The Swiffer WetJet is a unique, all-in-one mopping system. It has a mechanism which allows you to spray cleaning solution onto the floor as you push the mop around. Unfortunately, sometimes it won’t spray.

So, why is a Swiffer WetJet not spraying?

If a Swiffer WetJet is not spraying but you hear the pump motor running, it means the spray nozzles are clogged. However, if a Swiffer WetJet is not spraying but the pump motor is not running, it means the pump motor is clogged, rusty, or needs lubrication.

Relax, you don’t need to buy a new Swiffer WetJet if your current mop is not spraying. All you need is the right knowledge to fix it. In this post, we will show you how to fix a Swiffer WetJet that won’t spray.

How to Fix a Swiffer WetJet That Won't Spray

Your Swiffer WetJet will not spray a cleaning solution if one of the nozzles, or both, are clogged. It also won’t spray if the pump motor is rusty or clogged. Please follow the steps below in order to solve the issue:

1. Deal with the obvious: check/replace the batteries

A Swiffer WetJet needs 4 AA batteries or 2 AA batteries on the newer version in order to spray a cleaning solution and work properly.

You probably know this and would have already changed the batteries. But just in case, replace the batteries with new ones just to make sure that the Swiffer WetJet is spraying normally.

If the device works, congratulations, all you needed was a simple battery change.

If the Swiffer’s WetJet motor is running when you press the button (whirring sound), but it is still not spraying, it means the spray nozzles are clogged. Move on to step number 2.

If the Swiffer’s WetJet motor is not running when you press the button (no whirring sound), it means the pump motor is clogged, rusty, and needs lubrication. Move on to step number 3.

2. Quick solution: Spray the nozzles with a strong stream of water

The mop head has two spray nozzles that spritz out cleaning solution when you press the button. If the motor is running, but the device is not spraying, then the spray nozzles (or both) are clogged. 

Without having to disassemble your Swiffer WetJet, a quick solution to unclog the spray nozzles is to spray them with a strong stream of water. Take your Swiffer WetJet outside, stand it upright, and spray the mop head with a strong stream of water from a water hose.

While spraying the mop head with water, be sure to direct the strong water stream into each opening of the spray nozzle. Continuously spray each nozzle for at least 30 seconds to unclog them.

If you do not want to get wet and dirty, you can also use a pin or a toothpick to unclog the spray nozzle of a Swiffer WetJet. This method is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is take a pin or a toothpick, then gently puncture both spray nozzles, making sure the opening is clear of grime.

3. Unclog and lubricate the pump motor

A telltale sign that the pump motor is clogged, rusty, or needs lubrication is when there is no “whirring” sound when you press the spray button even though the batteries inside are new.

For this method, you need to disassemble your Swiffer WetJet. Please remove the batteries first. Here’s how to disassemble the Swiffer WetJet and lubricate the pump motor:

1. Remove the cleaning solution bottle from the device.
2. Unscrew the 2 screws on each side of the circle (inside where the bottle sits).
3. Unscrew the larger screw on the outside (holding the mop head to handle). 
4. Separate the two halves of the cover.
5. Use a flat screwdriver to turn the motor manually (through the little window).
6. Apply dry lubricant inside the pump motor and around the rusted terminal ends. 

Once you have done the steps above, press the spray button. If the pump motor is well-lubricated and is no longer clogged, then it should produce a whirring sound (just like what a motor sounds like). 

When separating the 2 halves of the cover, you need to squeeze the smaller half to release the tabs inside. You can also use a flat-head screwdriver to pry them apart. The parts are sturdy, so they shouldn’t break.

Assemble everything together by reversing the steps above. Start by putting the two pieces of plastic together and securing them with the large screw. Then, screw the two screws on each side of the circle (where the bottle sits). Lastly, Install the cleaning solution bottle back into the Swiffer WetJet.

Congratulations, now your Swiffer WetJet should be able to spray as it should!

Bottom Line

And there you have it, the simple step-by-step to troubleshoot a Swiffer WetJet that is not spraying. As you are using the mop, be sure to unclog the spray nozzles and lubricate the motor often to keep it running smoothly.

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• How to fix leaking Swiffer WetJet
• 11 things you need to know before buying Swiffer WetJet
• Swiffer WetJet vs. Bona Spray Mop