Best Car Vacuum
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Vacuuming your Car’s interior is a fundamental part of keeping it well maintained and livable. While cleaning of the exterior of your car is mainly to enhance its appearance, cleaning the interior comes with several benefits.
These include:
· Keeping the interior clean ensures that your clothes remain cleaner while you drive
· Vacuuming eliminates odors that may develop when organic dirt starts to decompose inside the car
· Vacuuming removes allergens making your drive more comfortable
· It also prevents abnormal wear and tear on the carpets and plastic parts
· It maintains your car’s resale value in case you consider selling it later
These are very immense benefits that require car vacuuming to be done correctly and with the correct equipment in order to reap these benefits. That’s why we hope this review will help you get the right tools to keep your car’s interior in a superb and clean condition at all times.
After long hours of testing and evaluating different features, we have narrowed down the best car vacuum cleaners as follows:
The 8 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners of 2019
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This is a powerful 16 volt cordless car vacuum cleaner designed quick pick up of dirt and debris. It is powered by a powerful rechargeable lithium battery which offers ample battery time enough for you to carry thorough cleaning for your car.
In fact, this vacuum cleaner can hold charge for up to 18 months which is really incredible. Moreover, this vacuum features Smart Charge technology with high efficiency ion chargers that help protect the vacuum by automatically shutting off when the battery is fully charged. This not only ensures that this vacuum maintains longer run times but allows you to leave it on the charger without any worries.
Design wise, this vacuum is lightweight and with ergonomic handles. It also features a translucent bag-less bowl for dirt handling. This bowl is easy to see and empty which makes using this vacuum cleaner a breeze. These features combined with the cordless design means you can virtually clean any part of your car, home or garage quickly and faster than with most conventional vacuum cleaners.
Furthermore, the CHV1410L vacuum cleaner comes with greater suction power. It also has cyclonic action which spins dirt and dust away from the filter to ensure that suction remains powerful. Moreover, this vacuum cleaner comes with an assortment of attachments including a crevice tool and brush. These attachments come in handy when cleaning hard to reach places and tight spaces ensuring you get a thorough clean.
This vacuum cleaner is therefore not only ideal for use with vehicles but can also be used for home and commercial applications. The major advantage with this vacuum is the long battery life. You can do all manner of cleaning with this vacuum cleaner without worrying about any interruptions. Moreover, with its powerful suction and multi-application use, this is one of the best vacuum cleaners you can get for your car!
Key features
- 16 volt motor provides powerful suction
- Cyclonic action to maintain suction power
- Cordless design with a powerful lithium battery
- Longer battery time
- Comes with crevice tool and brush
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Handheld and extremely portable
- Longer battery time
- Powerful suction power
Cons
- Small dirt bowl may require emptying more often
If you are looking for a car vacuum cleaner that can deal with pet hair, dirt and dust, then this Homasy handheld vacuum cleaner should be among your top choices. With a 14.8 Volt motor and 100 W rating, this vacuum cleaner provides powerful suction of up to 6Kpa. This vacuum cleaner therefore not only sucks visible debris and pet hair but can also clear small particles up to 0.3 microns. It is therefore an ideal choice for car cleaning and other applications including vacuuming sofas and mattresses.
This vacuum cleaner is powered by powerful and rechargeable lithium batteries with 4×2200 mAh capacity. For one, this means you don’t have to deal with cords, which gives you unlimited cleaning latitude. Furthermore, these batteries can give you up to 30 minutes of cleaning time which is not only ample for thorough cleaning but also one of the longest battery times that can be provided by handheld vacuums in the market currently. Additionally, this vacuum cleaner comes with a 600ml dust collection cup which is not only sufficient to meet your car cleaning needs but also ideal for use in the kitchen, bedroom and even living room.
Similarly, this vacuum cleaner comes with 3 attachments for different cleaning applications. Apart from the crevice tool and brush, this vacuum cleaner also features a rubber jar attachment that can hold up to 100ml of sucked liquid making it ideal for wet vacuuming as well. Moreover, this vacuum cleaner also features cyclonic suction which helps maintain suction power. This is therefore a vacuum cleaner you can rely on to give you a more thorough and deeper clean than most vacuum cleaners whether in your car, home or garage.
In regard to charging, this vacuum cleaner has adopted the latest fast charge technology and self-developed intelligent power management technology. It fully charges in 3-4 hours and features current, voltage, short circuit and temperature protections. All these features ensure maximum safety throughout the charging process and ensure it maintains longer battery life.
Key features
- Cordless – lithium battery powered vacuum cleaner
- Supports both wet and dry vacuuming
- Powerful suction
- Up to 30 minutes cleaning time
- Fast charge with charge protection
- Portable and lightweight
Pros
- Supports both wet and dry vacuuming
- Fast charge
- Long battery life
- Cordless design allows for versatile use
Cons
- 30 minutes battery life limits use to basic cleaning applications only
This Black Decker vacuum cleaner is specifically designed for vacuuming cars. With a 12V motor, it provides very powerful suction that clears all the debris, dirt and dust found in car carpets, mats and upholstery. This vacuum cleaner is powered through the car battery and comes with a 12V adapter which fits into the cigarette lighter. Moreover, this vacuum cleaner comes with a 16 feet cable which is long enough to reach all parts of your car including the trunk.
Uniquely designed, this vacuum cleaner comes with an integrated hose which allows you to reach even the farthest spots in your car where most car vacuums can’t reach. It also features a patented ‘motor in the filter’ design which makes it ultra compact, lightweight and ideal for car vacuuming applications.
Moreover, this vacuum cleaner comes with attachments designed to enhance the cleaning process. These include a long crevice tool ideal for reaching tight areas and the area between and below the car seat and a wide nozzle tool. It also comes with a brush which is used to clean the plastic trim parts of your car without leaving marks and scratches.
Furthermore, this vacuum cleaner has dual functionalities. It can be used as traditional vacuum cleaner or its handle removed for cleaning hard to reach places. It also has cyclonic action which spins dirt and debris away from the filter ensuring the vacuum maintains its maximum suction power.
This vacuum cleaner also features a transparent dust bowl which makes it easy to know when to empty. Moreover, this vacuum allows for hands-free emptying which is great as it reduces contact with dirt, bacteria and possibly allergens. That’s also the case with the filter which comes with a cleaning wheel which also allows for hands-free cleaning of the filter.
Key features
- Corded and comes with car cigarette adapter
- 16 feet cable reaches all parts of your car
- Transparent dirt bowl
- Hands-free cleaning
- Cyclonic action
- Comes with brush, crevice tool and wide nozzle tool
Pros
- Uses car battery as source of power giving you uninterrupted cleaning
- Offers powerful and consistent suction power with cyclonic action
- Hands-free dirt emptying and filter cleaning is more hygienic
Cons
- Will need an adapter for home applications
- Cord limits the cleaning area to around the power source.
This version of Black Decker vacuum cleaner comes with an increased bowl capacity which enables it to collect more dirt before it needs to be emptied. It is therefore suited for more applications apart from car vacuuming. With a cordless design, this vacuum cleaner is powered by powerful and rechargeable lithium batteries that provide very powerful suction and extended run time.
The dirt bowl is removable and washable which is great for allowing thorough cleaning in between jobs. It is also translucent which makes it easy to notice when the dirt needs emptying. The filter is also removable to allow for thorough cleaning. These ensure that your vacuum maintains consistent and powerful suction every time you need to do a cleaning job.
Additionally, this vacuum cleaner comes with an assortment of attachments designed to ensure deep cleaning. These include; a crevice tool that comes in handy when cleaning hard to reach places and spots such as between and below seats. It also comes with a brush for cleaning your car’s upholstery and plastic trim without leaving scratches.
This vacuum has a wide mouth design which helps it scoop up even large debris effortlessly. Moreover, cyclonic action keeps the filter clean ensuring suction power remains at optimum levels. All these features combined with a lightweight and portable design allow for convenient yet thorough cleaning. There is also a wall mount included with this vacuum cleaner which provides a versatile storage solution.
Key features
· Cordless design powered with rechargeable lithium batteries
· Large dirt bowl allows you to cleaner for longer before emptying
· Cyclonic action and with mouth ensure optimum suction
· Comes with brush and crevice tool attachments
Pros
· Can clean hard to reach places
· Compact and lightweight design means less fatigue
· Large dirt bowl ensures minimal interruptions
Cons
Lithium batteries limit run time at each go
Designed with a cigarette light plug, this vacuum cleaner allows for uninterrupted and thorough cleaning for your entire car. It therefore features very powerful suction of up to 5.0 Kpa and is ideal for cleaning dust, sand, crumbs, pet hair, cigarette ash and water. Moreover, this vacuum cleaner comes with a 14 ft power cord which is long enough to reach even the farthest corner of your car including the trunk.
This vacuum cleaner is also accessorized with 3 attachments which come handy in different cleaning applications. They include; a brush for cleaning the carpeting, upholstery and plastic trim. It also comes with an extension hose which connects other accessories to clean crevices and hard to reach spots. Lastly, this air condition comes with a nozzle slim that is used for cleaning joints and along seams.
Furthermore, this vacuum cleaner is not only suited for cleaning dry garbage, it can also help you clean where there is water making it ideal for use in other applications such for vacuuming around the kitchen or garage. The only additional thing you will need is a universal AC-DC power socket adapter with a cigarette plug on the female end to achieve all your cleaning whether in the kitchen, living room, bedroom or even garage.
This vacuum cleaner uses HEPA filter which are not only re-usable but also allow for a single step emptying. The filter can be washed with water and dried before being re-used. This is not only economical but also allows you to save more money and is environmentally friendly. Moreover, this vacuum cleaner has international certifications including FCC, CE and RoHS.
Key Features
· Powerful suction of up to 5Kpa
· Car battery powered with a cigarette plug adapter
· Long power cord – 14 ft
· Comes with brush and nozzle attachments
· Uses re-usable HEPA filters
Pros
· No interruptions with continuous power provided by the car battery
· Long power cord reaches every part of your car
· Can be used for both dry and wet vacuuming applications
· HEPA filters are reusable
Cons
Needs AC-DC adapter for home applications
Another amazing vacuum cleaner ergonomically designed for car vacuuming is this Black Decker BDH1200PVAV vacuum cleaner. This is a corded vacuum cleaner with a cigarette plug adapter which draws power from the car battery. This vacuum therefore offers not only powerful suction but also uninterrupted cleaning for your car. It comes with a 16 foot cable which allows for reach to all parts of your car.
Moreover, the pivoting nose of this vacuum cleaner has 10 settings which allow for flexibility in different cleaning applications. It also features double filtration which is designed not only to perform better but also last longer. This vacuum cleaner is therefore not only economical but also energy efficient and environment friendly.
This vacuum cleaner comes with a convenient crevice tool, which is used to clear and clean hard to reach spots including between and below car seats. It also has a brush designed for vacuuming car upholstery and plastic trim without leaving any marks or scratches. The crevice tool and brush have a storage space on board the vacuum cleaner for convenient access. This vacuum cleaner also comes with a mesh storage bag for easy portability.
Additionally, this car vacuum cleaner uses replaceable filters which ensure it maintains great suction power. It can also be used for other applications including vacuuming around the kitchen, living room bedroom and even garages. You only need to buy an AC-DC adapter to use this vacuum cleaner for other applications apart from car vacuuming.
Key features
· Corded – draws power from car battery and comes with a 16 foot power cord
· 10 settings that allow for flexible cleaning applications
· Powerful suction
· Double filtration
· Lightweight and portable
Pros
· Offers uninterrupted cleaning
· Energy efficient and environment friendly
· Double filtration ensures thorough cleaning
Cons
· Requires AC-DC power adapter to use for home cleaning applications
This is a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner with a higher performance motor. It delivers very powerful suction of up to 6Kpa. This is also enhanced by cyclonic action which ensures that this vacuum cleaner maintains very powerful suction by drawing debris and dust away from the filter. This vacuum is therefore well suited for both car and home cleaning applications including vacuuming around the garage.
Furthermore, this vacuum cleaner comes with 3 serviceable attachments which make it highly versatile. These include: Crevice tool which reaches for dirt and debris in hard to reach places such as between and underneath the car seats; A dusting brush for cleaning the car upholstery and plastic trim; A liquid nozzle for cleaning liquid spills whenever they happen and has a capacity of 100ml.
This vacuum cleaner also has a lightweight and portable design. This allows for free movement whether in the car or around the house and easy reach to corners, wall edges and tight spots without tangling with cords. Moreover, this vacuum cleaner comes with a translucent dirt bowl which makes it easy to notice when it is time to empty. It also has an ergonomic design which helps eliminate fatigue when cleaning.
Powered by powerful and rechargeable lithium batteries, this vacuum cleaner can run up to 30 minutes which is ample time for regular everyday cleaning. These batteries feature Quick Charge technology and are fully recharged in 3-4 hours. Moreover, these batteries have voltage, wattage, temperature and short-circuit protections which ensure maximum safety during the charging process. Its filters are also removable and washable; this is not only economical but also helps save money and is environmental friendly.
Key features
· Cordless with lithium ion batteries
· 30 minutes run time
· Quick charge technology
· Supports both wet and dry vacuuming
· Ergonomic design with ultra-silent motor
Pros
· Versatile applications with cleaning attachments
· Quick charge capability
· Economical with washable filters
Cons
· 30 minute run time may not be ample for some cleaning applications
If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner to do not only car vacuuming but also for other heavy duty applications, then this 2.5 gallon Vacmaster vacuum cleaner is the right choice for you. This is a traditional vacuum cleaner which requires connection to mains supply as a source of power. It is therefore suited for car cleaning if you prefer to vacuum your car inside your garage where there is a source of mains electricity.
However, this vacuum cleaner comes with a lot of features and benefits which make it a worthwhile buy. To begin with, this vacuum cleaner comes with several attachments that make the cleaning process a breeze. These include; a 2-in 1 utility nozzle, a crevice tool, reusable foam sleeve and a reusable cloth filter. All these accessories combined with very powerful suction mean that you can get rid of even the most stubborn dirt and debris in a matter of seconds.
Moreover, this vacuum cleaner features an auto shut-off which helps prevent overflow when the dirt bowl gets full. However, with 2.5 gallon capacity, it will let a lot of vacuuming to get the bowl full. This gives you ample time for thorough vacuuming, whether dry or wet and ensures your car or home is sparklingly clean. Additionally, this vacuum cleaner can be easily converted into a blower for other cleaning applications.
Although this vacuum cleaner boosts of very powerful suction, it has a few drawbacks when compared to other vacuums designed for car vacuuming. This is because its design and 2.5 gallon capacity make it bulky and hard to maneuver especially when vacuuming inside cars. This is compounded by a shorter power cord which limits the size area you can vacuum without any interruption. Nevertheless, this vacuum comes at a pocket friendly price and does the job right.
Key features
- Uses main electricity as source of power
- Has a large 2.5 gallon dirt bowl capacity
- Convertible to a blower
- 8 foot power cord
- Auto shut-off to prevent overflow
Pros
- On board storage for all attachments
- Powerful suction
- Auto shut-off when full
- Convertible to a blower
Cons
- Bulky
- Shorter power cord
What to look for in a car vacuum cleaner
Like many electronic equipments for cleaning, there are a many car vacuums out there with different features and functionalities. It may therefore get difficult to choose the right fit if you don’t know what you are looking for. However, there are some basic features which you should look out for before making a purchase decision such as:
Corded or cordless
The main difference between the corded and cordless car vacuums is their source of power. While cordless car vacuums come with rechargeable batteries as their source of power, corded car vacuums on the other hand require a power outlet to function. Each type has its advantages and shortcomings. For example, corded car vacuums have higher suction power which enables them to clean more efficiently but there use is only limited to areas with a power source. On the other hand, cordless car vacuums are highly portable and can be used virtually anywhere although their suction power is not that powerful.
Suction power
Whether you decide to go for a corded or cordless car vacuum, you still need to consider its suction power to determine if it is suited for your cleaning needs. The vacuum cleaner’s design and motor determine the amount of suction power it can deliver. If you intend to use your car vacuum cleaner for other applications such as cleaning the garage floor, then it is recommended you go for a vacuum cleaner with greater suction; preferably a corded car vacuum cleaner. However, if you cleaning requirements are light and mostly involve your car’s interior, then a cordless car vacuum cleaner will serve you well.
Battery life
This is a consideration you will need to make if you choose to go with cordless car vacuum cleaners. While all cordless vacuum cleaners run on batteries, each type comes with different battery lives. A cordless car vacuum cleaner with a longer battery life will give you ample time to do more extensive and thorough cleaning without interruptions as opposed to one with a shorter battery life. Most cordless vacuum cleaners have charging indicators with warnings when the battery is about to die which can help you plan your cleaning.
Portability
For car vacuum cleaners, portability is a key feature you should consider. The nature of most cars with limited spaces requires a vacuum cleaner that is highly portable and maneuverable to carry out efficient cleaning. That is why most people will opt to go for cordless car vacuum cleaners. Moreover, cordless car vacuum cleaners don’t have length limitations as is with corded ones. Additionally, cordless car vacuum cleaners are much lighter which therefore allows them to reach even the furthest part of your car and are less fatiguing.
Power and tank capacity
The vacuum cleaner’s amperage determines its cleaning power. If you plan to use your car vacuum cleaner for cleaning jobs that require higher suction power, then consider buying a vacuum cleaner with higher amperage. Furthermore, you should always remember that a vacuum cleaner with more power will always translate to greater cleaning capabilities.
Design and reach
While suction power is an important consideration in choosing a car vacuum cleaner, its design and attachments play a big role in its functionality as well. A good vacuum cleaner will have an ergonomic design specifically for comfortable handling while cleaning inside the car. A longer hose and extra attachments will also mean you get to clean more.
These are just some of the basics features you should look for when buying a vacuum cleaner for your car. However, there are other minor features you should also consider such as;
· If the vacuum cleaner comes with crevice tools that help clean and clear debris that tends to accumulate below the seats.
· Whether the vacuum cleaner includes carpet and upholstery brushes designed to handle the softer fabric in your car’s interior.
· If the vacuum cleaner uses replaceable filters especially if you carry pets in your car or allergic passengers
· If the vacuum cleaner comes with a long enough cord to reach the farthest corner of your car
· If the vacuum cleaner can be easily detached and cleaned
How to vacuum a car
Most people go about vacuuming their cars using the wrong procedure which is not only inefficient and ineffective but also does not deliver a thorough clean. Here is the right procedure to clean your car’s interior.
Start with the carpets
As the lowest point in your car’s interior, most of the dirt and debris always end up accumulating in the carpets.
1. Begin by removing the floor mats from your car. You will clean these separately and put them back later.
2. Throw out any garbage collected in the car as well as putting away any lose objects that are inside your car.
3. Shake any loose materials off the floor mats, lay them on a dry clean surface and vacuum them. If there is any noticeable embedded dirt, use the thin nozzle on the hose to loosen the dirt before picking it up.
4. With the wide multipurpose attachment, vacuum the carpets of the car starting from the driver’s side sucking any dirt and dust. Make sure you overlap each pass with the attachment to ensure you pick as much dirt as possible.
5. Continue to the hard to reach places. You may use the thin upholstery nozzle to vacuum tight areas, crevices and hard-to-reach corners.
6. After you done vacuuming the carpeting, proceed to the trunk and vacuum it in the same manner as the front carpeting.
Vacuuming the seats
Car seats are either made of fabric, synthetic or real leather. They should therefore be vacuumed well and carefully to remove any accumulation of dirt or dust in the fabric and in the crevices.
1. Use overlapping passes to vacuum the seating area. If your car has fabric seats, you can vacuum them using the brushless multipurpose attachment. For leather seats, vacuum using the brush attachment to prevent any scratches or runs on the leather.
2. Vacuum the seams and crevices such as the pivot area between the seat back and seat bottom which often tends to collect food particles, dirt and dust. For these areas you may consider using the thin crevice tool which is well adapted to cleaning crevices and hard to reach spots.
Vacuuming the interior trim
For most cars, the interior trim is made of plastic which tends to attract dust. This can be a breeding ground for allergens as well as cause cracking if not cleaned well.
1. Using the round attachment with soft bristles, vacuum the trim lightly ensuring you pick up any dirt and debris. Avoid using the brushless attachment as it may scratch or mark your car’s trim.
2. Using the bristled attachment, vacuum all the visible areas of your car’s interior trim including the rear seat trim, the shifter region, console and dashboard.
Once you are done vacuuming your car thoroughly, you can now reinstall the floor mats and return any belongings. You should consider vacuuming your car at least once a month or when there is visible accumulation of dust and dirt inside your car.
Can I use a car vacuum at home?
For most people, this is the most important question they ask before making a purchase decision. Buying a vacuum cleaner for your car, which will only be used once a month will feel wasteful for most people. However with most vacuum cleaners you don’t have to worry about that. To begin with, cordless car vacuum cleaners that run on batteries are a breeze to use throughout your home. Their only limitation may be battery life but for average size houses, they are ideal for day to day cleaning activities. The same case applies for car vacuum cleaners designed to be powered by mains power.
However, if your car vacuum cleaner is the type designed to plug into your car’s cigarette lighter, you may need to do some adjustments before you can use it for home vacuuming. Here are the simple 3 steps you need to convert your car vacuum cleaner for home use:
1. Know the specs – Car vacuums designed to plug into your car’s cigarette lighter use DC power as opposed to AC power used for homes. You therefore need to know its specifications; especially amperage, voltage and wattage before you can move on to the next step.
2. Get the right Adapter – After determining you car vacuum’s power specifications. Now you need to shop for the right adapter that can deliver enough amps to satisfy the wattage of your car vacuum. The adapter’s amp rating should at least be equal to your vacuum’s amp rating. When choosing the right adapter, you should ensure the ends fit right as there are many adapters that can have the perfect power rating with ends designed for different uses.
3. Plug the male end of the adapter into the mains power outlet and connect the female end (shaped like a cigarette lighter) with the car vacuum cleaner. Ensure that the connections fit snugly before you can start using your vacuum cleaner.
After converting your car vacuum cleaner for home use, you can start enjoying the cleaning services of a more portable, handheld and ergonomic vacuum cleaner for your everyday cleaning requirements. Car vacuum cleaners are ideal for a lot of light cleaning activities which added to their portability makes cleaning a breeze at home. However, if you intend to use your car vacuum cleaner for home use, you should consider choosing vacuum cleaners with greater suction power because dirt in debris in most homes is more stubborn than what you could expect in a car.
While there has been considerable development for car vacuums in the recent years, such development is continually improving to offer users better and more efficient alternatives. You should therefore expect more ultra-silent car vacuums, ergonomic designs and even more powerful suctions.
What we like most about the car vacuums currently in the market is their ergonomic design. These mean that you can do more and thorough cleaning without feeling tired or getting fatigued. Their effective cleaning also means that your car remains cleaner, you get to remain clean when you drive and that you can maintain your car’s resale value if you decide to sell it in the future.
Taking all the considerations, we strongly recommend the Black Decker CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum cleaner. This car vacuum cleaner comes with one of the most powerful motors that provide excellent suction. It is also handheld with ergonomic features for comfortable handling which eliminates fatigue.
Furthermore, this vacuum cleaner comes with an assortment of attachments such as a crevice tool and nozzle to enhance your car cleaning process and reach every part of your car. It is also cordless and powered by very powerful lithium batteries that provide extended run time ideal even for use for other cleaning applications. However, the other vacuum cleaners are as well suited and your choice will largely depend on your taste. It is our hope that you will find this guide helpful.
