Best Garage Vacuum – Buying Guide and Reviews

What should be considered as the best garage vacuum? It needs to be one that will be able to fit your personal criteria and at the same time, offer effective cleaning. Look out for replaceable filters, cleaning power or reusable filters, cord length, your preference, dry or wet use, attachment, hoses and other important factors that you will need to consider. If you go online, you will come across so many choices that you might just be overwhelmed, not knowing what to pick.
Below are what I consider to be among the best garage vacuum cleaners that you can consider when the time comes for you to purchase one.

Comparison Of Garage Vacuum Cleaner

Top 9 Garage Vacuum Reviews

1. Craftsman Heavy Duty Shop vacuum CMXEVBE17595

It has oversized drains which make it easy to empty liquids and with the modern-day technology in it, the design ensures that the units will be able to deal with all the daily requirements of modern-day cleaning. Some of the accessories included with this product when you purchase it includes extension wands, car nozzle, wet nozzle, utility nozzle, dust collection bag, and a qwik lock.

2. VACmaster Shop Vacuum VBV 1210 With A Detachable Blower

Although it moves on 360-degree casters on all the four for movement which is easier, due to the fact that it weighs 17 pounds, it might make it hard to move it as compared to the vacs which are small. It has a drain port which is located at the bottom of the tank to help you to disseminate fluids without the need to empty the content in a tank.

This particular vac comes with an array of features which are useful such as a reusable foam filter sleeve to use to clean up any wet waste, two extension wands, a standard cartridge filter to use to clean up the debris which are dry, an 8 inch utility nozzle, a car nozzle, a crevice tool and a noise/air diffuser.

3. Bissell Garage Pro Wet Dry Vacuum/Blower

It comes with 7 all-purpose attachments which are included to transform the vac into a versatile cleaner. The attachments are able to store well in the storage bag which is included in the package.

The hose is 32 feet long which provides for a long reach. This type of vac provides the convenience of a filtration of a 2-stage to trap the most debris and dirt. It is a shop vac that comes in a design which is bagless and is protected with a 2-year limited warranty.

4. DEWALT Wet/dry Vacuum 18/20V

It comes with a filter which is reusable which can be washed and removed as the need arises. It comes with a heavy-duty hose which tends to be crush resistant to work in various difficult cleaning jobs.

When it is full, using tap water to clean or rinse it will leave it clean for the next use. It is a heavy-duty, crush-resistant vac which has an integrated 5-inch hose. It ensures that the flexibility, functionality, and durability of the vacuum itself are achieved.

5. Milwaukee Wet/Dry Vacuum 0880-20

It has a HEPA filter which can be able to handle both sawdust and oil without skipping anything. It can reverse to a blower mode to ensure that the job is finished in a perfect way. Unlike other handheld vacuums in its category, it doesn’t have an auto-shutoff switch and thus, your fingers will have enough freedom to work.

This vacuum is versatile and light and contains a 45CFM suction power. It is a great all in one cleaning machine that you should consider trying out.

6. Porter-Cable Shop Vacuum 20V Maximum

This handheld vacuum which is battery operated will be easy to use to clean up the mess. You just have to pick it up and start cleaning. Apart from the workshop, they tend to be exceptionally helpful in the kitchen as well as a quick car detailing.

7. Vacmaster Professional Wet Dry Vac 5 Gallons

Getting this wet dry vac 5 gallons means that, you will be able to use it for a wide range of garage and household applications. Its power which is portable is engineered to be able to tackle a variety of messes with convenience and ease. The high water life motor is able to provide power which is superior together with a suction that is able to address various cleaning needs at home, around the shop or in the garage.

Unlike the standard wet dry vacs which are available in the market, this one unleashes unmatched superiority and performance which is high over the other competition. It has the best in class power, suction which is unquestioned, as well as a power cord to be able to eliminate hassle which is unnecessary and minimize when it comes to space for storage.

With more than 25 ft of cleaning, you are assured of reaching further without having to move the machine or going to unplug the unit. It has a dust-sealed on and off switch which is large to control the power effectively while the quality and heavy-duty construction denotes that the unit is going to last for a longer period of time. It comes with up to 8 different accessories for whatever task you might have at hand.

8. VacuMaid Wall Mounted Garage Vacuum GV50PRO

It has a 12-inch floor brush which functions to loosen debris which is tough. Being a mount shop type of vacuum, it offers an extra-long reach due to its 50-foot crush-proof hose and the telescopic wands. It is designed in a way that it is easy to mount on the wall which is a feature that eliminates the need for tipping over when you are emptying.

This vacuum is a large wall mount shop sporting a HEPA style bag of 7 gallons. The size of the bag makes it be lightweight and portable even it is filled to the brim. It is also sizeable enough to eliminate the need to do frequent emptying. The HEPA bag comes in handy especially if you are suffering from allergies.
It has an exhaust which is designed to double as a light blower for a small shop. To crown it all, it has a 5-year limited warranty.

9. Shop-Vac 4 Gallons Utility Vacuum 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry

This vacuum has a rear blower port which allows you to convert it into a blower when the need arises. It has a lockdown hose measuring 1 ¼ inch by 7 inches, a nozzle which has a dual surface, two extension wands, gulper nozzle, 10 inches wet nozzle, crevice tool, high-efficiency filer bag, round brush, and a cartridge filter with a retainer.

Why Use A Garage Vacuum Cleaner? 

Vacuum cleaners offer a variety of benefits and that is why they have become an appropriate tool to use for cleaning dirt and dust in every home and establishment. In fact, nowadays they are considered as one of the most convenient domestic tool ever made. Apart from cleaning dirt, they are able to clean air quality, lessens the possibility of allergy break out and at the same time, offer ways of ensuring that the floor is dusted.

Some of the reasons why you should use a garage vacuum cleaner includes:

1. Makes cleaning easier and effective: Vacuum cleaners help in picking or cleaning dirt and dust in an easy way. It is able to instantly pull up dirt and dust making floor wiping easier since there is a lesser mess to be removed.

2. Saves time and energy: In case you own a bigger house with a bigger garage, cleaning or sweeping using the broomstick and mop consumes a lot of time before you finally finish your task. But with the help of vacuum cleaners, it will be possible that you finish the cleaning in the shortest time possible.

3. Protects your well being: Apart from being constructed to clean your house, the vacuum cleaners improve air quality. They are going to protect you and your entire family and thus, reduce the indoor allergens. However, brooms tend to push dirt from one place to the next instead of removing it. And when the dust continues to float, it brings with it diseases,triggering allergies, and if you have an existing medical disorder such as asthma and emphysema, worsening it.

4. Saves money: When you vacuum consistently, it could one of the best way of saving money since there will be no need of changing your carpets or rags every time. Apart from that, if they are properly maintained, you will need not to change them regularly.

5. They are user-friendly: Most of the vacuum cleaners which are in the market are easy to use and operate especially the ones which are portable. The portable vacuum cleaners have a design which is intuitive and there are a few buttons to press.

Types of Garage Vacuums 

1. Dry Vac vs. Wet/Dry 

This type is basic and you will have to choose one depending on your storage, cleaning needs, and how far you would want to move it. There are for type of wet/dry vacuums that you will encounter in the market which include:

a. Mini-sized wet/dry vacuums: They sacrifice performance and capacity for the easiest storage and the least weight.

b. Small wet/dry vacuums: Consider them if you want to sacrifice capacity and performance for easier portability.

c. Large wet/dry vacuums: They tend to be powerful and well equipped for cleanups which are challenging. They are able to hold most of the debris but they can be bulky and heavy especially when they are filled with water.

d. Medium-sized wet/dry vacuums: They offer a balance between compactness and performance.

2. Shop Vacuum

When you are thinking of buying a shop vacuum, there are a few things which you will need to consider. There are a variety of shop vacuums which are available one for the home, one for business, and one for cleaning your vehicle and thus, you will need to consider what you want to use it for before you settle on one of them.

3. Handheld

If you are searching for an option which is budget-friendly, then this could be a perfect choice. They do have a small capacity, meaning, you will have to frequently empty the tank if you are going to do vacuuming which is extensive.

4. Wall Mounted

This is a good choice if you are a pro and for those who do not mind spending for a product which is high quality. They tend to be bulky and just the way the name suggests, you will have to permanently install them on the wall and are fitted with hoses which are long.

Essential Factors to Consider

There are various factors which you will need to look into before you decide which one among the many on the market will work well for you. For most people, vacuuming is not a day to day activity, and you might just be in need of a cleaner which will do the act of cleaning the house when you use it. Therefore here are some of the factors which you will have to consider when purchasing a vacuum cleaner.

1. Capacity

If you are planning to be doing occasional and minimum cleaning, then a smaller garage vacuum will be the best option for you. They are cheap and portable. But you should remember that its capacity is minimal and thus, you will have to do frequent emptying. This also denotes that you will be able to get small jobs done in a smooth way, but for jobs which are big, you will need to go for a wall mount or rolling unit.

2. Noise

Vacuums which tend to make a lot of noise can be disruptive and annoying. To protect your hearing, ensure that you choose one that will be able to deliver an operation which is whisper quiet. There are vacuums which have new technologies of the motor which provides you with a performance that is very powerful without a lot of noise.

3. Portability

If are utilizing a vacuum which is wall-mounted, they are installed permanently and very heavy. For the handheld vacuums, you will have to ensure that they are easy to handle. It might be great if you get one which has wheels which will make it easy to move from one place to another without much struggle.

4. Storage Tank

This is a feature which will make it possible for you to enjoy the convenience of the vacuum cleaner. It will make it easy for you to have all the attachments organized thereby providing you with access which is easy to other accessories which you might need for different tasks.

5. Hose Length

You have to consider the overall quality of the hose and its length which will make it easy to work with when you are operating away from the main unit. It needs also to be durable and able to handle the garage vacuum power. Many models which are newer in the market have hoses which are crush resistant which will be long-lasting.

6. Bagged or Bagless

A vacuum cleaner bag acts to filter the last stage. It will be able to capture the dust which might blow back out of the canister. When it comes to being economical, the bagless vacuums as compared to the bagged ones due to the fact that, there will be no need to buy new bags for them. This isn’t a choice which you will have to make due to the fact that, there are no good garage vacuum cleaners which offer bags. They are able to filter dirt into the canister to ensure that you are able to empty them when you are done.

7. Vacuum’s Cord Retractable

Are you planning to use the caster wheels of garage vacuum? Or is your plan to leave your vacuum on the wall? If you are not moving the vacuum, once it is on the wall, it will stay permanently on the wall. But in case you are looking for a vacuum which can be portable while wall-mounted, then you will need the vacuum wheels.

When you are in a position to move the vacuum cleaner around, you will also be moving the cord around which makes it a hazard that could trip you. Since it might be annoying to put the cord away, the cord which is retractable helps in ensuring that the vacuum cord is tidy.

While you might consider getting a cord which is retractable, it is a feature which is not offered on most garage vacuums. There are models of vacuums which come with wheels, but not a cord which is retractable. A retractable cord is not a feature which is popular when it comes to wall-mounted vacuums. It will be best to go for a stationary wall vacuum which has a cord which is short.

8. Weight

Weight is very important when you are selecting a vacuum cleaner. For multi-level houses, small size to the medium size is recommended. When it comes to single floor house, heavy-duty is recommended so that you can be able to research and pick the one which you can be able to carry around and store easily.

9. Multi-Functionality

There are models which can be able to function not only as garage vacuums but as blowers too. This might be a good thing due to the fact that you will be in a position to enjoy two tools using one product, which in the process, will help in ensuring that you save money.

10. Spills

Cleaning spills using a vacuum cleaner could be much easier as compared to using a towel to clean it. This is where a wet vacuum becomes necessary to do such a job. But you will need to be aware of some of the important facts as far as cleaning up liquids using a vacuum is concerned:

- Remember that the wet vacuums are not pumps which are submersible.

- You will have to place a wall mount vacuum on the floor before you start vacuuming liquid

- You don’t have to use the dry filter when you are vacuuming liquids instead utilize the supplied filter for the wet pickups.

How To Use A Wet Dry Vac And Best Cleaning Tips

Wet dry vacuum cleaners are important tools which can make your cleaning easy. Just the way the name implies, it is designed in a way that it is able to clean liquid spills, but it can as well clean dust and other dirt which is solid. It is a special type of shop vacuum which is important in all homes and working environment as it is able to work as a normal vacuum.

It doesn’t matter if you operate it outdoor or indoors as it can be used anywhere. That is why it is important that you know how to use it well especially if your intention is to buy one or you already have one.

The Way To Use A Wet-Dry Vacuum And How It Is Able To Work

You will need to learn how to use the wet vacuum and at the same time know how it works because it makes it possible for you to understand the product and the features it has, which you are investing in.

The Mechanism Of Vacuuming

The wet vac or which is sometimes referred to the as wet-dry vac is designed in a manner which is simple. It utilizes two bucket systems which are used to separate the solid particles from the liquid one.

The cleaner also has an intake port which is able to suck up the dirt which will then move in a tube with the rest of the waste which has been sucked up. While passing over the bucket, there is always a decrease in airflow. The speed decline ensures that air is loosened on the grip of air on the particles with those particles which are heavy falling into the bucket.

Afterward, the current of air is sucked up through the motorized fan and goes out through the exhaust port. Due to the fact that the dirt and debris particles are dissolved in the liquid that is inside the bucket, the air that is removed through the exhaust port will contain little dirt as compared to a vacuum cleaner which is normal.

Apart from that, the function of the blower in most of the wet vacs gives them the ability to be able to remove the air out in a faster way as well as being able to draw it in. it is a function which is useful when you are pushing the dust, leaves, and other dirt into piles before you clear them at the end of it all.

Tips To Being Able To Use The Wet Dry Vac

When you use the wet vacuum cleaner, it might not be as tough as you might imagine. The truth is that most of them come accompanied with manuals of instructions, and you can be able to watch videos on how you can be able to operate them. Apart from that, you need to know the following facts, no matter the model of wet vac that you decide to purchase. If not, your cleaning experience might turn out to be disastrous.

1. Ensure That The Hose Is Cleared: The first thing is to ensure that you remove any water which is stagnant from the hose of the vacuum. For you to be able to do that, you will need to place the hose in a bucket and then switch the vacuum cleaner on. After that, you will have to place the vacuum in a place which is dry. Whenever it is filled with water, you will need to empty it inside a drum.

2. Select A Filter: Apart from ensuring that hose is cleared of any stagnant water, you will have to next remember to pick the right filter. Since you can be able to use the wet vacuum for multiple cleaning jobs, you have to pick the correct filter. For liquid spills, ensure that you make use of the foam filter while the paper filter is used for cleaning dirt and dust particles.

3. Choose The Right Attachments: Each of the vacuum cleaners in the market come with various attachments with each of them having a use which is specific. The type of cleaning that you want to do will determine the type of attachments you will use.

Some are narrow which makes them a perfect fit to use when cleaning narrow areas while those which have brushes can be used for cleaning dust particles. After you have chosen the right attachment and installing the correct filter, you are set to start vacuuming your area which is dirty.

Ensure always that every corner in the area you are cleaning is covered to make yourself achieve a successful cleaning task.

4. When Necessary, Utilize Exhaust Portion: As I mentioned early, the exhaust is a separate attachment from the rest. Wet vacuums do have the ability to ensure that the air is blown out of the hose which denotes that, this is an additional feature which will assist the sucking function. The attachment can be used when doing outdoor cleaning which is easier.

5. Empty The Tub: If you are planning to use the wet vacuum frequently, then it will be important that you ensure that the tub is emptied frequently. For it to be done, you will need to unclip the pegs which are normally attached to the tub lid on the base. Once you have brought the lid off, you can empty the contents.

I recommend that the vacuum is immediately emptied after cleaning the spills from liquids. When you allow the liquid spills to stay for a longer time in the tub, it will cause a smell which might be revolting.

Other Uses Of A Wet Vac

A wet vac is a tool which is very important due to the way it is versatile and uses. Apart from being able to clean debris, sucking up liquid, and removing dust, but it is the ability to carry out several jobs such as:

1. You can use it to unclog bathtubs and sinks. You can do this by setting the vacuum to the blower mode. The air force which results from it will be able to remove a few or all of the items which are causing obstruction.

2. You can be able to clean a hardwood floor and buff it using some of the attachments found on the wet vac.

3. Upholstery and curtains can be cleaned using the wet vac due to the fact that, it works just like a normal vacuum

4. Fireplaces can be easily cleaned using a wet vac due to the fact that, they have the ability to remove stains, marks, and mildew if you combine it with a detergent

5. When you use a wet-dry vac in the mode of a blower, you can be able to use it to ensure that you blow debris and leaves for downspouts and gutters

6. Because it can be able to suck water, you can use the wet vac to clean up spills from water and areas which are mildly flooded.

7. Debris such as screws, nails and wood shavings can be sucked up easily using a wet vac.

FAQs

1. Are Shop Vacs Good For Cars?

There are different shop vacs which can easily double as auto vacuum cleaners. They can be a great addition to the garage as it comes with its own wall mount, and thus, apart from helping you to keep your car a great and clean and at the same time, it can help clean up around your garage.

2. Are Expensive Vacuums Worth It?

Not always as there are some cheap models of vacuums which tend to work better than the expensive ones. But at the same time, not all cheap vacuums are the best to provide a better clean as compared to the expensive ones.

3. How Often Should I Empty My Vacuum?

You will need to clean your vacuum after 12 months to 18 months. Even if you feel that you should let the content of your vacuum to be full before you empty the content, you should try and practice emptying it quite often for maximum performance for a long term.

4. Will, My Vacuum Pick Up Animal Fur?

Although a pet hair vacuum cleaner can be the best to do that, having a variety of attachment can ensure that cleaning more convenient and a lot easier. You will find a variety of attachments for vacuum cleaners which are available in the market but the one to pay attention to is the mechanism of pet brush.

Conclusion

When you are searching for the best garage vacuum, you can start with the ones which I have reviewed here to make your search more easier. There are several manufacturers when it comes to vacuum cleaners with most of them claiming that their vacuum cleaners are the best. If you are not sure about the product, then you will need to consider the important factors to be considered which I have highlighted in this article to find what a quality product which will meet your needs need to possess. You will have to look at each of the features of the vacuum in question and consider its usage before you settle on it.
 
My pick is the VACmaster shop vacuum VBV 1210 with a detachable blower due to the fact that it has a big 12 gallon tank; it is a powerful vac; it is quieter when running as compared to most shop vac in the same price range; it can easily be converted to a blower; and it is good value for money. Choose what you think will work best for you.

Related Tips and Reviews:

1. Top 7 Best Overhead Garage Storage Reviews
2. 9 Best Garage Workbench – Buying Guide and Reviews

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Vacuum