Wet Productivity

Wheels make the wet/dry vacuum ride, especially on hard floor surfaces.

Soft-ride, swivel caster wheels make turns and traversing with a wet/dry much easier. One company offers 15- and 20-gallon wet/drys with two built-in variable swivel caster wheel patterns that allow for better maneuverability. A maintenance worker can switch out one variation for the other with just a few simple tools and a few minutes. One wheel figuration option allows the swivel caster wheels to easily rotate the vacuum 360 degrees, while the other is more traditional, and allows for ease of transportation and mobility over stairs and curbs.

With wet/drys vacuums, emptying out water and sludge is a key concern and time sink. Sometimes a worker will have a floor drain to empty into, and at other times only a slop sink or toilet will be available. In larger units without adequate draining features, the hassle and weight of dirty water can cause a literal pain in the neck. Look for wet/dry vacuums with draining versatility—by dumping the unit through either a bottom drain spout or an easy-to-attach drain hose.

In commercial spaces, hard floor surfaces are built to last, and a wet/dry vacuum should help sustain and extend their lifespan. So look first for a wet/dry that’s built to perform—with indoor air, ergonomics and ease of use in mind for the space and the worker. Then make sure to get a wet/dry that’s built to last too, with high-grade motors, commercial hoses and closures, and an extended warranty.