When you go out to buy a wet/dry vacuum with both wet and dry features, you'll need to know some of the details. The vacuums are available in a variety of different sizes and HP, ranging from 6 - 22 gallons and 1.5 - 10.5 HP. The capacity of the wet/dry vacuum should match your needs in the following ways:

1. Wall mount vacuum cleaners with 1.5 HP and a 1 gallon tank are available for quick and easy cleanup jobs, such as spills. You can also hang this type on the wall as well, which will keep it out of your way.

2. The six gallon vacuum cleaners are ideal for smaller jobs and are easy to maneuver and store than a larger model. Keep in mind however, that the smaller wet/dry cleaners are much louder and also more prone to tipping over. The smaller the tank, the more often you will have to stop and empty it.

3. Higher capacity models are recommended if you have a workshop or garage where larger spills occur. A large capacity tank will decrease the number of times that you have to empty the tank.

When you looking for the best wet/dry vacuum for you, you should look for the following options and features: - The pleated cartridge filter. It is reusable and rinseable, and provides more filtration area than the flat filter and it doesn't need to be removed when you switch from the dry to wet vacuum function.

- An automatic shut off device is available with most newer vacuum cleaners. This mechanism will shut off the motor automatically once the tank has become full of water, which will prevent it from overflowing.

- A wide set of wheels will help to prevent the vacuum from tipping over.

- There are some of the larger models that have the ability to convert to a leaf blower, which is great if you have a lot of trees in your yard.

- Some wet/dry models have a built in pump attachment as well. This type of attachment will allow the water to be pumped through a garden hose that attaches to the vacuum.

- A handy drain valve or sprout will make emptying the vacuum cleaner a snap. If it doesn't have this feature, you'll have to remove the lid and tip the vacuum to the side to empty all of the water. Depending on how much water you have in the tank, you could easily and accidentally spill it on the floor. The smaller types of wet/dry vacuums normally don't have a spout or drain option.

- Wider hoses and floor nozzles are great to have as well. The wider the hose and nozzle are, the less likely the vacuum will be to clog up on you.

If they aren't provided with the vacuum you decided on, you can also purchase the following attachments:

1. Crevice tool - this handy tool will easily get in tight corners and around floor edges.

2. Extension wand - this will make the hose longer for hard to reach areas.

3. Hose couplings - this will join the extension wand to the hose.

4. Combination nozzle - this helps to alleviate the need of switching nozzles before you switch functions.

5. Gulper nozzle - this tool is ideal for the wet vacuum function.

6. Round brush - this nifty little tool is ideal for scrubbing.

7. Cleaning kit - this kit will include everything you need to clean delicate upholstery and other areas as well.