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9 of the Best Wet/Dry Vacuums Under $100

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Cleaning the floors of your home, garage, and car can be a costly hassle — who’s got a regular budget for steam cleaning? — but not if you have one of the the best wet/dry vacuums on the market. Helpful for everything from regular wear and tear to oversized messes, a wet/dry vacuum can mean the difference between a cleaning disaster and a crisis averted. While you may expect these little miracle machines to come with a hefty price tag, we’re here to tell you that there are plenty of affordable options out there that can handle just about any job you throw at them with ease. In fact, we’ve rounded up nine options priced at $100 or less! Read on to find out where to get them.

How to Use a Wet Dry Vac

Even if you already own a vacuum for dirty floors and one for water, i.e. a pool vacuum, there should be room in your cleaning arsenal for a wet/dry vacuum. This particularly machine fills a specific void, as it allows you to change its function with the touch of a button — an unmatched feature when it comes to home maintenance. Just like that, you can go from sucking up Fido’s hair to sopping up your dog’s accidental carpet messes. What’s not to love?

While you can vacuum as you normally would while using a wet/dry vac, the way the machine sucks up debris is slightly different from your standard Hoover. Instead of being filtered into one single vacuum bag, contents are separated out into two respective buckets — one for solids and one for liquids. 

It’s important to remember that filters need to be changed when switching between the wet and dry modes. You’ll want to use a paper filter when picking up trash, dust and other debris. Alternately, a foam filter is recommended when sucking up water and other liquids. 

After you vacuum up a liquid, empty the bucket immediately to prevent stagnant water buildup. You should always empty the inner bucket and hose to ensure that it’s clean and ready for your next cleaning mishap. 

Best Wet Dry Vac Under 100

What is the best wet dry vac?

In addition to considering your own personal needs (What do you want to use it for? How often will you use it? Where do you plan to store it?) there are several key features about these machines that you’ll need to take into account. Peak horsepower (PHP), for instance, is a term used in the wet/dry vacuum industry that describes the “nominal output” of the motor. Tank capacity, meanwhile, refers to the actual tank volume of a wet/dry vac. More important than these elements, however, are the attributes listed below. 

Vacuum size and build: Wet/dry vacs come in a range of sizes and powers, from handheld 1-gallon models to industrial-grade machines that hold up to 20 gallons. Bigger may seem better, but you probably won’t need anything larger than 12 gallons for household cleanups. Keep in mind, the larger your vacuum of choice, the more difficult it will be to lift and dump it when it’s full of water. That’s also true of materials. Stainless steel is very durable, but is far heavier than its plastic counterparts. And while taller wet/dry vacs may offer you greater capacity, these top-heavy devices also tip more easily.

Hose size: Hose size is important. A longer hose affords you you the freedom of being able to vacuum at greater distances. However, a longer hose can also lead to reduced suction, so take your space into account when seeking your perfect wet/dry vac match.

Cord length: When it comes to cord length, a model that includes a built-in cord reel is better. A short cord will force you to use an extension cord, which is inconvenient and can be a a potential tripping safety hazard. 

Tool storage: On-board storage is another convenience worth keeping in mind. Having all your vacuum accessories, such as a crevice tool, extension nozzle, or floor sweep, within arm’s reach ensures you’ll have everything right when you need it.

Whether you have a leaky basement that gathers puddles of water after each and every rainstorm, a messy pet that tracks in dirt, leaves, and grass, or children who leave trails of spills in their wake, cleaning up is much easier when you have one of the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners at your disposal. We’ve rounded up nine models that will get the job done for $100 or less. Keep scrolling to see our list of the best picks under $100 on the market today. 

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