When looking for an effective vacuum cleaner for car, what features should you consider and which options are the best for you now?
If you have trouble moving your household vacuum cleaner to clean your car or if you prefer something more mobile, we have researched various models specifically designed for car cleaning.
Although many of us clean our homes thoroughly, we often neglect to do the same for our cars. Fortunately, technology has introduced innovative and lightweight vacuums from various brands that make car cleaning much easier.
What is the Best Vacuum for Car Maintenance?
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, the budget plays a crucial role. However, it’s important to note that some cheaper models may lack the necessary wattage or suction power to effectively clean anything other than dust.
If you only require a mild cleanse, it might be worth considering smaller models that can be plugged into a car’s cigarette lighter. These models are lighter, smaller, and more suitable for tight spaces. Plus, the corded power supply ensures that you won’t run out of juice even if the cleaning takes longer than expected.
For pet owners, parents, and outdoor enthusiasts, a powerful cordless vacuum cleaner is the way to go. These models are designed to tackle pet hair and awkward spills, and can easily be used for cleaning around the house. It’s worth investing in a high-quality cordless vacuum to meet your cleaning needs.
Other Tips To Consider When Choosing An Effective Vacuum Cleaner For Car
When it comes to choosing vacuum cleaners for car, don’t dismiss car-friendly ones just because they have a short battery life. While some of the best options may only last around 11 minutes, they have a smaller design that allows you to reach the dirt and dust in hard-to-reach places without compromising suction. However, if you prefer longer cleaning sessions, consider a vacuum that can plug into your car’s 12v socket.
When selecting an effective vacuum cleaner for car, it’s important to consider both the bin design and size. A bin that opens with a single touch can be extremely helpful for quick cleaning sessions. Additionally, keep in mind that you don’t need a large bin for a car vacuum – a 250ml bin should be more than sufficient. Our top pick from the options below had a bin of this size and performed exceptionally well.
We also have some additional suggestions to make your vacuuming experience more efficient. Consider incorporating space-saving design elements like three-in-one nozzles that are ideal for cleaning cramped areas like footwells and dashboards. LED lights can also significantly accelerate your cleaning process by illuminating the dirt that hides in spaces such as the gaps between car seats and doors.
The Most Effective Vacuum Cleaner For Car To Consider
Black+Decker Max Flex Handheld Vacuum
- Dimensions: 11.81 x 10.13 x 7.6 inches
- Bin Capacity: 17 ounces
- Accessories: Pet brush and washable filter
- Cord Length: Cordless
- Battery Life: 15 minutes
- Weight: 5 pounds
In our testing, we have found that the best effective vacuum cleaner for car available is the one produced by Black + Decker. It can be set up in just one minute and is effective in cleaning the car’s floor and seating areas, as well as its tight spaces.
The lightweight design of the vacuum wand makes it easy to operate with one hand. We also noted that the suction was consistent and effective, even for picking up hair. The hose length is perfect for reaching difficult-to-reach areas with the attachments.
Cleaning up after use is a breeze, as the canister can be opened fully and the washable filter is easily accessible. However, the filter’s crevices can be difficult to clean, so be sure to use a strong stream of water.
Dyson V6 Car & Boat
- Cordless: Yes
- Weight: 1.57kg
- Battery life: 20 minutes
- Capacity: 0.4L
- In-car charger: Yes
- Powerful V6 motor
- Great set of car-specific tools
- Very affordable for a Dyson
Cordless Dysons from the V6 onwards are a reliable choice. The name of this particular model having ‘car’ in it does not affect its performance significantly. However, it does come with numerous car-specific accessories such as an extension hose, a motorized brush for pet hair removal, and a stiff brush for tough dirt and grime.
The V6 may not have the same suction power as the newer V8 and V10 models, but it makes up for it with its exceptional maneuverability. It is also more affordable than the V8, even with all the additional features included.
Although it may not be the most powerful option, it is still more than capable of handling most in-car cleaning tasks, as well as minor spills and dust in your home. It can even be used to clean your boat.
Our only concern with the V6 is that emptying the bin completely is not that effortless. You may require a chopstick or any other tool to remove hard-to-get rid of dirt clumps.
Philips Speed Pro Max
- Power: 25V
- Power boost: Yes
- Weight: 2.73kg
- Accessories: Yes
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Maximum run time: About 21-65 mins depending on the power setting
- Strong suction
- Great accessories for car work
Philips has come up with a fantastic vacuum offering that is perfect for household use. However, it also works great as a vehicle-vacuuming device due to its exceptional power and outstanding attachments.
The Turbo Brush is an ideal addition to this device as it has its own potent motors that rotate a cleaning bar for effortless removal of pet hair and dried mud. Moreover, a small crevice brush is built-in that can help you reach the back of seats and other challenging spots for cleaning.
The run time of the vacuum cleaner was found to be precise as claimed, and the lower-powered eco mode was sufficient to clean the majority of the dirt. The high-powered turbo mode was only necessary for the toughest spots.
It is worth noting that this vacuum cleaner does not include a soft brush head similar to those provided by Dyson. However, the attachments provided for use in your car more than makeup for this.
Gtech Multi MK2
- Power: 22V
- Power boost: No
- Weight: 1.5kg
- Accessories: Yes
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Maximum run time: Up to 20 minutes
- Comes with a range of tools
- You can add a handy car tool kit too
- Really light, yet generally powerful enough
This Gtech model is compact, lightweight and convenient to carry around. However, its performance and price are quite similar to the V6 Car & Boat, but not as impressive or well-designed. As a result, you may consider purchasing the Dyson instead.
The Gtech vacuum cleaner has a 20-minute run time which is comparable to the Dyson. However, due to its slightly lower power, it may take a bit longer to complete more difficult cleaning tasks.
Despite this, it has an advantage over the Dyson in terms of its clear dust compartment which is easier to empty. The battery requires an extra 30 minutes to charge, but it can be removed and replaced with a spare battery which is available for purchase at a cost of £70.
The vacuum cleaner comes with various attachments that are useful for cleaning difficult-to-reach spots. The flexible crevice tool is particularly noteworthy. Additionally, you receive a mini motorized tool, an extending tube, and a non-flexible crevice tool, even without the extra kit, for cleaning tight spaces.
Ridgid Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 17.03 x 8.02 inches
- Accessories: Extension tube, floor nozzle, and crevice nozzle and clip
- Battery Life: 25+ minutes, per our tester
- Weight: 3.06 pounds
If you’re a pet owner, you’ll definitely want to check out the RidGid car vacuum for pet hair. Our tester was thoroughly impressed with its suction power, which effectively picked up Cheerios in a single pass, even from the hard-to-reach areas of the floor mat without any attachments.
When it comes to cleaning up, the bin is easy to remove, but make sure to clean any dirt or hair particles from around the rim before replacing it. The washable filter can be a bit challenging to clean thoroughly, requiring a strong water stream, and our tester wasn’t able to clean the paper portion of the filter completely.
The RidGid car vac is so powerful that it can pick up pet hair and debris without requiring you to be too close to the surface. Although it is a bit bulky and has a wider base, it effectively removes any evidence of pet passengers.
Despite its difficulty in getting into tight spots, the vacuum’s powerful suction more than makes up for it. Overall, the problem of pet hair and debris is effectively solved with the Ridgid car vac.
Vonhaus 12V Wet & Dry
- Power: 12V/100W
- Power boost: No
- Lightweight: 1.3kg
- Accessories: Yes
- Battery: 12V corded
- Maximum run time: Constant
- Long run time
If you’re only looking for basic cleaning, spending a lot of money on a high-end household vacuum doesn’t make sense. The VonHaus model is a lightweight option that can be plugged into any car or commercial vehicle’s 12V cigarette lighter.
It’s ideal for removing small crumbs and light dirt, but it’s not powerful enough for a thorough deep clean. However, this is expected at its affordable price point.
The cord of 12V is approximately 3.5m long, which is adequate to cover most parts of the car. The brushes that come along with the product are effective in removing tough dirt before it is sucked up.
This model is marketed as a ‘wet & dry’ variant, which means it can handle small spills. However, we noticed that the dust it collects usually gets stuck on the bin, and it requires cleaning to avoid any blockages.
Vax Blade 32V Pro TBT3V1P1
- Power: 32V
- Power boost: Yes
- Weight: 3kgs
- Accessories: Yes
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Run time: 45 mins
- Easy to maneuver
- Generally pretty competent
This vacuum cleaner is designed to compete with Dyson’s cordless models. While it’s mainly targeted at household cleaners, it may not be powerful enough for heavy-duty cleaning. However, it’s reasonably priced and works great as a car-cleaning tool.
The Cordless Pro Kit includes different brush heads and extension nozzles, making it easier to clean tight spots. The primary multi-surface cleaning head can also be detached from the extension stick and used to eliminate pet hair and dirt.
This vacuum cleaner may not be the most comfortable to use since its grip handle doesn’t have an ergonomic design, and it’s heavier than its competitors. Though there is a 24V version available at a lower price, it has a shorter run time.
Nevertheless, the current version is only slightly more expensive and definitely worth it. You will likely use the Boost mode and powered brush bar frequently, making the extra cost worthwhile.
How To Vacuum Your Car
Vacuuming your car is a great way to keep it clean and free of dirt and debris. Here are the steps to vacuum your car. Following these steps will help ensure that your car is clean and free of dirt and debris.
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need an effective vacuum cleaner for car, preferably one with a hose attachment and crevice tool, and any other cleaning tools such as a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth.
- Remove any large debris: Before you start vacuuming, remove any large debris from the car, such as trash, leaves, or dirt.
- Start with the floor mats: Remove the floor mats from your car and vacuum them thoroughly on both sides.
- Vacuum the carpets: Starting from the top of the car, use the hose attachment and crevice tool to vacuum the carpets and seats. Pay extra attention to the areas around the pedals, where dirt and debris tend to accumulate.
- Clean the dashboard and console: Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to gently clean the dashboard and console, removing any dust or debris.
- Vacuum the air vents: Use the hose attachment and crevice tool to vacuum the air vents and any other small crevices or spaces where dirt and debris can accumulate.
- Don’t forget the trunk: If you have a trunk in your car, be sure to vacuum it thoroughly as well.
- Finish up: Once you’ve finished vacuuming, take a quick look around the car to make sure you haven’t missed any spots.
- Empty the vacuum: Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner’s dustbin or change the vacuum bag after you’re finished to keep it in good working order.
How To Take Care Of Your Car Vacuum
When purchasing the best vacuum for car, it is important to keep it in good working condition to avoid any costly repairs. Regular filter changes should be done at least once a month, or more frequently if the vacuum is used frequently. It is recommended to check the product manual to see if the filter can be washed.
Always empty the vacuum canister after every use, even if there is only a small amount of dirt or debris. Additionally, it is crucial to clean the attachments with a brush or roll regularly. If using a hose attachment, make sure to check for any trapped debris after each use.
Vacuuming your car is a great way to keep it clean and free of dirt and debris. Here are the steps to vacuum your car:
FAQs
How to vacuum my car as a pro?
If you’re wondering how to clean your car like a professional, the first step is to find a vacuum that is simple to use. We prioritize vacuums that are lightweight and come with the right attachments to reach tight spots and surfaces like seats and carpets.
Even though home-use car vacuums may not have the same long hoses as professionals, it’s still important to consider the ability to easily maneuver around your car and reach all the areas that can collect dirt and grime.
How to deep clean a car interior?
To avoid a visit to the car wash, start by grabbing a trash bag and disposing of any large debris, such as napkins, paper cups, and other items that cannot be picked up by a vacuum. Then, take out the floor mats and clean them by either hosing them off or vacuuming them thoroughly.
Utilize a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces and remove dust, and a soft brush to clean air vents. Use glass cleaner for the windows and vacuum the floor and seats, using any available attachments to remove dirt and crumbs from tight spaces.
If you are serious about cleaning your car’s interior, consider investing in a more robust car vacuum with a larger bin capacity and cord. This will allow you to clean without stopping to recharge or empty the bin.
Is suction power directly proportional to the number of volts or wattage used?
When choosing a vacuum, it’s important to know that higher volts and wattage don’t always mean better suction. Volt refers to battery power, while wattage refers to electricity consumption during use. Although people often associate higher wattage with better suction, a vacuum with more powerful suction will require either a stronger battery or higher wattage.
A more reliable way to measure suction power is through air watts (AW), a unit of measurement used by vacuum manufacturers. Generally, the higher the AW, the better the suction. However, it’s important to note that AW is not an internationally recognized unit of measurement, so you cannot directly compare one vacuum’s AW to another’s.
In conclusion,
When it comes to purchasing an effective vacuum cleaner for car, there are a number of options to choose from. Depending on how far you’re willing to go and how much time you want to spend vacuuming, you can go the DIY route and make your own vacuum, get a truly great one that you know will last, or buy a top-of-the-line vacuum from a brand you trust. If you’re not sure what’s the best option for you, then this guide should help you make a well-informed decision.
