Clearing spilt liquids is a very difficult job, especially if it's in large quantities. A mop won't really make a dent and a regular vacuum will self-implode. For serious work, you need to be looking at a heavy-duty wet and dry vacuum cleaner that can safely pick up liquid.
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner is designed for sucking up liquids and solids and is the perfect tool for cleaning your garage or car. Here are our top picks, perfect for a range of tasks and prices.
The best wet and dry vacuum cleaners
Best wet and dry vacuum cleaner for a car

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Henry's barrel-chested, hench brother Charles is the perfect wet and dry vacuum for your garage.
Best wet and dry vacuum on a budget

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The perfect entry-level option for wet and dry vacuuming, the WD2 is a small et capable option
Best wet and dry vacuum cleaner for handheld use

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A portable wet and dry vacuum cleaner makes a lot of sense for smaller tasks and we're
Best wet and dry vacuum cleaner for your home
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Representing good value for money, the Draper 13785 Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner is our top pick for
Best wet and dry vacuum cleaner with blowing function

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Combining the wet and dry vacuum cleaner with a leaf blower is a very clever idea and we really
Wet and dry vacuum cleaner FAQ:
How does a wet and dry vacuum cleaner work?
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner works as a regular vacuum cleaner does (i.e. it sucks things up and deposits the liquid and debris into the storage), but features isolated electronics. The majority of modern wet and dry vacuum cleaners use a clever cartridge filter so that liquids and solids can be vacuumed without the need to change the filters.
Can I use a wet and dry vacuum on my car?
You can use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner as a normal vacuum cleaner on your car, using it for your carpets and upholstery. If your car has a wet interior then the wet and dry vacuum becomes even more useful in removing excess liquid from the interior.
Can I use a regular vacuum cleaner on liquid spills?
You can try but it'll be the last time your vacuum cleaner will ever work. The majority of conventional vacuum cleaners lack the internal waterproofing and proper filters of a wet and dry vacuum cleaner which means you'll more than likely ruin your vacuum cleaner.
What about carpet cleaners?
Carpet cleaners and wet and dry vacuum cleaners may both be used to suck up liquid but they both perform very different duties. A carpet cleaner allows you to spray carpet shampoo and is designed for lighter use whereas a wet and dry vacuum cleaner is designed for more industrial applications (e.g. cleaning a garage).
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