The Dyson WashG1 does not vacuum, but only mops electrically, and it also separates coarse dirt and dirty water. In practical tests, it impresses with its strong cleaning performance, but also proves to be very in need of maintenance.
Dyson no longer just sells vacuum cleaners. Hair care products, air purifiers and fans are now part of the British company's product range, as are lights and, more recently, headphones. The WashG1, which costs just under 700 euros, is the first electric floor mop from Dyson. As is often the case with its devices, the manufacturer is looking for a new approach, which is also the case with the electric mop. The practical test by ntv.de shows that Dyson has basically succeeded in doing this, but there is still room for improvement for the successor.
The electric mop does not take up much space in its charging station.
(Photo: kwe)
The Wash G1 is more compact than most of its competitors, which is partly because, unlike them, it is not a vacuum cleaner. Dyson calls it that, but in reality the device only mops the floor with two rotating fabric rollers. Only the separated dirty water is sucked into a tank. In the WashG1, separated means that coarse dirt and liquid are separated using two rotating brushes. Coarse particles therefore do not end up in the dirty water tank as usual, but in a container between the rollers. This is another special feature of the Dyson mop.
Fortunately, the floor mop also has compact packaging that largely does not contain any plastic. The device can be assembled in no time at all, as you only have to attach the handle. There is also a charging station that is connected to the power supply.
Easy to use, but no printed instructions
You could actually get started straight away if the manufacturer included a user manual – but they don't. Instead, you are asked to install the Dyson app, where you can find short instructional videos. There is also a user manual under “Services”, but only in English and without graphics. In principle, you only need the app to activate the device. But you can also do that on Dyson's website, where you can also download a detailed German user manual.
It's easy to understand how to use the electric mop because it's extremely simple. The device has a small display on the handle that shows the most important information. There are three cleaning levels that differ in terms of the level of moisture they contain. You select them using a button that's integrated into the display. There's another button underneath that you press when you need a lot of water to mop up stubborn dirt. The red button is the on/off switch.
Above the rollers is a removable unit with a fresh and dirty water tank. Before you start your mopping mission, you just have to fill the fresh water tank. How much or which cleaning agent you add is up to you; Dyson does not provide any information on this.
Strong on edges, a bit too high for furniture
Only Dyson knows why the display is upside down when vacuuming.
(Photo: kwe)
Although the WashG1 is compact, it is not a lightweight at around 5 kilograms when fully fuelled. However, a certain amount of pressure is required for thorough cleaning and with the help of the motorised rollers, the e-mop can be easily maneuvered through the apartment.
Not only is it flexible in curves, it can also make itself relatively flat. However, it cannot wipe under furniture that has less than 17 centimeters of clearance. Edges, on the other hand, rarely pose a problem for the floor mop as long as you approach them with the right side. This is because the rollers reach almost to the edge.
He gets rid of almost everything
You cannot use the WashG1 to wipe under low furniture.
(Photo: kwe)
Wherever the Dyson WashG1 can reach, it cleans thoroughly. The only problem is deep cracks between floorboards, as it lacks a suction function. Otherwise, the first level is usually sufficient, and the maximum mode is rarely needed. In the test, for example, the button had to be pressed for dried ketchup and mustard, which is a challenge for any mop.
The electric mop cleaned up a “breakfast disaster” consisting of milk, cereal and a burst raw egg in just a few seconds on level 1 after the large eggshells had been manually removed, as there was already plenty of liquid.
You cannot avoid emptying the drip tray.
(Photo: kwe)
However, this meant that the container for collecting the coarse dirt was also quite wet after mopping. This is not a problem, the small basket is also leak-proof. The mess in it only makes maintenance, which is already relatively time-consuming, more unpleasant.
Low maintenance is different
You have to empty the drip tray and dirty water container and refill it with fresh water if necessary before you start the self-cleaning process using the Max button when the electric mop is parked in the charging station. This works excellently; after just a few minutes, the rollers and brushes were almost perfectly clean.
The self-cleaning does a good job.
(Photo: kwe)
This basically means the job is done, but only if you use the floor mop regularly without long breaks. After the self-cleaning process, the rollers are still wet and you have to remove them to dry them if you don't want them to rot. Other devices can do this themselves using a heating fan in the station. You also have to find a place where the roller and possibly the drip tray can dry.
Best often and briefly
The Dyson WashG1 is therefore best when it is used frequently and for short periods of time. If you want to mop the entire apartment once a week, you may also reach the limits of the battery capacity. The battery lasts a maximum of 35 minutes, which Dyson says is enough for up to 290 square meters. However, this is only conceivable if the dirt is minimal; half is more realistic. You can see how long you can mop for on the display.
Alternatively, you can buy a replacement battery. However, it is not yet available on Dyson's website, so the price is not yet known. According to Dyson, the microfiber rollers need to be replaced every six months or so; you can see on the display when it is time. There is no price for this either. Only the front dirt brush bar has a price, which costs just under 15 euros if you need to replace it. As with all spare parts, this is child's play.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an electric mop because you often have something to mop up, the Dyson WashG1 is a good choice. It doesn't take up much space, is easy to use and cleans thoroughly. You won't miss the suction function and the self-cleaning function is great too. However, you still have to do the work yourself if you don't want it to smell bad. Competitors make it easier for users – and are often cheaper too.
