It doesn’t take long for your car or truck to accumulate debris. Old french fries, dead leaves, road grit, pollen, and pet dander can build up in your car unless you clean it out regularly. While you can stop by the local car wash and vacuum out your car, who has time for that? Car vacuums offer a more convenient alternative. With your own car vacuum, you can clean out your car in your garage or driveway, which makes finding the best one all the more beneficial.
Many models run off rechargeable batteries or connect to your car’s 12-volt accessory port, allowing you to clean up your car’s interior during a road trip. Whether you’re looking for a vacuum to give your vehicle a deep cleaning or a portable model you can have at the ready while out on the road, we’ve got all the best car vacuums.
Our Top Picks
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How We Picked the Best Car Vacuums
We used a mix of our own experiences with car vacuums coupled with extensive research to make our picks of the top-rated car vacuums. I compared specs, attachments, prices, and features for several dozen models while also scouring through scores of customer reviews. I also considered all the different demands for these car cleaning accessories. Our list includes small handheld models you can keep at the ready in your car, rechargeable handheld models for easy at-home cleaning efforts, and large corded vacuums for deep cleaning efforts.
Best Overall Car Vacuum
Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Car and Shop Vac AA255W
Leave it to one of the best-known makers of car care products to produce the best vacuum for your car. Armor All’s car and shop vac checks all the boxes. It comes with seven attachments specifically for detailing your car, including a crevice tool, detailing brush, car nozzle, floor brush, and multiple extension wands. And since it boasts a 2-horsepower motor, there’s plenty of suction for performing a full deep clean. It’s compact enough to sit inside your car as you clean and has a wheeled base that helps keep it upright while making it easy to roll around your garage. And since it also doubles as a wet/dry shop vac, you can use it for more than just cleaning up your car.
Pros
- Numerous car detailing attachments
- Powerful 2 HP motor
- Doubles as wet-dry shop vac
Cons
- Bulkier than some car vacuums
- Short power cord
Key Specs
- Type: Corded
- Weight: 10.99 lbs.
- Attachments: 10
Price: $69.99
Best Cordless Car Vacuum
Dewalt 20V Cordless Handheld Vacuum DCV501HB
The range of attachments that come with this cordless handheld vac from Dewalt makes it an ideal cord-free option for cleaning your car. It comes with the types of attachments you need to reach on the nooks and crannies in your car, including a crevice nozzle and floor nozzle. We also like the long flexible hose, which allows you to get into tight areas. Plus, its compact size and ergonomic handle make it easier to maneuver around the limited confines of your car. Like any cordless vacuum, this one doesn’t match the suction you’ll find on corded electric models, but it produces enough power for moderate car cleaning jobs.
Pros
- Multiple attachments for car cleaning
- Flexible hose gives it a longer range
- Compact size and ergonomic handle
Cons
- Relatively short run time
- Limited suction
Key Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 6.82 lbs.
- Attachments: 6
- Suction power: 46 CFM
Price: $149
Most Powerful Car Vacuum
Bissell Garage Pro Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Car Vacuum 18P03
If you want raw suction power for cleaning out your car and don’t require portability, this is the one. This large 12-amp wall-mounted wet/dry vacuum system produces excellent suction power. It comes with seven different attachments, including a crevice tool for getting into those hard-to-reach spots between the center console and seats, and a wide attachment for carpeting and floor mats. With its large 4-gallon tank, you can vacuum a few cars before having to empty it. And since it comes with a flexible 32-foot hose, you can reach all parts of your car without having to remove the base from the wall. It’s also handy for cleaning up your garage workshop.
Pros
- Pro-level suction power
- Long suction hose
- Seven attachments
Cons
- Relatively short run time
- Limited suction
Key Specs
- Type: Corded
- Weight: 33.2 lbs.
- Attachments: 6
Price: $226.59
Best Car Vacuum For Pet Hair
BLACK+Decker 20V Flex Handheld Vacuum BDH2020FL
The hair removal attachment that comes with this cordless handheld vacuum is what sets it apart from other car vacuums. This pet brush does an excellent job of freeing hair from upholstery and carpeting, so the vacuum can collect it. And since it also comes with a crevice attachment, you can also get into the tighter gaps around the console and seats. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver inside a car or truck. With its 20-volt battery, it produces good suction for a cordless model, though its runtime is limited to about 15 minutes.
Pros
- Pet hair removal attachment
- Lightweight compact design
- Cordless design
Cons
- Limited runtime of 15 minutes
- Fewer attachments than most
Key Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 3.2 lbs.
- Attachments: 3
Price: $109
Best Small Car Vacuum
Fanttik Slim V8 Mate Cordless Car Vacuum
We love the design of this small but surprisingly mighty mini-car vac. Measuring just a foot long and about 2 inches in diameter, it’s compact enough to store in your car’s center console. However, its small size makes it more suitable for spot cleaning than a full vacuuming of your car’s interior. It comes with a hose attachment that makes it easy to extend into small spaces, such as under the driver’s and passenger’s seats. Plus, there’s a variety of attachments, including multi-surface and pet brushes. Its rechargeable battery lasts for about 30 minutes, and it recharges in just 2 hours with a USB-C fast charger.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Recharges in 2 hours
- Useful attachments for car cleaning
Cons
- Limited suction
- Only suitable for spot cleaning
Key Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 1.2 lbs.
- Attachments: 3
Price: $79.99
Best Car Vacuum for the Money
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner
We like the price tag and performance of this car vacuum from ThisWorx. While it doesn’t have the cordless convenience of rechargeable models, its direct connection to your car’s 12-volt power supply means you don’t have to worry about running out of juice before you’re done cleaning. You’ll also be able to reach the furthest corners of your car’s interior, thanks to a long 16-foot cable. While it only comes with three attachments, all of them are useful. There’s a flathead hose and extension tube that makes it easier to access hard to reach under and between seats and a brush head for carpeting and upholstery. Plus, the vacuum and attachments fit conveniently into a handy storage bag you can throw in your trunk.
Pros
- Long 16-foot power cable
- Three useful attachments
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Weaker suction than some car vacuums
Key Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 2.42 lbs.
- Attachments: 3
Price: ~ $40
Best Handheld Car Vacuum
Black+Decker 20V Cordless Handheld Vacuum BDH2000L
This car vacuum produces ample suction in a compact easy-to-use handheld design, making it one of the best ways to perform a quick clean-up of your car. Unlike many dustbuster-style handheld vacuums that have business ends that are simply too large to fit into the small spaces in and around car seats, this model has a long slim nozzle that extends outward, allowing it to reach into those tight spaces. There’s also a hand brush attachment that helps pull smaller granules of dirt out of the seams in upholstery and small crevices on the center console. Its cordless design makes it easy to use and it can hold a surprisingly large amount of debris for its size.
Pros
- Slim nozzle design
- Built-in brush and crevice tools
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Limited runtime of 15 minutes
- Fewer attachments than most
Key Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 1.3 lbs.
- Attachments: 3 (built-in)
Price: $88.90
Best 12V Vacuum For Car
Baseus Handheld Cordless Vacuum AP02
If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum that can live in your vehicle, this model is a great option. It charges off a 12-volt car accessory port and gives you about 30 minutes of runtime, about enough to give your car a good cleaning. It comes with three attachments, including a tool specially designed for small crevices, though its design does limit just how far into tight spots you can reach. There are other thoughtful features too, including a built-in LED light that’s especially handy for cleaning under seats and a rotating brush for floor mats and upholstery.
Pros
- Built-in LED light
- Charges from 12-volt accessory port
- Cordless design
Cons
- Limited runtime of 15 minutes
- Fewer attachments than most
Key Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 4 lbs.
- Attachments: 3
Price: $79.95
Best Vacuum For Small Spaces
Baseus Cordless Car Vacuum Cleaner A3 lite
While most car vacuums have attachments for getting into small spaces, few can get into tiny cracks like this model. It comes with tiny attachments that allow you to vacuum out all the small nooks and crannies inside your car’s center console, handles, and dashboard. While it’s not large enough or powerful enough to clean your entire car, it’s ideal for detailing and spills that occur on the road. There’s also a brush attachment you can use to clean air vents. Plus, doubles as a blower, making it handy for inflating pool floats and air mattresses. Its compact size makes it small enough to sit in a cup holder and it can charge via a USB-C fast charger in just a few hours.
Pros
- Attachment can fit into very tiny spaces
- Compact design
- Works with a USB-C fast charger
- Doubles as blower
Cons
- Too small for large-scale cleaning
Key Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Attachments: 5
Price: $79.99
Best Car Vacuum Buying Guide
Types of Car Vacuums
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums may lack the suction power and large debris storage bins of the larger corded shop-vac style car vacuums, but they make up for it in portability and ease of use. Their lightweight handheld design makes them easier to carry and maneuver inside a car. And since many models plug into or charge off a 12-volt accessory port, you can keep a handheld vacuum in the car for quick cleanings while away on road trips.
Corded vs. Cordless Vacuums
Car vacuums come in both corded and cordless varieties. Cordless models use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and either a charging dock or USB-Cfast charger to recharge. Their cordless design makes them easier to use than corded models and allows you to vacuum your car while away from home.
Corded vacuums require you to have a power outlet nearby and wrestle with a cord; however, they’re more powerful than cordless models. Whereas cordless vacuums typically only last for up to 30 minutes on a single charge, corded models have an unlimited source of power, making them better suited for deep cleaning efforts.
Wet/Dry Vacuums
Some units function as wet/dry models, which means you can use them to clean up liquid as well as dry materials. Wet/dry vacuums are ideal if you need a vacuum that will assist in cleaning up spills inside your vehicle, or if you plan to use the vacuum for more than just cleaning out your car.
Portability and Hose Length
Benefits of Portable Car Vacuums
Portable car vacuums allow you to store the vacuum inside the car. That means it’s on hand if you want to clean up spills that happen while you’re away from home. Portable models come in cordless models that use a rechargeable battery along with those that you can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt accessory outlet.
Optimal Hose Length for Convenience
Depending on the type of car vacuum you have, you’ll want to pay attention to the length of the hose attachment. For larger models that have a base that sits outside the car, make sure the hose length is long enough to allow you to reach all parts of your car’s interior.
Some handheld models also come with a hose attachment, which makes it easier to reach under car seats and into tight spaces. Avoid getting a vacuum with an overly long hose. Along with being unwieldy, the longer hose will decrease the vacuum’s suction power.
Ease of Use
To use a car vacuum you’ll need to maneuver around the interior of your vehicle while carrying it with you. It should be lightweight and compact enough that it isn’t a struggle to maneuver it around your car. If you do get a larger heavier shop-vac style car vacuum, look for one that comes equipped with wheels that make it easy to maneuver around your garage or driveway.
Filtration System
HEPA vs. Standard Filters
Some car vacuums come equipped with HEPA filters. The acronym HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters differ from standard ones in that they can trap smaller particles, which is ideal if you’re trying to vacuum up allergens, pollen, dust, and pet dander from your car. Some shop vacuums use a dual filter system that collects even more debris. These filters are removable, allowing you to clean them periodically or replace them if they become damaged.
Attachments and Accessories
Car-specific attachments
When shopping for a car vacuum, make sure it has the right attachment to get the job done. A good car vacuum will have a detailing tool that allows you to vacuum the small spaces around your dashboard and center console. Moreover, a crevice tool will get the job done on either side of the seats, and in other tight spots. You’ll also need an extension wand for reaching under seats and a wide attachment that’s capable of vacuuming upholstery, carpeting, and floor mats.
Pet brushes
Pet hair is notoriously difficult to remove from car upholstery and carpeting. Most car vacuums aren’t powerful enough to pull the hair off these surfaces without the right attachment. If you’re planning on using your car vacuum to remove pet hair, you’ll need a model that comes with a pet brush attachment. These attachments usually have a rotating brush or rubber bristles that physically detach pet hair from carpeting and upholstery as you run it over the surfaces so that the vacuum is capable of sucking it up.
Uses of Car Vacuums
Removing Dust and Debris
The most common use of a handheld vacuum cleaner is for removing dirt, food particles, and other debris that ends up scattered throughout your car and trapped in the seams of upholstery and crevices of your car. Car vacuums, in particular, come with attachments designed specifically to handle the challenges that come with cleaning a car.
Workshop and Household
Most car vacuums aren’t just useful for cleaning out the interior of your car. Many handheld and full-size models are also helpful for use around the house for cleaning up spills, vacuuming the upholstery of furniture, and other tasks. Many car vacuums also double as shop vacs, allowing you to use them to clean up sawdust and debris after a project. When shopping for a car vacuum, consider purchasing one that will give you the most bang for your buck by helping you clean more than just your car.
Tips for Using a Car Vacuum
Regular Maintenance
Over time any vacuum cleaner can become clogged with dust, which reduces its suction power. You can avoid this by emptying the car vacuum’s dust bin after each use and when it’s full. Filters can also become overwhelmed with dust, hurting the vacuum’s performance. Remove the filter after each use, rinse it clean in the sink, and allow it to dry before reinstalling it. Don’t put a damp filter in the vacuum. Not only will a wet filter hinder air flow but it will also promote mold growth.
Clean up before vacuuming
Small objects like toys and coins can get stuck inside smaller car vacuums, clogging them. Before vacuuming, go through your car and pick up any small objects that can potentially get caught inside your vacuum. Or, better yet, keep a small trash can in the car to reduce the amount of debris that ends up scattered throughout the car.
Circulate air through the vents
Open the air vents in your car and turn on the fan as you’re vacuuming. The air will dislodge dust, making it easier for you to capture this debris with the vacuum.
Protect your car’s interior
Use the right attachment for the right job. If you’re vacuuming your dashboard, center console, or leather seats, use an attachment with a brush that won’t scratch these materials like a hard plastic attachment can.
Safety Considerations When Using a Car Vacuum
While car vacuums are very safe appliances to use, there are a few safety precautions you should use when operating one of these appliances. Be aware of the electrical hazards a shop vacuum can present, especially if you’re using a corded model. Never use a car vacuum to clean up liquids unless the vacuum is rated for wet/dry use. Using a standard car vacuum to clean up liquids creates a risk of electrical shock and can potentially damage the vacuum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Vacuums
How Often Should I Vacuum My Car?
Set a schedule to vacuum your car out about once a month to prevent debris and dust from building up inside it. In addition to these monthly cleanings, plan to conduct a thorough vacuuming and detailing of your car twice a year.
Can I Use a Regular Vacuum Cleaner in My Car?
You could try, but the fact is that a full-size vacuum cleaner is too bulky to fit inside your car or vacuum all the small spaces. Even vacuums with hose attachments aren’t well suited to work in the tight confines of a vehicle as the hoses are usually too short to reach throughout your car’s interior.
Are Cordless Car Vacuums Worth It?
A cordless car vacuum helps keep dust and debris in check, which makes it worth the investment. That said, a cordless model probably won’t fulfill all of your vehicle’s cleaning needs. That’s because cordless car vacuums simply don’t have enough juice to perform as thorough a cleaning as a full-size corded electric car vacuum.
Be sure to check out our Best Shop Vac Reviews list!
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