DeWalt’s Cordless Wet/Dry Vac Promises Shop Power in a Compact Package — Here’s Our Take

Key Specs & Features

The DeWalt DCV581H Wet/Dry Vac is a compact, 2-gallon unit that pulls double duty as both a corded and cordless vacuum. Pop in a DeWalt 20V MAX battery when you’re mobile, or plug it in for continuous shop use. Suction is surprisingly strong for its size—handling sawdust, small debris, and even light wet cleanups without a hitch.

At about 11 lbs bare (closer to 15 lbs with a larger XR battery), it isn’t featherweight, but the hose and attachments tuck neatly into the body, and everything stays in place during transport. You get a crevice tool and gulper nozzle included, and the hose stretches 5 feet for decent reach.

Performance & Usability

In testing, the vac made quick work of sawdust, dirt, and vehicle debris. The suction is plenty strong for shop cleanups, trimming projects, and car detailing. The dual power setup is a big win—battery mode for on-the-go jobs, corded mode when you don’t want to think about runtime.

The washable HEPA filter does a solid job capturing fine dust. If you’re working indoors or in a shared workshop, pairing this with DeWalt’s optional dust extractor hose keeps things even cleaner.

Noise levels are about what you’d expect from a compact vac—not whisper quiet, but not obnoxiously loud either.

Real-World Use

• Shop cleanup: Sucked up sawdust and small wood chips without clogging.
• Vehicle cleaning: Compact size and hose made it great for car seats, floor mats, and tight gaps.
• Wet spills: Internal float valve prevents water from reaching the motor, but note—you’ll need to buy the foam filter cap separately for wet use.

Reviewers consistently praised how portable and convenient it is, especially compared to lugging around a full-size shop vac. One cabinetmaker even said just avoiding tripping over cords made the cordless mode worth it.

Value & Context

At around $139 (tool only), it’s not the cheapest 2-gallon vac out there—but it’s one of the most versatile. If you already own DeWalt 20V batteries, the value jumps way up. The build feels sturdy, and with the 3-year warranty, you’re covered for the long haul.

It’s heavier than it looks, and the balance is a little front-heavy, but those trade-offs feel minor given the portability and suction power.

Final Thoughts

The DeWalt DCV581H Wet/Dry Vac is perfect for quick cleanups in the shop, truck, or around the house. It’s compact, tough, and does exactly what you want it to—without cords slowing you down.

Bottom line: If you’re already running DeWalt 20V tools, this is one of the easiest add-ons you’ll ever justify. It won’t replace a full shop vac, but for everyday use, it punches above its size.