Best Wet Dry Vac for Gutter Cleaning

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Using a wet/dry vacuum for gutter cleaning is a powerful and efficient way to remove leaves, dirt, and debris from gutters, especially if they’re wet and clogged. A shop vac with the right attachments can help you tackle tough gutter cleaning jobs without the need for ladders, reducing the risk of injury. Here are the best wet/dry vacuums for gutter cleaning, along with recommended accessories to make the job easier.

1. Ridgid WD1450 14-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Ridgid WD1450 is a highly-rated wet/dry vacuum known for its power, capacity, and durability, making it ideal for gutter cleaning.

  • Key Features:
    • 6.0 Peak HP Motor: Offers strong suction power, perfect for removing wet leaves, dirt, and sludge from gutters.
    • 14-Gallon Capacity: The large tank can handle large cleaning tasks without needing frequent emptying, making it ideal for extended cleaning sessions.
    • Durable and Portable: Built for tough environments, the vacuum is easy to maneuver with its large wheels and carry handle.
    • Noise Reduction: Features noise-reduction technology, making it quieter than many other models during use.
  • Pros:
    • Strong suction, ideal for removing wet and dry debris.
    • Large capacity, perfect for cleaning long sections of gutters.
    • Reliable and built for heavy-duty use.
  • Cons:
    • Slightly bulky for smaller homes or tight spaces.
  • Best For: Homeowners or professionals looking for a powerful and durable wet/dry vacuum to handle tough gutter cleaning jobs.
  • Price: Around £250 – £300

2. Shop-Vac 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Shop-Vac 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is another excellent choice for gutter cleaning, offering strong suction and a large capacity.

  • Key Features:
    • 6.5 Peak HP Motor: Delivers powerful suction, making it ideal for cleaning gutters clogged with leaves, dirt, and wet debris.
    • 16-Gallon Capacity: The large tank size means fewer trips to empty the vacuum, making it perfect for cleaning long sections of gutters.
    • Blower Function: The vacuum can be easily converted into a blower, allowing you to blow debris out of the gutters before vacuuming it up.
    • Durable Construction: Designed to withstand rough environments, this vacuum is perfect for both outdoor and indoor use.
  • Pros:
    • High suction power for wet and dry debris.
    • Large capacity for handling bigger cleaning jobs.
    • Versatile, with a blower function for initial debris clearing.
  • Cons:
    • Bulkier than smaller models, making it less portable for smaller areas.
  • Best For: Homeowners with large properties or gutters that accumulate a lot of debris over time.
  • Price: Around £300 – £350

3. DeWalt DXV10P 10-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The DeWalt DXV10P is a well-known wet/dry vacuum, combining power, portability, and excellent suction for effective gutter cleaning.

  • Key Features:
    • 5.5 Peak HP Motor: Offers powerful suction, making it ideal for cleaning out gutters that have both dry and wet debris.
    • 10-Gallon Capacity: A medium-sized tank provides a good balance between portability and capacity, making it perfect for medium-sized homes.
    • Portable Design: Equipped with large wheels and an ergonomic handle, this vacuum is easy to maneuver around the house.
    • Durable Build: Known for its rugged design, the DeWalt wet/dry vac can handle tough environments and long usage times.
  • Pros:
    • Strong suction power for both wet and dry debris.
    • Medium size, making it portable but with enough capacity for longer jobs.
    • Lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Cons:
    • Smaller capacity compared to 16-gallon models, so it may require more frequent emptying for larger properties.
  • Best For: Homeowners looking for a portable yet powerful vacuum for gutter cleaning without sacrificing capacity.
  • Price: Around £200 – £250

4. Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Vacmaster VBV1210 is a versatile vacuum with both wet/dry functionality and a blower feature, making it ideal for gutter cleaning.

  • Key Features:
    • 5.0 Peak HP Motor: Provides strong suction, allowing you to remove even compacted wet debris from your gutters.
    • 12-Gallon Capacity: The medium-sized tank strikes a balance between portability and storage capacity.
    • Detachable Blower: The vacuum features a 2-in-1 blower/vacuum design, allowing you to blow leaves and debris out of the gutters before vacuuming.
    • Durable Design: The Vacmaster is built for outdoor and indoor use, with heavy-duty components.
  • Pros:
    • Blower function is perfect for loosening debris before vacuuming.
    • Medium-sized capacity for most homes.
    • Detachable blower offers added versatility.
  • Cons:
    • Not as powerful as larger models with higher horsepower.
  • Best For: Homeowners needing a versatile vacuum that can both blow and vacuum gutter debris, ideal for both small and large properties.
  • Price: Around £200 – £250

5. Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

For homeowners with smaller properties or lighter debris loads, the Stanley SL18116P is a compact, budget-friendly option that still provides strong suction power for cleaning gutters.

  • Key Features:
    • 4.0 Peak HP Motor: Offers reliable suction power for removing leaves and other gutter debris, though not as powerful as larger models.
    • 6-Gallon Capacity: Small but adequate for homes with shorter gutter sections or fewer debris accumulations.
    • Lightweight and Portable: The compact size makes this vacuum easy to carry around, even in tight spaces.
    • Blower Function: The vacuum can also convert into a blower to help move dry leaves out of the gutters before vacuuming.
  • Pros:
    • Lightweight and easy to transport.
    • Perfect for smaller homes or lighter cleaning jobs.
    • Budget-friendly.
  • Cons:
    • Less powerful suction compared to larger models.
    • Smaller capacity may require frequent emptying for larger properties.
  • Best For: Homeowners with smaller properties looking for a compact and affordable wet/dry vacuum for occasional gutter cleaning.
  • Price: Around £100 – £150

6. Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 is a large-capacity, heavy-duty wet/dry vacuum ideal for tackling large gutter cleaning tasks on bigger properties.

  • Key Features:
    • 6.5 Peak HP Motor: Delivers powerful suction for both wet and dry debris, making it one of the most powerful models available.
    • 16-Gallon Capacity: The large capacity allows you to clean long sections of gutters without frequent stops to empty the tank.
    • Blower Function: Can also be converted into a blower to clear out large amounts of leaves and debris from gutters before vacuuming.
    • Durable Design: Built to handle rough outdoor conditions, the Craftsman wet/dry vac is known for its heavy-duty construction.
  • Pros:
    • Powerful suction for tackling large gutter cleaning tasks.
    • Large capacity means fewer trips to empty the tank.
    • Versatile with blower and vacuum capabilities.
  • Cons:
    • Bulky, making it less portable for smaller jobs.
  • Best For: Large properties or professional use where a heavy-duty, high-capacity vacuum is required for significant cleaning jobs.
  • Price: Around £300 – £350

Best Gutter Cleaning Attachments for Wet/Dry Vacuums

To efficiently clean gutters with your wet/dry vacuum, you’ll need the right attachments. Here are some recommended gutter cleaning accessories:

1. Shop-Vac Gutter Cleaning Kit

  • Key Features:
    • Comes with multiple extension tubes and a curved nozzle to reach gutters from the ground.
    • Allows you to vacuum out debris without needing a ladder.
    • Universal fit, compatible with most wet/dry vacuums.
  • Price: Around £30 – £50

2. Vacmaster Gutter Cleaning Kit

  • Key Features:
    • Compatible with Vacmaster vacuums, the kit provides up to 3 meters (10 feet) of reach.
    • Includes several extension tubes and a nozzle for effective gutter cleaning.
  • Price: Around £40 – £60

Conclusion

For the best wet/dry vacuums for gutter cleaning, the Ridgid WD1450 and Shop-Vac 16-Gallon are excellent options for those needing powerful suction and large capacity for both wet and dry debris. If you’re looking for portability, the DeWalt DXV10P and Vacmaster VBV1210 provide a good balance between size and power. Don’t forget to pair your vacuum with a gutter cleaning kit to make the job easier and more efficient.

Choosing the right wet/dry vacuum will not only make gutter cleaning more manageable but also help ensure your gutters stay clear and functional all year round.

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