DEWALT MAX Washable Filter Wet Dry Vacuum, 2-Gallon

Last updated: May 31, 2023


The filter on this wet dry vacuum is easily accessible, and can be washed and reused to save money. The tank can hold up to 2 gallons, which makes it an excellent choice when emptying a clogged pipe. Additionally, this unit features on-board accessory storage to keep everything you need within arms' reach.

DEWALT MAX Washable Filter Wet Dry Vacuum, 2-Gallon

We looked at the top Wet Dry Vacuums and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Wet Dry Vacuum you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: You can use this wet dry vacuum with or without the cord.

In our analysis of 57 expert reviews, the DEWALT MAX Washable Filter Wet Dry Vacuum, 2-Gallon placed 10th when we looked at the top 18 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The DEWALT DCV581H 18/20v MAX* Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum has the ability to provide cordless or corded operation powered by either an 18v or 20v MAX battery or an AC outlet. It features a HEPA rated wet/dry filter that traps dust with 99.97% efficiency at 1 micron. The filter is easily accessible, washable/reusable (use tap or water rinse to clean). This unit has a heavy-duty crush-resistant fully integrated 5′ (by 1-1/4″ diameter) hose which provides durability, flexibility and ease of use. The on-board hose and accessory storage makes the vacuum easy to carry and transport. Also comes with a crevice tool attachment and a wide nozzle tool attachment. Battery and charger sold separately.

Our Expert Consultant

Vicki Liston 
Home Improvement Expert

Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.

Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

One standout feature, though, is its rechargeable battery. This means you don't have to be near a power source to use the vacuum.
The crevice tool stores nicely in the handle and the wide nozzle clips to the front of the unit.
On-board hose comes with useful accessories – crevice nozzle and wide nozzle.
Rugged and versatile. Reliable suction w/HEPA filtration.
It is very sturdy and durable unit – casing is much stronger than casing of many other, larger and more expensive vacuums.
DeWalt DCV581H comes with wet-dry true HEPA air filter, which is capable of filtering out 99.97% of 0.3 microns and larger particles from the sucked air.
DeWalt added on-board storage to the vacuum to make it easy to keep accessories neatly organized and ready to use when needed. Adding to this small wet/dry vac's popularity is the fact that it isn't as big as a standard unit.
The filter traps 99.97 percent of dust which makes this vac fit to use for fine dust like drywall dust since it will not blow particles into the air like some vacuums do.
This model wil work on just AC power without the battery. It is equipped with a power cord and storage for the cord.

What reviewers didn't like

It's also the slowest at wet cleanup. It took the DeWalt over 12 seconds to suction 2 gallons of water. That was the worst of those we tested.
You’re not going to be able to do really heavy work with this vac, and I wouldn’t hook it up to anything where you were staking your LRRP credentials on its dust-collecting prowess.
Noisy; hearing protection is recommended.
Pricey, and the battery and charger must purchased separately.
It is not the lightest vacuum cleaner – it weighs around 9.1 pounds (around 4.1 kg) and when in use, it is held by one hand (or it is on the floor), while other hand cleans the area with cleaning hose.
When the battery is plugged into the unit and the power cord is also plugged in, DeWalt DCV581H doesn't charge the battery - to charge the battery, separate battery charger must be used.
Won't pick up nails or screws.
​You have to buy the battery and charger separately and that becomes expensive.
This product does not come with a battery and charger. You have to buy those items separately.
View our Wet Dry Vacuum buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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