Buying guide for Best car vacuums
Keeping a car’s exterior clean is easy as long as you have some soap and water, but cleaning the interior can be more difficult. Crumbs, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the folds of the seats and other crevices in a hurry.
With a good car vacuum, you can clean your car’s interior quickly and easily, so it always looks brand new. However, with the wide variety of car vacuums on the market, figuring out which one is best for your vehicle isn't always easy. Luckily, we're here to help.
Do you need a car vacuum?
A car vacuum comes in handy for anyone who has a car. It makes cleaning a car’s interior quick and easy, so you can make a habit of keeping your car looking shiny and new.
If you have children, a car vacuum is an even more important tool, as you’re more likely to have crumbs and dirt in the backseat. Any time a spill or other mess occurs, you can clean it up right away with a car vacuum, so you don’t have to worry about stains.
A car vacuum is also important if you travel regularly with pets, who leave hair, dander, and other dirt on your car’s seats.
Did you know?
A good car vacuum is particularly important if you have allergies because it can keep your car clean of dust, pollen, mites, and other debris that might cause a reaction.
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Benefits of car vacuums
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With a car vacuum, you’ll get rid of significantly more dirt and debris than simply shaking out the mats.
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Most car vacuums are extremely easy to use with a single power button and only a few speeds to choose from.
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A car vacuum offers much more mobility when cleaning your car than a traditional vacuum. Most models are cordless, so you can move around easily and get to hard-to-reach spots like under the seats.
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A car vacuum often comes with specialty attachments that make thoroughly cleaning a car even faster.
What to look for when buying a car vacuum
Corded vs. cordless
There are two types of car vacuums: corded and cordless.
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Corded: A corded car vacuum must be plugged into a power source. Some models require a standard wall outlet, while others can be powered by the cigarette lighter in your car. A corded car vacuum has stronger suction power.
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Cordless: A cordless car vacuum is powered by a rechargeable battery. A cordless car vacuum provides greater mobility as you clean your car. It also allows you to clean your car when a power source or outlet isn’t available.
Expert tip
Always empty your vacuum after each use. This helps prevent clogs and means your car vacuum will be ready for you to use next time.
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Tank capacity
A car vacuum collects dirt and debris in a tank that must be emptied periodically. For the easiest cleaning, look for a vacuum with a large tank, so you don’t have to empty it too often.
While car vacuum tanks vary in size from one to 18 gallons, the best options have tanks with at least two- to six-gallon capacities.
Weight
A car vacuum should be lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to maneuver when you’re cleaning in the confined space of a car. Choose a car vacuum that’s no more than five pounds to ensure that you can handle it easily and reach all the car’s nooks and crannies.
For the easiest cleaning, opt for a car vacuum that’s two to two-and-a-half pounds.
"A brush attachment allows you to use your car vacuum to clean the dashboard, sun visors, seats, console, and gauges in your car."
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Suction power
As with any vacuum, it’s important to choose a car vacuum that has enough suction power to clean your vehicle quickly and easily. Suction power in cordless vacuums is measured in volts, while suction power in corded models is measured in amps.
For cordless car vacuums, it’s best to choose a model with at least 15 to 20 volts. For corded car vacuums, it’s best to choose a model with at least five to seven amps.
Filter
To ensure that a car vacuum picks up even the smallest particles of dirt, debris, and dander, it’s important to choose a model that’s equipped with a high-quality filter.
For the most effective removal of small particles like pollen and dust mites, opt for a car vacuum with a HEPA filter.
"If you choose a cordless car vacuum, look for a model with a battery level indicator, so you’ll know when it needs recharging."
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Wet/dry capability
All car vacuums can pick up dry messes, but some models can also clean up wet messes and spills.
If you have children, it’s handy to have a car vacuum that can handle wet messes like spilled drinks in the backseat.
Accessories
Some car vacuums come with additional accessories or attachments that make it even easier to clean your car. An extender attachment is especially helpful because it allows you to easily reach under the seats, beneath the pedals, and into other tight areas.
Brush and upholstery attachments also come in handy for cleaning a car’s interior.
Expert tip
Be sure to charge your battery after each use. This way, your car vacuum will be ready when you go to reach for it and you'll be able to use it when you need it.
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How much should you pay for a car vacuum?
Car vacuums vary in price based on their size, power, and attachments, but you can typically expect to spend between $15 and $65.
Inexpensive
For a small, low-power car vacuum, you’ll usually pay between $15 and $20.
Mid-range
For a medium-size, mid-power car vacuum, you’ll usually pay between $20 and $35.
Expensive
For a large, high-power car vacuum with several attachments, you’ll usually pay between $35 and $65.
For your safety
Most car vacuums only come with a one-year warranty, though some manufacturers offer two-year protection for added security. Check the terms before you buy.
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Tips and tricks for using a car vacuum
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Remove the mats from your car before vacuuming. It’s easier to clean the mats separately. First, shake them out over a trash can or the ground, and then vacuum them.
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When cleaning your car’s floorboards, use wide attachments on your car vacuum, so you can work more quickly.
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The extender attachment that comes with many car vacuums works well for reaching under the seats and into other confined areas.
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For dirt that’s trapped in the fibers of your car’s carpeting, use the brush attachment on your car vacuum.
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Don’t forget to vacuum the seats when you’re cleaning your car. Dirt, debris, hair, and dander can get trapped in the seats’ fabric just as easily as the carpet fibers.
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Use the extender attachment with your car vacuum to clean difficult-to-reach areas like under the pedals and in the folds of the seats.
FAQ
Q. What should I consider about my car when choosing a car vacuum?
A. Start by considering the size of your car. The larger it is, the bigger the car vacuum you’ll need. Your car’s interior is also an important factor. Fabric interiors require stronger suction power than leather interiors because dirt, hair, and debris are more likely to get stuck in their fibers.
Expert tip
Most vacuums have a filter that you can either dust or rinse with cold water.
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Q. What are the best attachments for a car vacuum?
A. An extender attachment is especially helpful for vacuuming a car because it allows you to easily reach under the seats. You may also want to look for a car vacuum with an upholstery attachment, so you can remove hair and dirt from the seats. A crevice tool allows you to vacuum between the seats and reach into the air vents to give your car a very thorough cleaning.
Q. What should I look for in a car vacuum if I have pets?
A. A car vacuum with a HEPA filter is a good choice if you have pets. A HEPA filter more effectively removes hair and dander, so it’s also an excellent option if you have allergies. A car vacuum with a HEPA filter will easily remove pollen and dust from your car.
