For a more thorough cleanup, you might want to consider swapping out your regular vacuum cleaner for a wet and dry one.
Some messes are just too big for your everyday vacuum cleaner, especially if you’re dealing with things like spilled cereal, dirty paw prints, piles of sawdust, liquids and whatever else life throws at you (within reason, of course).
That’s where wet and dry vacuum cleaners come in. To make your search a little easier, we’ve rounded up seven top-quality wet/dry vacs that will have your home looking spick and span in no time at all.
7 best wet and dry vacuum cleaners to shop in Australia 2024
Karcher WD3 S wet and dry vacuum cleaner, $177, The Good Guys
Ditch the chore list and embrace a cleaner home with this budget-friendly wet and dry vacuum choice. Packing a powerful punch (1000W), it tackles dust and debris with ease while mopping hard floors and leaving them sparkling clean.
Key features:
- 19L fleece filter bag capacity and practical blower function
- 4.96kg vac features a pull and push locking system for simple bin emptying
- 2m suction hose, 2 x 0.5m suction tubes, floor nozzle, crevice nozzle and cartridge filter included
- 2 year manufacturer’s warranty
V15s detect submarine Complete, $1649, Dyson
Dyson recently made waves by releasing its first wet vacuum cleaner. The submarine uses a motorised wet roller that picks up liquids, debris and stains, which are continuously extracted from the roller with each rotation.
For a full rundown of this wet dry vac, you can read our honest review here.
Key features:
- Engineered to clean tile, stone, wood, ceramic, vinyl, linoleum and laminate floors
- Removes mess like pet food and muddy paw prints
- Three powder modes
- The Fluffy Optic cleaner head illuminates dust for easy cleaning
- Picks up long hair and pet hair without tangling
- Up to 60 minutes run time
Also available at:
- $1549 from The Good Guys
- $1545 from Bing Lee
Kogan SmarterHome LX16 robot vacuum cleaner and mop, $229, Kogan
One of the most affordable robotic vacuum and mops on the market, this Kogan model effortlessly handles wet or dry spills on any hard floor surface. Featuring intelligent room mapping, mopping and powerful suction, your floors can be spotless without you lifting a finger.
Key features:
- 360° Intelligent laser navigation
- Control, track and set up virtual walls and zones
- Set restricted areas (eg. restrict carpet for mopping function)
- Anti-fall and collision sensors
- Google Home and Amazon Alexa compatibility
- One-year warranty
Bissell CrossWave 3-in-1 multi-surface floor cleaner, $749.70, Amazon
With over 1700 five-star reviews, you just know this Bissell cleaner is top-tier.
“Have you ever wished for a magical cleaning solution that effortlessly tackles dirt and grime on your dark floors?” said one five-star reviewer. “Look no further because the Bissett CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner is here to save the day, or rather, your floors.”
Key features:
- Simultaneously vacuums, washes and helps to dry floors
- Suitable for all hard floors and rugs
- Unique brush roll scrubs and washes floors for a deeper clean
- Does not release dirty water back on floors
- Low-profile foot and pivoting floor head for easy manoeuvrability
Dreame H12 Pro wet and dry vacuum cleaner and mop in one, $799 (was $999), Dreame
Designed to be multi-functional, the Dreame H12 is a reliable and flexible cleaning genius. With edge-to-edge cleaning for both it’s wet and dry vacuuming and mop capabilities, you’ll always want appliance out and in use. The best part is, there’s no need to worry about mould or building odours once you put it back in the cupboard, with an auto hot air drying feature attached to your brush.
Key features:
-
Edge-to-edge cleaning extends the brush to hug walls and clean corners.
- Dual-rotation self-cleaning and auto hot air drying help keep the brush free from mildew, mould, and odours.
- A 6x 4,000mAh battery pack provides up to 35 minutes of runtime.
- A high-speed brushless motor wipes up to 520 times per minute for quick and effortless mess removal.
Bosch 1000W wet & dry vacuum cleaner, $155, Amazon
Whether it’s coarse dirt at work, fine dust at home, or water on your kitchen floors, this vacuum handles it all. With an ergonomic design, direct dust extraction compatibility with Bosch tools, and a 15L capacity, it’s ideal for day-to-day tasks. Its high suction power, wet/dry capabilities and practical blast air function make it the ultimate all-in-one tool.
“I got this for my car and garage clean up,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “It’s awesome! Great suction and great value for money. So happy they made a shop vac for home use. I used it as soon as it arrived. Will definitely be used a lot!!”
Key features:
- Over 440 five-star reviews on Amazon
- Ergonomic handle and lightweight build make transportation and storage hassle-free
- Includes floor nozzle, crevice nozzle, extraction pipes, hose, filter bag, and more
- Impact-resistant and rust-resistant container ensures durability over time
Electrolux UltimateHome 700 wet & dry cordless vacuum, $300 (usually $799), The Good Guys
Electrolux’s UltimateHome 700 helps you clean your floors in just two minutes, offering efficient cleaning that’s perfect for busy households, or even quick touch-ups.
Key features:
- Self-cleaning nozzle and innovative self-cleaning function make maintenance a breeze
- The inclusion of floor detergent adds an extra layer of cleanliness to your floors
- An efficient mopping system easily tackles spills and stains
- Antibacterial water tanks eliminate up to 99.9 per cent of tested bacteria
- Powerful suction picks up dry debris, leaving floors spotless
- No residual water is left behind
Also available at:
- $500 (usually $799) at Appliances Online
What does a wet and dry vacuum do?
Also known as shop vacs, these-heavy duty machines are designed to tackle all kinds of tough messes – wet or dry.
Equipped with the power to switch seamlessly between vacuuming dry messes and sopping up wet disasters, these tools are the true MVPs of clean-ups. They effortlessly shift from devouring dust bunnies to tackling accidental spills without a hitch. Some even go the extra mile by offering mop and vacuum combos, giving your floors a polished touch that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t upgrade sooner.
What should you look for when purchasing a wet and dry vacuum?
Before you dive headfirst into the world of wet/dry vacs, let’s talk about what to keep in mind. Firstly, power is your ally – opt for a model that boasts strong suction for both solid debris and liquids. Next, check out the tank capacity; bigger tanks mean less frequent emptying, which is a win in our book.
Don’t forget about accessories, either. A trusty selection of nozzles and brushes can transform your cleaning experience from ordinary to extraordinary. And speaking of transformations, if you’re eyeing a vacuum-mop combo, make sure the mop function is as effective as the vacuum.
Last but not least, reliability is key. Look for reputable brands like Dyson and Bissell, known for their innovative home cleaning solutions. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embrace a cleaning partner that’s as adaptable as it is efficient.
Looking to save money on vacuums? Check out our coupon codes for The Good Guys, Appliances Online and more.
Related articles:
- 5 top-rated steam mops for spick and span floors
- The best vacuum cleaners for dealing with pet hair
- 11 best mops for tiles, laminate and wooden floors