Cleaning — FAQ
What peak HP do I need for tile floors?
For routine tile maintenance, 1.0-2.0 HP handles surface debris. For grout deep-cleaning and wet spills, aim for 4.5+ peak HP. The 5.5 HP model excels at extracting embedded sand from grout lines in a single pass.
Can I use a regular shop vac attachment on tile?
No. Standard hard-plastic floor tools scratch glazed tile surfaces. You need a horsehair or soft-bristle attachment that agitates grout without abrasion. The horsehair accessory we tested is mandatory for porcelain and natural stone tile.
How do I clean tile grout with a shop vac?
First, use the spin scrubber to loosen embedded grime. Then vacuum grout lines with a horsehair attachment using short, overlapping strokes. The 1.25-inch or 1.5-inch hose maintains enough velocity to extract loosened debris from narrow grout channels.
Is wet pickup necessary for tile vacs?
Yes. Bathroom and kitchen tile regularly encounter liquid spills. Wet/dry capability also lets you vacuum after mopping, removing dirty water from grout lines. All tested Shop-Vac models except the spin scrubber offer wet/dry functionality.
Will a shop vac damage my tile?
Only if you use wrong attachments. Plastic brushes scratch tile. Use horsehair brushes and avoid dropping the vacuum body on tile. The stainless steel model has rubber feet that prevent chipping if accidentally bumped against baseboards.
Should I get a wall-mount or portable shop vac for tile?
Wall-mount units suit dedicated tile workshops or single-level homes with fixed cleaning stations. For multi-story houses, a portable 5-8 gallon unit offers flexibility. The wall-mount model we tested detaches quickly for occasional transport.
