A wet/dry vacuum can help you clean multiple types of surfaces with blazing efficiency, but with so many wet/dry vacs on the market, how can you choose the best fit for your home? In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of wet/dry vacuums, the key features to look for, and how to find the best match for your needs.
What Is a Wet/Dry Vacuum?
Sometimes, people use the term in reference to Shop-vacs, which are designed for heavy duty jobs like sucking up large amounts of liquid or big chunks of debris.
However, in this guide, we’re talking about a wet/dry vacuum designed to vacuum and wash hardwood floors (and other hard surfaces) simultaneously. With one tool, you can get rid of the dirt, dust, and debris on your hardwood floors, then pass over them with a wet round of cleaning.
Advantages of a Wet/Dry Vacuum
Why would you choose a wet/dry vacuum when you could accomplish the same job with a simple broom and mop combination?
Wet/dry vacuums have a number of advantages. For example:
They save time
For starters, they save you time while cleaning. Instead of having to go over your hard floors multiple times with multiple different tools, you can use a single tool to clean them thoroughly in one go.
They improve cleaning efficiency
Similarly, a wet/dry vac can help you clean more thoroughly and more efficiently. These tools are designed to be easy to use and powerful in terms of cleaning capacity – so you may end up with cleaner floors than you’re used to.
They keep dirty water separate
If you’re using a conventional mop, you’ll constantly be wringing out the water and resoaking the mop in dirty water, ultimately bringing that dirty water back to the floor. But with most wet/dry vacs, the dirty water is kept separate, so you’re only cleaning with clean water.
They motivate you to clean
Let’s face it. Cleaning is a chore – and 73 percent of us hate the job. But with a wet/dry vac that’s comfortable, easy to use, and efficient, you’ll be far more motivated to clean on a regular basis.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a wet/dry vacuum, these are the most important features worth considering:
· Size and capacity. Pay attention to the size and capacity of each unit you’re considering. Different units have different strengths and weaknesses here; some tools are better suited for small jobs or isolated rooms, while others are perfect for whole-home cleaning.
· Brand and reliability. If you can, get a wet/dry vacuum from a brand you recognize and trust. Brands with decades of history and a good reputation among consumers are much more likely to make products that will do a good job and last for many years.
· Corded/cordless nature. Some wet/dry vacuums have a traditional power cord, but increasingly, these products are moving to cordless varieties for user convenience.
· Dirty water storage. Does this wet/dry vacuum have a separate area to store the dirty water, allowing you to clean the floors with only clean water?
Settings and options
What kind of settings and options are available with this product? Do you have access to different cleaning modes? Can you adjust the height of the tool? Are there any attachments you can use to do a better job cleaning?
· Ergonomics and comfort. How does it feel to handle this product? Does it have a conveniently accessible grip? Is it easy to maneuver?
· Cleaning products required. What cleaning products are recommended for this wet/dry vacuum? Are they expensive? Are they easy to obtain? Do they have ingredients that you support and are they pet-friendly?
· Maintenance required. A reliable wet/dry vacuum shouldn’t need much in the way of ongoing maintenance. However, you may need to change the filter, charge the unit, and carry out other small tasks. Make sure you understand the requirements before you buy.
· Customer reviews. What do customers have to say about this product? Does it have a high average star rating across a variety of different platforms? What do the people who love it say? Are there any people who hate this product? Consider their advice and descriptions carefully.
· Price point. Finally, think about your budget and the price point of the wet/dry vacs you’re considering. You can often get a high-quality unit for just a few hundred dollars.
Final Thoughts:
At this point, you’ll be ready to start shopping for your wet/dry vacuum. There are hundreds of different models to choose from among dozens of high-quality, reputable brands. Take your time trying out different varieties – and narrow down your list of options until you’re left with the best possible fit.
