What Happens If You Vacuum Water With A Regular Vacuum?

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most helpful home appliances today. With their powerful suction abilities, they make our cleaning tasks easier and quicker. However, as useful as they are, there are certain things you mustn’t vacuum with a regular vacuum, such as water. Using a regular vacuum to suck up water can lead to a lot of serious problems.

Why Should You Avoid Vacuuming Water With a Regular Vacuum?

Water can damage your vacuum cleaner’s motor and can cause it to stop functioning correctly. Vacuums are designed to suck up dust and debris but are not the right tool for water suctioning. Introducing water to a vacuum that is not meant for this usage can lead to significant damage to the appliance.

The motor of the vacuum cleaner is the critical component of the device. When it comes in contact with water, it may become damaged or even destroyed. Water not only weakens the power of the vacuum but can also lead to electrical accidents that could harm you and your house. Additionally, the bacteria found in water can also spread bad odours throughout your house, which can linger for days.

What Happens When You Try to Vacuum Water With a Regular Vacuum?

If you try to vacuum up water with a regular vacuum, the following problems may come about:

Decreased Power:

Water negatively affects the suction power of the vacuum, as its moisture causes the captured particles to clump and get stuck in the vacuum’s motor. The suction filter might also accumulate bacteria resulting from the wet environment, reducing its efficiency except for creating an unpleasant odor around your house.

Motor Burn-out:

When you suck up water with a regular vacuum, it may enter through the exhaust hose and move past the vacuum’s engine. This contact can lead to a burnt-out motor, and fixing or replacing it would bring additional costs.

Electrical Hazards:

The presence of water close to the motor, electrical wires, and some other electrical components in the vacuum cleaner, raises the risk of sparking or short circuits that could potentially cause electric shock or house fires. Since household vacuums are not waterproof, you want to avoid the temptation to use them to clean a flooded room. The damage is not worth the momentary convenience, as the repair expanse can be overbearing.

What To Do If You Accidentally Vacuum Water?

Accidents happen, and even after taking care, you may accidentally vacuum water. If this happens, do the following:

Shut your vacuum off:

Immediately shut off the vacuum and disconnect it from the power source. Water can cause electric shocks if the appliance is still connected to the power source.

Take Out The Filter:

Take out the filter, place it in a bucket, and leave it to dry, replacing it when it is 100% dry. You can use a fan or put the filter under sunlight to dry it faster.

Clean Your Vacuum:

After removing the filter, clean the vacuum cleaner with a clean, dry cloth or towel. Wipe the inside and outside, removing any moisture and leave it to dry completely for a few hours.

Final Words

Using a regular vacuum to suck up water is a surefire way to damage the device. If you need to clean up a wet mess, use a wet-dry vacuum that is specifically meant for water suctioning. Also, ensure you read the instruction manual before using your vacuum so that you know what you can and cannot do with it. Remember, taking care of your appliances well can save you a lot of costs and prevent dangers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a regular vacuum to vacuum water?

No, it is not recommended to use a regular vacuum to vacuum water as it can damage the motor and other parts of the vacuum. Water can also cause electrical shock, which is dangerous.

What happens if I vacuum water with a regular vacuum?

If you vacuum water with a regular vacuum, the motor and other parts of the vacuum may get damaged due to water exposure. The vacuum may also stop working altogether, and the warranty may become void.

Can I dry out a regular vacuum after vacuuming water with it?

It is not recommended to attempt to dry out a regular vacuum after vacuuming water with it. The motor and other parts of the vacuum may already be damaged due to water exposure, and attempting to dry it out can make the damage worse. It is best to replace the damaged vacuum with a new one.