If your Swiffer isn’t spraying, you’re not alone — this is one of the most common complaints from WetJet and Power Mop owners. The good news is, in most cases, the fix is simple and doesn’t require replacing the whole unit. Whether your Swiffer has stopped spraying altogether, sprays weakly, or makes no sound, the issue usually comes down to one of four things: low or dead batteries, a clogged nozzle, a loose or empty solution bottle, or a minor mechanical fault.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through quick checks and proven fixes to get your Swiffer spraying like new again. Each step is simple enough to do at home, and we’ll start with the easiest solutions before moving to more involved repairs.
Check the Basics First
Before diving into repairs, rule out the simple stuff. Many Swiffer spray issues come from something that can be fixed in seconds.
- Check the solution bottle: If the bottle is empty, refill it or replace it with a compatible Swiffer cleaning solution. Make sure you hear and feel a click when inserting it — if it’s not seated properly, the spray mechanism won’t engage.
- Inspect for leaks: Look around the bottle connection point and along the spray tube. Even a small leak can cause pressure loss and prevent spraying.
- Ensure proper assembly: If your Swiffer was recently taken apart (for cleaning or battery replacement), double-check that all parts are locked back in place according to the user instructions. Misaligned components can block the spray system.
If everything looks good here and your Swiffer still won’t spray, the next step is to check the batteries — the most common cause of a non-spraying WetJet.
Battery Issues
Most Swiffer spray problems come down to the batteries. The WetJet and Power Mop models use batteries to power the pump that sprays cleaning solution, so if the batteries are weak, dead, or installed incorrectly, the spray won’t work.
Does a Swiffer WetJet Take Batteries?
Yes — most WetJet models use four AA alkaline batteries. These are stored inside the mop handle, not in the base. Using rechargeable batteries is not recommended because they have lower voltage and can cause weak spraying or no spray at all.
Where Are the Batteries in a Swiffer WetJet?
The battery compartment is hidden in the handle. To access it:
- Locate the panel on the front of the handle just below the grip.
- Press the release tab or slide the cover off, depending on your model.
- You’ll see four AA batteries lined up in the tray.
How to Change Batteries in a Swiffer WetJet
- Remove the battery cover.
- Take out the old batteries and dispose of them properly.
- Insert new AA alkaline batteries, following the +/− symbols for correct polarity.
- Replace the cover securely.
Need more detail? Check out our full guide on how to change batteries in a Swiffer WetJet for step-by-step photos and tips.
What If My Swiffer Isn’t Working With New Batteries?
- Check polarity: Even one battery inserted backwards will stop the spray.
- Clean the contacts: If you see white or green residue, gently clean with a cotton swab and a small amount of vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
- Use fresh alkaline batteries: Avoid mixing old and new batteries.
- Test the trigger: If the batteries are fine but there’s still no spray, the pump or nozzle may be clogged (we’ll cover this next).
Nozzle and Tube Clogs
If your Swiffer has fresh batteries and the bottle is full but it still won’t spray, the next most likely culprit is a clogged nozzle or spray tube. Over time, dried cleaning solution can build up inside the nozzle, blocking the flow of liquid.
Signs Your Swiffer Is Clogged
- The spray is weak, uneven, or only comes out on one side.
- You hear the motor running, but nothing sprays.
- Liquid drips instead of spraying in a fine mist.
How to Unclog a Swiffer WetJet Nozzle
- Remove the solution bottle and set it aside.
- Inspect the spray nozzles on the front of the mop head.
- Soak the nozzle area in warm (not boiling) water for 5–10 minutes to loosen buildup.
- Use a pin or paperclip to gently clear any visible debris from the nozzle tip.
- Flush the spray tube by running warm water through it to push out any blockages.
Prevention Tip
Always store your Swiffer upright and use only recommended Swiffer solution. Using homemade cleaners — especially ones with vinegar — can cause mineral deposits that clog the nozzle and damage internal seals.
If unclogging doesn’t restore the spray, the issue may be with the pump or trigger mechanism, which we’ll address next.
Trigger or Pump Malfunction
If your Swiffer still isn’t spraying after checking the bottle, batteries, and nozzle, the problem might be in the trigger or the pump mechanism that pushes solution through the spray tube.
Signs of a Trigger or Pump Problem
- The trigger feels loose or doesn’t spring back when released.
- No sound from the motor when you press the trigger, even with new batteries.
- The motor runs but you hear a faint grinding or no liquid is being drawn from the bottle.
How to Check and Fix the Trigger
- Remove the solution bottle and set it aside.
- Look at the trigger mechanism to ensure it’s properly seated and not cracked.
- Press the trigger several times while looking at the pump area — if nothing moves, the internal linkage may have disconnected.
- If accessible, lightly spray the trigger mechanism with a bit of WD-40 or silicone lubricant to loosen stiff parts (avoid spraying into the electrical battery compartment).
Pump Troubleshooting
- Sometimes air bubbles get trapped inside the pump. Try holding the Swiffer at a slight downward angle and pressing the trigger repeatedly to prime it.
- If you still don’t get spray, the pump may be damaged. While Swiffer doesn’t sell replacement pumps separately, contacting their customer service can sometimes get you a replacement unit if it’s under warranty.
If your trigger and pump appear functional but there’s still no spray, the issue may be with a loose or damaged seal in the solution bottle area. That’s what we’ll address next.
Bottle or Seal Problems
Even if your batteries, nozzle, and trigger are in top shape, your Swiffer won’t spray if the cleaning solution bottle isn’t forming a proper seal with the mop’s intake port. This seal is what allows the pump to draw liquid into the spray tube.
Signs of a Bottle or Seal Issue
- The bottle feels loose or wobbles after insertion.
- You see liquid leaking where the bottle connects.
- The spray works intermittently when you jiggle the bottle.
How to Fix a Loose or Leaking Bottle Connection
- Remove the bottle and inspect the cap area. Look for cracks or worn rubber seals.
- Wipe away any dried solution or debris from both the bottle cap and the mop’s intake port.
- Reinsert the bottle firmly until you hear and feel a click.
- If the seal looks damaged, replace the bottle with a new Swiffer refill.
Pro Tip
Avoid forcing the bottle into place — misalignment can bend the internal seal or damage the locking tabs. If your bottle has been reused multiple times, the seal can wear out, especially if it’s been opened with pliers or sharp tools to refill it.
If fixing the seal doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to go through a full Swiffer WetJet troubleshooting checklist, which we’ll cover in the final section.
Full Troubleshooting Checklist
If your Swiffer still isn’t spraying after trying the fixes above, run through this step-by-step checklist to make sure nothing was missed:
- Check the solution bottle – Is it full, clicked into place, and free of leaks?
- Inspect for visible leaks – Look around the connection point and mop head for drips.
- Replace the batteries – Use four fresh AA alkaline batteries, inserted correctly.
- Test the trigger – Make sure it springs back and engages the pump.
- Unclog the nozzles – Soak in warm water and clear debris with a pin if needed.
- Prime the pump – Hold the Swiffer downward and spray repeatedly to remove air bubbles.
- Check seals – Make sure the bottle and intake port are clean and undamaged.
- Listen for motor noise – If the motor isn’t running at all, it could be an electrical fault.
- Contact Swiffer support – If your unit is under warranty, they may replace it.
When to Replace Your Swiffer
If your mop is several years old, heavily used, and none of these steps restore function, replacing it may be more cost-effective than repairing it — especially since parts like the pump and trigger aren’t sold separately.
Conclusion
A Swiffer that won’t spray is usually a quick fix once you know where to look. From swapping in fresh batteries and unclogging the nozzle to making sure the bottle seal is tight, most problems can be solved at home in just a few minutes. If you’ve gone through the checklist and it still won’t work, it may be time for a replacement or a call to Swiffer’s customer service.
By tackling each possible issue step-by-step, you can save yourself the frustration (and cost) of buying a new mop before it’s truly necessary.