Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations . If you press liaison we provide , we may invite compensation .
harness any variety of mess with these trustworthy tools .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
For a thoroughgoing clean , deliberate sell your unconstipated vacuity for a wet / juiceless vac . These laboured - duty cleaners suck up up dust , puke , and other ironic debris just like a regular vacuum , but they have more power and can deal with prominent amount of dirt . Unlike a standard vacuum cleaner , wet / juiceless vac can also effectively clean damp areas and wet release , too .
Wet / dry vac have a repute for being bulky , heavy , and expensive machines reserved for professional cleanup companies . Nowadays , these machines are designed to be more lightweight and suitable for home use , with many models costing no more than a received vacuum cleaner .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Alicia Sokolowski , president and co - CEO of AspenClean , says , “ There are two vital specification to think about : the HP and the tank mental ability in gallon . ” Horsepower cater an indicant of suction force , while the tank capacity measures how much neutralize the vacuum tank can hold before it involve to be emptied .
What We Tested
We ’ve tested 32 wet / dry vac in various sizes , mark each machine based on ease of frame-up , effectiveness , maneuverability , portability , relaxation of evacuate , noise level , and overall value . For more on how we tested them , seeour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Vacmaster 5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This powerful yet portable wet / dry vacuum cleaned up every mess in a exclusive passport .
The dissonance diffuser was n’t as effective at reducing sound as we had hoped .
The Vacmaster Professional 5 - congius stiff / juiceless vacuum cleaner imprint us in every mode , including its frame-up , effectiveness , and manueveribiltiy , which is why it takes the crest for our list of better wet / dry vacuums .
Credit: Amazon
In all of our tests , whether it was cleaning food crumb and hair out of a railcar seat to cleaning up liquid muddle on the storey , this wet / dry vacuum cleaned up every bit of detritus in one pass . Plus , the special - foresighted 18 - inch cord made it easy to embrace large region all in one cleaning session without having to move from outlet to outlet .
We also take account that there were several unlike attachment include to tackle different types of messes . This contributed to cleaning up messes in just one pass by using the right tools for the chore . Plus , all of the attachments stored away easily inside the body of the vacuum .
We prize that this emptiness include a pocketbook for ironical dust , mean you do n’t want to knock down out and clean the dry detritus ABA transit number after each use of goods and services if you set up the old bag first . Cleaning up after using the sloshed vacuum part was also easier than many other models we hear .
While this emptiness does have a noise diffusor fond regard meant to lower the sound , we did n’t ascertain it to make much of a remainder . For farseeing job , it ’s still best to wear down headphones or other hearing auspices when using a wet / ironical vacuum .
intersection Details : Size:12.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 in . |Capacity:5 gal . |Hose Length:7 foot |Attachments : Utility nozzle , fissure tool , auto nozzle , noise diffusor , extender
Best Budget
Dirt Devil 5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This vacuum has two - in - one - style affixation with convenient storage to make swop tools between jobs easier .
The minor content and shorter power cord for this wet / dry vacuum make it better for smaller cleanup jobs .
We were impressed with how effectively the 5 - gallon Dirt Devil cleaned up small and large dust , simulated whisker , and liquids despite its small size . It had a muscular suction that only ask a small more elbow grime to dispatch hair from auto derriere .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
What facilitate make this modest - but - mighty vacuum employment so well are the two - in - one affixation , including a public-service corporation nozzle and a floor puppet that replicate as a squeegee . Every peter worked well in cleaning up floors and upholstery in our test , but we did miss the chap tool that is ordinarily include with vacuums . It was harder to clean tight corner without it .
Still , we treasure that all the attachments had a place to store firmly , and it was easy to lift and move the vacuum around while we cleaned different areas of the planetary house and car . We also discover the dry debris canister easy to empty out and wipe clean , but the besotted filter was knockout to fit into its crevice . While trying to replace the wet filter , it even tear slimly .
All in all , we recommend the Dirt Devil for those on a budget ; it was one of the least expensive model we try , yet it performed as well as many of the more expensive models on our tilt .
Product detail : Size:12.95 x 17.52 x 12.95 in . |Capacity:5 gal.|Hose Length:7 feet|Attachments : Floor beak , utility nozzle , three extenders
Best Splurge
Fein Turbo I Wet/Dry Dust Extractor
This tool - set off vacuum is large for workshop — such as a woodworker’s — that make a lot of dust .
The hosepipe has a small beak , and the base is little than the 5.8 - gallon tub , so it will fill up quickly .
If you have a bit of cash to adorn in a powerful store vac for clearing up a lot of dust , we advocate the Fein Turbo I Wet / Dry Vacuum Cleaner with Dust Extractor . This is a professional - level dust extractor with exceptional dust aggregation and filtration of hazardous dust particles .
We hear this vac out in a woodworking workshop , a dusty cellar , and a number of cars , and it do outstandingly . Its noise yield is rated at 66 decibels , which is astounding considering most shop class vacs are rate around 100 decibels .
The unit offers strong suction , requires minimum setup ( lose it in the casters , and instal the collection bag inside the tub ) , and has an extra - long 13 - foot hose with a subdued rubber beak . There ’s also a flexible and ribbed construction that get it fairly crush - proof .
It ’s small and lightweight enough to impart around as well . However , the long hose , as well as its recollective corduroy , open you plenty of way to roll without having to drag the vac behind you at all prison term or unplug and replug to a young outlet .
It comes with two nose / cord mount , but no extension or extra beak are admit with this unit . Fein ’s Deluxe model , however , comes with all these extras if you need them and are willing to spend a little more .
Since this vac is design for connection directly on shaft that make the dust and capture it at the source , the lack of additional schnoz and extensions may not be giving deal . It has a high - quality HEPA ( in high spirits - efficiency particulate matter absorbing ) cartridge style , and an radical - hunky-dory filter rated to catch even the finest dust particles smaller than two microns .
There ’s also a felt - same accumulation grip to further avail enchant the detritus . Dumping the bathtub is effortless , although there ’s no body of water drainpipe so you have to lift and tilt it to stream the H2O out . There ’s ultrafine filtering to keep the dust trapped and the air clean , and a built - in power outlet that lets you secure in a compatible puppet , like a sander , router , or circular saw .
When you set the vac ’s world power switch to the accessory setting and power up the shaft , it automatically powers up the vac . After shutting the tool off , we found that the vac stay on to run for a further 15 mo , assoil the hose of any rubble remnants .
Product detail : Size:39 x 24 x 16 in . |Capacity:5.8 gal . |Hose Length:13 foot |Attachments : None
Best with Wheels
DeWalt 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
It ’s a potent store vac that do by water very well .
It ’s a little meretricious and not the serious for shorter pet hair that tends to get embedded into carpeting .
Overall , this DeWalt unit performed exceptionally well . We used this pick to suck up leaves , dirt , cobwebs , and other debris from a garage space , as well as to unclog a can cesspool .
The smashed / dry vac come with a hose , two telephone extension scepter , a floor schnozzle , which works bully on carpets , and a round skirmish . There ’s also a disposable filter bag intended for fine particulate matter , like sawdust , that ’s easy to get on and off . It even has a electric fan function .
The wheels make it leisurely to move around , but there are also handgrip on the top to make it easy to lift and carry if you require to . The model also have a service program nozzle and a crevice tool for corner and small gaps .
One of the most notable features is a commodious cup of tea to store the accessories . The travelling bag sequester to the vac itself so you never have to worry about misplace any pieces . Plus , it ’s secure even when the vacuum cleaner is in use , but you may well come off and reattach it when you involve to .
The long , flexible , and uncompromising 7 - foot hose is able-bodied to turn and switch directions well for cleaning at all dissimilar angle , and it wrap tidily around the vacuum when it ’s not in use . In addition , there ’s a 10 - animal foot electric cord so you ’ll seldom need an extension .
The most telling thing about this vac is its power to vacuum pee . When we used the extension sceptre , it suck up debris from a slowly - run out cesspool that had been clot for weeks and even sucked up all of the water from the pipe in the process .
To get rid of the piss in the cannister , there ’s a drain stopper located on the front of the unit of measurement that you just unscrew to allow the water system to drain out . It ’s also worth noting that you have to moisten the filter and have the filter and basin dry totally before using the void again after make out with piss .
It ’s a footling on the louder side , but not enough to justify try protection . Overall , this is a dandy car from a top make , and it do at a secure price for what it offers .
Product item : Size:17.9 x 23 x 18.5 in . |Capacity:9 gal . |Hose Length:7 animal foot |Attachments : Hose , two extension wand , floor snoot , round brushing , service program schnoz , and crevice nozzle
Best Attachments
Shark MessMaster Wet Dry Vacuum
It ’s more portable than other models .
The attachment holder can only two at a fourth dimension , making it backbreaking to switch among the unlike puppet while cleaning .
The Shark MessMaster is a compact wet / dry vacuum that make up for its little size of it with plenty of handy attachments . It includes a chap pecker for wet corners , a carpeting creature for loosening dirt and pilus from soft open , and even a squeegee cock for wet messes .
Unlike other wet / ironic vacuums , the Shark does n’t want a specialized pocketbook . Any standard codswallop cup of tea from 2 to 13 gal can be used to line the binful . Even without the bag , the bin is still dishwasher safe for fast , scuffle - free killing . We cleaned up everything from spilled oat Milk River to favourite pilus and found that this wet / dry vacuum worked on all type of surfaces , including vinyl , hardwood floors , upholstered car interiors , and roofing tile .
Although this wet / wry vacancy is lightweight enough to move around easily , we did like it had cycle , as it was prostrate to tipping without them . The other drawback is that while this emptiness is pocket-size and wanton to store , it only take space on the physical structure to salt away two of the three attachments . We had to find another place to salt away the third attachment and the extenders .
Product Details : Size:16.5 x 13.5 x 10.5 in.|Capacity:1 gallon|Hose Length:3 foot |Attachments : Carpet tool , crevice tool , squeegee tool , three extenders
Best Cordless
Ryobi Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
It offer impressive power , has a large army tank , and is cordless with wheels for optimum manoeuvrability .
The top of the whole is a little guileful to get off .
If you ’re fed up with having to find nearby electrical outlets , unplug every clock time the cord of your store vac reaches its ending , or using an extension corduroy , the Ryobi 40V 10 - Gallon Cordless Wet / Dry Vacuum might just be the alternative for you
Credit: Amazon
We used this vac to pick out a minivan from top to bottom , admit the cabinet and the carpet floors , and the story mats . We also used it on some plaster debris from an prowess project , and a spill ontile flooring . The whole picked up everything from yield snacks to hair ties , as well as pretty much anything else that crossed its course . While corded shop vacs we ’ve tested had slightly stronger sucking , we found this option comparable , and the contrivance of this model makes it well worth it .
Part of what induce this whole especial is how gentle it is to empty and clean . The canister is large enough to get your hand and a material in to effortlessly pass over any rest in between utilisation . There ’s a drain at the bottom to discharge any water supply , too .
The battery go imposingly long ( up to 45 minute ) , and the charge sour grass hardly take in up any space in a service department or even on a kitchen heel counter . Aside from the received shop vac accessory , like crevice instrument and extenders , it also has a squeegee tool to help pool up water spill .
While it does n’t leave spills completely dry , it sucks up most of the liquid so that the area can easily dry out thereafter . We found the machine utilitarian for cleaning a basement entrepot sphere with frequent piddle government issue and other jam .
The filter comes already installed and is well-heeled to remove and cleanse out . To get the top off to get to the canister , you ask to bear on in the two locks , which needs a little practice to perfect . Overall , a clipping - down version would be preferable . In our long - term testing , we also encounter that the roulette wheel came off well , which is a trouble we ’ve had with wet / dry vac in the past .
Overall , this unit is great and easy to use , well-situated to clean , and passably priced for the flexibility it offer . It establish about as much interference as an median vacuum , and , on the humbled background , it ’s even quieter .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
intersection Details : Size:19 x 20.9 x 17.1 in . |Capacity:10 gal . |Hose Length:8 feet |Attachments : Hose , scissure creature , storey nozzle , two propagation wand , two extension wand clips
Best Large Capacity
Craftsman Heavy Duty Wet/Dry Vac
It has a 16 - gallon content and was able to pluck up wet and wry leaves , branches , and cat litter .
Its cylindrical shape makes it a small awkward to move around , but this is greatly helped by the wheels that cater a smooth ride .
The Craftsman 16 - Gallon Wet / Dry Vac is , quite simply , a beast — in the best way potential . The unit is simple to use and powerful and has a large 16 - gallon capacity as well . For such a orotund modeling it ’s extremely user - well-disposed and easy to use .
We tested the vacuum in a mudroom that seestons of leaves , mud , and rain that are get across through from the backyard and this vacuum perform impeccably . In addition to sucking up the wet and dry leaves , and even branch effortlessly , quat bedding was also no annoyance for this strong vac .
When you unbox it , all you have to do is confiscate the nozzle , plug away it in , and you ’re dependable to go . It comes with a crew of attachments , let in a Dual - Flex Hose , two reference wands , a utility nozzle , a cable car honker , and a soused nozzle .
It also has an additional filter , and a rubble aggregation bag . While we find that it ’s a little on the heavier side , it is a heavy - duty machine made for soggy task . The area we go in flooded a few time during the testing period and the Craftsman handled the body of water like a entire dream . Plus , it can even be used outside .
There ’s a handle and wheels for portability , and , even though it ’s a corded model , the cord is redundant - long to make almost anywhere you ask to . During testing , we noticed that it was incredibly simple to channelize around as well .
It ’s also imposingly thick , give its large tank and power . The wheels help it move about easier , but just like any cylindrical - shaped vac , it wo n’t be as loose to maneuver as just or hand-held poser .
To empty the whole you simply unlatch the blanket , lift it up and tip it out .. There are two porta ( one is the vacuum cleaner , and the other a cetacean mammal ) , but you ca n’t trade between them , and there ’s no reverse modality .
While it ca n’t be classed as restrained and is much louder than a veritable vacuum , it ’s not louder than any other distinctive wet / prohibitionist vac . This option is ideal for busy households , garage cleanup , those who like dabbling in mussy DIY project , and anyone with pets .
ware Details : Size:23.8 x 26.7 x 21.03 in . |Capacity:16 gal . |Hose Length:7 feet |Attachments : Hose , two extension wands , utility nozzle , wet nozzle , and gondola nozzle
The Bottom Line
With the power to clean up even tough muss with just one pass , we recommendVacmaster Professional 5 - Gallon Wet / Dry Vacas our favourite wet / dry vacuum . Thanks to plenteous attachments that stow away easily and an extra - recollective power cord , this vacuum was capable to handle batch of all size without having to recover a new outlet every few minutes . We also appreciated how prosperous it was to clean out both the wry and wet detritus containers .
Our Testing Process
To determine which are the top crocked / wry vac on the market , we ’ve tried out 32 of the most democratic good example in our testing laboratory and in our own homes , test the top models for up to six months to judge their quality over time . We used a pre - determined methodology and scored the workshop vac found on informality of setup , potency , maneuverability , portability , ease of empty , noise story , and overall value .
In our testing lab , we created a mix of dry debris of varying shapes , size , and grain . The intermixture include sawdust , cheerios , popcorn gist , faux hair , and crackers . We sprinkled the mix on various floor types , including carpeting , hardwood , and crevices of a car rear end . We also test each shop vac ’s power to pick up fuddled messes by spill and cleaning up a loving cup of water . We used multiple attachments to clean each batch , noting how many passes it take and how easy it was to swap attachments .
In addition to evaluating each vacuum ’s cleanup performance , we noted how easy it was to foregather , polish off and dispose the juiceless junk pocketbook , and make clean the tank .
After test in the lab , we brought the considerably - performing option home to expend in our unremarkable biography for up to six months . During this time , we used the vacuums to clean up workshops , flooded basement , and squashy pile , noting any changes in lineament or issue that arise over time .
What to Know About Wet/Dry Vacs Before Shopping
Size
While older models were known for being large , sullen , and bulky , modernistic wet / juiceless vac are much more slender and lightweight , with many being no larger than a normal vacuity dry cleaner . Their size of it can range anywhere from 10 to 25 or more inches in superlative ( upright vacuum are , clearly taller , occur in at around 45 inch in peak ) , and 10 to 40 column inch in width .
Weight and Capacity
Wet / dry vac can consider anything from five to 30 pounds , with large capacity and more knock-down machines being on the punishing end of that scale . They will also , understandably , be heavier when full . Before needing to be emptied , a wet / dry vac ’s tank can typically hold between 3 and 16 pound sterling of waste , although some more portable social unit may have less than a congius and will need regular evacuation .
Sokolowski advises that the size and weight of a wet / dry vac should be considered when it comes to portability and storage .
“ Since you might need to bear it up and down some flights of stair regularly , size and weight are substantial , ” say Sokolowski . “ If you opt for a portable option , look for a example with a small army tank and a place for all the attachments . That manner you will be able to move all the necessary slice at once . Finally , really consider how much storage space you have . ”
Hose Length
The medium hosiery length on a wet / teetotal vac is around five to 15 feet . For difficult - to - reach areas , you ’ll want to prefer for a longer hose and perhaps extenders .
Attachments
Many wet / dry vacs come with an raiment of attachments , including nozzles for cleaning nooks and crevice , machine DoI , and others for picking up bombastic debris . wide hoses , elongation scepter , rubble bags , upholstery brushes , and squeegee are also available .
“ Some attachments will in all likelihood be include with your wet / dry vacuity , ” says Sokolowski , “ but there are some that you may purchase individually . In accession , also have a look at other features like duple - swivel hose appointment , hose lock , wall adhesion , and a pump to help empty the tankful more easily . ”
Other Wet/Dry Vacs We Tested
Bissell Model Garage Pro Wet/Dry Vac
We also tested theBissell Garage Pro Wet / Dry Vac . This unit is easy to set up , and easy to practice — it ’s good , so no deflexion is require . It has a 32 - base hosiery , and helpful attachments , including two extension wands , two wide level cock , and three unlike - sized suck shaft . It has herculean suction and even has a blower function .
When put to the test , it did n’t perform all that well on pet hair . It also does n’t have wheels , so carrying it around was tiresome , and this also make the bottom of the unit of measurement to get itch . Though the hose is long , the electric cord is very little so you ’d need an extension , and there is n’t a place for the cord or hose on the vacuum itself , which is a small galling when it comes to warehousing .
Dirt Devil 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Although multiple Dirt Devil models made it into our picks for the safe wet / dry vacs , we had interracial results in our examination of theDirt Devil 6 - Gallon Wet / Dry Vac . We liked the simplicity of this emptiness , which was easy to set up up and lightweight enough to move from room to room . We found that it worked well on both pixilated and wry mess , although it was n’t great for getting dirt out of corner .
But where we set up the biggest limitation was its functionality . The hose was incredibly unbendable , making it unmanageable to clean in any centering other than a straight tune . It was also hard to make clean out the interior canister , which had grooves that fluent messes and debris clung to .
Porter-Cable Wet/Dry Vacuum
For small spaces , thePorter - Cable Wet / Dry Vacuumis a becoming option that takes up minuscule space and is easy to guide . For cleaning up fix , we found that it was especially crucial to use the right attachment so as to clean up mass . For instance , without the “ gulper ” attachment , this wet / dry vacuum just pushed liquid mess around . But when using the right attachment for the job , this wet / wry vacuity quickly cleaned up all types of debris , from popcorn kernels to liquid mountain .
However , the Porter - Cable vacuum had one of the brusk hoses in the role model we test , extending just 5 feet . Because this modelling is is short , it also demand more bend to operate , which may not be worthy for every drug user .
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of a wet/dry vac?
According to Sokolowski , there are several benefits to view when it fall to wet / ironical vac .
“ These ready to hand machines can vacuum liquids as well as solids , and you may use them both indoors and outdoors — fromcarpetsand wooden floors to patios and driveways , ” she says . “ you may even clean the interior of your car with it , or use it onupholsterysuch as pall and sofas . Finally , there is no risk of damaging the auto if you use it tovacuum favorite hair and animal dirt . ”
Can a wet/dry vac pick up water?
Yes , the ability to houseclean up water is largely what sets sloshed / ironical vac apart from standard vacuum . They ’re a great choice for cleaning up declamatory spills or standing water .
Can a wet/dry vac clean a carpet?
Wet / juiceless vacs can be used to houseclean carpeting . However , these machine are n’t as easily maneuverable as atraditional vacuum for carpeting . We also urge choosing acarpet cleanerthat offers the power to strip with carpet shampoo for deep cleaning and removing tough stains .
Who We Are
Kat de Naoumis a author forBetter Homes & Gardenswho live how important a right vacuum is as a mom and dog-iron parent . That ’s why her favorite product is her automaton vacuum - mop combo . Paige Bennettis a author forBetter Homes & Gardenswho frequently covers cleaning and small appliances .
To write this article , both writers utilized penetration from our examination squad who reviewed and tested dozens of wet / wry vacs , researching factor such as each machine ’s sizing , capacity , hose length , attachments , and clean efficiency . to boot , de Nauom speak toAlicia Sokolowski , United States President and carbon monoxide - CEO of AspenClean , for further advice on what gain an effectual wet / prohibitionist vac .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the merchandise on this listing , you may have observe ourBHG Recommends cachet of favorable reception . production that remove the seal have been put through tight examination to check that they ’re deserving a spot in your domicile . We purchase most of the products we try ourselves , but from time to time we are provide sampling by company if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we habituate to try the purchase products .
Credit: Amazon
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: The Home Depot
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
