While you can sometimes get away with a quick vacuum, cleaning up big messes or spills can take more time (particularly if moisture is involved). Fortunately, there are plenty of cleaning hacks that can help you save time on household chores and a wet and dry vacuum cleaner is one of the best solutions for cleaning up all kinds of messes on your floors.
If you’re not familiar with them yet, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be used to vacuum regular dust and dirt, as well as water or other liquids. So it is basically an upgrade from a regular vacuum cleaner.
But just like any cleaning device, there’s a big difference between models, with the best wet-dry vacuums offering ergonomic designs, easy-to-use features and extras to make both cleaning your home and maintaining the vacuum simple.
So, to help you choose one, we’ve rounded up the best quality wet and dry vacuums you can buy in Australia right now, based on factors including design, features, extras and customer reviews.
2025’s top wet & dry vacuum cleaners
- Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Absolute, $999 (usually $1549), Dyson (here’s why)
- Tineco iFLOOR 5 cordless wet dry vacuum cleaner, $599, Amazon (here’s why)
- Karcher WD3 S wet and dry vacuum $219, The Good Guys (here’s why)
7 best wet and dry vacuum cleaners to shop in Australia 2025
01
Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Absolute
$999 (usually $1549), Dyson
Best for: Serious cleaning power
This best-selling wet vacuum cleaner is currently $550 off in the Dyson Frenzy sale, making now a great time to snap one up if it’s been sitting on your wishlist!
Dyson released its first wet vacuum cleaner in 2023 and it has quickly become a major player in this category. The Submarine uses a motorised wet roller that picks up liquids, debris and stains, which are continuously extracted from the roller with each rotation.
We tested the Submarine ourselves and found it handled just about everything we threw at it. As we wrote in our review: “So, how does it stand up? Let’s just say muddy paw prints, questionable mystery marks, dried honey and even that barbecue sauce I deliberately flung across the floor for the purpose of this review are no match. The roller head effortlessly slurped and mopped everything up, leaving my white tiles pristine.”
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
- Fully-sealed filtration system that traps 99.99 per cent of particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Picks up long hair and pet hair without tangling
- Up to 60 minutes run time
02
Tineco iFLOOR 5 cordless wet dry vacuum cleaner
$599, Amazon
Best for: Fast, no-fuss cleans
This lightweight, cordless wet dry vacuum cleaner from Tineco is designed to make cleaning up mess easier, with separate tanks for clean and dirty water and an innovative scraper that cleans the brush roller as you go. It’s also got two modes you can switch between and can be used on tiles, marble or hardwood. With a running time of up to 35 minutes, it’s suited to those who want sparkling clean floors as quickly as possible.
“It typically takes me about an hour to vacuum and mop with my old setup, but with the Tineco i5, I was able to clean the entire floor in just 15 minutes,” one Australian customer shared in a five star review on Amazon, where it has an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 147 customers. Another added: “This is as good as everyone says – completely worth all the hype around it.”
Key features:
- Dual water tank system
- Lightweight and cordless design
- Innovative flat scraper keeps brush roller clean as you use it
- Suitable for sealed hard floors including hardwood, tile, marble and laminate
Also available at:
03
Karcher WD3 S wet and dry vacuum cleaner
$219, The Good Guys
Best for: Messy jobs, big and small
This wallet-friendly wet and dry vacuum cleaner packs a powerful punch (1000 watts) to tackle dust and debris. It has a cartridge filter for both wet and dry vacuuming, as well as a triple-layered, extremely tear-resistant fleece filter for dry vacuuming. Plus a blower function that can help dry up any remaining moisture.
Customer reviews often highlight the powerful suction, convenience and price, with one five-star reviewer writing: “We recently finished an extension to our house and this vacuum did a fantastic job in keeping the internals of the building clean each day during the construction,” they shared via Bazaarvoice Authentic Reviews on the Karcher website.
“Simple to use yet powerful enough to suck up all types of construction debris. It also does a great job on our tiled patio when clearing excess water and debris following severe storms.”
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
- Areas you can use this wet and dry vacuum include entrances, workshops, garages, cellars and terraces
- Two year manufacturer’s warranty
Also available at:
- $229.99 at Super Cheap Auto
04
Bissell CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface floor cleaner
$746.98, Amazon
Best for: Cleaning everything at once
As well as vacuuming up wet and dry mess, the Bissell CrossWave includes a mop function so you can do everything at once. It has separate tanks for clean and dirty water, plus a microfibre and nylon multi-surface brush roll that scrubs, washes and dries most types of flooring – including carpet and hard floors.
It also has over 600 five-star reviews on Amazon. “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 [Bissell] 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
05
Dreame H12 Pro wet and dry vacuum cleaner and mop in one
$449 (usually $999), Amazon
Best for: Hands-off maintenance
Designed to be multi-functional, the Dreame H12 is a reliable and flexible cleaning option for any home. With edge-to-edge cleaning for both its wet and dry vacuuming and mop capabilities, you’ll always want the appliance out and in use. The best part is, there’s no need to worry about mould or odours once you put it back in the cupboard, thanks to an auto hot air drying feature attached to your brush.
“I was very apprehensive in spending a lot of money for a machine that basically cleans a hard floor when a mop and bucket has been my primary cleaning tool. OMG what a fantastic surprise to see how much dirt was removed from my tiled floors with this Dreame H12 Pro,” one Australian customer wrote in their five star review on Amazon.
“Self cleaning roller and self drying via heated air. Perfectly clean roller and dry. No smells. The floors dry so quick and no streaking. Chemical is very economical at 10ml per fill. I am ecstatic with this machine and so very happy I decided to invest in this Dreame H12 Pro. The spare roller, washable filter and 500ml chemical included is a great bonus as that’s basically 12 months of hassle-free operation for me. Lot of money but it is worth every dollar.”
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 brush free from mildew, mould and odours
- 6x 4,000mAh battery pack provides up to 35 minutes of runtime
- High-speed brushless motor wipes up to 520 times per minute for quick and effortless mess removal
Also available at:
- $449 (usually $999) at Big W
- $799 (usually $999) at Dick Smith
- $799 (usually $999) at Kogan
06
Bosch 1000W wet & dry vacuum cleaner
$149, Amazon
Best for: Easy transportation
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!”
Another added: “Unbelievable. We all need one. Get rid of the old blower that sprays you in dirt and dust. This machine goes anywhere due to the different vacuum heads. Best purchase ever and so inexpensive.”
Key features:
- Over 145 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
07
Electrolux UltimateHome 700 wet & dry cordless vacuum
$244 (usually $799), The Good Guys
Best for: Quick clean-ups with extra polish
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.
“This vaccum mop is so easy to use and does such a great job on our laminate floor boards,” a customer who gave it a five-star rating via Bazaarvoice Authentic Reviews said.
“Self cleaning system is great and even after a full house clean it was sparkling. No streaks, smell, and battery life is perfect.”
Key features:
- Self-cleaning nozzle and innovative self-cleaning function make maintenance easy
- 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:
- $499 (usually $799) at Betta
- $508 (usually $799) at Appliances Online
- $569 (usually $799) at Billy Guyatts
- $681.45 (usually $786.45) at Matt Blatt
- $681.45 (usually $786.45) at Brosa
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, both wet or dry. In comparison, most traditional vacuum cleaners are great for cleaning up dust and dry dirt, but can’t handle wet mess (and may even be damaged by water).
Equipped with the power to switch seamlessly between vacuuming dry messes and sopping up wet disasters, these tools are the true stars when it comes to cleaning up. 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.
Can you use a wet and dry vacuum outside?
Most wet and dry vacuums are designed for cleaning different surfaces inside your home, such as carpet, tiles, concrete and wood. But some models can be used to clean up terraces or other outdoor areas.
For example, the Karcher WD3 S model we included in this guide can be used on terraces. Just make sure you check the manual for your specific vacuum and follow the instructions to help keep it cleaning effectively.
What should you look for when purchasing a wet and dry vacuum?
As more wet/dry vacuum cleaners come onto the market, here are five things to keep in mind so you can find the best one for your home and budget.
- Power – go for a model with strong suction that can handle both solid debris and liquids.
- Tank capacity – bigger tanks mean less frequent emptying, which is a win in our book.
- Accessories – a trusty selection of nozzles and brushes can turn a basic clean into a deep one.
- Cleaning modes – if you’re eyeing a vacuum-mop combo, make sure the mop function is as effective as the vacuum.
- Reliability – look for reputable brands like Dyson and Bissell, known for their innovative home cleaning solutions – or check customer reviews to see what holds up over time.
Is a wet and dry vacuum worth it?
For people with pets or anyone who just wants to save time on cleaning floors, a wet and dry vacuum can be a real game-changer. But it’s also worth keeping in mind that some models can be expensive, especially if you already have a vacuum cleaner and a mop that you’re happy with. And if your wet and dry vacuum breaks, you could temporarily end up without either a vacuum cleaner or a mop.
So it’s worth thinking about how often you would use a wet and dry vacuum, the different features available and how much you want to pay. It’s also a good idea to check the warranty information and returns policy, to make sure you know what’s what if things don’t go to plan.
After that, you should be well on your way to an easier cleaning process for your floors.
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
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