Wet Dry Vacuum

Y ou surely know how frustrating it can be when you have to switch cleaning tools for different areas and surfaces. While a standard vacuum is not made to deal with watery surfaces, and a mop would be incapable of dealing with carpets without damaging them, there is a perfect solution for both: a wet-dry vacuum. Easy to use, able to accommodate both dry and wet cleaning conditions, it is the ideal equipment to aid you in an uninterrupted cleaning. So, to help you decide which type fits your house and your cleaning habits best, we offer you our recommendations.

Top 8 Wet Dry Vacuums Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Weight	Tank Capacity	CFM	Motor	Cord Length	Filters	Noise Level	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. CRAFTSMAN 17595	26 pounds	16 gallons	190	6.5 HP	20 feet	Cartridge Qwick Lock pleated paper	N/A	1 year	Check Price
Our Choice	2. Vacmaster VJH1211PF0201	14.5 pounds	12 gallons	143	5.5 HP	20 feet	Fine dust cartridge filter and foam	74 dB	5 years
	3. Vacmaster VBV1210	23.9 pounds	12 gallons	140	5 HP	12 feet	Cartridge and foam	72 dB	2 years	Check Price
	4. Shop-Vac 5979403	19 pounds	8 gallons	75	6 HP	12 feet	Cartridge, foam and filter bag	90 dB	3 years	Check Price
	5. Armor All AA255	7 pounds	2.5 gallons	53	2 HP	10 feet	Cloth and foam	81 dB	2 years	Check Price
	6. DEWALT DCV581H	10.8 pounds	2 gallons	140	1.85 HP / 18V-20V	6 feet	HEPA	81 dB	3 years	Check Price
	7. Stanley SL18199P	20.4 pounds	12 gallons	85	6 HP	16 feet	Cartridge and foam	N/A	1 year	Check Price
	8. Stanley SL18123P	8 pounds	3 gallons	80	3 HP	6 feet	Foam and cloth	N/A	1 year	Check Price

1. CRAFTSMAN 17595

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It measures 23.8 inches in height, it has a diameter of 21.3 inches, and it weighs 26 pounds. It requires 120 volts to function properly and it has a power of 1440W. It comes with a powerful, heavy-duty motor of 6.5-peak HPs, which provides you enough power to clean both wet and dry debris. The tank is made from polypropylene and it has a built-in oversized drain placed near the bottom, to allow you easy liquid disposal. It has a built-in blower port, placed in the rear, thus, it offers you a quick and easy way to clean up leaves and grass clippings.

Accessories

It comes with a 20-foot long power cord, which allows you a wide cleaning area without interruptions, and it can wrap neatly around the ergonomic, carry handle it comes with. It has an onboard accessory and hose storage system which allows you easier transportation and hassle-free storage. It comes with a 2-1/2 x 7-foot Pos-I-Lock dual flex hose, 2 extension wands, a utility nozzle, a car nozzle, and a wet nozzle.

Additional Features

It has a CFM of 190.8, and a large capacity of 16 gallons, to allow you to leave no spot untouched while cleaning. It comes with a cartridge Qwick Lock pleated paper filter type, and with a dust collection bag. It has a dual-flex technology, with a large, 2-1/2-inch diameter hose for 180° mobility, and it comes with 4 wheels to allow mobility and easy maneuverability. Additionally, it has other different sizes to allow it to adjust to your needs, ranging from 6 gals to 20 gals. Moreover, it comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

PROS	CONS
Large capacity Powerful motor Several accessories Durable material Can convert to a blower	There were some complaints about the latching mechanism Some complained about it having no instructions
VERDICT
A powerful unit which will help you get rid of any type of debris. It offers you the best solution to clean both wet and dry surfaces, offering you a fast way to remove dust or liquids, and tidy up your workshop, garage or car, with several accessories to allow you to reach even the most difficult spots.

2. Vacmaster VJH1211PF0201

It has a height of 23.8 inches, a diameter of 19.9 inches, and it weighs 14.5 pounds. It has a large capacity, 12 gallons, thus you’ll be able to clean up the entire surface before the tank needs to be depleted, and it packs a power of 5.5 HP, and 1416 watts, so there will be no debris which can stand in its way. It can even be converted into a blower, with a power of 143 CFM, so you can easily take care of fallen leaves. Additionally, it has other styles available as well, ranging from a 4-gallon tank up to a unit with the capacity of 16 gallons, thus enabling you to choose the one that fits your needs best.

Its tank is made from polypropylene, thus it is sturdy and resistant, and it comes with an integrated hose storage system, which allows you to keep all the accessories and hoses in one place, so you’ll have more storage space. Moreover, thanks to its long power cord, 20 feet, you won’t have to interrupt your cleaning to change outlets. It comes with an extra-large drain port, for fast and hassle-free emptying , and with several accessories to allow you to reach all areas in your room: two 7-foot 2-1/2-inch kink-resistant hose, a utility nozzle, a crevice tool, 2 extension wands, a floor nozzle with squeegee and brush, and an air and noise diffuser.

Furthermore, it comes with two types of filters, a fine dust cartridge filter, for when you use it on dry mode, and a foam wet filter when you’re using in in wet mode. To help you move it around, it comes with spinning wheels, so you won’t have to lift it off the ground. It comes with a limited 5-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

PROS	CONS
Large capacity Sturdy and durable Several accessories Can easily convert into a blower Powerful motor All accessories can be stored on board	There were some complaints about the suction power Some complained about the wheels
VERDICT
Easy to use and move around thanks to its light weight and wheels, it comes with several accessories which you can easily store directly on board. Strong and powerful, it also comes with a large tank capacity, so you won’t have to interrupt your cleaning to get rid of the debris, while the large empty whole will allow you to quickly deplete the tank. Plus, it can be converted into a blower so you can take care of your lawn too.

3. Vacmaster VBV1210

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This is your go-to option when you want a powerful, strong and versatile vacuum for wet and dry surfaces alike. It has a 12-gallon polypropylene tank which will allow you to do your job uninterrupted, and it packs a 5 HP peak motor. It measures 24.2 inches in height, 17.8 inches in width and 17.8 inches in depth and it weighs 23.9 pounds, offering you a portable vacuum. It has a long, 12-foot cord, which gives you plenty of range to work with, and a cord wrap function for easier storage. It requires a 120V outlet to function properly, and it is capable of 140 CFM. Additionally, it comes with an extra-large drain port for easy emptying, and has a silent performance, 72 dB, thanks to its noise diffuser. Moreover, it has a limited 2-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

It comes with several accessories which will make your cleaning process hassle-free, giving you the possibility of cleaning different types of areas and surfaces. It comes with two hoses, a 7-foot long 2-1/2-inches hose, 8-inch long utility nozzle, 2 extension wands, blower nozzle, a crevice tool, a car nozzle, and an accessory caddy.

It comes with two filters, a washable cartridge, and a reusable foam sleeve. They will protect you from dust, allergens and other airborne particles and will keep the motor clean and on-going. All you have to do is make sure they are cleaned and maintained correctly, for optimal performance.

It has a quick-release detachable blower which can be converted into a hand-held model, allowing you to quickly clean up your yard. It has a 210 MPH blowing speed with several multi-use capabilities, which will offer you great support if you need to clean up your garage, patio or blow away leaves and dust.

PROS	CONS
Large capacity Durable material Easy to use and store Several accessories Powerful and strong Convertible to a handheld blower	There were some complaints about its suction power Some complained about it being too loud
VERDICT
Quiet and lightweight, but strong and powerful, it offers you the best solution to clean both wet and dry surfaces. It provides you with a clean way to remove dust and tidy up your workshop, garage or car, with several accessories to allow you to reach even difficult spots.

4. Shop-Vac 5979403

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It has a stainless steel 8 gallons tank, with a lid latch system for added security while moving it around. It measures 18.5 inches in depth, 17.5 inches in width and 22.5 inches in height and it weighs 19 pounds. It has a cord length of 12 feet, and a hose diameter of 1.5 inches. Additionally, it has an SVZ2 motor technology, for added performance, with an operation of 90 dB, which can pack 6.0 Peak HP.

It has 75 CFM airflow rate, and it requires a 120V, 60 Hz, 11.8 amps outlet to function properly.
It has a top and side metal carry handle for portability and large rear wheels for added mobility and easier transportation. Moreover, it has 3 types of filters, a cartridge type ‘U’, a foam sleeve type R and a 5-8 gallon disposable filter bag type E, thus making sure your air is clean and safe from any type of allergens or airborne particles.

It also comes with several accessories to allow you to clean every corner of your place: 7-foot by 1.25-inch diameter hose, three 1.25-inch diameter extension wands, a 10-inch wet/dry nozzle, a crevice tool, a gulper nozzle, a foam sleeve, a cartridge filter, and a 5-8 gallon filter bag. Additionally, it has an onboard tool storage system, which allows you to keep all accessories at hand, while thanks to its easy tank-drain cap removal you won’t have to lift it up. It can transform into a powerful blower, as well, and it comes with a warranty for 3 years from the moment of your purchase.

PROS	CONS
Powerful and strong Compact and lightweight Easy to move around thanks to its wheels Convertible into a powerful blower 3 type of filters	Some complained about the hose being too narrow There were some complaints about it not being dent-resistant
VERDICT
A powerful cleaning gadget that will help you deal with hard-to-reach surfaces, it will definitely improve your cleaning. Thanks to the accessories it comes with, it provides you with an in-depth cleaning, helping you reach even the most troublesome spaces like garages or workshops.

5. Armor All AA255

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Tiny and compact it can be a trusted ally in your battle against the dirt from hard-to-reach places. Its polypropylene tank has a capacity of 2.5 gallons and it has a peak HP motor of 2.0, with ample suction power and easy conversion to a blower, requiring a 120V outlet to work correctly. It measures 10.6 inches in height, 14.2 inches in width and 14.4 inches in depth and it weighs 7 pounds, making it extremely portable and easy to carry around. It has a top handle for easier transportation while its auto shut-off function will prevent it from overflowing, while the built-in air and noise diffuser will make its operation relatively silent, 81 dB. It has an air volume of 53 CFM and it has a long 10-foot cord with a cord wrap support.

Additionally, it has two types of filters: reusable cloth filter, for dry use, and a reusable foam sleeve filter for when you vacuum liquids. However, they are not washable, so you will have to change them from time to time. The different accessories it comes with – a 6-foot by 1.25-inch diameter hose, 2-in-1 utility nozzle, crevice tool, a deluxe car nozzle, a blower nozzle, and a detail brush – can easily be stored onboard. Additionally, it can easily convert to a blower, as it is able to clean away leaves, sand, grave, and even small stones. It comes with a 2-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

PROS	CONS
Small and compact Easy to use and carry All accessories can be stored onboard Convertible to a blower	Doesn’t have a too-large capacity to hold dirt Some complained about it having a low power
VERDICT
A great tool to keep your car vacuumed and clean all times, it is small and compact thus easy to use and carry. Thanks to its multiple accessories, you can easily adapt it to any small-scale job that requires cleaning.

6. DEWALT DCV581H

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It measures 17.2 inches in width, 12.3 inches in depth and 13.1 inches in height and it weighs 10.8 pounds, making it easy to transport and light enough to carry, thanks to its plastic canister. It comes with two power options, a corded, 6-foot, and a cordless one, depending entirely on your needs and requirements for the job. While cordless it needs an 18V or 20v lithium ion MAX battery which should be charged only with its original charger. While corded, it needs an AC outlet to function properly. It has a large, 2-gallon tank capacity, and has a 1.85 peak HP for powerful suction.

Additionally, it has a HEPA filter able to sustain both wet and dry cleaning, thus ensuring you there will be no dust, allergens or airborne particles. It has a fully integrated, crush-resistant 5-foot hose, with a 1-1/4-inch diameter which provides you with a versatile use, and 140 CFM ratio when you use it as a blower. It comes with a crevice tool attachment, and a wide nozzle tool, and a tool attachment, for more versatility and easy use. Additionally, it has a 3-years limited warranty, a 1-year free service and 90-days money back guarantee return policy.

PROS	CONS
Can be used in both corded and cordless versions HEPA filter Convertible to blower	Some complained about its suction power There were some complaints about its hose
VERDICT
Versatile, as it can operate in a corded or cordless mode, it provides you with clean, allergens free air while you vacuum. Strong, with a large tank, you won’t have to interrupt your activity. Plus, it can be used for both dry and wet surfaces.

7. Stanley SL18199P

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Powerful, ideal for a heavy-duty pickup, but lightweight, 20.4 pounds, it measures 17.5 inches in diameter and 23.6 inches in height. Its canister body is made from durable polypropylene, with a container capacity of 12 gallons for more versatility and efficiency. It packs a 6.0 horsepower motor and has an airflow of 85-CFM. Additionally, it has swivel casters for easier transportation. It has a wide 1-7/8-inch by the 6-foot long hose with two extension wands, a utility nozzle, a crevice nozzle, and a 10-inch floor nozzle.

Its 16-foot long power cord has a built-in storage design, while its clip hose connectors allow easier installation. It needs a 120V outlet to function properly, while it comes with a limited, 1-year warranty for defects in materials or workmanship from the moment of your purchase. It comes with two types of filters: a cartrige and a foam one. However, be sure to clean them both up, as they do require regular maintenance to work properly. Additionally, it has sturdy handles for quick carry, a swivel base with accessory support holster for easier maneuverability and a drain port for quick liquid waste disposal. Moreover, thanks to its powerful rear port, it can convert into a strong blower when necessary.

PROS	CONS
Lightweight and easy to maneuver Cordless or corded modes Durable and sturdy Can convert to a blower	Some complained about it not being time resistant There were some complaints about it being too loud
VERDICT
All in all, thanks to its compact and lightweight design it is easy to use to clean your workshop, garage, cabin, RV and even boat. Thanks to the swivel base you can easily maneuver it around, while the accessories it comes with allow you to clean every speck of dust.

8. Stanley SL18123P

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Compact, measuring 15.4 inches by 12.2 inches by 15 inches, and weighing under 8 pounds, it is easy to use, carry and store. It requires 120V/60-Hz/7 amps to function properly, and it comes with a clip lock for easy operation and use. It has a power cord of 6 feet, and a container capacity of 3 gallons, so you can easily clean the liquids that bother you. Additionally, the body is made from durable polypropylene and has a peak motor of 3 HP, so you can be sure that it will thoroughly clean your house.

It comes with a 4-foot long hose, to provide you with more range, and it can easily be converted into a blower whenever you need, with an airflow of 80 CFM. While it doesn’t have wheels, it does have a sturdy handle, so you can easily move it around wherever you need it too. Thanks to the accessory holder it comes with, you can easily store them in one place, as it comes with a crevice nozzle, a foam filter and a reusable dry filter and clamp ring. It has a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

PROS	CONS
Large capacity Can be converted into a blower Portable and easy to store	Doesn’t come with wheels There were some complaints about its time resistence
VERDICT
It will help you clean up any type of dirt, solid or liquid, in a matter of a few moments. It has a powerful motor and suction power, it is compact and easy to use, and it comes with several accessories to allow you to reach all spots. Additionally, it can easily be converted into a blower whenever you need.

Safety Tips and Liquids Vacuuming

Similar to a normal vacuum, but with an ability to be used on both wet and dry floors, a wet-dry vacuum allows you to clean up all kinds of debris without the need of switching cleaning tools. However, it does require attention when handled, as well as following certain safety tips. While different models of vacuums have particulars settings and features of their own, there are some safety tips which are universally valid. Let’s take a look at them.

10 Safety Tips

1. Use only the power cord your unit comes with, don’t try to change it with another one.
2. Check regularly for damages in the cable. If the cable is damaged, don’t use it.
3. Don’t clean it with a powerful or strong water jet, it might affect the motor.
4. Don’t vacuum burning or glowing objects.
5. Don’t vacuum organic solvents – petrol, paint, thinners, acetone or heating oil. Not only might they be corrosive to the materials your unit is made from, but they also can be highly inflammable.
6. Never clean it without turning it off first.
7. You should use the accessories and parts provided by the manufacturer.
8. When it is equipped for dry mode, don’t store it in moisturized environment.
9. When it is equipped for dry mode:
   • water level limiter must be checked and regularly cleaned
   • don’t store or expose your unit to low temperatures – frost damage can make the vacuum malfunction
   • don’t vacuum coolants and lubricants unless it is specified otherwise in your vacuum’s manual
   • the liquid that you wish to vacuum should not be over 45°C
10. Keep the filters clean because, otherwise, they will not only affect the unit’s efficiency, but they can cause overheating as well as endangering your own health

Vacuuming Liquids

To safely remove any type of liquids with your vacuum, you should keep in mind a few simple steps.

• Step 1. Remove all debris found in the tank.
• Step 2. Switch filters. Be sure to place the correct type of filter for the corresponding operation.
• Step 3. Empty the tank as soon as you finished the cleaning.
• Step 4. Always clean the foam sleeve filter. All you need to do to make sure it is thoroughly clean is to shake the excess dust off and rinse it with lots of water. Wring it out, bloat with a towel and let it completely dry up before you place it back in your unit.

Troubleshooting

Verdict

Cleaning up your garage requires a vacuum which can clean both solid debris and liquids, to be able to clean up faster and hassle-free. CRAFTSMAN 17595 will provide you with a heavy-duty motor and strong suction power, as well as a large tank, for you to be able to vacuum different types of debris. It comes with wheels, so you won’t have to lift it off the ground, while thanks to its large draining whole, you won’t have any difficulty in emptying the tank. But no matter which of our above-mentioned products you decide to try out, you can rest assured that they will be able to help you tidy up.