Cleans the house and air? What can a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter do and do you need it?

Advertising campaigns for vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter often give the impression that after cleaning, people will enjoy fresh sea air directly from the vacuum cleaner outlet. However, does air quality really change during cleaning using an aquafilter? What are the pros and cons of vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter? And how effective are they at removing dust?

A water filter in a vacuum cleaner is, in general terms, a system where air and dust pass through water. It typically uses a cyclone to separate debris and dust from the air, sending it into a tank of water. The cyclone mechanism creates a centrifugal force that separates debris from the air. However, even the smallest dust particles, such as allergens or other tiny particles, can pass through this system. In such cases, filters such as HEPA and EPA filters are usually installed to capture finer dust.

An aquafilter system is more effective at trapping both large debris and tiny dust particles because they settle in the water. This reduces the load on the filter and extends its service life. Typically, as a result, the outgoing air after passing through the aquafilter becomes cleaner, since some of the dust is already retained in the water.

Many people mistakenly associate the aqua filter in a vacuum cleaner with wet cleaning because of the word “aqua”. However, the aquafilter is actually designed to collect dry dirt. Water and liquid dirt collection is an optional feature that may not be available on some models (more on this below). Some vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter can also perform a washing function. These models include tanks for clean and used water, as well as a nozzle with a hose that can supply water under pressure and then suck it up along with dirt.

The German company Thomas, one of the key players in this field, is proud of the special design of its aqua filters. They claim that their filters not only filter air through water, but actually humidify the indoor atmosphere. Also, the Turkish company Arnika has created a patented DWS aquafilter, where air with dust immediately enters the water, virtually eliminating the possibility of dust particles coming out in a dry state. Marketers of the Thomas and Arnika brands suggest that the user, before cleaning, remove the hose from the vacuum cleaner, add a liter of clean water to the aquafilter and turn the device on at idle. They claim that this process allows the air in the room to be humidified, and the flying dust settles faster, which allows it to be effectively removed with a nozzle.

However, our experience has confirmed that this raises doubts about its effectiveness and benefit. The operation of the vacuum cleaner is accompanied by noise (up to 80 dB) and electricity consumption, and there is no active evaporation of water, which can significantly increase the level of humidity. The filter in the aquafilter does not have a boiler, as in steam humidifiers, nor a special membrane, as in ultrasonic humidifiers. Rather, it is natural humidification, reminiscent of an air washer, but in 15 minutes such a device cannot significantly increase the humidity level. For these purposes, it is better to use a humidifier. If the problem with dust in the air is really bothering you, then a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter alone will not solve this problem. However, when used in combination with climate control technology, it can help combat dust allergies.

Various companies have developed their own aqua filter designs. However, for the average consumer who does not want to go into the complexities of the internal structure of the aqua filter, it is important that he:

• Performed its main function — it retained the smallest particles (it is difficult to assess this without laboratory tests, so you have to rely on manufacturers’ statements and user reviews).
• It was convenient to use (it had a lid and a convenient handle for carrying, it closed securely and did not cause problems when installing and removing from the case).
• It did not require complicated maintenance (after all, you will need to pour out not clean water from it, as in advertising, but dirty contents, so it is important that it is easy to wash and clean).

There are not many manufacturers of vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter, so it’s relatively easy to navigate. One of the most diverse in this sense is Thomas. This brand uses two types of aquafilters: a standard aquafilter and its improved version, known as an aquabox. The aquabox features a lid and handle for easy cleaning and transportation. The aquabox uses Wet-Jet technology, where air and dust meet a “water wall”. Thomas produces various models with an aquabox, including configurations for different purposes: with an aquafilter and dust collector designed for parquet care, with special attachments for pet owners, with a HEPA 13 filter for allergy sufferers, as well as models with a washing function. In Thomas vacuum cleaners, power control is carried out both electronically on the body and through a valve on the handle. The warranty period for Thomas vacuum cleaners with an aquafilter or aquabox is 2 years.

Another significant manufacturer is Kärcher, which produces models with an aqua filter such as the DS 6 and DS 6 Premium Plus with additional equipment including a turbo brush. The main features of these vacuum cleaners: low noise level, an innovative aqua filter that provides strong air flows, a HEPA 13 filter, and efficiency — with a consumption of only 650 W, the vacuum cleaner maintains high suction power, even when the container is full. Kärcher does not have models with the option to choose between a bag or an aquafilter. Power adjustment on Kärcher models is carried out only mechanically through a valve on the handle. Kärcher provides a 10-year warranty on the DS 6 when you fill out a form on their website.

Another leading manufacturer is the German company Bosch. Their Serie 4 line includes about a dozen models of vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter. Like Thomas, these models are designed to suit a variety of needs: allergy sufferers, families with pets, etc. However, like its competitors, this has more to do with marketing and the inclusion of additional attachments: all models are equipped with a HEPA 13 filter, which, when used together with an aquafilter, provides good protection for allergy sufferers. There is one caveat: all Bosch vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter also function as detergents; there are no models for dry cleaning only. This has a slight impact on the price, but creates the problem of storing many accessories.

The Vitek brand produces several models of vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter, although a washing vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter is planned to be released soon. There are currently two dry cleaning models available. They are cheaper than devices from Thomas and Kärcher, but still go beyond the budget and mid-price segment inherent in this brand (perhaps they can still be found at old prices, but the recommended prices on the manufacturer’s website are approximately 23-29 thousand rubles, which corresponds to the approximate price range for Bosch). These models have some design differences: the aqua filter has a volume of 3.5 liters, and the filling capacity is 0.6 liters (while for German manufacturers it is 5 and 1 liter, respectively). In addition, the instructions for Vitek vacuum cleaners instruct not to use an aqua filter to collect spilled water or liquid dirt, while all models of German brands are capable of coping with this task. Vitek N10 models use an EPA filter, not a HEPA filter, like their German counterparts. The warranty on Vitek vacuum cleaners is 1 year.

Arnica, a Turkish brand of vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter, offers its models with a three-year warranty. They are the most affordable options for vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter and have a wide range. The Arnica line includes household vacuum cleaners of the Arnica Hydra series, which provide the functions of collecting large amounts of liquid, the ability to collect garbage in a tank or bag (purchased separately) and blowing air. In addition, the Hydra Rain Plus model also offers a wash function. The range also includes models designed for regular dry cleaning, such as Arnica Bora. Each model, regardless of series and configuration, is equipped with a washable HEPA 13 filter capable of collecting water (the Hydra model has a larger volume). Arnica vacuum cleaners are one of the most powerful models with an aqua filter (2400 W). The company has developed and patented the DWS aquafiltration system, in which the air flow is directed directly into the water, ensuring that the smallest dust particles are mixed with water, eliminating dust from being released back into the air. In addition, additional filters are used inside the vacuum cleaner body.

• Natural air humidification
• Reduced load on the HEPA or EPA filter, high-quality purification of the outgoing air from the smallest particles
• High suction power throughout cleaning
• As a rule, the ability to collect water and liquid dirt (read the instructions, there are exceptions)
• Washable (usually) HEPA filters
• When washing the aquafilter after cleaning, the user does not come into contact with dry dust, it does not fly away

• Cumbersome, often impossibility of vertical parking
• Heavy weight (8-10 kg, even more with a filled aquafilter)
• They require careful handling when there is water inside the aquafilter: you cannot shake, tilt, etc., it is difficult to carry up the stairs (it is better to remove the aquafilter)

• The need for assembly and disassembly: even if it takes 5-10 minutes, such vacuum cleaners are not suitable for quick daily cleaning — rather for general and weekly cleaning, so many people buy a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter for these purposes and a vertical vacuum cleaner as an electric broom
• Fairly high cost

• By type of cleaning: there are models for dry and wet cleaning (washing vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter)
• HEPA filter class: the higher the better
• Availability of consumable filters
• Possibility/impossibility of collecting water and liquid dirt
• For the availability of the attachments you need: models from the same manufacturer differ mainly in this
• For range
• On general ergonomics: storage of at least the main attachments in the case, automatic cord rewinding, parking of the telescopic tube on the case, maneuverability (large rubberized wheels, additional small rollers), etc.

A vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter causes those who have tried cleaning with it either complete delight or rejection due to the need for, albeit simple, but constant care of the device and the features of use. But this equipment is not the cheapest and is purchased for years in advance, so it is worth understanding the topic of aquafiltration and weighing the pros and cons.