Clean your Dreame vacuum mop after every use to keep it working well and prevent mold or odors

A Dreame vacuum mop combines two jobs—vacuuming and wet mopping—so it collects both dry debris and dirty water. If you leave water sitting in the tank or let dust cake onto the brush roll, the machine will lose suction, the mop pads will smell, and parts will wear out faster. The good news is that cleaning takes about 10 minutes and requires only water and a soft brush.

The basic routine is the same whether you own a Dreame W10 Pro, W10, or another model in their range: empty the dirty water tank right after mopping, rinse the mop pads, wipe down the brush roll, and leave everything to air dry before you store it. The specific parts you can remove vary slightly by model, so check your manual for which components detach on yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Empty the dirty water tank when ready after mopping to prevent mold, mildew, and odors from building up inside the machine.
  • Rinse the mop pads under running water and squeeze them dry; replace them every three to six months depending on how often you mop.
  • Wipe the brush roll with a damp cloth after each use and remove tangled hair or fibers by hand or with scissors.
  • Clean the water tanks, nozzle, and hose monthly with warm water and a soft brush to remove mineral deposits and dried detergent.
  • Store the machine with all tanks empty and the mop pads removed so air can circulate and prevent mold growth.

Empty and rinse both water tanks after every mopping session

The Dreame vacuum mop has two tanks: the clean water tank (which holds the water and detergent you add) and the dirty water tank (which collects the water the machine pulls up from your floor). Both must be emptied and rinsed right after you finish mopping, before the water sits and grows bacteria or mold.

To empty the dirty water tank, locate it on the back or underside of the machine—your manual will show the exact spot. Twist or press the release button (depending on your model) and pull the tank straight out. Pour the water down a sink or toilet, then rinse the tank under running water until it runs clear. Do the same with the clean water tank. Leave both tanks open to air dry before you reattach them.

If you notice a smell coming from the machine even after emptying the tanks, the water may have sat too long. Fill the dirty water tank halfway with warm water and a small amount of white vinegar, then empty it again. Repeat once more with plain water to rinse away the vinegar.

Rinse and replace the mop pads regularly

The mop pads are the cloth rectangles that attach to the bottom of the machine and actually touch your floor. They absorb dirty water and can hold onto bacteria, dust, and detergent residue if not cleaned properly. After each mopping session, detach the pads from the machine (usually by pressing a release button on each side) and rinse them under running water until the water runs clear.

Squeeze the pads firmly to remove as much water as possible, then lay them flat on a clean towel or hang them to air dry. Do not wring them hard or twist them, as this can damage the fibers. Once they are completely dry, reattach them to the machine for the next use.

Mop pads wear out over time and lose their cleaning power. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every three to six months, depending on how often you mop and how dirty your floors are. You can order replacement pads directly from Dreame or from retailers that carry their accessories. When the pads start to fray, shed fibers, or stop absorbing water well, it is time to swap them out.

Clean the brush roll and nozzle to prevent clogs and loss of suction

The brush roll is the spinning cylinder at the bottom of the machine that agitates the floor while mopping. Hair, pet fur, and fibers wrap around it and reduce its spinning speed, which means less effective cleaning and more strain on the motor. After each use, wipe the brush roll with a damp cloth to remove loose debris.

Once a week, or whenever you notice hair wrapped around the roll, remove it by hand or with small scissors. Be careful not to cut the bristles themselves—just the hair and fibers tangled around them. If the brush roll is very dirty, you can detach it (your manual shows how) and rinse it under running water, then let it air dry completely before reattaching.

The nozzle is the part that sits on the floor and dispenses water while the brush roll spins. Mineral deposits from tap water or dried detergent can clog the small holes and cause uneven water distribution. Once a month, soak the nozzle in warm water for 15 minutes, then use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the holes. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry before reattaching.

Deep clean the water tanks and hose monthly

Beyond the quick rinse after each use, the tanks and hose need a deeper clean once a month to remove mineral buildup and detergent residue. Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add a small amount of white vinegar (about one part vinegar to four parts water). Submerge the clean water tank, dirty water tank, and the hose (if it detaches) and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Use a soft brush—an old toothbrush works well—to scrub the inside of the tanks, paying special attention to corners and seams where debris collects. For the hose, run water through it while brushing the outside to dislodge any blockages. Rinse everything thoroughly under running water until you smell no vinegar, then stand the tanks upright and hang the hose to air dry completely.

If you live in an area with hard water (water with high mineral content), you may need to do this monthly cleaning more often. You will notice white or chalky deposits inside the tanks or reduced water flow from the clean water tank—both signs that minerals are building up.

Store your Dreame vacuum mop correctly to prevent mold and damage

How you store the machine between uses affects how long it lasts and whether mold or odors develop. Always store it with both tanks empty, the mop pads removed, and the brush roll dry. If you leave water or wet pads inside, mold will grow in the dark, damp environment.

Keep the machine in a cool, dry place—a closet, garage, or utility room works well. Do not store it in a basement or outdoor shed where humidity is high. If you live in a very humid climate, consider leaving the tanks slightly apart (not fully sealed) so air can circulate inside.

Store the mop pads separately in a breathable bag or on a shelf where they can stay dry. Keep replacement pads in their original packaging until you need them. Store the cleaning solution in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and check the expiration date before each use.

Troubleshoot common cleaning problems

If your Dreame vacuum mop loses suction, the first step is to check whether the dirty water tank is full. The machine automatically reduces suction when the tank reaches capacity to prevent overflow. Empty the tank and try again. If suction is still weak, the brush roll may be clogged with hair or the filter may be dirty. Remove and clean the brush roll as described above, and check your manual for where the filter is located and how to rinse it.

If the machine leaves streaks or does not mop evenly, the mop pads may be worn out or the nozzle may be clogged. Replace the pads if they are more than six months old, and clean the nozzle with a soft brush as described in the deep-cleaning section. If the machine makes a grinding or squealing noise, stop using it and contact Dreame support—this usually means a motor bearing is failing and needs professional repair.

If the machine smells bad even after you have emptied the tanks and rinsed the pads, soak the dirty water tank in a vinegar solution overnight, then rinse it very thoroughly. Smell can also come from the mop pads if they are not drying completely between uses; make sure you squeeze them well and lay them flat in a well-ventilated area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular household cleaner in the clean water tank?

No. Use only the cleaning solution made by Dreame or a solution specifically designed for vacuum mops. Regular household cleaners can damage the seals inside the machine, clog the nozzle, or leave a residue that reduces suction. If you do not have the official solution, plain water works fine for light mopping.

How often should I replace the mop pads?

Most users replace them every three to six months, depending on how often they mop and how dirty their floors are. If you mop daily, you may need new pads every three months. If you mop once a week, they may last six months. Replace them sooner if they start to fray, shed fibers, or stop absorbing water.

What should I do if water leaks from the machine while mopping?

Stop mopping when ready and check that both tanks are installed correctly and fully seated. Make sure the seals around the tanks are not cracked or dried out. If the leak continues, the seal may need replacement—contact Dreame support for a replacement part. Do not continue mopping with a leaking machine, as water can damage the motor.

Is it safe to clean the brush roll while the machine is plugged in?

No. Always unplug the machine before cleaning any internal parts, including the brush roll. Even if the machine is off, the brush roll can spin unexpectedly if you accidentally press a button, which could injure your fingers.

Can I use hot water to clean the tanks and hose?

Warm water is fine, but avoid very hot water or boiling water, as extreme heat can warp plastic tanks or damage seals. Use water that is warm to the touch but not so hot that you cannot hold your hand under it comfortably.