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What is a Wet Dry Vacuum?

By K T Solis
Updated May 17, 2024
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A wet dry vacuum is a vacuum that is capable of vacuuming both liquids and dry debris. A good wet dry vacuum can tackle a variety of tasks, whether it needs to suck up spilled juice, kitty litter, or wood shavings. This particular type of appliance is simple to use and are sold in various shapes and sizes that help consumers attack messes that occur in the home, workshop, or garage.

A wet dry vacuum can exist in the form of a handheld unit all the way up to the size of a commercial model that holds up to 18 gallons (68.1 L) in its tank. Some models may steam clean carpets while others can double as leaf blowers. These multiple uses for a wet dry vacuum can influence a person's decision on whether or not to buy a particular model.

A vacuum that sucks up both liquids and dry materials is usually sold with a limited one-year warranty or a lifetime guarantee. Consumers should verify the type of warranty included before purchasing a specific model. If possible, they should purchase a wet dry vacuum that features a lengthy warranty on the vacuum motor. This is because the motor is the most expensive and complex part of a wet dry vacuum.

A typical wet dry vacuum ranges in price from $40 US Dollars (USD) to $400 USD. Heavy duty units may cost at least $500 USD or more. Most people have little use for a commercial unit and will do very well with a small, less expensive wet dry vacuum.

When a consumer decides to purchase these types of vacuums, she can locate them in hardware stores, department stores, and online merchants. Before deciding on a model, she should determine how much she will need to use the appliance. If a consumer only needs to use the vacuum to clean the car interior or for light household use, she should invest in a small, inexpensive unit.

People who regularly need to deal with messes in a garage or workshop may need to buy one of the larger, more expensive vacuum models. At any rate, the type of model purchased often depends on the debris or liquid that needs to be vacuumed. If a consumer often vacuums areas located high up or in hard-to-reach corners, she should buy a vacuum with a long reach.

Typical hoses can run between 6-18 feet (1.8-5.5 m). The most popular hose size is about 7 feet (2.1 m). If the workshop or garage doesn't have many electrical outlets, the consumer should buy a vacuum with a longer electrical cord. Cords range between 10 and 25 feet (3.0 and 7.5 m), but an extension cord can be purchased if desired.

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