Wet-Dry vacuums are just what the doctor ordered when it comes to cleaning your vinyl floors. They save a ton of time versus using a combination of a broom, mop, and standard dry vacuum, not to mention they save you from destroying your neck, back, and knees.
We tested out the best wet-dry vacuums of 2024 so that you can be sure your next purchase is the right one. Now it’s time to put these vacuums under the microscope and take a look at what makes them so special.
Our Top 4 Wet-Dry Vacuums For Vinyl Floors
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | Our Top Pick | Shark WD101 HydroVac XL
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget  | Best Budget | Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
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| View on Amazon |
Best High End  | Best High End | Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro All in One
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| View on Amazon |
 | Hoover FloorMate Deluxe
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| View on Amazon |
What Are Wet-Dry Vacuums?
As you may have guessed from the name, wet-dry vacuums are pretty self-explanatory. They offer the best of both worlds when it comes to cleaning up both wet and dry messes. For the most part, they are somewhat pricier than standard dry vacuums, but they are well worth the money if you purchase a quality make and model.
What Are The Different Types Of Wet-Dry Vacuums For Vinyl Floors?
Wet-dry vacuums can have many different features, components, and pros/cons, meaning that one vacuum might not be the best for every scenario. Like a regular vacuum, they come in corded and battery-powered versions. Battery-powered vacuums are more convenient than plug-in models, but they require time to charge and can be heavier because they have an onboard battery.
Some will have separate modes for using them dry and using them wet, this includes deep cleaning settings for scrubbing extra sticky spills.
How Do Wet-Dry Vacuums Work?
Each vacuum will work a little bit differently, but the most important feature to take note of is that they can handle both wet and dry messes. The best models will have a tank for collecting dirty water and separate tank with clean water where you can add detergents and soaps for extra scrubbing power.
What Do You Look For In The Best Wet-Dry Vacuums For Vinyl Floors?
Surprisingly, vacuum features are almost endless. This may seem great, but many of these features aren’t necessary for cleaning and maintaining vinyl floors. The most important features/characteristics you should look for on a wet-dry vacuum are:
- Separate tanks for clean and dirty water
- Whether or not you prefer batter power or plugging into an outlet
- Multiple connections/nozzles for getting hard-to-reach spots
- Sufficient suction power
- Soft brushes to avoid scratching vinyl surfaces
- Ample filtration systems
- Lightweight design
This list is far from exhaustive, but these are the most important features that you should be looking for.
Best Wet-Dry Vacuums For Vinyl Floors Reviewed
Shark WD101 HydroVac XL (Our Top Pick)
If you are tired of navigating the challenges of cleaning vinyl floors without damaging them, the Shark WD101 has you covered. Its exceptional suction power is tailored for picking up wet and dry spills without scuffing the surface of your floors.
No pesky bags or filters to worry about, just pop the tank free and dump it so you can finish cleaning and get on with your day. It also comes standard with a HEPA filtration system built in so that 99.9% of allergens or dust are sucked up instead of vented back into the room, where they can recollect on the floor.
Pros
- Gentle yet powerful suction for quick cleaning without scratching vinyl
- HEPA filtration
- Easy to empty tank
Cons
- Higher price point than competitors
Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner (Best Budget)
Looking to get the job done quickly without breaking the bank? Well, that’s exactly what Dirt Devil vacuums are known for. You really can’t beat this price, considering you are getting a vacuum, mop, and blower all in one convenient package. No matter the type of spill, the Vibe 3-In-1 can handle it.
Aside from its price point the best part of this wet-dry vacuum is that it is light as a feather (not literally, but it’s close!). This means you can clean up messes in record time before they have a chance to dry and really do some damage.
Pros
- Versatile 3-in-1 design
- Very affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Could use more suction power for picking up viscous liquids
- Not the most durable design
Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro All In One (Best High-End)
Bissell is a name that is synonymous with top-tier vacuums, and the Crosswave Pet Pro proves exactly why. What separates this vacuum from the competition is that it mops, vacuums, and dries at the same time. You will save tons of time with the Crosswave since you don’t have to make multiple passes on the same floor as you mop, vacuum, and dry.
This is especially handy for pet stains that are notorious for leaving behind smells and unsightly discoloration on flooring. You get what you pay for, and in this case the purchase is certainly worth every penny.
Pros
- Simultaneously washes and dries
- Designed to pick up pet hair
- Brush is soft enough to prevent damage to vinyl and strong enough to clean tough messes
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than competitors due to extra features
Hoover FloorMate Deluxe (Honorable Mention)
The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe didn’t make the top of our list, but we would be remiss if we didn’t include it as an honorable mention. It comes with specially designed SpinScrub brushes that help scrub stains from every angle, ensuring that your floors stay looking new. The clean water and dirty water are separated into two different tanks that are easily replaced so you don’t have to worry about spilling on top of what you just cleaned. Last, but not least, the adjustable CleanBoost Control feature lets you modify the cleaning power and gives you the option to spot clean with extra detergent for those stubborn stains. All in all, this rig is still worth the price tag considering all of its extra features.
Pros
- Patented SpinScrub technology for deep cleaning
- Dual Tank system for easy emptying
- Customizable CleanBoost Control to tackle any sized spill
Cons
- Extra features can be confusing for some at first
- Not the quietest vacuum on the market
- Bulkier than some competitors
Final Thoughts On Wet-Dry Vacuums For Vinyl Flooring
Shopping for wet-dry vacuums isn’t most people’s idea of a fun day, but luckily we did most of the leg work for you. The best wet/vacuums for vinyl flooring need to strike a balance between being strong enough to wash away stubborn messes while being gentle enough to not scratch the finish. No matter which vacuum you choose, you will be happy with the fact that you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your busy day.
