Wet and dry vacuum cleaners

There are many different types of vacuum cleaner: bagless, cordless, large, or small, they all operate in the same fundamental way. The motor drives a fan that creates an airflow and lowers the air pressure in the vacuum. This strong air suction transports dirt particles inside the device. A filter system cleans the air before it is then directed back outside. A vacuum cleaner with powerful suction is a must-have for every DIY household.

Anyone who has tried to remove coarse dirt in the workshop with an ordinary vacuum knows how quickly a household model is overwhelmed with the task. Even a hallway exposed to dirty children's shoes or wet paws can be cleaned with an ordinary mop or broom, but it is faster and more convenient with a vacuum that can absorb liquid.
 

The advantages of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner at a glance:

• As a rule, wet/dry vacuums have a larger capacity and higher suction power than conventional household vacuums.
• The biggest advantage is, of course, their multifunctionality: thanks to their power and their special filter, wet/dry vacuum cleaners can pick up dry and coarser dirt as well as liquids.
• They are particularly robust and therefore practical for use in the garage or workshop and outdoors – whether in the yard, terrace or garden shed.
• The large collection container is ideal for coarser dirt or larger quantities of liquids.
• Some wet and dry vacuums also have an integrated outward blow function. They can also clean where vacuuming is not possible - protective goggles should be worn during such operations.
• A wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be used for dry vacuuming with or without a bag. For wet applications, the vacuum cleaner is used without a bag.
• Some wet/dry vacuums can be connected to Bosch power tools with a universal adapter. When the tool is switched on, the vacuum starts automatically and keeps the work area free of dust.  

Deciding which vacuum cleaner is the best for you depends on where and how you’ll use it. What size vacuum cleaner do you want? Will it be carried around a lot? Do you only need the device for dry vacuuming, or do you want to suck up liquids and damp dirt too (such as spilled water and plant soil)?

As well as suction power, you should consider other criteria when selecting a model, such as ease of use, operating radius, capacity, and weight. What can also make the difference is whether there are accessories that come with the vacuum cleaner, such as adapters, nozzles, or extension tubes. With Bosch, you won’t have to buy vacuum cleaner accessories in most cases - they come with our vacuums!

When choosing an electric vacuum cleaner, power plays an important role. Prospective vacuum-buyers will almost always look at the wattage of an appliance. However, the electrical power of a vacuum cleaner is not an indication of its suction power and cleaning ability.

What really matters is the combination of the maximum air flow (measured in litres per minute) and the maximum negative pressure (in mbar). The air flow must be fast enough so that it can transport the dirt from the nozzle to the container. Nowadays, suction power is usually measured in air watts (AW). This denotes the amount of energy produced by a given amount of air flowing through an opening.

The Bosch Home & Garden range includes vacuum cleaners with a suction power of up to 300 AW. Our models have performed excellently in various tests and have shown convincing results with powerful suction rates.

When cleaning up wet materials, filter bags are generally not necessary, as the dirt lands directly in the collection container. A filter bag is not necessarily required for dry vacuuming either. However, it is useful for vacuuming fine dust, as the filter bag protects the filter itself from clogging.