6 Best Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuums of 2023 [Buyer’s Guide]

Fed up with moving your bulky vacuum cleaner around the home and still having stained floors?

Since technology has made our lives much simpler now, we have a tool or device for getting almost every work done. As such, there’s an excellent solution for getting rid of this issue permanently: a wet/dry handheld vacuum cleaner. It’s easy to use and can clean different surfaces around the home perfectly through its incredible suction power.

But we understand that choosing the ideal option among the tons of models available on the market can be hectic. That’s why we have tried to make things easier for you by putting forward this carefully curated guide on the 14 best wet/dry handheld vacuums to consider. As a bonus, we’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you make a well-informed decision.

With all said and done, let’s get going!

Best Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuums

From powerful suction to convenient features, here’s the list of the 6 best wet/dry handheld vacuums that can help you keep your space clean and tidy.

1. BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L – Best for Home Use

Be it any floor cleaning task around the home, this wet/dry handheld vacuum from Black+Decker can get it done in no time with its superior suction power. It has garnered much praise from homeowners all over the country, and from our experience as well, we’re sure you’re also going to love the model. And its reliability is further enhanced due to the availability of a limited 2-year warranty.

First things first, the suction power of this unit is suited to act upon almost all kinds of materials ranging from ceramic tiles and carpets to wooden furniture. It’s also great for handling quick pickups after meals or a play session with your furry companions. What makes this possible is the effective rotating nozzle which is slim enough to fit in tighter spaces and is suitable for a range of applications.

Furthermore, it’s powered by a cyclonic action that spins all the debris and dust away from its filters to keep them clean and maintain the strength of the suction.

Speaking of the lithium-ion battery, it performs consistently enough to render efficient cleaning for years to come. Another great benefit is its smart-charge technology that uses 50% less energy as it shuts off automatically after a full charge. And that’s not all; each charge of the battery lasts for 18 months.

The model is quite lightweight, which helps you complete all the tasks effortlessly.

This wet/dry handheld vacuum might not always be properly packaged, as few customers have received torn parcels in the past. It is probably because of the poor packing material, making the product prone to damage during delivery. So, make sure you check it carefully while unboxing and report any damage you spot.

2. DEWALT DCV517B – Best for Professionals

Dewalt is known to produce advanced and highly efficient devices for a variety of purposes, and this wet/dry handheld vacuum from the brand is no different. It comes equipped with a slew of effective features that combine to provide the ultimate cleaning power that homeowners and professionals love.

First and foremost, this model offers users two modes for cleaning up debris, either through the front nozzle or with a heavy-duty rubber hose made from rubber. This feature provides great flexibility and is also highly durable, so you can always obtain spotless floors.

The filter in this handheld vacuum is also really efficient, as it’s a HEPA filter that can trap 99.7% of the dust very easily. In fact, this filtering system helps professionals get rid of the fine dust that’s otherwise hard to remove. It’s even quite simple to maintain as it just needs to be rinsed with tap water.

As for its suction system, the model has a 20V vacuum that’s capable of sucking out the smallest of dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris. Its 1/2-gallon tank has a capacity sufficient for the effective collection of dust and liquids and is even quite easy to clean.

The only drawback of this unit is that it’s slightly heavier than other handheld vacuum cleaners; as such, carrying it over to different spots around the home or job site might seem a bit tiring. Those who are new to using handheld vacuums are more likely to face this issue, but performance-wise, we have no complaints about this one.

3. Stanley SL18910P-3 – Best for Wet/Dry Multi-function

With this wet/dry handheld vacuum from Stanley at your disposal, you can sail through big and small cleaning jobs with equal efficiency. As such, this model is also an ideal fit for professionals as well as homeowners. To know about all its amazing benefits in greater detail, move on to the next few sections.

The single biggest advantage of this wet/dry handheld vacuum is that it’s a multifunctional tool for keeping your surroundings clean. Whether it’s your car that’s in a mess after a short weekend trip or an accidental spill on the dining table, this unit can handle it all.

For this purpose, it’s equipped with an extremely powerful motor of 3 PHP, which helps provide the maximum suction ability for any cleanup job. Nozzles of two types are also fitted onto it to accommodate the different cleaning needs of users. These include a gulper nozzle to deal with quick pick-up jobs and a 3-in-1 crevice nozzle for reaching the tighter spaces to clean them up perfectly.

Not only that, but a soft buoy technology used in this handheld vacuum maintains its proper functioning while it vacuums wet spots or water spills.

You would have to maintain this unit regularly to ensure that it remains in good shape. Hence, it would have to be cleaned thoroughly at least once every week. This may seem a bit of a hassle to some users, so they may opt for other wet/dry handheld vacuum cleaners instead. Nevertheless, we were pleased with how it performed.

4. BLACK+DECKER HNV220BCZ26FF 

Our next pick for you is another advanced model from Black+Decker, which comes in a stylish design and is available in various attractive colors. It offers the ideal combination of performance, durability, and ease of use that every homeowner seeks in a wet/dry handheld vacuum.

Bring the desired consistency and perfection in your cleaning jobs with minimal effort using this model, as it offers superior-grade suction power. Thus, be it any spill, debris, dust, or dirt particles anywhere around the home, this device will deal with it comfortably.

Its convenient design also makes it quite easy to use, as it has an easy-grip handle that can be maneuvered over any place to suck out the dirt effectively. Plus, a bagless and translucent dirt bowl ensures you’re able to see the level of dirt easily and can be emptied effortlessly.

Another notable feature is the unique wall mount and base provided with the model, which lets you charge it in just one step and allows space-saving storage. Lastly, the package also includes an upholstery brush and a crevice-cleaning tool to help you further in your cleanup jobs.

The only downside of going for this wet/dry handheld vacuum is that it might produce a slightly disturbing sound sometimes. This happens especially when it’s being used for more than an hour at a stretch. If you experience such an issue within a year of the purchase, you can always request a replacement, so don’t delay reporting such a problem to the manufacturer.

5. BLACK+DECKER Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum

The BLACK+DECKER Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum is designed for those who need a versatile and lightweight solution for cleaning up both wet and dry messes in their home. At just 2 pounds, it is easy to carry and maneuver to tackle a variety of spills and messes. This vacuum’s distinct features include a washable filter, squeegee attachment, and a wall mount for convenient storage.

This handheld vacuum impressed us with its convenience and overall performance. The squeegee accessory made handling water spills a breeze, while the lightweight design allowed for ease of use in different situations. The washable filter and ability to rinse the dust bowl right in the sink made cleaning it simple and efficient. The wall mount also adds to the ease of storage, ensuring it’s always accessible when needed. Additionally, the vacuum is compatible with any floor type, making it perfect for spot-cleaning small messes, both wet and dry.

While the vacuum demonstrated solid performance, there were a few areas where it could have been better. It struggled with corners and crevices, as the angles and position made it difficult to effectively clean them. The vacuum also became notably louder and less efficient when the dust cup was full, which required frequent emptying to maintain optimal performance. Despite these minor drawbacks, the vacuum’s versatility and price offer good value for those who need a multi-purpose cleaning tool.

6. Dirt Devil QuickFlip Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum

The Dirt Devil QuickFlip Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum is an excellent choice for those who require a cleaning tool capable of handling multiple surfaces and various types of messes. This lightweight, cordless vacuum is perfect for parents who need a go-to option for cleaning up both wet and dry spills. It stands out for its extra-large dirt cup that can hold up to 17 ounces of liquid and dry debris.

We appreciated the Dirt Devil QuickFlip for its ability to clean up both wet and dry messes effectively. At only 2 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to use on various surfaces around the house. The extra-large dirt cup is a major advantage, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without the need for frequent emptying. Being cordless also adds to its convenience and portability during cleaning.

One downside to the Dirt Devil QuickFlip is the lack of a charging dock. This vacuum relies on a charging cable, which is not as convenient as having a dedicated charging station. Nonetheless, the vacuum still performed well in various situations and remains a great choice for handling multiple surfaces.

Best Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuums Comparison Table

Buying Guide for the Best Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuums

Choosing the best wet/dry handheld vacuum can be much easier if you keep in mind certain key features that determine the performance of any model.

By making a hasty decision, you may land up with the wrong choice that would offer only partial results. Hence, we’ve put together this list of the essential factors to consider before purchasing a suitable model.

1. Filtration

This is a crucial point since the filtration system of a vacuum helps get rid of the harmful particles present in the dirt. Now, handheld vacuums may include a HEPA filter, a two-stage filtration system, or a combination of both. While HEPA filters help remove the more injurious allergens besides other particulate matter, the latter comes with mesh filters that remove the contaminants in two stages.

So, while going through the product details of any model, make sure you check the filtration system that it offers. Along with that, remember to check the customer reviews, which talk about the efficiency of the filters. This will help you understand whether the wet/dry handheld vacuum really offers a reliable filtration system.

2. Motor Performance

The motor of any wet/dry handheld vacuum determines its suction power to a large extent. So, it’s important to ensure that the model you choose comes with a high-performing motor that can facilitate efficient cleaning action.

Generally, motors with a power of 90-120W are capable of delivering the ideal cleaning action. But to be absolutely sure that it’s durable and efficient enough, check the customer reviews for the model you’re considering.

3. Suction Power

The suction power is, of course, of prime importance when it comes to choosing wet/dry handheld vacuums. It’s usually mentioned in the product details, but it will also depend upon a few sub-factors, including the motor power and the presence of extra nozzles or attachments.

Hence, you must also consider these points while going through the features of the model. Note that a suction power of 8 kPa is regarded as ideal for providing an intense cleaning action.

As for the attachments, the availability of a crevice tool and a brush tool along with the standard dust nozzle is essential to ensure precise cleaning. While a brush takes care of the dirt on upholstery, carpets, and fabric furniture, the crevice tool helps in cleaning the hard-to-reach areas and can also remove liquid spills.

4. Dust Container

The dust container of the best handheld vacuum should have sufficient capacity and should also be easy to use and maintain. After all, you would never want a model with a small container that needs to be emptied frequently.

The capacity should be such that it can collect the dirt from at least two cleaning sessions at a stretch. Plus, detaching the container from the vacuum should be simple. Speaking of maintenance, the best handheld vacuums come with containers that are low-maintenance, preferably something that needs a simple rinse to be cleaned.

5. Weight and Design

A handheld cleaning tool needs to be lightweight enough to ensure a comfortable cleaning experience. You’ll need to clean different surfaces around the home using the model and may also use it for your car, so it must be easy to carry around. Thus, it’s important to check the weight of the handheld vacuum while going through its details.

The design of the best handheld vacuum should also be convenient enough to be maneuvered easily over the surface that you’re cleaning. Some models come with easy-grip handles that enable more convenience and also make the model safer to use.

6. Warranty and Money-Back Guarantee

The availability of a warranty is a significant factor in this regard. While using the product, you might face any issue that might hamper its performance; as such, you should be able to get it repaired or replaced by the brand.

And in case they are not able to solve the problem, they should offer you a refund of the money. So, while scanning through the details of a model, make sure you consider the warranty or money-back guarantee offered. A warranty period of two years is regarded to be ideal for wet/dry handheld vacuums.

What surfaces can I use a wet and dry handheld vacuum on?

Wet and dry handheld vacuums can be used on various surfaces, including floors, carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. They are designed to pick up both dry debris like dust and pet hair, as well as wet spills and messes.

Are wet and dry handheld vacuums easy to use?

Yes, wet and dry handheld vacuums are designed to be easy to use. They are typically lightweight and portable, making them easy to maneuver around tight spaces. Many models come with attachments and accessories that make them versatile for different cleaning tasks.

How do I clean and maintain my wet and dry handheld vacuum?

To clean and maintain your wet and dry handheld vacuum, you should empty the dustbin or collection container after each use. You can also wash or replace the filter periodically, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also important to keep the vacuum’s attachments and accessories clean and free of debris.

Can I use a wet and dry handheld vacuum to clean up pet hair?

Yes, many wet and dry handheld vacuums are designed to pick up pet hair. Look for models with strong suction power and a pet hair attachment for optimal results.

What is the battery life of a cordless wet and dry handheld vacuum?

The battery life of a cordless wet and dry handheld vacuum can vary depending on the model and usage. Some models may have a battery life of 10-15 minutes, while others can last up to an hour or more. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for battery life before purchasing.

Conclusion

Having looked at the most high-performing models on the market, you’ll surely have no problems choosing the best handheld vacuum. So, it’s time to say goodbye to the back-straining cleaning sessions resulting in spotty surfaces around the home.

But before we wrap up our guide, we would like to recap our favorites from the list. The BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L is the handheld vacuum to go for if you want a high-performing yet budget-friendly model. However, if you’re specifically looking for a product with a large-capacity tank, the DEWALT DCV517B will be an ideal pick.

Do you agree with our verdict? Let us know in the comments section below. Till we meet again!

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