Best →

What is a Shop Vac?

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM

Are you planning a DIY project soon and wondering, “What is a shop vac?” and how could one help you? Today we’ll explore the reasons you want to consider investing in a workshop vacuum cleaner, otherwise known as a wet/dry vacuum. From construction sites to other professional sites, and even in some personal homes, shop vacs are a massive help for cleaning everything from dry debris to wet messes. And a high-performing vacuuming cleaner will help you get the job done even more efficiently.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Shop vacs are also commonly known as wet/dry vacs since their primary purpose is to clean both liquid spills alongside dry messes.
  • Anybody doing a DIY home project or looking into starting a construction or car detailing business can benefit from having one on hand.
  • Sometimes having a wet/dry at home can be great because of the increased power and ability to handle far different types of messes.

Consider Using a Shop Vac

There are a few reasons you might want to consider the question, “What is a shop vac?” and this is a great place to start. We’ll explain why they are helpful, what kinds of messes they can clean up, and who benefits most from using them.

Insider Tip

From construction sites to other professional sites, and even in some personal homes, shop vacs are a massive help for cleaning everything from dry debris to wet messes.

All About Shop Vacuums

You should know a bit about wet/dry vacs before you decide to invest in one. Wet/dry vacs are not just great for professional sites- they can also be used at home by regular people. Before investing in leading shop vac, try to work out how many air watts you need in a vacuum to increase effectiveness.

What Makes Shop Vacs Different

The best feature of shop vacs is their ability to clean up heavier debris, as well as liquid spills. Most traditional vacuum cleaners can electrocute you or break down if you use them on water or other liquids. Shop vacuum cleaners can also pick up things like nails, wood chips, and so much more. You can count on them to be generally more powerful than a regular vacuum, too. And if you want to be able to separate the different kinds of debris from your vacuum, you can check out our guide on what a cyclonic vacuum is, and how it works. Hoses on a wet dry shop vac combined with the suction power can suck up liquids and larger debris vertically by several inches. With such a powerful vacuum, you can pick up gallons of debris in no time. A filter can also be used for light debris collection in order to prevent it from spreading back into the air around the room. Even powerful, larger vacuums used for construction debris should have a dust filter in order to collect those tiny pieces of debris. To save money, you can invest in washable filters instead of having to deal with disposable filters or filter bags.

Who Should Use a Shop Vac

Different types of people benefit significantly from having a shop vac. Generally, you’ll want a regular household vacuum alongside a shop vac to increase the efficiency of your cleaning tools. For example, a portable wet/dry vac comes in handy when flooding happens, and you need to get rid of excess water. Those who own a professional business for car detailing, construction, and other similar lines of work should always have a shop vac on hand. There are wet dry vacuum options for all hose sizes and hose diameter, whether you need durable hoses or flexible hoses. Some models have built-in storage space so they take up less room when being stored themselves.

Insider Tip

Those who own a professional business for car detailing, construction, and other similar lines of work should always have a shop vac on hand.

F.A.Q.

Is a shop vac more potent than a regular vacuum?

Generally speaking, a shop vac will be more powerful. This will depend on the quality, brand, and style of both, however.


What is the difference between a shop vac and a regular vacuum?

Shop vacuums can pick up heavy-duty debris that a regular vacuum cannot because of their powerful motor. Shop vacs are also called wet/dry vacuum cleaners because they can also handle liquid messes.


What is the most powerful wet/dry vacuum?

The WORKSHOP High Capacity Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner is a larger model considered to be a heavy-duty choice. However, the measurement of how “powerful” a vacuum cleaner is will vary depending on your needs.


Is it possible to use a shop vacuum as a blower?

Yes. You’ll enjoy this feature when it comes to clearing leaves, cleaning your car, and more.


STAT: Additionally, 92% of customers reported that they would recommend the shop vacuum. (source)

Christen da Costa Avatar

Learn More About Vacuum Cleaner