The Shop Vac bag isn’t designed to get wet. If you leave the bag in, you’ll have to replace it with a new one when you want to use it for dry messes again. If you have a smaller Shop Vac, your model might not have a bag in it. In that case, you can move onto the next step.

The filters are usually round and fit around the middle portion of the lid.

If you have a small model of the Shop Vac, get a small foam sleeve. If you’re using the 1 gallon Shop Vac, go for a micro foam sleeve.

While the nozzle with the flat head is technically the “wet nozzle,” any nozzle you have for your Shop Vac will work fine. You can also use a crevice tool for any corners, nooks, or crannies.

GFCI outlets will automatically shut off if they detect any variation from the normal current of electricity.

If you’re dealing with wet carpet, place the wet nozzle directly on the carpet and slowly drag it back and forth.

Using the Shop Vac while it’s full can stress the motor, causing it to burn out. Whenever you hear the motor change, stop it right away.

Large debris can clog the pump of your Shop Vac.

Direct the water away from any garden beds or edible gardens. Waste water isn’t great for living plants, and it could damage your landscaping.

If your Shop Vac is extremely dirty or smells bad, mix 1 US gal (3. 8 L) of warm water with 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of bleach, then use your mixture to clean out the canister.