Where the battery goes and what you need

The Swiffer WetJet battery sits inside the handle, near the trigger. You'll need two AA batteries to replace the old ones. The battery compartment is on the underside of the handle, toward the back—you'll see a small rectangular panel with a slot for a coin or flathead screwdriver.

Before you start, gather a coin (a penny or dime works) or a small flathead screwdriver, and have your two fresh AA batteries ready. The whole job takes about two minutes. If your WetJet isn't spraying or the trigger feels weak, a dead battery is usually the culprit.

Key Takeaways

  • The battery compartment is on the underside of the handle, secured by a small slot that opens with a coin or flathead screwdriver.
  • You need two AA batteries, and both should be replaced at the same time even if only one is dead.
  • Insert the batteries with the positive end (+) facing toward the trigger end of the handle.
  • If the WetJet still won't spray after you replace the batteries, the spray nozzle may be clogged rather than the battery being the problem.

Opening the battery compartment

Hold the WetJet handle with the underside facing you. Look for the small rectangular panel about three inches from the bottom of the handle. You'll see a thin slot running across it—this is where you insert your coin or screwdriver.

Turn the coin or screwdriver clockwise (to the right) about a quarter turn. The panel will pop loose. Don't force it; if it's stuck, try turning it the other direction first to make sure you have the right way. Once it opens, set the panel somewhere you won't lose it—it's small and straightforward to misplace.

Removing the old batteries

Inside the compartment you'll see two AA batteries lying side by side. They may be loose or held in by a plastic tray. Gently pull them out or lift the tray if there is one. If the batteries are corroded (white or blue-green crusty buildup), wipe the inside of the compartment with a dry cloth or paper towel before inserting new ones.

If a battery is stuck, don't pry hard—you can crack the plastic housing. Instead, try tilting the handle slightly or gently rocking the battery side to side as you pull. If corrosion is severe and a battery won't budge, you may need to let it sit for a few hours or try again later rather than force it.

Installing the new batteries correctly

Take your two fresh AA batteries. The positive end is marked with a + symbol and is slightly raised; the negative end is flat. Both batteries must go in the same direction: positive end facing toward the trigger end of the handle (the top of the WetJet when you're holding it normally).

Slide the first battery in with the + end pointing toward the trigger. Slide the second battery in the same way, parallel to the first. They should sit snugly. If they're too loose, the compartment may not close properly, and the batteries won't make contact. If they're too tight, you're forcing them—remove them and try again.

Closing the compartment and testing

Align the battery panel with the slot on the underside of the handle. Insert your coin or screwdriver into the slot and turn it counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn until the panel is snug. Don't overtighten—you only need it tight enough that it won't rattle or fall out.

Hold the WetJet over a sink or bathtub and pull the trigger a few times. You should hear a clicking sound and see a fine mist spray out. If nothing happens, open the compartment again and check that both batteries are inserted with the + end facing the trigger. If the spray is weak, the batteries may not be making good contact—remove them, wipe the compartment and battery ends with a dry cloth, and reinsert them.

What to do if the WetJet still won't spray

If you've replaced the batteries and the trigger still doesn't work, the problem is usually not the battery. The spray nozzle at the top of the handle is often clogged by dried cleaning solution. Unscrew the nozzle (it twists counterclockwise) and rinse it under warm running water. Use a toothpick or small needle to clear any blockage in the tiny holes.

You can also try filling the solution tank with warm water and running it through the nozzle several times to flush out buildup. If the trigger still doesn't click or feels broken, the internal switch may be damaged, and the handle will need to be replaced rather than repaired.

Storing batteries and extending their life

AA batteries last longer in a Swiffer WetJet than in high-drain devices like cameras or game controllers, because the motor only runs when you pull the trigger. A set of batteries typically lasts several months of regular use. When you're done cleaning, you don't need to remove the batteries—they'll hold their charge.

If you won't be using the WetJet for more than a few weeks, you can remove the batteries to prevent any slow drain or corrosion. Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving dead batteries in the compartment for long periods, as they can leak and damage the contacts inside the handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable AA batteries in my Swiffer WetJet?

Yes, rechargeable AA batteries work fine in a WetJet. They may not last quite as long per charge as alkaline batteries, but they're more economical over time. Make sure they're fully charged before use, and follow the same insertion method—positive end toward the trigger.

What happens if I put the batteries in backward?

If both batteries are inserted backward (negative end toward the trigger), the WetJet straightforward won't work—the trigger won't click and nothing will spray. Open the compartment and flip them around. If one battery is backward and one is correct, the device may not work either, so always check that both + ends face the same direction.

Why is my WetJet leaking from the battery compartment?

Leaking usually means the batteries are corroded or the compartment panel isn't sealed tightly. Remove the batteries and check for white or blue-green buildup. Wipe it away with a dry cloth. Make sure the panel closes all the way—if it won't seal, the plastic may be cracked and the handle may need replacement.

Do I need to replace both batteries even if only one is dead?

It's best to replace both at the same time. If one battery is dead, the other is likely close behind, and replacing only one may leave you with weak spray after a few uses. Buying them in pairs is also more economical than replacing them one at a time.

How do I know if the batteries are actually dead?

The clearest sign is that the trigger won't click or the spray is very weak. You can also remove the batteries and test them in another device—a TV remote, for example—to confirm they're dead. If the WetJet trigger clicks but nothing sprays, the problem is the nozzle, not the battery.