A car vacuum is a tool that you must have if you want to have a clean and proper car cabin every time. Choosing the right car vacuum can be overwhelming, especially with the myriad options available online. Whether you want a handheld vacuum or a wet-dry shop vacuum, the world is your oyster.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, and the verdict rests with you. Nonetheless, we've selected the best car vacuums for you to choose from. After reading the article, you'll be able to decide if you want a corded or corded car vacuum, and you won't have to rely on household vacuums anymore. Let's dive in.
Best Car Vacuum Cleaners
1. BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum (CHV1410L)
- MULTI-SURFACE USE – Removes hair, dirt, and debris from...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE – Easy to carry and maneuver, even in...
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN – On-board extension means you won’t need to...
- ROTATING SLIM NOZZLE – Nozzle rotates 180° to fit into tight...
- PULL-OUT CREVICE TOOL – Accesses hard-to-reach areas like...
Our top pick on this list is one of the most trusted and loved handheld car vacuums on the market. After looking at the thousands of vacuum reviews on Amazon, you'll understand why so many users love it and why we've chosen it as our top car vacuum. The Black+Decker Dustbuster Hand Vacuum is more than a car vacuum and can be used to tidy and clean your household. This cordless vacuum is rated at 15.2 watts, weighs 2.6 pounds, has a great battery life, has a suction power of 15.2 air watts (AW), and has a maximum voltage of 16v.
This car vacuum is also one of the simplest hand vacuums to empty and clean, thanks to the washable dustbowl that has a capacity of 20.6 ounces. The Lithium-ion battery in this handheld vacuum takes approximately four hours for a full charge, and you can use the charging base for a smooth charging process. The long battery life doesn't hurt. If you don't want to move this car vacuum in and out of your car, you're in luck. This is because the battery can hold its charge for up to 18 months.
Although there are some other cheaper options on this list, we recommend this handheld vacuum because it balances cost and quality. Another advantage is that this Dustbuster comes with two attachments: a flip-up brush attachment and a crevice tool. These cleaning tools help you reach the messes in the far corners of your car cabin and floormats. This medium-duty hand vacuum will ensure that your car stays spotless with minimum effort.
Pros
Cons
2. Armor All, AA255, 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
Armor All, AA255 , 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum , Orange
- 2.5 Gallon Polypropylene Tank
- 2 Peak HP Motor
- 10 Ft. Cord With Cord Wrap
- Blower Function – Easy Conversion
- On-board Accessory & Hose Storage
If you don't mind using a corded vacuum cleaner, this shop vac option is for you. This wet-dry vacuum cleaner comes with a 10-foot power cord that you can connect to your power outlet. Although this motor is not as powerful as other options, and the 2.5-gallon storage tank isn't the largest either, this Armor All 2.5 Gallon shop vac will serve you very well as you clean your car.
Because the storage tank of this shop vac isn't large, you get to move your car vacuum with ease as you clean your car. You also get a six-foot hose that allows you to move around without the need for an extension cord. This Armor All is like many shop vacuums that feature a built-in blower function that can convert this car vacuum into a blower when you need to.
Other helpful accessories include a crevice tool, 2-in-1 utility nozzle, detail brush, reusable cloth filter, blower nozzle, and a reusable foam sleeve. Like our option above, you also get a two-year warranty. If you often wash your car at home, this is the wet-dry vacuum for you. The 10-foot power cord is ideal, especially when you have a power outlet nearby.
Pros
Cons
3. Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Sale
Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, Corded, Small, Dry Hand Held Vac With Cord, SD20005RED,...
- CONTINUOUS CORDED POWER: Gives you long-lasting suction power so...
- GRAB & GO: The lightweight and portable vacuum design is packed...
- DAY-TO-DAY MESSES: Great for cleaning those unexpected messes...
- KEEP YOUR CAR CLEAN: Easily maneuver through those narrow, hard...
- RINSABLE REMOVABLE FILTER: Easily access and rinse your filter...
This handheld vacuum is best for you if you are on a tight budget and still want a great ca vacuum to clean your car. Finished in a dashing Dirt Devil’s signature red, this vacuum is one of the best handheld vacuums you'll find out there. An advantage it has over other best car vacuums is that it is perfect for cleaning tight spaces. This is thanks to the integrated Quick Flip crevice tool.
The 16-foot power cord is attached to this vacuum, as well as a 2.5-foot extension hose. You also get a sliding brush, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tool with this Amazon Purchase. This Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip vacuum weighs 3.75 pounds and is slightly heavier than the other picks on this list.
Powered by a 7-amp motor, it comes with a three-year limited warranty. If you are looking for a simple and affordable car vacuum, this is the pick for you.
Pros
Cons
4. Vacmaster VBV1210, 12-Gallon 5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Sale
Vacmaster VBV1210, 12-Gallon* 5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Blue
- Easily Convert from Wet/Dry Vacuum to 210 MPH Handheld Blower
- 19-Foot Cleaning Reach with Hose and Power Cord
- Integrated Accessory Storage
- Extra Large Drain Port. Power Cord Length- 12 feet
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: 7' x 2-1/2" Secure Fit Hose, (2) Extension...
Cars can have incredible messes, and if it's a large car, the messes can be amplified. This is where this car interior vacuum cleaner comes in. This wet-dry vacuum is a worthwhile investment with a 12-gallon tank and a five-horsepower motor, especially when you have a large vehicle. This Vacmaster wet-dry vac has powerful suction and allows you to clean your whole car without having to empty the tank.
You'll also love the additional large drain port that makes cleaning your large SUV a breeze. The detachable blower design makes this a great option in this best car vacuums list. The blower has a maximum 210-mph blowing speed that comes in very handy. You can use it to blow off the exterior of your car once you're done cleaning to ensure there's little water left.
Although it's more expensive than the others, this car vacuum comes with two extension wands, an eight-inch utility nozzle, car nozzle, an even-foot long hose, crevice tool, blower nozzle, a cartridge filter and foam sleeve, an adapter for the blower wand, and an air/noise diffuser. These car vacuums are great for car owners who want home vacuums and car vacuums all-in-one. Although it weighs 26 pounds, it comes with wheels that allow you to roll it around. The product reviews show that this is a great option.
Pros
Cons
5. Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Shark CH951 Cordless Handheld Vacuum UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, with XL Dust Cup, in Black
- Two ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams for incredible suction...
- Detachable self-cleaning Pet Power Brush eliminates hair wrap...
- Features an XL dust cup to tackle big jobs.
- Lightweight and portable at only 2.8 lbs.
- Contains a washable filter for easy cleanup.
These are the best cordless vacuums for dealing with pet hair. You can think of this cordless handheld vacuum as a pet tool. Specializing in messes made by your pet, this cordless car vacuum is designed to lean up pet hair. This Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is powered by two cyclonic air streams that deliver great suction.
This cordless car vacuum is lightweight and easily portable. Fully equipped with an extra-large dust cap and washable filter, this cordless vacuum for pet hair is designed to make your cleaning process a breeze despite the amount of pet hair in your car. You also get a scrubbing brush and crevice tool that allow you to get any pet hair stuck between your center console and your front seats.
This cordless Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus also has an innovative brush roll to help you remove pet hair wraps as it cleans your car. You can say goodbye to any messes on your brush roll.
Pros
Cons
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Car Vacuums
1. Weight and Size
The size and weight of your car vacuum are key features that affect the option you choose from the items above. Although it's easier to work with a smaller model, you'll find that these items are not as powerful as the larger options. A reason for this is because the smaller models have a smaller motor.
Therefore, it's up to you to decide which option you want between a smaller and lighter car vacuum and a heavier and more powerful one. Nonetheless, a smaller vacuum is more portable because of its compact and ergonomic design. Before you settle on a lighter and smaller option, ensure that its motor power and sucking power are to your liking.
2. Corded or Cordless
We've looked at some amazing handheld models and corded picks that get the job faster and with less effort. Nonetheless, it might be more convenient to use a cordless car vacuum than a corded car vacuum. However, the one disadvantage with a battery-powered vacuum is that you need to charge them before use, and their cleaning power might run out fast.
Most modern battery-powered units have goof lithium-ion batteries that can last up to 40 minutes. One thing to check when it comes to a cordless vacuum is the fade-free power feature. This feature ensures that you won't feel your vacuum's performance fading. It'll just shut off immediately the charge runs out.
Alternatively, you can pick a unit that comes with both features of the corded and cordless car vacuum. Pick a model that has an in-built extension power line or one that you can plug into your car's lighter port.
3. Motor Power
The suction power and efficiency of your vacuum depend on its motor power. The maximum consumption usually lies between 1200W and 2400W. The best brands have a potentiometer that enables you to regulate the power of your vacuum.
These are the best car vacuums that you should go for.
4. Suction Power
The higher the suction power of your vacuum, the greater its cleaning efficiency. The range usually lies between 250W and 600W. Ensure that you choose a model that is no less than 350 in suction power.
5. Noise Level
The last thing you want is to announce to the whole neighborhood that you're cleaning your car at 4 AM. Therefore, ensure that your model ranges between 54-85 dB. The noise level often depends on the power, design, and quality of the construction.
Most vacuums operate on the design that the higher the noise level, the lower the engine quality. This means that getting a quieter model is good for battery life and a longer lifespan.
6. Filtering System
The filtering system of your vacuum greatly affects your car cleaning process. Whether it's dog hair, dust, or any other type of dirt, the filters along the inlet air flow path affect the quality of your cleaning.
There are two types of filers: electrostatic filters and HEPA filters. Electrostatic filters capture 80-99.9% of dust particles and are cheaper than HEPA filters. However, they are also less effective than HEPA filters. Vacuums with HEPA filters are more effective at eliminating radioactive dust.
A point to note is that it's important to replace each set of filters each time you change the bag. If your filters get clogged, your engine will heat the air that flows through the vacuum. This can cause the bag to burst from the hot air or make the engine burn. However, good models automatically shut off when the temperature rises.
7. Car Vacuum Accessories
We've seen that the great options above come with some superb attachments to enhance your cleaning performance and get all the dirt out. For example, some attachments include a good extendable brush to reach dirt in the corners and service tools to focus the suction level to tight spaces.
8. Tank Capacity
All the dirt you collect using your cordless or corded vacuum is collected in the tank and should be emptied now and then. For effective cleaning, get a vacuum with a large tank that allows you to clean all you want then empty after. Getting a tank that lies between 2-6 gallons is a good idea.