The Best Car Vacuums For 2023

Investing in car vacuums have become more of a necessity today. You need to buy a high-quality and robust car vacuum to keep your vehicle’s cabin and trunk clean. It’s important for owners to maintain their car’s interior and keep them as neat as possible.

You may not notice it, but the buildup of debris and dirt can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s interior components. A vacuum maintains your car parts by wiping the dirt off the seats, floor, cabin, and other surfaces. But, car vacuums do more than keeping your vehicle clean. Regular vacuuming creates a healthy environment for passengers and drivers. The microscopic organisms and germs collected in your car’s interior can affect your hygiene and health, especially if you have respiratory diseases and allergy issues.

Also Read: Best Car Battery Chargers

Sure, the traditional vacuum is sufficient to clean your home. But, it can’t reach every inch of your car.

What are Car Vacuums?

After investing all your hard-earned money on a brand-new vehicle, you can’t let your car depreciate at a fast rate. Regular car maintenance is important for vehicle owners. If you want your vehicle to give the best output for years, you must invest in its maintenance. Car maintenance is as easy as cleaning it regularly.

The accumulation of germs and dirt particles can damage your car’s component gradually. You don’t want your brand-new vehicle to start showing the wear and tear symptoms within a year of your purchase.

Car vacuums are available in cord and cordless forms. Both are portable and can fit your car booth easily. You could use it to clean your pet’s hair from the seat, dirt, and dust accumulated on the seats, and other tiny organisms that are invisible.

1. Armor All AA255

The Armor All AA255 is tailored to clean the interiors of all kinds and models of cars.  Being a wet and dry vacuum, it cleans dry debris and liquid spills thoroughly. Armor All AA255 comes with the necessary add-ons that make your car cleaning job pretty convenient and easy. The vacuum can be converted into a blower, which is used to dry wheels and motorbikes.

What sets Armor All AA255 apart from the traditional vacuums is its built-in noise diffuser. You can use the tool anytime you want without having to bear the loud noise. The sleek design and lightweight nature of the vacuum make it capable of reaching all the difficult areas quite smoothly. This corded car vacuum has a 2.5-gallon tank, which is large enough for the vacuum to hold a significant amount of debris before being emptied.

Features

  • It is a corded vacuum featuring a 10-foot cord
  • Add-ons include 1.25 inches hose, reusable foam sleeve, crevice tool, nozzle, brush, and cloth filter
  • Auto shut-off functionality
  • 2 horsepower motor
  • A noise and air diffuser
  • 2.5-gallon tank
  • Wet/dry trash absorbing capability
  • Easy conversion to a blower

The Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Decent cord length
  • No loud noise

The Cons

  • Low suction

Specifications

  Product Name     Armor All AA255  
  Weight (in pounds)     7
  Product Dimensions (in inches)     10.6 x 14.2 x 14.4
  Color   Orange  
  Voltage   120 volts

2. ThisWorx TWC-01

ThisWorx TWC-01 comes with a filter brush that increases the lifespan of your car vacuum and makes it more flexible and easy-to-clean. This dry and wet car vacuum provides a professional cleaning job. Equipped with 106w motor and a powerful metal turbine, ThisWorx TWC-01 is an ideal option for users looking for a strong and versatile vacuum for their car’s interiors.

The 16-foot power cord accompanied by a nozzle set and a hose makes your job easier by cleaning the hard-to-reach corners of your vehicle accurately. The lid and a high-quality trash container ensure that all the wet and dry debris is accumulated from your car seats, cabin, and other small corners. The USP of the tool is its transparent trash container, which is clearly visible. This makes it easier for the vehicle owner to empty the trash once it is full. This avoids trash overflow.

Features

  • 16ft long power cord
  • Extended Brush
  • Portable
  • Dry and wet cleaning capacity
  • HEPA Filtration

The Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Decent cord length
  • Picks up wet and dry debris effortlessly
  • Useful accessories

The Cons

  • It produces noise

Specifications

  Product Name     ThisWorx TWC-01  
  Weight (in pounds)     2.4 pounds
  Product Dimensions (in inches)     13.4 x 4 x 4.3
  Voltage     12 volts
  Wattage   106 watts

3. FORTEM Car Vacuum

Turn your outdated car into a brand-new model with FORTEM Car Vacuum. The tool comes with a variety of add-ons that make car cleaning and maintenance a cinch. Using FORTEM Car Vacuum, you can clean all the difficult-to-reach spots with ease. From corners to underneath car seats, this wet/dry vacuum can reach all spots effortlessly. The main accessories that streamline the cleaning task are a crevice, nozzle, and hose.

The nozzle and the brush are used on your vehicle’s upholstery to accumulate the wet and dry trash. With FORTEM Car Vacuum in your car, you can carry your pets and lots of snacks without having to worry about the buildup of debris and liquid dirt. The vacuum features a lightweight and compact design, making it highly portable for the car owner. The vacuum is washable. The USP of the model is its high suction capacity that absorbs allergens, microscopic contaminants, and other forms of dust.

Features

  • A powerful 120w motor
  • A long cord that cleans all major car models including SUVs and hatchbacks
  • Available with a carry case
  • Three nozzles, hose, and crevice
  • A Steel HEPA filter
  • Compatible with a cigarette lighter

The Pros

  • Convenient
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Powerful motor
  • Long cord
  • Durable and eco-friendly
  • Multiple nozzles for different areas

The Cons

  • Difficult to remove the HEPA filter for cleaning

Specifications

  Product Name     FORTEM Car Vacuum  
  Weight (in pounds)     1.76
  Product dimensions (in inches)     15 x 4.8 x 5.5
  Voltage     12 volts
  Wattage     120 watts

4. Metro Vacuum VM6SB500

Metro Vacuum VM6SB500 is a handheld car vacuum. Made from steel, this convenient and easy-to-use vacuum cleaner comes with a chrome finish. This cord-based vacuum operates on a 500W motor. This product by MetroVac has a sleek design. Its lightweight and compact properties make it one of the most-purchased and efficient car vacuum out on the market.

You are not going to face any difficulty in cleaning the hard-to-reach corners of your vehicle with this cord-powered vacuum cleaner. Metro Vacuum VM6SB500 comes with many additional accessories that simplify your car cleaning task. The popular add-ons you will get with Metro Vacuum VM6SB500 are a crevice tool, nozzle for upholstery, shoulder strap and hose, and power unit.

Features

  • Special accessories like a crevice, nozzle, brush, shoulder strap, cleaning hose, and a power unit
  • Made from stainless steel
  • Features a chrome finish
  • Used on carpet, upholstery, seats, underneath seats, and other corners of the vehicle
  • Disposable bags

The Pros

  • Portable and highly effective
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent motor
  • Easy-to-use
  • Multiple accessories for easier cleaning

The Cons

  • Suction power disappoints

Specifications

  Product Name     Metro Vacuum VM6SB500  
  Product Dimensions (in inches)     7.2 x 7.2 x 14
  Color     Stainless Steel
  Wattage     500 watts
  USP   Rechargeable Battery  
  Weight (in pounds)   2.7  

5. Vacplus Car Vacuum

If you are looking for decent power, compact, and handheld vacuum that cleans every nook and corner of your car’s interiors, then Vacplus Car Vacuum is a brilliant option. With this cord-powered vacuums stored in your car’s booth, you don’t have to worry about charging it frequently. The cord length is approx 16.4 feet, which is long enough to reach the trunk effortlessly. Vacplus Car Vacuum is reusable and washable. It comes with quite a few add-ons that make the cleaning job pretty smooth. The additional accessories include a crevice tool, a nozzle, and a brush.

While the vacuum is amazing for occasional car cleaning tasks, it doesn’t make a perfect fit for car owners who need regular cleaning and maintenance. It might need many hits for the vacuum to pick up pet hair and stubborn debris.

Features

  • Stainless filter for easy cleaning
  • Equipped with a nozzle, crevice tool, and brush
  • Extended tube
  • Compatible with 12V DC lighter
  • Compact design with a long cord

The Pros

  • Lightweight and washable
  • Easy to use
  • A great cord length
  • Decent suction power
  • Portable
  • Convenient and durable

The Cons

  • Picks up only dry and small trash
  • Incompatible with pet hair
  • Not suitable for deep cleaning

Specifications

  Product Name     Vacplus Car Vacuum  
  Product Dimensions (in inches)     14.8 x 5.1 x 4.8
  Weight (in pounds)     2.2 pounds
  Voltage     12 volts
  Cord Length (in the foot)     16.4

6. ThisWork TWC-02

ThisWork TWC-02 is the tool that every car owner needs when planning a long trip with their family and pets. The vacuum comes with a commendable suction power that offers a great value for your money. The sleek and flat design at the bottom makes the vacuum capable of reaching difficult areas easily. The main accessory of ThisWork TWC-02 is the three nozzles that clean all sorts of debris efficiently.

Powered by 110W motor, the ThisWork TWC-02 comes with a washable HEPA filter. You could use it to remove the wet and dry debris from the hard-to-reach corner of your car. Place the vacuum on the surface and use its three remarkable nozzles to reach different corners. Moreover, the vacuum features a 16-foot long cable. Turn on the engine, connect vacuum with the plug, and get started with vacuuming. Your car will look as clean as a brand-new vehicle.

Features

  • Cleans wet and dry debris
  • A perfect fit for cleaning your vehicle’s ashtray
  • Supports all types of vehicles including mini trucks to motorbikes
  • The flat bottom design slides smoothly over all surfaces
  • Cleans wet and dry mess
  • Equipped with three nozzles, crevice tool, HEPA filter, brush, and other advanced accessories

The Pros

  • Great cord length
  • Slides smoothly across all surfaces
  • Remarkable design
  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight

The Cons

  • Suction power could have been better
  • Not durable

Specifications

  Product Name     ThisWork TWC-02  
  Weight (in pounds)     2.65
  Product Dimension (in inches)     16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5
  Wattage     110 watts
  Volts     12 volts

7. Shark Rocket HV292

This handheld vacuum is a perfect fit for your car’s interiors and stairs. You could use it to clean the upholstery, carpet, and car’s interiors. Shark Rocket HV292 is a cord-based device featuring a 15-foot cord that is capable of reaching all the nook and crannies of the car effortlessly. The vacuum cleaner comes equipped with many add-ons including a crevice tool, stretch hose, and a motorized brush.

Shark Rocket HV292 is a commendable vacuum for intense cleaning. Its add-ons pick the stubborn trash effortlessly. From pet hair to wrappers, the tool can pick all types of trash and dirt from your car interiors. Moreover, it features reusable and washable filters. The vacuum cleaner weighs less than 4 pounds, making it the most lightweight and compact cleaner for car interiors. This handheld cleaner offers deep cleaning benefits with a motorized brush and remarkable filters. The 15-foot long cable allows you to clean the entire car with no interruption.

Features

  • 15-foot long cord
  • 12” crevice tool
  • A motorized brush and a dusting brush
  • Stretch hose for easy cleaning
  • Washable Filters
  • Compatible with all surfaces

The Pros

  • Durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Versatile
  • Used on bumpy surfaces
  • Reach difficult areas
  • Remarkable add-ons
  • Great suction power

The Cons

  • No cons that we know of

Specifications

  Product Name     Shark Rocket HV292  
  Weight (in pounds)     3.7
  Cord Length     15 foot
  Power     400 watts

8. Armor All AA12V1

This 12V Auto AC Plus car vacuum cleaner is an ultimate option for all car models. A 15 ft power cable comes attached to the vacuum. The cable is long enough to clean hard-to-reach surfaces and trunk of the car. Armor All AA12V1 features the built-in LED light as well as a crevice tool that makes the cleaning job a whole lot easier and faster. Being a cord-based vacuum cleaner, it doesn’t need battery and frequent charging.

The additional accessories that come equipped with Armor All AA12V1 include a storage case, a washable and reusable filter, detail brush, crevice tool, LED lights, and squeegee. This corded electric car vacuum cleaner is made of plastic. It gives an amazing performance in keeping your vehicle clean. The best part about the vacuum is its wet and dry cleaning features. It picks up the liquid waste as smoothly as dust and dry trash. The tank has a good capacity.

Features

  • Made of plastic
  • Features build-in light and crevice tool
  • Picks up wet and dry trash
  • 15 ft power cord
  • Comes with carrying case, filter, brush, and squeegee
  •  

The Pros

  • Long cord
  • Maneuverable
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Durable
  • Multiple add-ons

The Cons

  • Suction power is not good

Specifications

  Product Name     Armor All AA12V1  
  Weight (in pounds)     2.25
  Color     Orange  
  Voltage     12 volts
  Material Used     Plastic
  Product Dimensions (in inches)   15.5 x 4.7 x 4.7

9. HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum

Now, capturing dirt from the deep and hard-to-reach corners in your car is no longer challenging with HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum. This 12-volt car vacuum cleaner can be used to clean the interiors of truck, minivan, hatchback, SUV, and sedan. Its stable motor and a long cord simplify the cleaning operation. No need to worry about charging this cleaning tool.

The built-in LED lights enable users to clean the vehicle in both daylight and night hours efficiently. The vacuum comes equipped with double filters, which are designed to boost the lifespan of vacuum and offer a stable suction at all times. HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum features a detachable dust cup that empties the trash tank easily. Additionally, the vacuum comes with 3 nozzles and a carry case, which can house all the add-ons and the vacuum.

Features

  • Equipped with 3 nozzles, a carry case, and HEPA filter
  • 16.4 ft long cord
  • Corded vacuum
  • Fast and easy cleaning with high power
  • Amazing LED lights
  • Double filtration
  • Creative and sleek design

The Pros

  • Great cord length
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Compatible with multiple vehicles and surfaces
  • Durable
  • Good suction power
  • Comes with carrying bag
  • Portable

The Cons

  • No cons that we know of

Specifications

  Product Name     HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum  
  Weight (in pounds)     2.44
  Wattage     106 watts
  Product dimensions (in inches)     14.9 x 5.3 x 5.3
  Power     12 volts

10. BLACK + DECKER BDH1200 FVAV

The USP of BLACK + DECKER BDH1200 FVAV is its remarkable hose, which allows users to reach all the difficult areas that other typical car vacuums can’t clean. This handheld vacuum cleaner is super compact. It has a built-in crevice that offers smooth cleaning underneath car seats and around AC. You can take out the handle when you are cleaning the hard-to-reach surfaces. The device has a transparent duct bowl, making it easier for users to know when the tank is full. This helps avoid trash overflowing. Moreover, the BLACK + DECKER BDH1200 FVAV features side doors that empty the trash tank. This means you can get the trash straight to the bin without having to touch it.

The suction is great. The 16 ft cord can clean all the nook and corners easily. Once you are done cleaning, you can wrap this cord around the vacuum and keep it in the carry bag. The additional accessories you will get with BLACK + DECKER BDH1200 FVAV vacuum cleaner are 4 flexible hoses, nozzle, crevice tool, and a brush.

Features

  • Fits perfectly in a cigarette lighter
  • A 16 ft long cord
  • 4 flexible hoses
  • A nozzle and long crevice
  • Side empty doors for trash removal
  • Flip-up brush

The Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Washable
  • Corded Vacuum with 16 ft long cord
  • Easy to clean
  • Compatible with a cigarette lighter
  • Cleans all hard-to-reach areas
  • Durable
  • Portable

The Cons

  • Suction power could have been better

Specifications

  Product Name     BLACK + DECKER BDH1200 FVAV  
  Weight (in pounds)     3.31
  Power     12 volts
  Dustbowl capacity (in ounces)       19

Buyers Guide for Car Vacuums

Your vehicle tends to experience as much dust and germs as your house. Car maintenance requires regular cleaning of the vehicle’s interiors and exteriors. So, are you planning to shop for the best car vacuum for your brand-new SUV? With a broad range of vacuums on the market, it gets pretty overwhelming to choose the best one.

Before you start your shopping, think about the type of vacuum you’d like to invest in. Car vacuums come in three types:

Dry and Wet Vacuums

While most vacuums are capable of picking dry trash and dirt from your car interiors, some have the additional function of picking wet trash. This means the wet vacuums can collect liquids, apart from dry debris. The wet/dry vacuums especially work for owners who regularly face the drink spills and excess snowfall issues.

These vacuums keep your car interiors neat and dry in all seasons. Even if someone has spilled liquids, you could grab this portable vacuum and wipe it off the seat or cabin quickly.

Shop Vacuum

A shop vacuum features a unique set of abilities. The web and dry features coupled with the wheels set Shop vacuums apart from the regular vacuum cleaners. The shop vacuum has wet cleaning parts. They absorb the liquids and keep your vehicle clean and dry all the time.

Handheld Vacuum

If you are looking for a portable vacuum, then a handheld vacuum is the best option. You can store them in the booth. They often come handy when you are going on a long trip and your kids throw all the dirt and wrappers in the car. You could easily grab this dirt with a handheld vacuum. Some handheld vacuums run on battery.

Top Factors to Consider When Buying Car Vacuums

Though vacuums aren’t that expensive, you still must consider certain factors before selecting the best for your vehicle. Buyers can prepare their budget and buy a vacuum that fits their requirements and can reach every inch of the vehicle efficiently. Moreover, you should look for a portable vacuum that could easily fit the car’s booth and can be carried to all the places. Let’s have a look at the other essential features to consider when buying a car vacuum.

Vacuum Life – You could opt for a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. However, check the battery capacity of the vacuum before making a purchase. The last thing you want is the vacuum to run out of battery while you are in the middle of cleaning the vehicle. Check how long the battery lasts. Also, you must consider how often you need to vacuum your car. Battery-operated vacuums are especially recommended for vehicle owners who need occasional cleaning. As they do not carry any cord, you can use them wherever you want. But, a battery-powered model should feature a decent battery life.

Liquid Spills – If you often face liquid messes in your car, it is best to invest in the cleaner that has the wet and dry cleaning features. Note that the vacuum designed exclusively for dry trash cannot absorb liquid spills.

Portability – A heavy and huge handheld vacuum device cannot deliver the best results. You should rather look for the car vacuums that can reach every nook and cranny of your vehicle easily. Look for a lightweight and compact vacuum that could be carried anywhere.

Capacity – The tank of the vacuum must have enough capacity to hold a significant amount of debris. The capacity of the tank determines how much debris the vacuum can hold before you empty it. The larger the size of the tank, the higher its capacity, and the more trash it can hold.

Accessories – Your car has many hard-to-reach areas that act as the breeding ground for microscopic germs. The vacuum cleaner you choose for your vehicle should have the additional accessories that could clean all the surfaces in your car conveniently. Vacuum cleaners are sold with a few accessories. The add-ons are as important as the portability of the vacuum. Just how you would like the vacuum to clean every hard-to-reach corner, having additional accessories will make your cleaning job a whole lot easier. Look for handheld vacuums that come with hoses that are capable of cleaning all the areas that accumulate dirt.

Q&A

  1. Are Vacuums with Built-in LED Lights Useful?

    Vacuums that come equipped with LED lights help car owners clean their vehicles at all times. Car interiors are pretty complex. The gap between the seats, trunk, upholstery, and car booth is difficult to clean. LED light helps you get a clear view of the area you are cleaning.

  2. Should I Purchase Battery-powered or Corded Vacuum for my Car?

    One of the important decisions concerning vacuum cleaners is whether you should invest in the corded vacuum or battery-powered one. As the name implies, battery-powered vacuum runs as long as it is charged. The major perk of corded cleaner is that you don’t have to worry about charging the vacuum.

    If you need intensive cleaning and a strong vacuum, then the corded one is the best option. The major drawback is the cord itself. You can only use the corded tool within the range of power. It is also seen as a barrier. Battery-powered vacuums, on the other hand, do not have a cord. These cordless vacuums can reach every single corner of your car's interior. The downside is its battery capacity. Once the vacuum runs out of battery, it will stop functioning. Even if you are in the middle of cleaning, you will have to stop and recharge the vacuum if it runs out of battery.

  3. What are the Add-ons I Can Expect from a High-quality Car Vacuum?

    The right accessories can make car cleaning a cinch. The most important accessory of a vacuum is an extendable hose that can reach the difficult spots that can't be cleaned manually. A crevice tool is another car vacuum accessory that cleans the gaps between seats. Filters and detail brush makes it easier for the user to wash the vacuum and keep it in good condition.

    There are other such accessories that simplify your car cleaning task. Whichever model you are buying, make sure that it comes equipped with all the necessary add-ons for smoother cleaning.

  4. Do I Need a Pet-friendly Vacuum?

    It depends on your requirements. Do you often carry your pet in the car? Do you go on a long road trip with kids? If yes, then you need to purchase a pet-friendly vacuum that is capable of picking up pet hair. Pet furs are pretty hard to remove from upholstery. Not all vacuums are designs to clean pet trash. So, it is better to check if the vacuum can pick up pet furs before settling the deal.

  5. Why Should I Purchase a Car Vacuum with Wet/Dry Features?

    Car vacuums can be dry or wet/dry.  The major benefit of wet/dry vacuums is that it allows you to clean solid as well as liquid mess easily. The next time your kids spill water or some soft drink in the car, you could grab the wet/dry vacuum cleaner to pick up all the trash smoothly.

    The moisture in your car can become a breeding ground for microbes. So, invest in a vacuum with dry/wet features and clean all sorts of debris quickly.

Conclusion

While every car owner washes and maintains the exteriors, they often forget to clean the interiors. A car vacuum helps clean the interiors of your vehicle and remove all kinds of microbes and contaminants. The conventional vacuums are not customized for vehicles. You should rather look for a high-quality, wet/dry car vacuum.

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Louis Jones

Cars have always played an important role in Louis' career. After working full-time at Toyota and Ford for over 12 years combined, he decided to take some time off and instead focus on helping automotive owners online. With his vast knowledge and expertise about cars, motors, and engines, he quickly ended up as the leading writer here at CarGuided.