Swiffer WetJet Not Spraying? (here’s why & what to do)
The Swiffer Wetjet is one of those inventions that you didn’t know you needed until you got one and then you wonder how you managed before you got it. It takes all of the work out of mopping your floors, who wants to be dealing with a heavy bucket full of water and an old fashioned mop?
So what can you do if your Swiffer Wetjet stops spraying?
The truth is there are a number of things that could go wrong with the Wetjet. Which means it could be one of many things, but don’t despair. In this article we’ll look at the most likely causes for the Wetjet to stop spraying and how to fix them.
Why Is The Swiffer Wetjet Not Spraying?
There are 4 main reasons why your Wetjet could have stopped spraying which are;
- The nozzles are clogged
- The cleaning solution has run out
- The batteries need replacing
- The motor has developed a problem
Getting Your Swiffer Wetjet Spray Working Again
Now we’ve identified the main possible causes for your Wetjet to stop spraying, let’s look at ways to get it working again.
Clogged Nozzles
If your Swiffer Wetjet stops spraying, it’s worth checking that the nozzles are not clogged. They can get blocked by concentrated cleaning solution, dirt, mud or some other debris.
You can try to clear any blockage using a wooden cocktail stick to gently remove any debris blocking the nozzle.
In some cases, just pressing the button and holding it in for around 5 to 10 seconds can be enough to clear whatever is causing the blockage.
You could also try soaking a cloth with vinegar and wiping the nozzles. This will clear the nozzles of any buildup of limescale deposits etc.
Or just spraying the nozzle with a high powered jet of water from a hose etc could be enough to clear it.
No Cleaning Solution
It’s easy to check if the cleaning solution bottle is empty. Just press the eject button to release the bottle from the Wetjet mainframe. Once the bottle is out, hold it up to the light and give it a shake.
This will allow you to see just how much solution is left in the bottle. If it is empty it will need to be replaced and that is probably why your spray has stopped working.
Worn Out Batteries
If the spray has stopped working and you can’t hear any sound at all when you press the button on the handle of the Wetjet, it’s probably because the batteries need to be replaced.
The battery compartment is located directly behind (or in front, depending on which way round you’re holding the Wetjet) of the cleaning solution bottle.
To open the battery compartment, simply pop the plastic clip upwards and then the battery compartment will lift off.
You’ll see 4 AA batteries, 2 on each side of the compartment. Replace these and check that the spray is working again. If the batteries are OK you should hear the motor trying to pump solution through the spray.
Problems With The Motor
If all of the above hasn’t fixed the problem, you need to check if your Swiffer Wetjet is still covered by a warranty, if it is, contact Swiffer and tell them what the problem is and they will either refund your money or replace your product. They can be contacted here.
If your warranty has run out, you have 2 options, which are;
- Take it apart and try to fix it yourself
- Throw it away
If you’ve got to this stage, and your Wetjet still isn’t spraying, after trying all of the above solutions, and presumably with no warranty left, keep reading.
The problem could well be because the motor is either;
- Rusted
- Clogged with dirt and debris
- Needs lubricating
How To Open The Wetjet And Check On The Motor
You will need a screwdriver and lubricant.
- Remove the cleaning solution bottle
Once the cleaning solution bottle has been removed, you will see 2 screws holding the front plate in place. - Remove the screws
Remove both of these screws and also the single screw on the swivel at the bottom of the Wetjet. - Gain access to the motor and pump
Once the bottom screw has been removed, pull the swivel hinge down slightly until the fascia can be removed. - Apply lubricant
Spray the motor with lubricant (WD40 or similar) then turn the motor by hand, it should now spin freely. - Reassemble the Wetjet
Replace the fascia into the correct position and replace the screw on the swivel. Then replace the cleaning solution holder, screw the 2 screws in and replace the cleaning solution bottle. - Press the button
Keep the button pressed for around 10 seconds this should get the motor turning again.
If it still doesn’t work, it’s probably time to throw it away.
This article is for information only. Attempting repairs can be dangerous. Consult manufacturer instructions or seek professional help. We are not liable for any damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
To unclog a Swiffer Wetjet nozzle, sometimes all you need to do is spray the nozzle with a high powered jet of water. If this doesn’t work, you could try to remove any blockage using a wooden cocktail stick. In some cases, just pressing and holding the button for around 10 seconds is enough to clear any blockage.
Swiffer Wetjets should have a life expectancy of around 24 months, however, if you don’t use it very often, it might last for 36 months. At which point the nozzles will begin to clog and the motor might experience some problems.
You can refill a Swffer Wetjet with your own solution and this will often workout to be far more cost efficient.
Instead of using Swiffer Wetjet liquid you can use a mixture of 50% water, 50% white vinegar along with 2-3 drops of washing up liquid (dish soap).
