A wet/dry shop vacuum handles the messes a household vacuum can't — sawdust, drywall dust, wood chips, and the occasional flooded garage floor.

The right size and power depend on how often you're cleaning up serious debris versus doing quick spot cleanups.

What to look for

Match capacity to your typical mess

10-16 gallons covers most garage and workshop needs. Go smaller for portability, or larger only if you're regularly dealing with major cleanup jobs.

Use the right filter for fine dust

Standard foam filters clog quickly with drywall dust or fine sawdust. A dedicated fine-dust filter or bag keeps suction strong and protects the motor.

Cordless models trade runtime for convenience

Battery-powered shop vacs are great for quick cleanups and vehicles, but corded models still have the edge for sustained, heavy-duty cleanup.

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