down a drain outside or use a sieve to separate the water and the gunk.
- Trash: Discard the dirt and debris into the trash.
- Pour: Pour the water down the sink.
- Wipe: Clean the tank with a microfiber cloth.
Foam Filters
Most filters can be washed with soapy water but check with your manufacturer. Once you’ve washed it, let it air dry until completely dry.
HEPA Filters
- Tap: Tap the HEPA filter onto the side of the trash can to remove excess dirt.
- Clean: Wash with warm soapy water.
- Dry: Air dry thoroughly.
Always check with the user’s manual before washing your HEPA filter in case the instructions differ.
FAQs
Whole New World of Vacuuming
Out with the old, in with the new! If your vacuum is letting you down, and triggering your allergies, consider trying out a water filtration vacuum. They trap more dirt and dust so that it doesn’t recirculate into the air.
There aren’t many options on the market, but we can see them becoming increasingly popular. We’ve rounded up 10 great options to choose from.
When shopping, don’t forget to consider the most important details. That includes the type of machine, what type of flooring it works on, the weight, whether it has a HEPA filter and the warranty.