Standard vacuum cleaners are not meant to be used on liquid spills. While you can use them to vacuum up dirt, dust and other debris, liquids will often lead to issues with the vacuum's internal workings. Wet dry vacuums, however, are designed to be used with both wet and dry items. Whether you need to clean up food crumbs or spilled liquids, a wet dry vac will do the job.
Step 1
Clean up food spills with your wet dry vac. Whether you knock over a glass of wine during dinner, or drop a raw egg on the floor while cooking, you can clean up the food or drink spill with your wet dry vac.
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Step 2
Use your wet dry vac to unclog your sink. Insert the hose as far down the drain as it will reach. Change the wet dry vac's setting to blowing rather than suctioning. When you turn it on, the hose will expel air, breaking up the drain's clog.
Step 3
Vacuum your floors as you would with a standard vacuum. Most wet dry vacs don't require have separate settings for wet or dry jobs. You can merely use the wet dry vac as you would a standard household vacuum.
Step 4
Maintain your fireplace with your wet dry vac. The heavy-duty machine can suck up ashes, dirt and wood chips. Make sure the ashes are completely cooled before vacuuming them up. Otherwise, they could damage the machine.
Step 5
Get rid of snow on your floor doorstep or walk with your wet dry vac. You can put away your dustpans, brooms and shovels since a wet dry vac can just suck up the snow.
Step 6
Move the wet dry vac by its base. Do not pull it by its hose, as this can cause it to tip over or damage the hose.
Step 7
Be careful when moving the vacuum, particularly after cleaning up liquids, as your wet dry vac will be heavier than usual. Water weighs about 8 lbs. per gallon, so keep this in mind when lifting a full vacuum.
Tip
Regularly change your wet dry vac's air filter.
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