Owning a shop vac for your business or home use is beneficial in many ways. This equipment can clean up spills and debris that a traditional vacuum cannot and is a very important tool in keeping the work area clean and safe.
To get the most out of your shop vac and extend its life as long as possible, you need to make sure you use it correctly and don’t abuse its abilities. Along with having this equipment serviced regularly, you can use the following tips for keeping your shop vac in its best condition. 
Take Care with Spills
Certain spills, such as oils, paints, and other difficult liquids, can be cleaned with a shop vac, but you need to do so with as much caution as possible to avoid clogging your vacuum. The best way to clean spills is to wipe up as much of the liquid as you can with old towels or sheets, then soak up what is left with sawdust, kitty litter, or sand. You can then use your wet/dry shop vac to clean up the remainder of the mess.
After cleaning, use a power washer to rinse out your shop vac’s hose, filter, and inner container. This is the best way to prevent build-up inside your machine. If you don’t have a power washer already, you can rent or purchase one from us at Ben’s Cleaner Sales. We have a wide variety of equipment in stock.
Empty Debris Regularly
When cleaning up large messes such as glass, insulation pieces, and other debris, you want to make sure you always start with an empty canister. Debris can become compact inside the canister due to a shop vac’s powerful suction, which can reduce the effective qualities of the machine if not cleaned out after every use.
Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when emptying the canister to prevent dust particles from irritating your skin, and place debris in a container with an enclosed lid.
Clean Your Shop Vac Often
You should clean out your shop vac whenever you notice debris sticking to the insides of the canister and hose. To clean your shop vac, fill the canister basin with water and bleach to kill germs and bacteria. Rinse out the hose with water and run it through until the water comes out clean. Use a power washer or a high-pressure hose to rinse out the filters. Dry the unit entirely with a clean rag so it is ready for its next use.
Change the Filters
You should replace your shop vac filters when you notice any rips, tears, or stuck-on stains from paint or other debris on them. When dust and other particles escape the filter, they can clog your unit and cause your shop vac to lose suction. Ben’s carries replacement filters for your shop vac in stock.
Watch What You Clean
Hazardous materials, such as pesticides, asbestos, and other harmful chemicals, should never be cleaned by using a shop vac. You can cause accidental exposure in attempting to suck up these dangerous substances yourself. Contact your local cleaner supply store or service company for the proper equipment you should use to clean up certain chemicals to keep the workplace, and your equipment, safe.
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your shop vac to last for many years. If you have concerns about how your equipment is operating or you want to have it professionally serviced, call our experts at Ben’s Cleaner Sales to assist you. We carry a large range of shop vacs and accessories to help you keep your business clean and safe for healthy operation.