6 Best Car Vacuums For Cleaning Inside Your Vehicle
Updated: Jul. 16, 2021Do 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.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
What to Know About Car Vacuum Cleaners
Trying to vacuum your car by lugging around your traditional corded vacuum cleaner simply isn’t going to end well. To do the job properly, you should invest in a car vacuum cleaner made specifically for cleaning out compact vehicle interiors. The two most important features to check for when shopping for a car vacuum are its suction power, which is measured in air watts (AW), and its tools and attachments. Some must-haves attachments include floor/upholstery cleaning attachments, extension hose for hard-to-reach places, and crevice tools for tight spaces and edges.
Metropolitan Professional 500 Watt Stainless Steel Hand Vac
Despite its size, the Metropolitan Professional hand vacuum delivers power and suction in spades thanks to its 500-watt motor. This vacuum is a popular choice among professional cleaners because it’s powerful but still small and easy to maneuver, weighing just three pounds total.
Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
While it’s not the most powerful vacuum on this list, the Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus comes packed with features and innovations. Its unique design employs two different airstreams, giving it more consistent suction, and it has a self-cleaning brushroll attachment that keeps long hairs (from pets or otherwise) from wrapping around the roll.
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum ION Hand
The main draw of this BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vaccuum is its large-capacity and translucent dustbowl, which holds tons of debris at a time and makes it easy to tell when the vacuum needs to be emptied out. It’s got some great car-cleaning attachments, as well, especially the “crevice tool” that fits into narrow nooks and crannies for easier access.
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner
Unlike many bulky alternatives, the ThisWorx Car Vacuum is lightweight enough to be easily maneuvered around the nooks and crannies of your vehicle with just one hand, making it a great choice for a car vacuum. It might not be big enough to clean up heavier messes, but the handheld nature of this device and its kit of versatile attachments make it ideally suited for regular vacuuming and cleaning up small spills. The carrying case is a nice touch, giving you a simple way to discretely stow the whole kit in your trunk.
Shark WANDVAC Handheld 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.
Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vacuum
A corded handheld car vacuum is the way to go 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.
