Wet and dry vacuum cleaners have quickly become an indispensable part of many people’s cleaning routine, especially for those with large families and pets who are looking to condense their routine with dual-function appliances. However, what many people don’t know is that there are some mistakes to avoid when using a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
We are increasingly seeing the best vacuum cleaner brands on the market offering versatility in their floor care products, taking the top spot with their version of the best wet and dry vacuum cleaners.
Similar to traditional vacuuming mistakes, there are a couple of things that experts recommend keeping in mind when using a wet vacuum to ensure you always get a flawless finish. Below, we explain the most common mistakes made when using a wet vacuum and what to do instead.
(Image credit: Argos)
1. Do not change mode
The first one may seem obvious, but it happens much more often than one might imagine.
“Perhaps the most common mistake is forgetting to switch between wet and dry modes when switching from wet to dry vacuuming,” begins Joshua Warren, vacuum expert at AO.com.
Attempting to vacuum dry debris on the wet setting and vice versa can damage your machine over time and may result in it needing to be replaced long before its expected lifespan.
‘In the future, check and change the suction mode depending on the situation to avoid damaging your vacuum or ineffective cleaning,’ Josh adds.
(Image credit: Argos)
2. Overfilling the tank
When vacuuming spilled liquids, it is inevitable that the water tank will fill up. Similar to making sure you periodically empty the dust container of the appliance if you notice that the vacuum is losing suction, it is equally important to periodically empty the container of the wet vacuum cleaner.
‘Be proactive and regularly empty the tank before it fills up to avoid spills and damage to your vacuum’s motor,’ Joshua advises.
3. Neglecting filter maintenance
While there are differences between a wet vacuum and a regular vacuum cleaner, maintenance is one thing they have in common. Just as filter maintenance is a key part of cleaning a vacuum cleaner, the same applies to maintaining a wet vacuum cleaner. Failing to clean the filter is also likely a key factor in the vacuum cleaner losing suction power.
“These filters require cleaning or replacement periodically according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Leaving wet vacuums clogged reduces airflow and unnecessarily strains the motor,” explains Anh Nguyen, product analyst and founder of Print My Rugs.
(Image credit: Karcher)
4. Aspiration of hazardous materials
There are several things you should never vacuum for good reason, as they can damage your appliance. These include things like hot ashes or uneven residue, to name just a few.
To avoid damaging your wet vacuum, make sure you only attempt to clean the dirt the machine is designed to handle. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to check your vacuum’s manual.
5. Improper storage
Another mistake people often overlook with their wet vacuums is not storing them properly. From what we’ve learned about vacuum storage mistakes for regular models, they can damage the appliance, affecting its lifespan and efficiency, and it’s even worse with wet vacuums.
“Leaving residual moisture or not fully drying the unit quickly leads to mold and odors,” warns Anh. “Never store your wet vac without fully drying it first. Otherwise, you’ll be inviting mold and odors to set in before you use it again.”
Also, be sure to store your wet vacuum in a clean, dry environment to keep it in top condition.
Our favorite models
Karcher WD4 Premium Surface Cleaner 13481530
This Kärcher wet and dry vacuum cleaner is our favourite. We love it for its simplicity and cleaning power. It’s not too big or heavy for such a powerful machine and allows for wet and dry vacuuming without any problems.
Henry is sworn by many professional cleaners, and these machines have a reputation for being workhorses. George promises to make wet and dry cleaning easy, and it’s hard to fault its performance.
This was the most affordable wet-dry vacuum we tested that felt professional. It only comes with two attachments: a crevice tool and a reducer. However, there are optional convenience kits to help tackle multiple cleaning tasks.
As long as you pay attention to the above mentioned, you will probably be more successful in believing that a wet vacuum cleaner is worth investing in, as you will be able to be more cautious to avoid these mistakes.
Once you have one of these cleaning tools working with you, it will be a game changer for your home.
