Cars can be hard to keep clean, and that is merely the outside. Inside can be a real challenge with all the nooks and crannies down the sides of the seats. With a small vacuum, you can keep the condition better in the long run than trying to do the same with a hand brush.
Besides this, there are other factors why cordless vacuums are ideal. You can even find them handy around the home as they are quicker to use than an upright cleaner. Here you can go through our reviews to find the best car vacuum to meet your needs.
Why You Need a Good Car Vacuum Cleaner
It could be the first instinct to use your household vacuum cleaner when you want to clean your car. In many cases, these can do a decent job depending on the model, yet they may not be the easiest to use. (Read Best Pressure Washer for Cars)
Some household vacuums are now cordless and are supplied with various attachments; however, they will rarely be as convenient as a car vacuum cleaner. You will need an extension for your wired vacuum cleaner and the hose attachment. Even this makes them harder to maneuver under and around your seats regardless of the tools it comes with.
A cordless vacuum is designed to get into the hardest places with the right tools and attachments. They can make light work and have the power right in your hand where you need it. You also have the advantage of true portability and can vacuum anywhere.
Contents
Top Car Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, 16V (CHV1410L)
The BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium-ion battery handheld vacuum cleaner uses its battery life technology to full use and retains power when on standby for up to 18 months. One thing with this is that even a 15.2-watt motor is highly capable and powerful enough for cleaning your car, no matter how dirty it is.
The Black and Decker cordless handheld vacuum has cyclonic suction power and will separate larger debris finer, so the filters don’t block as quickly to extend the time between cleaning. The cordless handheld vacuum has a built-in flip-up brush and crevice tool extender to get into the hard to reach areas of your car’ s interior.
Pros
- Large dustbowl capacity
- Energy efficient with auto-shutoff and fast charging
- Removable and washable filters
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- No wall-based charging port
- Need to clean various internal parts
With a guide price of under $60, the Black and Decker are one of the best handheld vacuums you can find. It comes with many features and doesn’t require continual charging between usage. When you need a portable car vacuum, this is easy to use and makes it easy to clean your vehicles.
2. ThisWorx for TWC-01 Car Vacuum
The ThisWorx for TWC-01 Car hand Vacuum is a great choice for anyone looking for a car vacuum without the hassle of emptying dust bags. It offers a large suction power and capacity for lots of dirt and debris and is suitable for wet and dry use. Being transparent, you can ensure when it’s nearly full, although there is an automatic shut-off. It is light and easy to use, yet it comes with a 16 foot power cord, so not entirely cord-free. To use, connect to your vehicle cigarette lighter.
There are additional tools such as hone, brush, and narrow crevice tool nozzle. The motor is 106W, so there is lots of power and suction for the turbine.
Pros
- Lots of additional tools
- Spare HEPA filter
- Light and easy to use
- Comes with convenient storage bag
Cons
- Not Cordless and quite heavy
- Can be low on the suction
Coming with a guide price of just under $55, it is a decent amount of hand vacuum and has many reviews. It does, however, let itself down in a couple of areas. The vacuum comes with a dusting brush, yet the suction is more suited to larger debris than the smaller bits.
3. Armor All, AA255, 2. 5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
The ArmorAll AA255 Utility Wet/Dry Vacuum is an all-around cleaner with a leaf blower. It has a powerful motor at 2-horsepower, so there is lots of suction. However, this comes from that it runs from the wall and not your car battery or rechargeable. It’s designed for wet and dry use and has a large 2. 5-gallon tank. In use, this can be heavy when you come to empty it. There are lots of tools on this shop vac, and are all carried with the built-in storage
Pros
- Suitable for wet and dry
- High suction
- 2-year warranty
- Large number of tools for detailing and tight spaces
Cons
- Relies on hose
- Runs on mains electric
- Short power cable
With a guide price of a little under $45, you get a lot of cleaner, although the need fora power cord can make it harder to keep your car clean. Even with the flexible hose, you still need to place the motor and tank while cleaning.
It may be one of the best corded car vacuums on the market, yet it loses out through the lack of portability.
4. Car Vacuum, HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum Cleaner High Power for Quick Car Cleaning, DC 12V Portable Auto Vacuum Cleaner for Car Use Only
The HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum Cleaner is a top vacuum cleaner and boasts a corded yet handheld design. The kit comes with three separate nozzles to get into all those awkward places and even has a light to see where you are cleaning. Add to this the 16.4-foot-long power cord length, and you can reach nearly anywhere, even on the largest of vehicles.
The vacuum uses a washable stainless steel HEPA filtration system to offer lots of durability. While it’s only 12 volt, it still packs a punch and can clean any debris you may have, thanks to the metal turbine to deliver the power for lightweight dirt and dust.
Pros
- Integrated LED light
- Washable HEPA filter
- Comes with carrying bag
Cons
- No cordless version – car battery only
- Lacks powerful suction
At a guide price of around $30, it isn’t the cheapest, and it does offer decent performance if you are just after something to keep your car presentable and your car seats clean. However, it does deserve a place on the best car vacuums list by pure positive reviews that the 12-volt car vacuums got to keep your car’s interior clean.
5. DEWALT DCV517B Baretool 20V MAX Cordless 1/2 gallon Wet/Dry Portable Vac Kit
The Dewalt 18/20V MAX Wet / Dry Vacuum is a beast, and in a way, it can rule it out of being portable. It weighs 4.5 pounds, so you must rely on the hose when cleaning large areas. However, for performance, it may rank as one of the best car vacuums there is. While not the lightest, you can operate the vacuum from a variable power source. Battery or cable offers the best overall flexibility, though you may struggle when trying to get into the hard to reach areas.
This vacuum comes with an XR Lithium-Ion battery, although it is sold separately and not included in the price. The battery can use any of the manufacturer’s chargers and used with certain Dewalt devices. The Wet / Dry Vacuum Dewalt 18/20V comes with various tools, a HEPA system for dust, allergens, and contaminants. You can also clean and reuse the filters; the 1/2-gallon tank is easy to clean.
Pros
- Plenty of unique attachments to remove dirt
- You can easily wash the filter
- Washable filters
- Dual power outlet option
Cons
- Short battery life
- No battery included
The vacuum comes from one of the biggest tool manufacturers, and the guide price of just under $100 without a battery shows this. However, you get one of the most trusted names and the 3-year warranty as a backup. It is more suited to a shop vac setting, though it has the suction power to deal with any mess.
Car Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Here are a few of the things to consider when purchasing car vacuum cleaners.
Dry Vacuum Only?
Do you need a wet/dry car vacuum, or do you need only a dry one?
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner enables you to vacuum up wet spills as easily as dry dirt, although most vacuum cleaners are only suitable for the second option.
Cordless or Corded?
Do you have a parking area where a corded vacuum can reach, or do you need a cordless vacuum?
While cordless vacuums are more convenient, they also require charging; thus, you must determine power and battery life.
Weight
Even a small difference in weight can increase fatigue if you are cleaning for an extended period. You need to consider the car vacuum’s size and the battery’s weight.
Do you have pets
If you have pets that often go in the car, you need a vacuum to get rid of pet hair.
Suction
Vacuums need plenty of suction, although this often kills the battery life. However, the more suction a vacuum has, it can clean more effectively, particularly on car carpets or seats.
Battery
Battery life and charging are essential, so you need a cordless car vacuum with a long life in use and standby and quick to charge.
Final Verdict
In testing, there were many variables, yet the clear winner was soon seen. The BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, 16V (CHV1410L) delivered the best power while being energy efficient.
It was one that was cordless and could easily be left in your vehicle for months without losing power. If the biggest downside was the charger’s location, it is easy to see why it came out on top. Black and Decker are the largest names in tools, and this vacuum functions much the same way as the Dyson V7, yet at a much lower price.
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