Tineco Keeps Saying Clean Dirty Water Tank [SOLVED!]

Is your Tineco vacuum constantly telling you to clean the dirty water tank?

Don’t worry, clearing the DWT message is simple 🙂

I once encountered this issue while using this Tineco model, and all it took to solve it was some simple maintenance that anyone can do at home.

In this guide, you will learn:

• Why your Tineco keeps saying “clean dirty water tank”
• What to do to clear the message
• And more!

Why Your Tineco Keeps Saying Clean Dirty Water Tank

Your Tineco vacuum will show the “clean DWT” alert when the dirty water tank is full or is clogged with debris. The message is a reminder to empty and clean the water tank to prevent clogs, overheating, and maintain your Tineco vacuum’s performance.

How To Stop The Clean Dirty Water Tank Message on Your Tineco

If you’re experiencing the “Clean Dirty Water Tank” message on your Tineco vacuum, don’t panic!

Simply follow the steps below:

1. Run The Self-cleaning Cycle

Usually, your Tineco will show the self-cleaning icon when it is time to run a cleaning cycle.

However, for the purpose of thoroughly cleaning the machine and getting rid of the “clean DWT” message, we’ll run a self-cleaning cycle anyway 🙂 

Here is a video from Tineco (watch from 0:33) that shows how to run the cycle:

1. Fill up the clear water tank all the way up to the “max” line
2. Plug in the charging base
3. Place your Tineco vacuum on the charging base
4. Let the battery charge until it shows at least one line
5. Press and hold the self-cleaning button (usually located at the top of the handle):

Wait for the cycle to end, then proceed with the steps below.

2. Clean The Dirty Water Tank, Filter, and Floater

Rinsing these 3 components is something you should do after each use.

This will help you keep your Tineco vacuum in top shape.

1. Empty the dirty water tank by pressing the release button, pulling the tank out of the vacuum, and pouring its content down the sink
2. Remove the filter and floater
3. Rinse the dirty water tank thoroughly under running water. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that may be stuck to the walls of the tank
4. Rinse the water tank filter, using the cleaning tool that came with your Tineco and remove any stubborn debris. Tineco recommends replacing the filter every three to six months

5. Clean the floater under running water and using the cleaning tool
6. Let everything dry up completely
7. Remove clogs from the dirty water tank inlet

8. Use a dry cloth (like this one) to clean the motor inlet

9. Reattach the dirty water tank to the vacuum, making sure it is securely seated in place

3. Clean The Brush Roller and Vacuum Head

1. Remove the brush roller cover 
2. Cut through tangled hair using your Tineco cleaning tool or a pair of scissors
3. Clean the water inlet 
4. Remove any clogs present in the brush roller holder 
5. Rinse the brush roller cover under running cold water
6. Let the cover dry completely
7. Insert the brush roller back in the holder
8. Put the cover back on the vacuum head

Tips for Preventing Future “Clean Dirty Water Tank” Messages

You cannot totally prevent your Tineco vacuum from saying “clean dirty water tank”, but you can follow a maintenance routine that will prevent the message from showing up too often:

• Regularly empty and clean the water tank: Tineco recommends emptying and rinsing the dirty water tank after each use. Not only is that the most hygienic thing to do, but it will also help you prevent clogs and maintain the vacuum’s performance. Proper maintenance will also prevent your Tineco dirty water tank from stinking
• Look after the filter: Rinse the dirty water tank filter after each use. If you notice that the filter is heavily soiled or damaged, it may be necessary to replace it. You can find replacement filters here
• Avoid letting the dirty water tank get too full: If you allow the dirty water tank to get too full, it can lead to clogs and other issues. So, if you are still in the middle of cleaning and the dirty water tank is at full capacity, empty it before continuing 

What If The Above Steps Did Not Help? 

If your Tineco keeps saying clean dirty water tank despite following the above steps, you’ll have to contact Tineco for assistance.

Your vacuum’s sensors or electronics may be faulty and causing the message to constantly be displayed despite the machine being completely clean.

Luckily, Tineco offers a 2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY!

Here is a summary of their warranty:

• Tineco’s warranty is only applicable to machines that were purchased from authorized retailers
• The company will repair or replace your vacuum, providing that it was not used for commercial purposes 
• Motorized accessories and batteries bought separately come with a 1-year warranty

Conclusion

As you can see, the “Clean Dirty Water Tank” message on your Tineco can easily be cleared with a little troubleshooting. 

To recap:

1. Run a cleaning cycle
2. Empty and clean the dirty water tank
3. Rinse the filter or replace it if necessary
4. Clean the DWT inlet and the motor inlet
5. Clean the floater
6. Clean the vacuum head, including the brush roller

Contact the manufacturer if your Tineco keeps saying Clean Dirty Water Tank even after going through each troubleshooting step!