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 11 Wet Dry Vacuums Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Weight	Tank Capacity	CFM	Motor	Cord Length	Filters	Noise Level	Price
Best Overall	1. CRAFTSMAN 17595	26 pounds	16 gallons	190	6.5 HP	20 feet	Cartridge Qwick Lock pleated paper	72.36 dB	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	Check Price
	3. Stanley SL18199P	20.4 pounds	12 gallons	85	6 HP	16 feet	Cartridge and foam	N/A	Check Price
Best for Residential Use	4. RIDGID WD1450	26 pounds	14 gallons	150	6 HP	20 feet	Fine-dust 3-layer cartridge filter	Under 90 dB	Check Price
	5. Shop-Vac 5979403	19 pounds	8 gallons	75	6 HP	12 feet	Cartridge, foam and filter bag	90 dB	Check Price
	6. Makita VC4710	27 pounds	12 gallons	135	4 HP	24.6 feet	Nano Filter Set	59 dB	Check Price
	7. Vacmaster VBV1210	23.9 pounds	12 gallons	140	5 HP	12 feet	Cartridge and foam	72 dB	Check Price
Best Budget-friendly	8. Stanley SL18123P	8 pounds	3 gallons	80	3 HP	6 feet	Foam and cloth	N/A	Check Price
Best for Car	9. Armor All AA255	7 pounds	2.5 gallons	53	2 HP	10 feet	Cloth and foam	81 dB	Check Price
	10. DEWALT DCV581H	10.8 pounds	2 gallons	140	1.85 HP / 18V-20V	6 feet	HEPA	81 dB	Check Price
	11. Milwaukee M18 0880-20	10.1 pounds	20 gallons	45	18V		HEPA	82 dB

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.

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2. Vacmaster VJH1211PF0201

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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.

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3. 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 cartridge 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.

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4. RIDGID WD1450

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It measures 25.8 inches in height, has a diameter of 19.8 inches and a weight of 26 pounds, thus easy to maneuver and move around. Even more, it comes with 4 spinning wheels, which rotate 360 °, increasing its ease of movement, so you won’t have to lift it when you’re using it. It comes with a long power cord, 20 feet, so you don’t have to worry about interrupting yourself to change outlets, and it can be wrapped around the carry handle.

It has a powerful 6 HP motor which not only will be able to help you quickly get rid of any type of wet or dry debris, thanks to its 256 air watts, but it has a noise-reduction technology, as well, which provides a silent and quiet performance of under 90 dB. It comes with a large capacity of 14 gallons, and it has a built-in drain, which provides you with a quick way of emptying the tank.

It comes with built-in accessory storage, so you’ll be able to keep them all in one place, therefore providing you with quick reach in several areas. It comes with a nozzle for wet debris, a utility nozzle as well as a car nozzle, a hose, and 2 extension wands, to provide you with a long reach. It can be converted into a blower, and it provides you with 150 CFM.

It has a cartridge type, 3-layer fine-dust filter, which will not only protect the motor as you vacuum, but it will also trap all the dust in the air, inside. It comes with a lifetime warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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5. 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.

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6. Makita VC4710

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It measures 23.6 inches in length, 15.8 inches in width and 32.3 inches in height and it weighs 27 pounds, thus it is lightweight and easy to move around. It has a container which has a capacity of 12 gallons and it is capable of holding up to 8 gallons of wet debris, thus you won’t have to worry about cleaning.

It comes with a powerful 4 HP motor which provides up to 135 CFM, and it has a silent operation of only 59 dB. It can lift water from 90 inches away, and it comes with a long power cord, 24.6 feet, to provide you with an easy way to clean. While it doesn’t come with accessories, it has a long 16-foot anti-static hose, which provides better reach and suction performance, and it features quick-release latches to allow you to easily dispatch of the collected debris.

It features an on-board tool-activated feature, which starts and stops the vacuum with 10 seconds delay to allow all the debris to be moved into the canister. Additionally, it comes with a speed control dial to allow you to easily set it up according to your needs. While it doesn’t come equipped with a HEPA filter, it can sustain one. It features an automatic filter cleaning system to increase the nano filters’ and the fabric nano bags’ lifespan. It comes with a limited 1-year manufacturer warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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7. 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.

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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.

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9. 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.

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10. 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 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.

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11. Milwaukee M18 0880-20

It measures 16.92” in length, 8.46” in width and 12.12” in height, therefore it is compact and easy to store, and it weighs only 10.1 pounds, therefore you won’t have a hard time transporting it around. It features a powerful motor that allows up to 45 CFM, as it can lift up to 32” of water.

It features several accessories that will help you make your garage spick and span. Thanks to the flexible 6 feet, 1.25” hose you’ll be able to reach both floor and upholstery, while the crevice tool will help you reach narrow places. Its HEPA filters will make sure to keep any type of dust, allergens and airborne particles trapped in the vacuum.

While it doesn’t come with a battery included, it can work with any Milwaukee 18V slide-on batteries, Li-ion or NiCd battery packs, ensuring y to 30 minutes of uninterrupted work. It can accommodate up to 2 gallons of water, while in need it can be converted into a blower, as it comes with a built-in port. It comes with a limited 5-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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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.

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Troubleshooting

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Verdict

Cleaning up your garage requires a vacuum that can clean both solid debris and liquids, to provide you with a faster and hassle-free vacuuming. While all the above-mentioned products will help you get rid of large debris and liquids, some differentiate from the other through some features:

Best Overall : CRAFTSMAN 17595
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.

Our Choice : Vacmaster VJH1211PF0201
Vacmaster VJH1211PF0201 provides you with a generous capacity, as it can store up to 12 gallons of debris, therefore you won’t have to interrupt yourself to throw up the debris. It can be converted into a 143-CFM blower, while its sturdy tank comes with an integrated hose-storage system for a compact and easy to store vacuum. It features a long power cord that will provide you with constant power and suction, while the filters it comes with will keep away dust and airborne particles.

Best Wet-Dry Vacuum for Residential Use : RIDGID WD1450
Perfect for at-home use, RIDGID WD1450 works wonders in garages. It comes with 4 spinning wheels that rotate 360 degrees, therefore you won’t have a hard time moving it around, while it offers you all the benefits of a power cord. Its strong motor will be able to provide you with up to 256 air watts, while its relatively silent performance, under 90 decibels will make sure not to disturb the rest of your family as you use it.

Best Budget-friendly Vacuum : Stanley SL18123P
You won’t have to spend a fortune on a vacuum to keep your garage tidy. Stanley SL18123P comes with an asking price for all pockets, under $50, but don’t let this price trick you into believing it can’t provide high quality. on the contrary, it comes with a generous tank capacity 3 gallons, as well as a powerful motor. Its filters will make sure to keep away fust, airborne particles or fumes, while the accessories holders enable you to store all the accessories on board.

Best Wet-Dry Vacuum for Car : Armor All AA255
Compact and lightweight, Armor All AA255 works best when you want to clean your car. It comes with all the benefits of a corded model, therefore you won’t have to worry about running out of cleaning time. it comes with perfect capacity for small spaces, while its powerful motor will make sure to help you clean your car thoroughly. Even more, it works relatively silent, and it comes with an auto shut off function which will make sure to turn it off whenever the tank is full.