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Power. Flexibility. Maximum efficiency. Whether indoors or outdoors, wet-dry vacuums are perfect for surface cleaning. While conventional hoovers are limited to sucking up house dust and smaller dirt particles, wet dry vacuums take on even stubborn dirt and liquids without any problems.
However, it is not always easy to find the right model for you with all the offers on the market. Find out in our product comparison which wet dry vacuum cleaners occupy the top places and which criteria you should pay attention to before buying. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of different types of industrial hoovers and answer your most important questions on the subject.
Contents
Summary
- Wet dry vacuum cleaners are multifunctional cleaning devices that are used in both commercial and private households when the performance limits of normal hoovers have been reached.
- The wet-dry vacuum cleaners are roughly differentiated between vacuum cleaners with and without a bag, which are to be preferred depending on the task requirements.
- Particularly in the commercial sector, it is very important to pay attention to criteria such as filter classes, suction power and capacity so that the right appliance is selected.
The Best Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner: Our Picks
Buying and rating criteria for wet-dry vacuum cleaners
Depending on the requirements that the wet dry vacuum cleaner has to meet, a different model is suitable. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to the following criteria before buying:
In the following, we will go into more detail about the criteria and explain exactly what you need to look out for.
Filter classes
In the commercial sector, there may be very strict requirements regarding the filters of hoovers. To guarantee hygiene and avoid injuries, you should know in advance which dust classes the hoover will have to deal with:
- Dust class L: Class L relates to slightly hazardous dust materials and refers to house dust, gypsum, sand, lime and the like.
- Dust class M: Class M refers to dust of a medium hazard level. This includes wood and metal chips as well as paint particles.
- Dust class H: Class H includes highly hazardous dusts, such as lead dust, asbestos, mould spores and highly explosive liquids.
Read TRGS 504 (Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances) and observe the ATEX guidelines (Explosion Protection Legal Bases) to find out which filter class you need.
Absorbency
The more hazardous the dust class, the stronger the suction capacity of the unit must be. Specifically, this is the vacuum force of the wet-dry vacuum cleaner, which is given in pascals (Pa) or in millimetres of water column (10 pascals ≈ 1 millimetre of water column). The suction capacity is influenced by the condition and quality of the filters, the filling level of the dust bag and the motor power (watts).
Cable and hose length
The length of the hose and cable depends on the working radius you need. If you work on large areas, you should choose a device with the longest possible cable. However, if you are working in very convoluted areas, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner with a very long hose is more advisable. However, this should never be longer than 10 metres, otherwise the suction power will decrease.
Size and weight
Depending on how much volume the wet-dry vacuum cleaner is to hold, it must be of a correspondingly large size. With larger collection containers, the devices can be used even more flexibly and need to be emptied less often. However, if the unit is too large, it can be difficult to transport it easily.
For large-scale industry, therefore, there is the option of ride-on units. While commercially available wet-dry vacuum cleaners weigh between 8 and 12 kilograms, ride-on units weigh between 500 and 600 kilograms.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about wet-dry vacuum cleaners answered in detail
What is a wet dry vacuum cleaner?
Depending on the model, the wet-dry vacuum cleaners can even be converted into leaf blowers thanks to the blowing function. The functional repertoire also includes wet vacuuming. What previously had to be done manually after vacuuming can now be done by the wet-dry vacuum cleaner. With water and detergent from the glands of the device, the surfaces are automatically cleaned thoroughly.
What are the applications for wet-dry vacuum cleaners?
Especially the different filter classes make wet dry vacuums an indispensable device for allergy sufferers. But also in the professional cleaning sector, the vacuum cleaners with legally defined dust filter classes are essential to prevent injuries and ensure hygiene.
What types of wet-dry vacuum cleaners are there?
| type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Wet dry vacuum cleaner with dust bag | Easy and hygienic cleaning and separation of dust and liquids. | Wet vacuuming is not possible with the bag. Sharp-edged stones etc. can damage the bag. Procurement of bags can be cost-intensive. |
| Wet-dry vacuum cleaner without dust bag | No bag that can tear. No costs due to re-purchase of bags. Wet vacuuming is possible without problems | More effort as the container has to be cleaned again after each use. Less hygiene during cleaning. |
Wet vacuuming is only possible on a model with a bag if the bag is removed manually before vacuuming or if a changeover button is pressed. Before reinserting the bag, you must thoroughly clean and dry the container after wet use.
How much does a wet-dry vacuum cleaner cost?
| Use | price |
|---|---|
| Office and private use | €50 to €450 |
| Industrial use | €500 to the six-figure range |
As the price range is very wide, you should seek extensive advice on the respective models if you plan to make a major investment.
How do I care for a wet-dry vacuum cleaner?
- Observe manufacturer's instructions: Even before you start using the machine, you should familiarise yourself thoroughly with the operating instructions and then adhere to the specifications.
- Regular maintenance: The functions of the unit should be checked regularly. This includes checking the bags, containers and filters for possible damage or overfilling.
- Avoiding chemicals: Make sure that you do not suck up any chemicals with the hoover and that you do not use any for cleaning! Regardless of the material the vacuum cleaner is made of, high-quality equipment is attacked by these substances and becomes porous. This not only reduces performance, but also service life.
- Regular cleaning: Since the wet-dry vacuum cleaner can also be exposed to external dirt, it should be wiped down with a damp cloth if necessary. Nozzles and pipes should be cleaned more thoroughly. Be sure to wear gloves when brushing out the nozzles and cleaning the pipes with a little water and washing-up liquid.
- Dry storage: When the vacuum cleaner is not in use, store it in a dry place and cover it with a tarpaulin if necessary.
These care instructions can all be carried out quite easily and quickly. If problems occur with your wet and dry vacuum cleaner despite all the care you have taken, this may be due to technical faults. In this case, contact the manufacturer or supplier, especially for more expensive devices.
Conclusion
Wet dry vacuums are a must-have for anyone who wants to combine vacuuming and wet cleaning in one process. The possible conversion into a leaf blower and water pump make it possible to use the vacuum in a wide variety of applications. In this article we have presented the best wet dry vacuums currently available. Which one is perfect for you depends entirely on the requirements of its area of use.
To help you decide, we have explained the most important buying criteria and answered the essential questions about wet dry vacuums. If you also follow the care instructions, your cleaning device will provide you with highly efficient management throughout its entire service life.
Image source: Andriy Popov / 123rf
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