10 Best Car Vacuums – Our Top Picks and Reviews

Contrary to popular belief, shopping online for the best car vacuums doesn’t have to be difficult. As professional car detailing costs continue to skyrocket, more motorists than ever before are investing in their own automotive vacuum cleaners. Shopping online for a good handheld vehicle vacuum with major retailers like Amazon is easy – the challenge lies in finding the best car vacuums cleaning.

For some, it’s all about picking up the most powerful vacuum cleaner available for a certain price. For others, it’s all about keeping things small and compact, with a mini vehicle cleaner that takes up as little space as possible.

Across the board, the key to making the right decision lies in combining your personal preferences and priorities with a cleaner that’s backed by extensive customer reviews and recommendations. Precisely why shopping online for the perfect car detailing device makes sense.

10 Best Car Vacuums

• Best Overall: Dyson V7 Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum
  “Versatile, ease of use, and value for money”
• Best Lightweight: ThisWorx for TWC-01 Car Vacuum
  “Compact, lightweight, convenient”
• Best Rated: Black and Decker BDH1200FVAV Handheld Vacuum
  “Top-rated, impressive, affordable”
• Best Handheld: HOTOR 01 Handheld Vacuum
  “Top-selling, powerful cleaning, powerful performance”
• Best Portable: Armor All AA12V1 0901 Wet/Dry Vacuum
  “With a long battery, this versatile pick easily cleans large and small homes alike”
• Best Cordless: Shark LV801 Handheld Vacuum
  “This vacuum features an 18-volt, lithium-ion battery which runs on average around 20 minutes after a full charge”
• Best for Allergies: Hotor WZW-007 Car Vacuum
  “Powerful performance, practical, and fully-functional all-rounder”
• Best Corded: VacLife Car Vacuum
  “This model is a great option if you prefer a corded (and thus lighter) vacuum”
• Best Wet/Dry: Bissell Garage Pro 18P03 Canister Vacuum
  “Powerful suction, highest-rated, specific design”
• Best Affordable: Black & Decker BDH1220AV Handheld Vacuum
  “Affordable, Uniquely designed, high-quality storage”

Best Car Vacuum Cleaner

Recent years have seen portable car vacuum cleaner technology evolve like never before. Whether on the market for a compact cordless or a powerful corded cleaner for the car, there are options available to suit all requirements and budgets. That said, quality and performance vary significantly from one product and manufacturer to the next.

As does value for money, which should be prioritized when purchasing any type of car vacuum cleaner. With this in mind, here’s our exclusive rundown of 10 of the best car vacuums of 2021 available on Amazon and Walmart right now. Each of which has been extensively vetted and verified by real-life customers as the perfect tool for the job:

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1) Dyson V7 Car+Boat

The extraordinary Dyson V7 car+boat continues to set the highest possible standard for cordless cleaners worldwide. Specifically designed with quick and easy automotive cleaning in mind, this is a spectacularly powerful cordless vacuum that comes with a whole host of convenient accessories.

It also boasts the company’s most powerful suction to date, with advanced lithium-ion battery technology for up to 30 minutes of powerful cleaning.

Features and Benefits

Quite simply, there isn’t a car vacuum on the market right now that compares to the almighty Dyson V7 car+boat. Powered by the company’s latest V7 motor, the Dyson V7 delivers more raw power and performance than anything else in its class. All with up to 30 minutes of fade-free runtime, which is again unrivalled for such a powerful cleaner.

Advanced filtration technology gets to grips with allergens and microscopic dust particles in the air, while the hygienic dirt ejector makes for quick and easy emptying. The kit comes complete with an extension hose and a powerful mini motorized tool, which is great for driving embedded pet hair out of all types of surfaces.

The flexibility and versatility of the Dyson V7 are such that it is perfectly capable of cleaning the entire home from top to bottom. Though it also comes with a convenient 12V car charger, making it perfect for taking out and about.

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2) ThisWorx for TWC-01

A real contender for the title of best corded car vacuum where space is at a premium, the ThisWorx for TWC-01 illustrates how good things really do come in small packages. Despite being quite fantastically compact and lightweight, the ThisWorx for TWC-01 delivers the cleaning power and performance needed to keep even the biggest of cars clean and hygienic.

Features and Benefits

The most immediate point of appeal with the ThisWorx for TWC-01 is its tiny dimensions and lightweight properties. This is a true pint-sized piece of engineering, which is nonetheless packed with cutting-edge technology to ensure superior cleaning performance. It’s suitable for all types of wet and dry spills, with the reduced profile needed to get into the most awkward corners and crevices.

It’s also been fitted with an advanced and washable HEPA filter – two of which are included in the kit as standard. There’s a 16-foot power cable for getting into all areas of even the biggest cars, along with a sizeable transparent collection chamber to reduce the number of trips to the bin.

Supplied complete with a comprehensive satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer, the ThisWorx for TWC-01 also comes with its own convenient storage bag as an added extra. For this kind of money, it’s hard to think of anything that delivers better overall value for money.

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3) Black and Decker BDH1200FVAV

You need only glance at the Black and Decker BDH1200FVAV to know you’re looking at an entirely different type of car vacuum cleaner. It may have a radically different shape and design, but the versatility of this thing really is out of this world. Particularly when it comes to getting into awkward corners and crevices around the car, there’s nothing else out there that does the job quite like the Black and Decker BDH1200FVAV.

Features and Benefits

This super-popular car vacuum has been designed with a unique integrated hose, enabling it to reach every corner and crevice with ease. What’s more, its unique interior design enables the Black and Decker BDH1200FVAV to deliver the ultimate in power and performance, while remaining surprisingly compact and lightweight.

Each kit it comes complete with a selection of accessories, along with a convenient 16-foot cable and a 12V adapter to suit most types of vehicles. The hose itself is also a generous four feet in length, while the side-access dust collection chamber holds more than enough dirt to give the whole car a good clean.

Topped off with excellent filtration efficiency and an extensive warranty from the manufacturer, the Black and Decker BDH1200FVAV represents an absolute bargain at its current price.

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4) HOTOR 01

You can’t help but be pleasantly surprised when checking out the HOTOR 01 for the first time. At a glance, you wouldn’t expect something so compact and lightweight to deliver the goods when put to the test. Nevertheless, the way this thing performs when dealing with difficult and embedded dirt is something else. Especially when considering how cheap it is, having seen several price reductions over the last few months.

Features and Benefits

Inside and out, the HOTOR 01 has been designed with compact, convenient and powerful cleaning in mind. Boasting surprisingly powerful performance for such a tiny cleaner, the HOTOR 01 also has a convenient LED to the front for getting into darker and more awkward corners.

The latest version of the HOTOR 01 has been fitted with an upgraded HEPA filter, which can be removed and washed on a regular basis for unbeatable performance. In addition, the kit comes complete with a selection of accessories for tackling all types of automotive mess. Even when dealing with embedded pet hair, the thing gets the job done far better than you’d expect.

All in all, another excellent choice for anyone looking to keep things as compact and convenient as possible. The HOTOR 01 is a truly indispensable tool that take up little no room – perfect for compact cars and more spacious vehicles alike.

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5) Armor All AA12V1 0901

The Armor All AA12V1 0901 is the kind of no-nonsense cleaner that focuses exclusively on what matters most. No unnecessary frills or extras, just a powerful suction system and a retractable crevice tool for getting to grips with most everyday mess. It’s also designed to handle both wet and dry spills with ease, making it an indispensable accessory at an ultra-low price.

Features and Benefits

This is a simple yet effective cleaner, which focuses more on convenience than superfluous extras. Fitted with an extensive 15 foot cord and a quality 12V auto AC plug, the Armor All AA12V1 0901 also features a bright LED to the front for tackling darker corners of the car.

Capable of dealing with most types of wet and dry spills, the Armor All AA12V1 0901 is also fitted with a neat retractable crevice tool for added versatility. The whole thing is exceptionally lightweight and easy to use, storing neatly away in any corner of the car when not in use.

Eliminating all unnecessary extras from the equation, the Armor All AA12V1 0901 is up for grabs at a rock-bottom purchase price. If all you need is a simple cleaner to tackle the basics, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the Armor All AA12V1 0901.

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6) Shark LV801

A quick glance is all that’s needed to know you’re looking at something special with the Shark LV801. Boasting powerful Twister Suction Technology and shipped complete with a fantastic motorized brush tool, this thing is perfect for giving the car and the home a hygienic clean. In addition, it’s one of the best handheld car vacuums so you can buy right now for dealing with problematic pet hair.

Features and Benefits

The Shark LV801 puts an entirely new twist on the classic car cleaner, which is appropriate given its power and performance. Boasting the latest Twister Suction Technology to deliver a consistently superior clean, the kit also features a motorised pet brush for dealing with embedded pet hair and related mess. The way this thing gets to grips with everyday dirt on seats, carpets and soft surfaces in general is outstanding.

There’s also a crevice tool in the box for reaching more difficult corners around the car, along with an oversized dirt collection chamber with transparent sites. The latest lithium ion battery technology delivers an extended runtime and faster charging, while intelligent filtration helps maintain the freshness of the air emitted.

Lightweight, portable and comprehensively powerful, the Shark LV801 is a true standout among cordless cleaners in its class. Perfect for cars, boats, RV and all other types of vehicles, it’s also just the thing for keeping things clean and pristine around the home.

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7) Hotor WZW-007

The Hotor WZW-007 is a true state-of-the-art car vacuum cleaner, engineered to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning users. Suitable for wet and dry spills alike, the Hotor WZW-007 is a compact and lightweight cleaner that takes versatility to the highest possible level. All without making nearly as much noise as most comparable handheld cleaners.

Features and Benefits

What stands out most about the Hotor WZW-007 is the consistency of its suction power and performance. Capable of lifting relatively heavy objects clean off the floor, this thing confidently outperforms any number of comparable cleaners.

The interior of the device features a premium quality HEPA filter, making it great for pet-friendly autos and allergy sufferers. There’s a convenient LED to the front of the unit, while the advanced motor technology reduces operational noise by as much as 60%. It’s also been designed to remain cool and safe with prolonged use, in order to avoid problems with overheating.

Sophisticated, versatile and exceptionally easy to use, the Hotor WZW-007 is designed to do it all. Now up for grabs on Amazon at its lowest price to date, the Hotor WZW-007 comes with an extensive warranty for total peace of mind, plus the backing of hundreds of satisfied customers.

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8) VacLife Car Vacuum

Anyone on the lookout for an uncompromising rechargeable cleaner at an unbeatable price should be sure to check out the VacLife Car Vacuum. Suitable for all types of wet and dry spills, this premium-quality battery-operated vacuum represents the ultimate in convenience and versatility. Which, as an added bonus, is currently up for grabs at its lowest price to date.

Features and Benefits

Though designed specifically for keeping vehicles clean and tidy, the VacLife Car Vacuum is more than versatile enough to bring indoors. Boasting an extensive range of wet and dry applications, the kit comes complete with three additional cleaning nozzles to tackle all types of mess.

The elegant exterior of the VacLife Car Vacuum has been fitted with a powerful LED, which is great for getting into darker corners and awkward crevices. Battery charging times have been reduced to as little as 3 hours, from which this impressive device delivers up to 30 minutes of powerful cleaning.

That’s right up there with the best cordless cleaners on the market – all for a significantly lower price than you’d normally pay.

Topped-off with superb HEPA filtration performance and a comprehensive satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer, the VacLife Car Vacuum is a top-seller on Amazon for a good reason. A strong contender for the best cordless car vacuum within its price bracket right now.

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9) Bissell Garage Pro 18P03

You can’t directly compare the Bissell Garage Pro 18P03 to any of the other car vacuums in our listings. That’s because the Bissell Garage Pro 18P03 is nothing like most automotive vacuums on the market. This is, in every sense of the word, a commercial-quality cleaner for the most demanding applications in the active garage or workshop.

Features and Benefits

Designed to be wall mounted in a convenient location, the Bissell Garage Pro 18P03 features an extensive 32-foot hose to get into every corner and crevice. Whether cleaning the car or keeping things clean and tidy in the garage, this thing packs a serious punch. It also features an enormous 4 gallon dirt tank and LED indicator light, so you’ll always know exactly when it needs emptying.

Capable of dealing with all types of wet and dry spills, the Bissell Garage Pro 18P03 can also be used as a powerful blower. This significantly extends its practical applications – anything from blowing leaves to keeping your worksurfaces clean and tidy.

The kit comes complete with no less than seven versatile attachments, the wall mounting kit is included with the vacuum as standard and the whole thing is surprisingly lightweight for its power and performance. And if all this wasn’t enough, Bissell ensures that a portion of the proceeds from all vacuum cleaner sales are donated to the BISSELL Pet Foundation.

Read Full Review: Bissell Garage Pro 18P03 Review

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10) Black & Decker BDH1220AV

Last in our listings comes the Black & Decker BDH1220AV 12V, which like a couple of other entries boasts unique exterior styling. Along with its extensive 16-foot power cable, the front of the unit is longer and thinner than most cleaners – great for getting into every corner of the car. Every Black & Decker BDH1220AV 12V also ships with a convenient storage bag and a full accessory kit as standard.

Features and Benefits

Once again, the folks at Black & Decker have put an entirely new twist on the classic dustbuster design. Designed to meet the needs of the most demanding and discerning motorists, the Black & Decker BDH1220AV 12V features unique exterior styling to maximise its performance and versatility.

The combination of powerful cyclonic suction and an extended narrow nozzle adds up to exceptional power and performance from start to finish. The 16-foot power cable is more than long enough to reach every corner of the car, while the 20oz dust collection chamber reduces trips to the bin.

Advanced filtration technology effectively freshens and purifies the air emitted, a selection of convenient tools is included in the kit and the whole thing ships complete with a high-quality storage bag for added convenience. As you’d expect, the Black & Decker BDH1220AV 12V is also backed by an extensive warranty and the guarantee of unrivalled aftercare from the manufacturer.

If you would like to get reviews of other popular vacuum cleaners, kindly visit our Guide page.

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Things to Look for When Choosing a Car Vacuum Cleaner

An effective car vacuum cleaner should fit your requirements as per the following factors.

Suction Power And Cord Settings

A car vacuum for interiors doesn’t necessarily require very intense suction. However, if you are looking for a versatile car vacuum, make sure it can deliver on suction. Garage cleaning and larger tasks might require you to look for a corded vacuum for this purpose.

For only car-cleaning purposes, a cordless vacuum is suitable. It will have less power but be highly convenient as far as portability goes. Corded vacuums will also run only on a battery without requiring a power source.

Weight And Tank Capacity

If you want to clean the entire car in one go, your car vacuum should be able to hold in all the dirt. Without enough tank capacity, you will need to frequently clean out the vacuum container. Keep in mind that a very large tank is also not suitable because the weight will drastically increase. This will be difficult to move around in a smaller setting like that of a car.

Filtration system

If you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, your car should be free of dust, dander, and dirt. This means your car vacuum should have an effective filtration system with HEPA or carbon filters. Before making your purchase, ensure the car vacuum can handle the cleaning of your car interiors and their fabric type. The main thing to look for is the ease of use, in addition to effectiveness.

How to Vacuum a Car Like a Pro

Now we’ve looked at the best car vacuums on the market right now, we’ll now be covering how to vacuum a car like a pro. The average car’s interior may be relatively small, but nonetheless contains an array of awkward corners and crevices. If you’ve ever attempted to vacuum hard to reach places in the car before, you’ll know how tricky it can be.

Just as is the case when vacuuming the home, it’s far easier to clean the car in a structured and mindful manner. In fact, learning how to vacuum a car like a pro is as simple as tackling things in five basic steps:

Equip Yourself with the Right Tools

First and foremost, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got the right tools for the job at your disposal. This means not only arming yourself with a decent car vacuum cleaner, but also the accessories and attachments you’ll need to clean the crevices in the car. It can be difficult to clean between car seats alone without a crevice tool and extension hose, let alone the tightest of corners and crevices.

Vacuum Tight Spots in the car first

As they’re usually the most difficult areas of the car to clean, you may as well vacuum tight spots in the car first. Attach the crevice tool (and hose if necessary) before getting to work in corners, ashtrays, magazine holders, cup holders, under the seats and so on. Always allow at least a little more time than you think you need, as it’s never a quick job!

Vacuum the Seats Next

You can then move onto vacuuming the seats, not worrying too much about any dirt and dust that makes its way onto your carpets. If your car vacuum came with any specialist attachments for cleaning upholstery, this is the time to use them. A motorised tool can also be great at this stage for pulling embedded dirt and pet hair out of your upholstery.

Remove and Vacuum the Carpets

Assuming they’re not physically attached to your vehicle, it’s far easier to remove your car’s carpets before vacuuming them. In doing so, you’ll be able to shake them, bash them and generally remove a huge amount of dirt and dust before getting busy with the vacuum.

You’ll still need to vacuum them to pull out the more embedded dirt and debris, but you’ll find it so much easier if you give them a good shake beforehand.

Use an Upholstery Brush Everywhere Else

Last but not least, an upholstery brush (simply referred to as a brush tool) can be used to effectively vacuum pretty much everything else in your car. From dashboards to steering wheels to instrument panels to mirrors, it can be great to occasionally go around your interiors with an upholstery brush. After which, it’s simply a case of giving the surfaces a final polish and standing back to admire your handiwork!