This Handheld Vacuum Is the Secret to a Clean Car for 248,000 Shoppers (and It’s on Sale!)

Updated: Jan. 03, 2024

Check out this portable, inexpensive number one bestseller on Amazon for a cleaner car—and it's under $30.

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Are you still dragging a corded vacuum out to the garage to clean your car? There’s an easier option. Keeping a portable car vacuum in your garage, like the bestselling ThisWorx car vacuum, is one of those car cleaning tips you’ll wish you knew sooner. It makes frequent, quick car cleanups easier than ever.

More than 248,000 Amazon five-star reviewers can’t stop talking about this powerful, affordable cleaning gadget. As a Home Editor and mom of five (with the occasional car messes to prove it), I can see that it’s easily one of the best car vacuum cleaners on the market. If you have pets, kids or are prone to spills, you need this vacuum—and maybe this car-cleaning putty.

What is a car vacuum?

car vacuumMary Henn/Family Handyman

A car vacuum is a smaller, more portable version of your home’s best vacuum cleaner. It easily cleans auto upholstery, floors, cup holders and all the various nooks and crannies. Choosing a model like the lightweight ThisWorkx car vacuum with three attachments makes the task of removing dust, pet hair and crumbs a breeze.

Thanks to its compact and ergonomic design, it can easily be stored in a backseat or trunk. It’s also one of the best car detailing tools for those with little time to spare. The vacuum removes debris from vehicles with little effort.

It sucks up sand, pet hair, crackled bits of autumn leaves and drive-through food spills. Users rave about the strength of the motor and the ease of cleaning the reusable, washable filter.

Pros:

  • Comes with an interior car cleaning accessories kit with three attachments.
  • Powered by your car’s 12V aux power outlet.
  • Comes with a 16-foot cord to easily reach the way back.
  • A washable filter can last for years.
  • Affordable price.

Cons:

  • Suction may not be powerful enough for large pieces of debris.

How to Use It

car vacuumMary Henn/Family Handyman

The battery-free ThisWorx car vacuum plugs into a 12V outlet—what used to be known as the cigarette lighter. For cars with always-powered lighters, you don’t need to start the engine to get the vacuum going. However, several reviewers note, it operates best with the car running. (In that case, open the garage door to ensure proper ventilation.)

Pick the right attachment—a flathead hose, extension hose or brush head—and watch this nifty little car vac go to work picking up all sorts of debris. The 16-foot extension cord easily reaches your backseat car organizers, car floor mats and the corners of the trunk that ordinarily feel impossible to clean.

When you’re not using the attachments for things like removing pet hair from upholstery or cleaning dog car seat covers, tuck all the pieces inside the included travel case. Stow it in the back of your car, a truck cab or typical trunk until the next time you have a mess. Pair this vacuum with the best-selling Chemical Guys microfiber towels for a professional cleaning job every time.

The Best Amazon User Reviews

I’m not the only one impressed with this portable car vacuum—it’s the number one best seller in the vacuum category on Amazon.

“This thing is awesome!” writes Sally, an enthusiastic verified Amazon purchaser. “I own three dogs, and it is just a nightmare pulling out my extension cord to vacuum my truck. I can now just plug this little guy into my 12V car outlet and I’m good to go! Also, the attachments are fantastic.”

Deissy, another five-star reviewer, writes: “I was completely amazed by this little car vacuum. I tend to somehow bring in a lot of dirt and tiny leaves to my car and this does such a great job at picking it all up. The length of the cord is a really good size and I’m able to vacuum the back without struggling at all. It comes with lots of tiny accessories for those hard-to-reach areas.”

Thisworx Car Vacuum via merchant

Where to Buy the ThisWorx Car Vacuum

If you want your own easy-to-operate ThisWorx car vacuum, you’ll find the best prices on Walmart or Amazon where it retails under $45. For a limited time, scoop one up on Amazon at a generous savings of 30%—making this bad boy ring up for less than $30.

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