Wet and dry vacuums are a great investment for anyone who wants to cut down their cleaning time, particularly if you regularly vacuum and mop. They’re versatile, more powerful than standard vacuums and can be used outside (depending on the model). If you’re worried about using a dirty mop, wet dry vacuum cleaners also often have washable and removable parts that let you deep clean every nook and cranny.
Ready to buy a
wet dry vacuum
? Here are a few factors we evaluated when choosing our top vacuum mop combos.
Runtime
Longer runtimes (i.e. at least 180 minutes) are great if you have a large house or plan to use the appliance for deep cleaning, while models with a maximum of 60 minutes runtime are better for lighter, daily tasks.
Capacity
The bigger the container, the less frequently you’ll need to empty your dustbin and refill the water tank. Reservoirs smaller than 1L are fine for quick jobs, while more time-consuming and tougher cleans may need at least 2-2.5L.
Filtration
Filtration systems trap dust, debris and moisture which can potentially trigger pollen and dust mite allergies.
Manoeuvrability and portability
The portability of cordless wet and dry vacuums makes cleaning more ‘comfortable’, especially since they’re typically more lightweight, but the runtime isn’t always distributed equally between the two functions and choosing stronger settings can shorten the cleaning time by a fair bit. Corded vacuums have less reach but are ideal for large houses and extended periods.
Cleaning solution
Not all wet and dry vacuums can be used with a cleaning solution, particularly robot vacuums, and potentially corrode the appliance from the inside. Many brands also typically require you to use their brand of floor cleaner to prevent any damage, and not doing so may void your warranty.
