5 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners
Updated: Jun. 03, 2020Do you know what to look for in a car vacuum cleaner? Here's our shortlist of the best car vacuum cleaners — including what makes each a standout.
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What to Know About Car Vacuum Cleaners
The two most important features to compare when shopping for the best car vacuum are suction power, measured in air watts (AW), and tools. Must-haves include a floor/upholstery tool, extension hose for hard-to-reach places and crevice tool for tight spaces and edges. Nice-to-have features include a washable filter and dust bin that empties from the bottom. The following five contain plenty of both.
Best Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum
Light and quiet at 100AW, the Dyson Car & Boat Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is the most powerful vacuum in its class. With two power settings and a run time of 30 minutes, the lithium ion battery maintains suction even as the battery discharges. It comes with a car charger, mini motorized tool, extension hose and combination tool. And it’s covered by a two-year warranty.
Best Lightweight Handheld Car Vacuum
Weighing in at just 1-4/10 pounds with a run time of 9-1/2 minutes, the Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum is ideal for quick and frequent cleaning of everyday messes. The lithium ion battery is fast charging and provides constant suction from start to finish. A two-year warranty and all the right tools are included. Bonus: The dust bin is washable.
Best Corded Handheld Car Vacuum
A corded handheld car vacuum is ideal if you prefer the portability of a handheld with unlimited run time. The Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vacuum features a 15-foot power cord and all the tools you need to clean the interior of your car. Perfect for pet owners, this corded vacuum can also be used indoors to remove pet hair from furniture and pick up cat litter like a boss.
Best Wet/Dry Car Vacuum
Also known as shop vacuums, wet/dry vacuum cleaners offer the most powerful suction of any vacuum cleaner. That makes it the ideal choice for cleaning vehicles that tend to collect heavy, hard-to-remove debris such as sand, pebbles, pine needles and pet hair — and, of course, liquid messes. The Armor All 132500 Utility Vacuum is our top pick for power and versatility.
Best Pro-Quality Car Vacuum
With the supreme cleaning power of a shop vacuum, the Metro Vac ‘N Blo Car Vac is a slimline canister vacuum that mounts to the wall. It doesn’t deal with wet messes, but does have the pro-level suction, perfect for deep-down cleaning and detailing of your vehicles. It comes with a 12-ft. power cord, 24 feet of extension hose and full range of automotive cleaning attachments. And it’s made in the U.S.