The 9 Best Wet-Dry Vacuums, Tested on Eggs, Pasta, and Ketchup

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOur VerdictWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Our Verdict

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Henry Wortock

People / Henry Wortock

Vacuuming and mopping are two chores that most of us do everything in our power to put off.

That’s why a wet-dry vacuum combo is a game changer. Not only does it completely eradicate one step, but it also minimizes the amount of equipment you have to stuff into a closet. Depending on things like the layout of your space, whether you need a specialvacuum for pet hairor allergies, and how many people live in your home, the features you’ll get the most out of will vary.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Almost):SALEBissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$320$200Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Black & Decker Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$129Jump to ReviewBest for Pets:Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$500Jump to ReviewEasiest to Maneuver:Tineco GO H2O Sense Cordless Floor Washer at Target$300Jump to ReviewBest Robot:Ecovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and Mop at Amazon$1,100Jump to ReviewEasiest to Clean:Ryobi Wet/Dry Stick Mop at Home Depot$299Jump to ReviewBest Quiet:Dreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum at Amazon$200Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson V15s Detect Submarine at Amazon$950Jump to Review

Best Overall:Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Almost):SALEBissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$320$200Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Black & Decker Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$129Jump to ReviewBest for Pets:Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$500Jump to ReviewEasiest to Maneuver:Tineco GO H2O Sense Cordless Floor Washer at Target$300Jump to ReviewBest Robot:Ecovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and Mop at Amazon$1,100Jump to ReviewEasiest to Clean:Ryobi Wet/Dry Stick Mop at Home Depot$299Jump to ReviewBest Quiet:Dreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum at Amazon$200Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson V15s Detect Submarine at Amazon$950Jump to Review

Best Overall:Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350Jump to Review

Best Overall:Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350

Best Overall:

Best Overall (Almost):SALEBissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$320$200Jump to Review

Best Overall (Almost):SALEBissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$320$200

Best Overall (Almost):

SALE

Best Budget:Black & Decker Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$129Jump to Review

Best Budget:Black & Decker Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$129

Best Budget:

Best for Pets:Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$500Jump to Review

Best for Pets:Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac at Amazon$500

Best for Pets:

Easiest to Maneuver:Tineco GO H2O Sense Cordless Floor Washer at Target$300Jump to Review

Easiest to Maneuver:Tineco GO H2O Sense Cordless Floor Washer at Target$300

Easiest to Maneuver:

Best Robot:Ecovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and Mop at Amazon$1,100Jump to Review

Best Robot:Ecovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and Mop at Amazon$1,100

Best Robot:

Easiest to Clean:Ryobi Wet/Dry Stick Mop at Home Depot$299Jump to Review

Easiest to Clean:Ryobi Wet/Dry Stick Mop at Home Depot$299

Easiest to Clean:

Best Quiet:Dreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum at Amazon$200Jump to Review

Best Quiet:Dreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum at Amazon$200

Best Quiet:

Best Investment:Dyson V15s Detect Submarine at Amazon$950Jump to Review

Best Investment:Dyson V15s Detect Submarine at Amazon$950

Best Investment:

Best OverallBissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor CleanerPHOTO: Bissell$350 at AmazonStar QualitiesEffectively cleaned wet and dry debris simultaneouslyEasy-to-use self-cleaning function means minimal manual cleanupLightweight and easy to maneuverRed FlagsSmall water tankStruggled with larger debrisThe Bissell TurboClean won our vote for best overall because of how easy it is to maneuver and how well it transitions between wet and dry messes. During testing, it struggled with vacuuming up larger food pieces but was able to effectively clean both wet and dry debris. While you’re cleaning, water is dispensed automatically, so you can both sanitize and vacuum surfaces at the same time.After cleaning, emptying the waste tank was just as easy. Although water and debris go to the same place and have to be emptied altogether, the vacuum comes with a tool to strain out food, so you can pour water down the sink drain and throw the rest in the trash. The self-cleaning feature was also quick to use.The main drawback we found with this one was that the tank that keeps the dirty water is pretty small, so you may have to interrupt your cleaning process throughout to empty it. However, the sleek design and user-friendly features make this one well worth it.PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockWeight:8.37 pounds |Dimensions:27.44 x 13.03 x 10.67 inches |Battery Life:30 minutes |Capacity:17 ouncesEverything to Know About Wet/Dry Vacs in 30 Seconds

Best OverallBissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor CleanerPHOTO: Bissell$350 at Amazon

Best OverallBissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

Best Overall

Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

PHOTO: Bissell

$350 at Amazon

Star QualitiesEffectively cleaned wet and dry debris simultaneouslyEasy-to-use self-cleaning function means minimal manual cleanupLightweight and easy to maneuverRed FlagsSmall water tankStruggled with larger debris

Star QualitiesEffectively cleaned wet and dry debris simultaneouslyEasy-to-use self-cleaning function means minimal manual cleanupLightweight and easy to maneuver

Effectively cleaned wet and dry debris simultaneously

Easy-to-use self-cleaning function means minimal manual cleanup

Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Red FlagsSmall water tankStruggled with larger debris

Small water tank

Struggled with larger debris

The Bissell TurboClean won our vote for best overall because of how easy it is to maneuver and how well it transitions between wet and dry messes. During testing, it struggled with vacuuming up larger food pieces but was able to effectively clean both wet and dry debris. While you’re cleaning, water is dispensed automatically, so you can both sanitize and vacuum surfaces at the same time.

After cleaning, emptying the waste tank was just as easy. Although water and debris go to the same place and have to be emptied altogether, the vacuum comes with a tool to strain out food, so you can pour water down the sink drain and throw the rest in the trash. The self-cleaning feature was also quick to use.

The main drawback we found with this one was that the tank that keeps the dirty water is pretty small, so you may have to interrupt your cleaning process throughout to empty it. However, the sleek design and user-friendly features make this one well worth it.

PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Weight:8.37 pounds |Dimensions:27.44 x 13.03 x 10.67 inches |Battery Life:30 minutes |Capacity:17 ounces

Everything to Know About Wet/Dry Vacs in 30 Seconds

Best Overall (Almost)Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry VacPHOTO: Amazon$320$200 at Amazon$320 at Target$296 at Walmart

Best Overall (Almost)Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac

Best Overall (Almost)

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac

PHOTO: Amazon

$320$200 at Amazon$320 at Target$296 at Walmart

Works well on carpet

Quickly cleans hardwoods and tile without vigorous scrubbing

Red FlagsMotor is loud while turned onCord gets in the way while cleaning

Motor is loud while turned on

Cord gets in the way while cleaning

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam did a great job of moving from surface to surface. It took just under 40 seconds to clean up messes on tile, and although there were some pieces of cereal left behind on the hardwoods that were stuck to the floor, it took less than two minutes to clean them. It also moved around furniture with ease — from chair legs to corners to couches, it slid from surface to surface without too much hassle. When used on carpet, it left the surface fully dry after cleaning, so we were able to walk on it immediately.

Weight:12.5 pounds |Dimensions:11.61 x 13.78 x 26.14 inches |Battery Life:N/A |Capacity:28 ounces

PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

The More You KnowThere are a lot of bonuses to a wet-dry vacuum, like fewer appliances to store and fewer steps in your process. If you like the idea ofrobot vacuums, consider getting one with wet-dry capabilities. In our testing, they all generally did a good job of cleaning up messes, but we didn’t find any to be as effective as using a mop or vacuum on its own. However, if you want to minimize cleaning supplies and have hardwood or tile floors in your home, vacuum-mop combos are a functional option that will get the job done.

The More You Know

There are a lot of bonuses to a wet-dry vacuum, like fewer appliances to store and fewer steps in your process. If you like the idea ofrobot vacuums, consider getting one with wet-dry capabilities. In our testing, they all generally did a good job of cleaning up messes, but we didn’t find any to be as effective as using a mop or vacuum on its own. However, if you want to minimize cleaning supplies and have hardwood or tile floors in your home, vacuum-mop combos are a functional option that will get the job done.

Best BudgetBlack & Decker Wet Dry VacPHOTO: Walmart$129 at Amazon$200 at Target$199$103 at Walmart

Best BudgetBlack & Decker Wet Dry Vac

Best Budget

Black & Decker Wet Dry Vac

PHOTO: Walmart

$129 at Amazon$200 at Target$199$103 at Walmart

Strong suction that efficiently cleaned hard surfaces

Maintained a charge throughout testing, even though it was on the highest setting the whole time

Red FlagsVacuum setting isn’t as strong and doesn’t transition from wet to dry easily

Vacuum setting isn’t as strong and doesn’t transition from wet to dry easily

The biggest drawback is that transitioning from the mop to vacuum settings is tedious. If you’re going from wet to dry, you have to empty the tank and clean it; otherwise, you’ll get your carpet wet. This would be better suited for people who won’t use the vacuum setting as much. Considering the excellent battery life and strong suction, we found the price to be a steal.

Weight:11 pounds |Dimensions:11.41 x 10.55 x 42.52 inches |Battery Life:25 minutes |Capacity:20 ounces

PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Best for PetsBissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry VacPHOTO: Amazon$500 at Amazon

Best for PetsBissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac

Best for Pets

Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac

$500 at Amazon

Star QualitiesUser-controlled solution dispenser limits product wasteEasy to guide around sharp corners and edges of furniture.Works well on carpetsRed FlagsLacks a brush roll dryer which means waiting between cleaning wet and dry messesSuction levels struggle in the deep grooved surfaces

Star QualitiesUser-controlled solution dispenser limits product wasteEasy to guide around sharp corners and edges of furniture.Works well on carpets

User-controlled solution dispenser limits product waste

Easy to guide around sharp corners and edges of furniture.

Works well on carpets

Red FlagsLacks a brush roll dryer which means waiting between cleaning wet and dry messesSuction levels struggle in the deep grooved surfaces

Lacks a brush roll dryer which means waiting between cleaning wet and dry messes

Suction levels struggle in the deep grooved surfaces

While the suction worked well across our tests, we noticed that it struggled in the deep grooves ofhardwood floors, so the milk spill seeped deep inside and was hard to fully clean. While it does work on carpet, we found that it struggled over certain spots, especially because the brush rollers were still wet from the previous cleaning session. If you’re switching from vacuuming to mopping across different floor types, this is something to keep in mind, as it will definitely prolong your overall process.

Weight:10.5 pounds |Dimensions:10.5 x 9.5 x 25 inches |Battery Life:30 minutes |Capacity:12-15 ounces

Easiest to ManeuverTineco GO H2O Sense Cordless Floor WasherPHOTO: Amazon$300 at Target$300 at Lowe’s$300 at Kohls.com

Easiest to ManeuverTineco GO H2O Sense Cordless Floor Washer

Easiest to Maneuver

Tineco GO H2O Sense Cordless Floor Washer

$300 at Target$300 at Lowe’s$300 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesGood maneuverability around tight edges and cornersQuiet while in useWater reservoir is easy to cleanCleans a variety of wet and dry messes efficientlyRed FlagsStruggles with sticky and clumpy messesLeaks after use and even while upright

Star QualitiesGood maneuverability around tight edges and cornersQuiet while in useWater reservoir is easy to cleanCleans a variety of wet and dry messes efficiently

Good maneuverability around tight edges and corners

Quiet while in use

Water reservoir is easy to clean

Cleans a variety of wet and dry messes efficiently

Red FlagsStruggles with sticky and clumpy messesLeaks after use and even while upright

Struggles with sticky and clumpy messes

Leaks after use and even while upright

Another drawback is that the water reservoir is difficult to reattach after filling it up. The vacuum itself also leaks after use, even when upright, so you’ll have to manually clean the floor wherever you leave it.

Weight:8.82 pounds |Dimensions:11.81 x 11.61 x 43.39 inches |Battery Life:25 minutes |Capacity:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best RobotEcovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and MopPHOTO: Amazon$1,100 at AmazonStar QualitiesEfficiently cleans up stubborn messes like pet hair and small debrisAdjustable features give your space a customized cleanSelf-cleaning and emptying keep maintenance hands-freeRed FlagsStruggles in narrow spacesLeaves streaks behind on some surfaces after moppingIf you’re looking for something with customizable settings that’s (mostly) hands-free, the Ecovacs Deebot vacuum-mop combo is a great pick. Featuring smart-mapping technology and auto-adjusting suction, it’s extremely intuitive and can clean a variety of surfaces. Through the Ecovacs app, you can program the device to recognize different floor types throughout your house — the “mapping” process took roughly 20 minutes after the device was unboxed and charged.During testing, we were impressed with how well it picked up things like pet hair, grass, and dust bunnies. After cleaning, the device returns to its docking station where it empties collected debris and cleans the mop heads.While this vacuum does a good job detecting changes in surface type and maneuvering around walls and furniture, its width makes it difficult to get through narrow spaces. Also, we noticed that on surfaces like vinyl flooring, water spots were left behind after mopping.Weight:51 pounds |Dimensions:19.13 x 24.99 x 20.98 inches |Battery Life:170 minutes |Capacity:Not listedPHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

Best RobotEcovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and MopPHOTO: Amazon$1,100 at Amazon

Best RobotEcovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Best Robot

Ecovacs T20 Robot Vacuum and Mop

$1,100 at Amazon

Star QualitiesEfficiently cleans up stubborn messes like pet hair and small debrisAdjustable features give your space a customized cleanSelf-cleaning and emptying keep maintenance hands-freeRed FlagsStruggles in narrow spacesLeaves streaks behind on some surfaces after mopping

Star QualitiesEfficiently cleans up stubborn messes like pet hair and small debrisAdjustable features give your space a customized cleanSelf-cleaning and emptying keep maintenance hands-free

Efficiently cleans up stubborn messes like pet hair and small debris

Adjustable features give your space a customized clean

Self-cleaning and emptying keep maintenance hands-free

Red FlagsStruggles in narrow spacesLeaves streaks behind on some surfaces after mopping

Struggles in narrow spaces

Leaves streaks behind on some surfaces after mopping

If you’re looking for something with customizable settings that’s (mostly) hands-free, the Ecovacs Deebot vacuum-mop combo is a great pick. Featuring smart-mapping technology and auto-adjusting suction, it’s extremely intuitive and can clean a variety of surfaces. Through the Ecovacs app, you can program the device to recognize different floor types throughout your house — the “mapping” process took roughly 20 minutes after the device was unboxed and charged.

During testing, we were impressed with how well it picked up things like pet hair, grass, and dust bunnies. After cleaning, the device returns to its docking station where it empties collected debris and cleans the mop heads.

While this vacuum does a good job detecting changes in surface type and maneuvering around walls and furniture, its width makes it difficult to get through narrow spaces. Also, we noticed that on surfaces like vinyl flooring, water spots were left behind after mopping.

Weight:51 pounds |Dimensions:19.13 x 24.99 x 20.98 inches |Battery Life:170 minutes |Capacity:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah RobertsPHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

Easiest to CleanRyobi Wet/Dry Stick MopPHOTO: The Home Depot$299 at Home DepotStar QualitiesGood maneuverability under cabinetsQuick self-cleaning featureQuiet while in useRed FlagsOn the heavier sideShort battery lifeWe appreciated how efficiently this one cleaned up wet and dry messes with just a few passes. It also maneuvered well around furniture and under cabinets, although it did take a little extra force to clean up debris caught underneath furniture.What we loved most about this model was the self-cleaning feature — it took just 30 seconds and was extremely quiet. The water tank was easy to empty, and there was no debris stuck on the vacuum rollers after using this feature.The main drawback is that it’s fairly heavy — this isn’t ideal for pulling out to clean small, day-to-day messes and is better for weekly deep-cleaning sessions. Also, our cleaning test used up about 50 percent of the battery, so depending on the size of your home, you may need to pause your process to recharge.Weight:11 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 11 x 9 inches |Battery Life:30 minutes |Capacity:14 ouncesPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Easiest to CleanRyobi Wet/Dry Stick MopPHOTO: The Home Depot$299 at Home Depot

Easiest to CleanRyobi Wet/Dry Stick Mop

Easiest to Clean

Ryobi Wet/Dry Stick Mop

PHOTO: The Home Depot

$299 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesGood maneuverability under cabinetsQuick self-cleaning featureQuiet while in useRed FlagsOn the heavier sideShort battery life

Star QualitiesGood maneuverability under cabinetsQuick self-cleaning featureQuiet while in use

Good maneuverability under cabinets

Quick self-cleaning feature

Red FlagsOn the heavier sideShort battery life

On the heavier side

Short battery life

We appreciated how efficiently this one cleaned up wet and dry messes with just a few passes. It also maneuvered well around furniture and under cabinets, although it did take a little extra force to clean up debris caught underneath furniture.

What we loved most about this model was the self-cleaning feature — it took just 30 seconds and was extremely quiet. The water tank was easy to empty, and there was no debris stuck on the vacuum rollers after using this feature.

The main drawback is that it’s fairly heavy — this isn’t ideal for pulling out to clean small, day-to-day messes and is better for weekly deep-cleaning sessions. Also, our cleaning test used up about 50 percent of the battery, so depending on the size of your home, you may need to pause your process to recharge.

Weight:11 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 11 x 9 inches |Battery Life:30 minutes |Capacity:14 ounces

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best QuietDreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$200 at Amazon

Best QuietDreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum

Best Quiet

Dreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum

$200 at Amazon

Star QualitiesQuiet while in use and during self-cleaning processLong battery lifeSenses wet versus dry messes and adjusts suction and power levels accordinglyRed FlagsDoesn’t work on carpetsDifficult to deep-clean between uses

Star QualitiesQuiet while in use and during self-cleaning processLong battery lifeSenses wet versus dry messes and adjusts suction and power levels accordingly

Quiet while in use and during self-cleaning process

Long battery life

Senses wet versus dry messes and adjusts suction and power levels accordingly

Red FlagsDoesn’t work on carpetsDifficult to deep-clean between uses

Doesn’t work on carpets

Difficult to deep-clean between uses

This wet-dry vacuum was the quietest model we tested, both while it was being used and during the automated self-cleaning process. Although it’s quiet, it doesn’t lack in performance. This vacuum did a great job cleaning up messes on hardwood and tile. (It doesn’t work on carpet.) There was nothing it couldn’t pick up thanks to the fact that it’s designed to separate wet versus dry messes and adjust accordingly.

Aside from not working on carpet, the main con we noticed is that deep-cleaning the machine was a tedious task. However, we feel that it’s worth the investment, especially considering how swiftly and quietly it moves.

Weight:13.6 pounds |Dimensions:11.31 x 8.5 x 43.1 inches |Battery Life:35 minutes |Capacity:17 ounces

Best InvestmentDyson V15s Detect SubmarinePHOTO: Dyson$950$896 at Amazon$950 at Target$950 at Wayfair

Best InvestmentDyson V15s Detect Submarine

Best Investment

Dyson V15s Detect Submarine

PHOTO: Dyson

$950$896 at Amazon$950 at Target$950 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesDid a nice job cleaning up wet messes on hard floorsStrong suction on carpet cleaned up messes with easeEasy to maneuver around and under furnitureRed FlagsStruggled to suction larger food debris on hard floorsShut off at certain points when the tank was clogged with food debris

Star QualitiesDid a nice job cleaning up wet messes on hard floorsStrong suction on carpet cleaned up messes with easeEasy to maneuver around and under furniture

Did a nice job cleaning up wet messes on hard floors

Strong suction on carpet cleaned up messes with ease

Easy to maneuver around and under furniture

Red FlagsStruggled to suction larger food debris on hard floorsShut off at certain points when the tank was clogged with food debris

Struggled to suction larger food debris on hard floors

Shut off at certain points when the tank was clogged with food debris

Weight:9 pounds |Dimensions:49 x 10 x 10.6 inches |Battery Life:60 minutes |Capacity:26 ounces

PHOTO: People / Eric BrockobPHOTO: People / Eric BrockobPHOTO: People / Eric BrockobPHOTO: People / Eric BrockobPHOTO: People / Eric Brockob

Since we first published this story, we have continued to test new products and discovered additional standouts to recommend.

For those looking for a hands-free option that will clean your floors while you’re away from the house (or even sleeping!), you’ll appreciate our new robotic pick, theEcovacs Deebot T20. It has GPS technology that maps out your entire home and can program itself to recognize the floor types in each room. If you live in a small space or want something lightweight and easy to handle, we recommend theTineco Go H2O Sense, which maneuvered nicely around tight edges, in corners, and under furniture. We also found a new favorite in theRyobi One+— the self-cleaning process took just 30 seconds, the fastest of all the wet-dry vacuums we’ve tested.

As new products emerge on the market, we will update this story accordingly, so you can be as informed as possible when shopping.

What to Know About Wet-Dry Vacuums

Effectiveness

Regardless of your priorities, everyone wants a wet-dry vacuum that’s effective and thorough. Besides researching user reviews and looking to PEOPLE Tested for the lowdown on your next big purchase, there are certain specs you can look at on a product’s page to determine how effective it will be. Looking at suction power and self-cleaning features will help you determine a vacuum-mop combo’s efficiency. Stronger suction power means a quicker cleaning process, and a solid self-cleaning feature makes for less maintenance between uses. TheBissell TurboCleanwon our vote for best overall because of how seamlessly it cleans wet and dry messes and the speed and efficiency of its self-cleaning setting.

We’re going to be honest: We were impressed with the wet-dry vacuums we tested, but if you have space in your home (and your budget) to invest in agreat vacuum cleanerand an easy-to-use mop, those two devices will give you a better clean than a wet-dry vacuum on its own.

Surfaces

Can you use a wet-dry vacuum on all surfaces? What about carpet? Good questions. It depends on the product. We found that many models with the capability to work on hard surfaces and carpets struggled between the two and were not equally effective on both floor types. For some surfaces, anelectric scrubbermay work better. TheBissell CrossWaveworked equally well on carpet and hardwood and moved effortlessly between surfaces. It also left the carpet fully dry after cleaning, which is a big plus. Check the wet-dry vacuum you’re considering to make sure that it’s appropriate for the flooring in your home.

Noise Level

Portability

Nobody likes having to lug a heavy vacuum around, especially if your home has multiple stories. And if you live in a smaller space or don’t like clutter, something light that’s easy to put in a closet or corner will impact how your home looks and feels. If any of these situations apply to you, then you should focus on the dimensions and weight of the vacuum you’re considering, so you can have a clear picture of how much space it would take up or how it would feel to carry it around your home. TheTineco Go H2O Senseisextremely lightweightand did a great job moving from room to room during testing without too much hassle.

Battery Life

If you have a larger home, having a cordless wet-dry vacuum is ideal for cleaning from room to room. However, choosing one with a strong battery life is key for efficiency. If you have more ground to cover, the last thing you want is to break up your process to recharge. It’s a good rule of thumb to check the product description of the wet-dry vacuum you choose to make sure it has ample battery life.

Price Range

All of the wet-dry vacuums we tested cost between $150 and $950. Things like power source, features, size, weight, and brand name all factor into the cost. However, this is more of a luxury item, so you should expect to spend at least a couple hundred dollars.

People / Eric Brockob

We tested each wet-dry vacuum with carefully thought-out simulations of how it would feel to use a vacuum in your home, from start to finish.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com