湿化学一般是指是液态下进行的化学，在理论化学及计算化学问世之前，大部份化学领域的发现都是以湿化学为主，因此也称为古典化学。

传统上湿化学会使用实验室的一些玻璃器材，例如烧杯和烧瓶，并且排除一些使用仪器的量化化学分析，许多高中及大学的化学实验会教授湿化学的实验方法。

Wet chemistry is a form of analytical chemistry that uses classical methods such as observation to analyze materials. It is called wet chemistry since most analyzing is done in the liquid phase. Wet chemistry is also called bench chemistry since many tests are performed at lab benches. Wet chemistry is now rarely done manually except for demonstration purposes. This is due to technological advancements in the field of chemistry.