How To Use Shop Vac With Water

What Yous Need:

A moisture-dry vacuum
Hose attachments
A dry cloth

Prep Time Needed:

10 minutes

Total Time Needed:

30 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

If y'all have a basement that'due south prone to flooding, a wet/dry vacuum, sometimes chosen a shop vac, could be a game-changer for you. Unlike regular household vacuums, moisture/dry vacuums have the capacity to clean all types of messes, including saw dust, large scraps from home improvement projects, and even standing water.

Then yous're sold on the uses of a shop vac, and you get out and buy one. At present yous're juggling vii attachments like a pitiful circus clown, staring down a pesky basement puddle that's been sitting in that location for longer than you lot'd like to admit. What's your next motility? Luckily, we're here to help you brand sense of your new tool. Just follow these instructions.

Stride 1: Make sure it's empty

But because your vacuum tin can handle both dry and moisture messes doesn't mean you lot can cantankerous the streams.

Brand certain the pulsate is completely empty earlier you outset filling it—if information technology has water in it, wipe information technology out with your rag, and if there are still dry scraps, dump them into the trash.

Step two: Check the filter

If you're using your wet-dry vac to clean a dry surface, bank check that the filter has been correctly placed. Y'all'll need it—the filter prevents grit from blowing out of the tiptop while yous're cleaning.

For wet surfaces, still, you'll demand to remove the filter entirely. Liquids will impairment filters, and you could even potentially ruin your vacuum if you suck upwardly water earlier removing the filter.

Step iii: Pick the right attachment

Every store vac attachment has a purpose. You tin can clean wet surfaces with attachments that lay flat on the ground, and yous'll want to clean big piles of debris with the biggest zipper to save fourth dimension. If you're cleaning a surface coated in pet pilus or trying to get into nooks and crannies, use the castor attachment.

Step 4: Vacuum!

When your drum is empty, your attachment is fastened, and you've discovered a newfound excitement for cleaning, plow the machine on and start vacuuming.

Pace 5: Empty the bin

Don't get out a mess sitting in your wet/dry vac, telling yourself, "I'll make clean it out next time." You should clean this tool later every use to keep it performance optimally.

Dump dry droppings into a trash purse earlier returning your wet/dry vac to storage. If your pulsate is filled with water, remove the top of the vacuum, carry the base exterior, and dump the water into your lawn. Bring the vacuum back inside, reattach the filter, and store it.

Tips for using a wet/dry vac

Your moisture/dry vac will be a lifesaver, so make certain you take good intendance of it. Aside from following the steps above, there are a few more than tips you tin use to extend the life of your new favorite domicile comeback tool.

Make clean it thoroughly once a calendar month

Equally with any tool that holds h2o, mildew can abound inside your vacuum, so treat it to a skilful scrub at least once a calendar month to ensure it stays happy and healthy. Using dish soap and warm h2o, scrub the interior of your wet/dry out vac, making certain to get into the corners.

Store it where you use it

Wet/dry out vacuums are generally fairly heavy. If you lot're sucking upward puddles of water or home improvement debris, that pulsate will fill quickly—not to mention water is incredibly heavy, even if your pulsate is only filled halfway.

For this reason, you'll desire to store your wet/dry vacuum in an surface area where yous know yous practise the most vacuuming, similar in the basement or your workshop.

Stick to vacuuming water

Just considering you can now vacuum spills with your wet-dry vac doesn't mean yous should. To make clean spilled milk, for example, yous'd demand to go out your vacuum, remove the filter, select an attachment, vacuum the milk, dump it out, and then make clean the entire tool thoroughly before storing over again. Trust united states of america, it'south not worth information technology. Employ a paper towel instead.

Take reward of all its features

Moisture/dry out vacs are sturdy, so don't be shy most using them! For instance, did y'all know you can utilise a store vac to make clean out your fireplace at the beginning of the cold season? Information technology'southward a groovy way to get rid of those ashes without ruining your standing vacuum (or having to get on your knees and shovel them all out). Hither'due south some other instance: The elevation of your moisture/dry out vacuum can exist used as a leafage blower with the right attachment.

Tin y'all think of a more multifunctional appliance in your business firm? We can't—that's why we love a skilful wet/dry vac!