How To Use Vacuum Cleaner Wet And Dry? Step-By-Step Guide

Wet/dry vacuum cleaners are ideal for use in the workshop or at home. However, there are so many options and filters to choose from that it’s difficult to know where to begin.

There are better tools out there, and you’ll need to learn how to use them. Unlike regular vacuum cleaners, these devices are capable of sucking up water as well as dirt and debris from the floor.

We’ll talk you through everything you need to know on how to use a shop vacuum in this helpful guide. You’ll be an expert at everything from suction to drainage in no time.

Vacuuming Water With a Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• The filter or foam sleeve should be inserted after making sure the tank is empty.
• Turn on the vacuum cleaner by plugging it in.
• Use the floor nozzle or crevice tool to begin cleaning up the spill.
• When the tank is full, drain it.
• Ensure that all debris is removed from the canister of your shop vac by cleaning and drying it.
• Keep it in a safe place for future use.

What to Look For in the Best Wet Dry Vac

First, think about what you intend to use your wet/dry vacuum for. A vacuum cleaner’s size and weight will be determined by this.

Although it has a high capacity, a 10-gallon shop vacuum will not fit in your home’s hallway closet. On the other hand, a compact model will store well, but it won’t be of much use for large amounts of excess water.

Although it has a high capacity, a 10-gallon shop vacuum will not fit in your home’s hallway closet. On the other hand, a compact model will store well, but it won’t be of much use for large amounts of excess water.

Despite its enormous capacity, a 10-gallon shop vacuum won’t fit in your hallway closet at home because of the small space available. However, a compact model can be stored easily, but it won’t be able to handle a lot of water.

A lightweight model would be ideal if you have to carry it up a flight of stairs. In addition to the weight of the vacuum itself, there is also the additional weight of water to consider. It’s also not light, given that a gallon of water weighs 8.35 pounds.

How to Use a Shop Vac for Water – Step by Step

You can use a wet/dry vac to remove debris and water from the garage or from a damaged pipe with ease. It has the potential to rescue your property from costly water damage. The Stanley wet/dry vacuum, for example, is available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs.

The dry cartridge filter and the water-sucking foam filter are included in every machine because of this. Disposable filter bags are also available when you’re clearing up dust.

This Bissell is one of the few wet/dry vacuums that doesn’t utilize bags and only has one filter. For liquid spills, you utilize a specific attachment that eliminates the need to switch out filters and bags.

However, you must ensure that your vacuum cleaner is properly installed and ready to use before using it. Dry paper filters should not be used to suction water.

Our guide on how to use a shop vac for water is now complete.

What You’ll Need

Wet/Dry Vacuums

Step by Step Instructions

1. Empty the Tank

Before you begin, make certain the vacuum cleaner is not connected to any power sources. In the event of an accident, you don’t want it to inflict any harm!

Simply skip this step if this is your first time using a shop vac. Clear the collection tank of any previously sucked-up dry dirt and debris. Before resuming use of your vacuum cleaner, you must empty the canister of any remaining dust.

2. Replace the Filters

When using a dry filter, remove it and use a foam filter instead. If you have a shop vacuum, the instructions in your user handbook should show you how to do this.

Dry filters can be used for tiny amounts of liquid, but it’s preferable to use a wet filter for significant amounts of standing water.

Here’s a Quick Message for You.

Be sure to let the dry filter air dry completely before re-using it for dry pick-up if you used it to remove water from the mixture. If you don’t, the filter will quickly become clogged and difficult to clean.

You should never use a shop vacuum’s wet filter to clean up dry messes. As a result, it might cause serious damage to the motor.

In order to use your shop vac with the foam filter installed, simply remove the dry dust bag.

3. Plug the Vacuum in

The wet/dry vacuum must be grounded before it can be used. It acts as a conduit for electricity to flow through. When the vacuum breaks down, this reduces the chance of electric shock.

Connect the vacuum to a working electrical outlet. Install and ground your device in accordance with applicable requirements.

4. Vacuum the Liquids

Make sure that your shop vacuum is plugged in and turned on before using it to suction up liquids.

It’s time to vacuum!

The floor nozzle can be used to remove water from a damp carpet or a spilled milk. In a flood zone, the water level is too high for this device.

Use the crevice nozzle instead if that’s what you’d like to do. Make sure the nozzle isn’t completely buried so you can check the hose for proper airflow.

5. Empty the Water Tank When Full

Keep an eye on the fuel gauge to see when it’s time to refill.

It’s possible that as time passes, the motor will get noticeably noisier. This is generally caused by the float regulator covering the motor when the tank is at maximum capacity. You don’t want this to happen since it makes the motor work harder.

Turn off your shop vacuum and unhook the power cable when these things happen. Otherwise, the motor may be damaged and the repair costs would be high. So hurry up!

After that, raise the hose to its highest point and let any remaining liquid to drip back into the tank. Drain the water after pouring it down. Finally, examine the dust tank and remove any accumulated material.

6. Clean Your Appliance

Maintaining the appearance of your wet/dry vacuum is important to you. As a result, moisten a soft cloth with warm water and dish soap, and then wipe the exterior of the vacuum cleaner.

The tank is also easy to clean. Use warm water and dish soap to remove any accumulated dirt or pet dander. After this, use a dry, soft towel to clean it down.

The foam filters or cartridges should also be checked for any signs of damage. If your shop vac has any tears or small holes in it, this could lead to a buildup of dust. Replace the filter as soon as you discover any issues, in order to avoid further damage.

7. Store Your Vacuum

Before storing your wet/dry vacuum cleaner, make sure the collection tank is clean and empty.

Then, if the device has a hose holder, hang the cord from it. Make sure the accessories are attached to the model’s storage compartments. It makes it easy to find them when you need to use your shop vac again.

Vacuum cleaners should be stored indoors to protect them and increase their lives.

Safety Tips

• It’s important to have the correct filters in place on your shop vac. For wet surfaces, use a foam filter, and for non-liquid spills, use a dry cartridge and a dry dustbag.
• It’s crucial to have the necessary filters in place on your shop vac. For wet surfaces, use a foam filter, and for non-liquid spills, use a dry cartridge and dry dust bag.
• Use only certified 10 amp extension cords if necessary. A weather-resistant extension cord is required for wet cleaning.
• Make sure the extension isn’t a tripping hazard by placing it on a flat surface.
• Ensure that your shop vac is always standing upright. This prevents any water from running from the hose and into the motor.
• Ensure that your shop vac is always standing upright. This prevents any water from running from the hose and into the motor.

The Best Wet/Dry Vacuums of 2022

At all times, keep your shop vac in an upright position. In order to keep the motor dry, this prevents any water from dripping into it.

It’s possible to have a vacuum that can clean up both wet and dry messes if you’d choose. In addition to vacuuming up dust and debris, vacuum mops can also be used to clean up liquid spills and wash floors.

The top wet/dry vacuums on the market were put through their paces in our hands-on testing. To find the best vacuums, we compared features including suction, attachments, and more. Find out what to look for in a high-quality shop-type vacuum, and don’t miss our list of the best wet/dry vacuums on the market.

Types of Wet/Dry Vacuums

Because the vacuum can clean up both wet and dry messes, there is no need to carry two separate vacuums. The lack of storage space in tiny houses and workshops may necessitate the use of multifunctional cleaning tools. Shop vacuums, vacuum mops, and handheld vacuums make up the bulk of the wet/dry category of vacuums.

Shop Vacuums

With powerful engines and heavy-duty suction, shop vacuums are an essential tool for the DIY market. They can suck up all kinds of dirt and minor construction debris. They include bucket-style canisters that can carry up to 14 gallons of garbage. With a long, flexible hose and various attachments, these vacuums can be used while standing or to remove debris from small places.

Many shop vacs are “wet/dry” shop vacs because they can clear up both dry and wet messes. These strong vacuums can assist clear a clogged sump pump basket or lessen the volume of water in a flooded carpet. A wet/dry shop vacuum also can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, including cleaning gutters.

Vacuum Mops

A “wet/dry” shop vac is one that can clean up both dry and wet messes, earning the title. These strong vacuums can assist clear a clogged sump pump basket or lessen the volume of water in a flooded carpet. When it comes to cleaning the gutters, a wet/dry shop vacuum is an excellent tool.

Handheld Vacuums

• Miniature vacuums designed to look like larger shop vacs have the same canister collection technology, but are much smaller. Flexible hoses and possibly a few add-ons are often found on these units. Vacuuming wet or dry messes is made easier with the addition of a handle.
• With a motor base that clips onto a vacuum funnel, these handheld vacuums may be used to gather up pet hair from a sofa or carpeted stairs in only a few seconds.
• Many major power tool manufacturers produce small handheld vacuums that can be charged with the same lithium-ion batteries used to power their bigger cordless equipment. Switching batteries from, say, a cordless drill to a handheld shop vac to clear up a little mess fast is simple for individuals who habitually use one type of power tool.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wet/Dry Vacuum

Identifying the primary intended application of a wet/dry vacuum is the most critical step in making your purchase. It is unlikely that a huge 10-gallon shop vac will fit in a home’s hall closet, while a small, handheld device would be of little use on most building sites. There are many more factors to consider when deciding on the primary purpose of a product, such as the required amount of weight, capacity, and the sort of power used.

Size and Weight

From small, lightweight devices to huge, heavy-duty commercial canister types, wet/dry vacuums come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to heavy-duty shop vacs, the smallest stainless steel canister shop vacs can weigh as little as three pounds and stand no more than one foot tall and wide.

It’s often better to utilize larger shop vacuums in the workplace. Compact variants are more suited for use in the home and transportation in the trunk or backseat. Traditional vacuums, both wet and dry, are about the same size and weight as vacuum mops. They can weigh as little as two pounds for handheld devices or as much as 18 pounds for larger upright ones.

Corded vs. Cordless

Most medium-duty and heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums have cords, and as long as an electrical outlet is handy, they never run out of power. Vacuuming small amounts of project material, such wood shavings left behind by a carpenter installing trim around windows, can be done with a cordless vacuum cleaner. In the latter case, a carpenter might opt to carry a lightweight cordless vac that accepts the same lithium-ion battery as a drill or saw.

If an electrical outlet is nearby, most medium-and heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums will never run out of power. Vacuuming small amounts of project material, such wood shavings left behind by a carpenter installing trim around windows, can be done with a cordless vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, a carpenter could use a cordless vacuum that uses the same lithium-ion battery as a drill or saw to save weight and space.

Power and Performance

If an electrical outlet is nearby, most medium- and heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums never run out of juice. Cordless vacuums can be used for quick inside cleanups or for restricted project detritus, such as wood shavings left behind when a carpenter installs trim around windows. If the latter is the case, a carpenter may use a cordless vacuum that uses the same lithium-ion battery as a drill or saw.

Power is measured in volts (V) rather than horsepower in cordless battery-operated vacuums. Like regular vacuums, corded vacuum mops don’t often list horsepower.

• Corded wet/dry vacs range from 1 to 4.5 hp, whereas cordless vacs are between 18 and 20 volts. In the kitchen or in the car, they’re perfect for cleaning up a few messes.
• Wet/dry vacs with 5- to 6-hp motors are ideal for cleaning up after small construction and DIY jobs. Using them to drain a wet basement is a no-brainer. Cordless wet/dry vacs require a battery with an average voltage of 20 to 24 volts or greater to provide the same amount of power as a corded one.
• These strong wet/dry vacuums have motors with more than 6 hp of power and are typically used in business settings. Battery-operated versions of heavy-duty wet/dry vacs are relatively rare, but advances in technology may make them more common.

Capacity

These strong wet/dry vacuums have motors with more than 6 hp of power and are typically used in business settings. Battery-operated versions of heavy-duty wet/dry vacs are relatively rare, but advances in technology may make them more common.

• More than 6 hp in power, these strong wet/dry vacuums are typically used for commercial purposes.. Advances in technology could make battery-operated wet/dry vacs more commonplace in the near future.
• This size range includes collecting bins that can accommodate between 6 and 14 gallons of debris, making them ideal for bigger workshops or the clearance of standing water on a regular basis.
• Large capacity: Large-capacity wet/dry vacs have collection tanks that accommodate 14 to 18 gallons at the high end of the size possibilities. These are commonly found on construction sites because of how quickly they can remove flooded water.

Hose Length

Depending on the model, the hose length ranges from 6 to 30 feet. It’s easier to vacuum from one end of the room to the other without having to drag the full vacuum along with you if the hoses are long enough. If you’re not careful, long hoses can get tangled if they aren’t securely wound after usage.

Some of the best shop vacs will come with a holder for winding the hose for storage. But, if not, the hose is usually detachable and can be hung in loops on a wall hook.

Filtration

Some of the best shop vacs will come with a holder for winding the hose for storage. If not, the hose can be hung on a wall hook in loops if it is detachable.

Some of the top shop vacs will come with a holder for winding the hose for storage. If not, the hose can usually be removed and put on a wall hook in loops.

Some of the better shop vacs come with a holder for winding the hose when it’s time to store it. The hose is normally detachable and can be looped on a wall hook if this is not the case.

Attachments

A number of wet/dry vacuums come with attachments that may be connected to the device and enhance its capabilities, allowing it to perform additional tasks, such as reaching into small spaces. The wide floor utility nozzle, which links to a rigid extension wand, is standard on most models. Some cleaning issues are easier to solve with additional accessories.

• In order to remove debris from confined spaces, a crevice nozzle is needed.
• You can use an elbow wand for reaching high or around corners.
• Liquid spills can be cleaned up with a squeegee-edged wet nozzle.
• A brush nozzle is used for cleaning upholstery and car interiors.
• To clean upholstery and car interiors, a brush nozzle is employed in the process.
• Using a blower attachment, users can clean leaves from the yard or garage door.

Additional Features

In-home wet and dry vacuums, in contrast to shop vacs, are intended to be more than just a tool for getting the job done.

• A drain plug lets users release liquid without having to remove the inside collection canister.
• A drain plug lets users release liquid without having to remove the inside collection canister.
• Drain plugs allow fluids to be drained without having to remove the collection canister from the bottom of the device.
• In-home models with wall-mount capability free up more space in utility rooms and closets by reducing their footprint.
• It is possible to clean the filter rather than buy a new one using washable filters.

Our Top Picks

Allowing the vacuum to clean up both dry and wet messes at the same time eliminates the need for two different vacuums. Power, size, and types of messes they can handle make these wet/dry vacs among the best. Some tools are better suited to the workplace than to the comfort of your own home..

If you’re having trouble keeping your living or working place neat, try one of these solutions. We put these models through their paces in our hands-on testing, sucking up both dry and wet messes to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Continue reading to learn how to choose the best one for your specific requirements.

DeWALT 12 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac

• In the style department, you’ll find a wide range of fashionable
• The 5.5-horsepower output
• This container holds approximately 12 gallons

Pros

• Plenty of suction power
• Suction power to spare
• Management of hoses and cords made simple and effective

Cons

• It took a bit to set up, but that’s a pro we can overlook.

Vacmaster VBV1210, 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

• In the style department, you’ll find a wide range of fashionable
• 5 hp is the power output.
• This container holds approximately 12 gallons

Pros

• Powerful compared to its peers.
• Inexpensive pricing range
• Detachable vacuum motor functions as a blower.

Cons

• Has no HEPA filter included.

DEWALT 20V MAX Wet-Dry Vacuum Cordless

• Tool/workshop-inspired design
• Batteries rated at 20 volts
• Two gallons

Pros

• Design that is quite easy to use
• Any 20V DeWalt battery will work.
• On-board storage that’s smart

Cons

• Can’t compete with corded models in terms of power

CRAFTSMAN 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac

Specifications for the item

• In the style department, you’ll find a wide range of fashionable
• The 4.5-horsepower engine
• A gallon is 9 gallons

Pros

• When it comes to suction, there’s no slouch.
• Comes with dust collection

Dust collection is included.

• Assembling it is a pain.

WORKSHOP High Capacity Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• In the style department, you’ll find a wide range of fashionable
• A 6.5-horsepower motor
• The capacity is 16 gallons.

Pros

• Astonishingly strong.
• No work is too difficult for our resources.
• Emptying 16 gallons of liquid is a breeze thanks to the convenient drain port

Cons

• No HEPA filtration

CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac

Specifications for the item

• In the style department, you’ll find a wide range of fashionable
• A 6.5-horsepower motor
• The capacity is 16 gallons.

Pros

• a lot of strength
• Dust bags are included.
• Racks for storing hoses

Cons

• It’s not safe to save data on the plane’s onboard storage.
• A finicky set-up.

Vacmaster Pro 8 gallon Certified Hepa Wet/Dry Vac

A HEPA microfiber prefilter and a HEPA cartridge filter are included in the Vacmaster Pro Wet/Dry Vac for optimal dust management. Wet and dry messes are no problem for this vacuum. Only in dry mode can the HEPA filters be employed, and they will keep even the most minute traces of dust and pollen from re-entering the room. With an 8-gallon collection capacity, the Vacmaster has a 30-foot power cord and a 10-foot flexible hose that may be used in confined spaces. A crevice tool, two extension wands made of steel, a dust brush, and other items are also included. Disposable collection bags (not included) can be attached to this model, reducing dust emissions when the bag is dumped. We could tell as soon as we opened the box that this Vacmaster was a heavy-duty machine. The aluminum attachments on this model are superior to those on other versions, which use plastic. Attachments are similar to those on canister vacuums from decades ago, which means they’re long-lasting and have click-in buttons and variable suction.

The 10-foot hose is longer than any other wet/dry vacuum on the list, and the wheels and casters are made of high-quality materials for smooth movement. One problem is that it isn’t particularly powerful; we also have no idea why Vacmaster hides the horsepower rating for this model.

Specifications for the item

• In the style department, you’ll find a wide range of fashionable
• Nobody knows how much power you have.
• 8-gallon capacity

Pros

• The best attachments in the group are these ones.
• A great set of casters and wheels
• a 10 ft industrial hose for industrial use
• A HEPA filter is included.

Cons

• It lacked the vacmaster’s previous level of power.
• Why isn’t the horsepower rating of this model available?

Armor All 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Utility Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Armor All Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum has a 2-horsepower motor for sucking up ground-in dirt, dust, and other problems, but it’s small enough to clean and detail autos. It’s light enough to rest on a floorboard while you clean, weighing only 7 pounds and measuring just 14.4 inches high by 14.2 inches wide by 10.6 inches deep. Ten feet of cord and six feet of flexible tubing are included in the Armor All Vacuum’s standard package. Detail brushes are included to remove all dust from air vents, heat vents, and other small places in automobiles, as well as crevice tools.

• Indoor/automotive style
• 2-horsepower capability
• This is a 2.5-gallon container

Pros

• Attachments for your car that are just plain cool.
• Despite its corded nature, it is extremely portable.
• Shockingly potent

Cons

• We don’t know how long it will last.

RIDGID Portable 4-Gallon 5.0 HP Motor Wet Dry Vac

• Indoor/shop design is the preferred look.
• 5 hp is the power output.
• Four-gallon capacity

Pros

• Fuel efficiency is better than horsepower.
• It has a noise diffuser built in.
• a more compact form factor

Cons

• Lack of attachments

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for the greatest all-around wet/dry vacuum, the DeWALT 12 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac is a great option. The Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum, on the other hand, is an excellent value for money option that won’t disappoint.

How We Tested the Best Wet/Dry Vacuums

It wasn’t difficult to find the best wet/dry vacuums. There were a few things we wanted to test first: how well they function, how effectively they aerate drinks, and how much we loved their add-ons. That’s all there is to wet/dry vacuums, after all.

In order to do the dirt test, we needed to prepare about 2 litres of soil. For this task, we utilized a bucket to collect dirt, removed the vacuum’s filters, and used only its suction hose to remove the debris. Compact vacuums were our first port of call, followed by medium-duty versions, and then heavy-duty shop vacuums. All of the canisters were emptied and timed for comparison before the following test.

Next, we poured 2 litres of muddy water into the same bucket and ran the same tests. We timed how long it took each vacuum to remove the muddy water, starting with the smallest models and working our way up to the largest.

We also looked at how easily each vacuum was to install and how well the attachments fit and functioned when making our decision. There were some things that functioned well and some that didn’t; there were also some things that we loved and some things we would change if given the chance.

The Advantages of Owning a Wet/Dry Vacuum

Every workshop and garage has these, and with good cause. They’re built to last, and their suction is strong enough to handle DIY disasters. With a wet/dry vacuum on hand, here are a few of the advantages.

• Removes the requirement for two different tools.
• Removes household waste, spills, and messes.
• Dust mites and other ultrafine particles are trapped by the filter (if the vacuum has HEPA filtration).
• Water is drained from wet carpets, allowing them to dry more quickly
• It is a job to clean the interior of cars.
• Disposes of waste materials such as sawdust, wood chips, and shavings.
• Easily removes leaves that have been blown into the garage and shed by the wind.
• leaves the sidewalk clear of debris (if the vacuum has a blower connection).

FAQs About Your New Wet/Dry Vacuum

Wet/dry vacuums make cleaning up a variety of mess much easier, but you need think about the vacuum’s intended usage, where you plan to store it, and whether or not you want it to be portable before making the purchase. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for the first time. Some of the most frequently asked questions are addressed below.

Q. Is a shop vac the same as a wet/dry vac?

Although the names are commonly used interchangeably, some shop vacs do not have the capability of moist suction.

Q. Is a shop vac more powerful than a regular vacuum?

Both the standard vacuum’s quality and the shop vac’s quality are important factors in this equation. A shop vac, on the other hand, is more powerful than a typical vacuum cleaner.

Q. Can I vacuum water with a shop vac?

Although not all shop vacs are wet/dry vacuums, those that are can be used to remove both wet and dry mess.

Q. Can a wet/dry vac clean carpets?

For removing water from a flooded carpet, a shop-type wet/dry vacuum is the most commonly used instrument. It is, however, not a carpet cleaning machine.

Q. How do I choose a wet/dry vac?

Decide what kind of messes you need to clean up before you start vacuuming. Then, choose a wet/dry vacuum that has the power and ability to handle those messes.

Q. What is the most powerful wet/dry vacuum?

The WORKSHOP High Capacity Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner is one of the most powerful wet/dry vacuums in its category.