Abstract: Also proposed is apparatus for cleaning hard and soft surfaces by simultaneous application thereto of liquid and vacuum using a tool and which is equipped with a conversion device to permit dry vacuum cleaning with entrainment of dry soil in the liquid for subsequent collection in a soil and liquid vessel. The device (FIG. 4) comprises a 2-way valve (7) by which liquid flowing through a first pipe (5) can be caused to flow alternatively to a head (1) of a tool, or, through at least one branch pipe (9) to a second pipe (6) or pipe insert (11) by which suction is applied to the head (1) of the tool to entrain the dry soil flowing therein. The branch pipe or pipes normally terminate in one or more spray nozzles and may be located at various different positions in the path of flow of the dry soil induced by vacuum.