Review: Dreame Z30 AquaCycle

Dreame is generous when it comes to accessories. And this box contains yet another one: the AquaCycle for wet cleaning, which transforms the stick vacuum cleaner into a mop machine.

This model is essentially identical to the one we tested previously, with one exception – the charging cable is not attached to the handle, but to the small base plate on the floor. This is a clear improvement for two reasons: practical and aesthetic. Now you don’t have to remove the cord when you need to use the stick vacuum cleaner, and you don’t have a cord hanging in the air.

Vacuuming

The Dreame Z30 AquaCycle is a stylish and sturdy stick vacuum cleaner that is easy to use. They have been generous with the accessories, bordering on unnecessarily generous, as some feel ‘same, same but different’, while they have chosen not to include a wall mount. The light on two of the nozzles is definitely a plus, and if you don’t rush, but work calmly and methodically, Dreame does the job in an exemplary manner.

When it comes to accessories, I also appreciate the usefulness of the flexible adapter, which makes it easier to reach under low tables, sofas and the like. But what I don’t like about it is that when you have it attached (which makes the stick vacuum cleaner about 15 cm longer – an advantage if you are tall), it feels ‘wobbly’ as the adapter flexes slightly when vacuuming.

I also found a use for the extension shaft, namely when vacuuming desks, for example. You can leave the handheld unit on the table and then pull the extendable and flexible extension shaft to vacuum here and there. It is a good idea to hold the handheld unit with one hand when vacuuming with the other, as it can otherwise move when you pull out the extension shaft. The advantage is that you do not have to lift the handheld unit, which is easier on the wrist.

AquaCycle mop function

The big news with the Dreame Z30 AquaCycle is the included accessory, called AquaCycle, which transforms the stick vacuum cleaner into a mop machine.

It’s very simple, as all you have to do is fill the AquaCycle with water (max. 400 ml) and click it onto either the handheld unit (if you want to mop stairs, for example) or the shaft.

Then you’re ready to go. When mopping, there are no different modes to choose from, it’s simply on or off. It’s worth noting that the battery life when mopping is relatively long. Dreame states 40 minutes, and according to our test, this is by no means an exaggeration. The stick vacuum cleaner’s battery life is stated to be 6-90 minutes (shortest in turbo mode and longest in eco mode, with auto mode in between, where the suction power is automatically adjusted to the surface and the amount of dirt).

When it comes to how much noise the stick vacuum cleaner makes, it is – as with most stick vacuum cleaners – relatively quiet in eco mode, while it makes quite a lot of noise in turbo mode. In auto mode, the noise level goes up and down depending on how much suction power it uses. When mopping, it does not make much noise.

One obvious difference between mopping and vacuuming is that the machine moves forward on its own because the mop rotates and is pressed against the floor. You therefore need to hold back a little and manoeuvre the mop back and forth, as well as steering it where you want it to go. And if you see a stain, you can move the mop very slowly back and forth over it a few times until it disappears. You don’t have that option with a robot vacuum cleaner with a mop function.

When you’re done mopping, you have to empty the dirty water (max. 320 ml capacity) and remaining clean water, as well as clean the mop. Emptying the water is easy, as is detaching the mop, rinsing it and wringing it out, then leaving it to dry. However, if the floor that has been mopped has not been vacuumed properly before mopping, a lot of dirt and hair will accumulate behind the non-removable part that you attach the mop to, and this is difficult to remove – you have to push a damp paper towel around the part that says ‘Do not wash’ and blow away any dirt. But if you vacuum properly before mopping, you can avoid this problem.

Conclusion

A good product has been improved, or rather made more functional, as the upright vacuum cleaner can now also wash floors with the included AquaCycle accessory. It mops well and can also handle slightly tougher stains if you go back and forth over them a few times.