A shop vacuum (or wet/dry vacuum) is commonly referred to as a “Shop Vac” which is actually one brand of shop vacuum. Unlike a regular vacuum cleaner, it can perform a wide variety of cleaning tasks. Here are some tips to help keep it running longer.

#1. CHECK TO SEE WHAT MODE YOUR VAC IS IN

Contrary to popular belief, you cannot vacuum from wet items to dry items without changing modes.

#2. USING YOUR VACUUM IN DRY MODE

Dry mode is where these vacuums shine. Use it for basic dust, clearing ashes from the fireplace, rodent droppings, cleaning out the car, or suck up spider webs and dead (or live) bugs.

Before you start vacuuming Make Sure the canister is dry inside. You will need a filter (Hepa or Cloth) in place to prevent the dust from damaging your motor, and preferably a bag as well. If you vacuum wet in this mode you will clog the filter with mud causing your motor to strain and eventually fail....Money out the window.  

#3 USING YOUR VACUUM IN WET MODE

Wet mode is great for business entrance ways (Melting Snow and Rain pick up), accidental spills and floods 

Before you start Vacuuming make sure to remove the bag and Hepa filter. Some have a ball and float and some vacs require a foam sleeve to be placed where the filter was. Once in this mode, make sure to never vacuum dry items as they will go directly into the motor, the dust will be spit into the room. This is bad for your health and the health of the vacuum.

#4 NEVER LEAVE LIQUID SITTING IN THE VAC

Liquid evaporates up. Most wet/dry vacs have the motor on top. Motors don't like moisture....it rusts them out. Resulting in a dead motor and money out the window

#5 MOST OF THEM BLOW TOO!

Most wet/dry vacs have the ability to attach the hose to its exhaust port. You can then use it to blow up air mattresses, blow out the gutters, blow leaves, and even large inflatable pools.