Abstract: A method for attaining increased suctioning power for taking up liquid debris and/or cleaning fluid directly into the impeller of a portable, hand-held, self-contained multi-surface hydro-cleaning apparatus, and for retaining the liquid debris in a collection chamber without leakage. The hydro-cleaning apparatus comprises an impeller, a deflector housing, a collection tank, an exhaust vent, and a porous filter. The method comprises the steps of creating a suction path with the impeller and directing air and the liquid debris into the cleaning apparatus along the suction path. Air and debris are suctioned directly into the impeller without obstruction or deflection. Upon reaching the impeller, the air and debris are drawn directly through the impeller and then deflected downward by the deflector housing into the collection tank.