On the topic of your vehicle’s interior maintenance, the most important tool you can have is a car vacuum cleaner. Car vacuums are specifically designed for vehicle application; they allow car owners to quickly and effortlessly clean every nook and cranny of their vehicle.
From food crumbs to pet hair, you are able to get rid of dirt without much difficulty. With a good car vacuum, you should have no trouble whatsoever keeping the interior of your vehicle perennially in pristine condition.
However, with so many brands and models in the market, it can become extremely difficult to determine which model is the best. Furthermore, different car owners will have different needs, which automatically implies that what your neighbor may consider the best car vacuum may seem inadequate in your eyes.
Don’t panic, however. Fortunately for you, even with an unlimited number of products in the market, you have come to the right place.
We have conducted some research on your behalf and narrowed down on five of the best car vacuums in the market today, which is what we will be discussing in this article. So, without further ado, let us jump right into the reviews.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Weight | Cord Length | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black & Decker CHV1410L | 3.5 Lbs. | N/A | 2 Years | $$ |
| Dirt Devil Scorpion Vacuum Cleaner | 3.5 Lbs. | 16-Feet | 3 Years | $ |
| Black and Decker BDH2000PL MAX | 3.0 Lbs. | N/A | 2 Years | $$ |
| Armor All AA255 | 8.4 Lbs. | 10-Feet | 2 Years | $ |
| Metropolitan VM6BS500 | 2.7 Lbs. | N/A | 5 Years | $$$ |
Black & Decker CHV1410L
This top-tier car vacuum applies cyclonic-action-tech, proprietary technology owned by Black & Decker. This high-performance ingenuity offers car owners some of the best suction capacities any handheld model in the market can offer.
As a result, truly effective car cleaning is no longer a far-fetched notion. This 16-Volt, a cordless vacuum has the capacity to clean even the smallest bit of dirt from your vehicle’s interior.
This unique piece of technology is powered by a 4-Amp motor that receives energy from a premium lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which is arguably the best battery in the market.
Black & Decker also throws in a smart charge technology system in its battery chargers; the smart charge technology offers two positive terminals, which leads to faster charging and prevents the depreciation of the battery’s capacity.
Additionally, Black & Decker’s smart charge technology has a safety feature that halts charging once your battery is full.
Due to the cordless and bag-less design of the Black & Decker CHV1410L, cleaning with this vacuum is masterfully dexterous; there is no cord to restrict movement, and its 3.8-pound weight makes it comfortable enough to use even over extended periods of time.
The CHV1410L further features a transparent dirt-bowl that allows you to peek in and tell when the canister is at capacity.
That’s not all, the CHV1410L raises the bar higher by incorporating a multi-layered filtration system that captures particles on the surface and in the air that cause allergic reactions while you’re vacuuming.
This air filtration system is machine washable, which means that cleaning it is as simple as cleaning the dirt-bowl. As a bonus, the Black & Decker CHV1410L comes with an impressive 2-year warranty.
With a combination of top-tier performance, progressive charging technology, and a user-friendly design, this is undoubtedly one of the best car vacuum cleaners in the market right now.
Pros
- High-end Performance.
- Compact and Lightweight.
- Transparent Dirt Bowl.
- Next-Gen Charging Technology.
- Easy-to-Maintain Air Filtration System.
Cons
- Non-Replaceable Battery.
- Limited Dirt-Bowl Volume.
Dirt Devil Scorpion DRTSD20005
Although this car vacuum is corded, the cord is extremely long, which gives it more maneuverability in comparison to other corded vacuums in the market. The DRTSD20005 also features a strong motor that gets rid of just about any sized particle on the surface of your vehicle, even sand.
Further, the vacuum features a quick flip crevice mechanism that allows you access to even the narrowest spots and cramped corners of your vehicle without much difficulty, which is a big plus for this model because most car vacuums are unable to reach those confined spots, for example, the spots in between your seats.
This bag-less vacuum also comes with a complimentary dusting brush, a sliding brush, and an upholstery tool. Also, due to its bag-less design, the Dirt Devil is quite easy to clean once the dirt-bowl is at capacity; all you have to do is detach the dirt-bowl, empty it, and clean it like you would any other utensil.
Other positive traits of this vacuum model, according to user reviews, is that fact that it does not lose any of its suction capacity over time and that it is user-friendly and quite easy to maintain. Nonetheless, it has been reported to be quite loud when in use, but that is only a problem if you value subtlety just as much, or more than you value functionality.
However, the most prominent feature of the Dirt Devil Scorpion DRTSD20005 has to be, without a doubt, its cost-effectiveness, so if you are in search of an affordable and user-friendly car vacuum, the DRTSD20005 should definitely be on your list of potential purchases.
Pros
- Powerful Motor that Sucks any Sized Particles.
- Lightweight and Easily Portable.
- Long Power Cord for Maneuverability.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Quite Loud during Operation.
- Corded.
Black and Decker BDH2000PL
In the search for the best car vacuum unit, another worthy mention is definitely the Black & Decker BDH2000PL. This Black & Decker installment features an adjustable nozzle, which extends the reach of this portable cleaner, allowing it to get to even the most hard-to-reach crevices of your vehicle.
This is coupled with a powerful motor that allows you to pick up all kinds of dirt and particles no matter where they may be. Additionally, the BDH2000PL doesn’t require much storage room since it was designed with compactness in mind.
Like most models from the Black & Decker line, the BDH2000PL’s power source is a high-performance Lithium-ion battery. Similar to the CHV1410L reviewed above, the BDH2000PL’s battery offers you fade-free power, which means that the vacuum will maintain the same suction power whether the battery is full or running low. This is in contrast with cleaners that use Nickel Cadmium batteries.
The BDH2000PL also applies the proprietary Black & Decker smart charge technology that leads to faster charging and prevents battery depreciation over time. Moreover, the BDH2000PL, like the CHV1410L features an air filtration system that draws in allergens that are likely to trigger allergic reactions while you are vacuuming.
This multi-purpose, high-performance vacuum is also cordless which allows you a lot more maneuverability. Moreover, this model comes with attachments including a crevice tool and brush which allow you to thoroughly clean your vehicle, even the tricky spots in between seats and fittings.
Further, the BDH2000PL requires minimal maintenance; all that is required of you is for you to give the device a thorough wash at the laundry sink and you’re set.
Also, due to its light, compact design, this model allows you extended use with little to no discomfort in your hand. Most user reviews for this model are positive, with a majority of the reviews citing its user-friendly design, ease of maintenance, and compactness as the BDH2000PL’s most prominent attributes.
All in all, the BDH2000PL is a powerful device that is not only suitable for cleaning your vehicle but even small spaces in your home such as shelves due to its compact form. If you are looking for a small, light, and practical cleaner, then this should be at the top of your list.
Pros
- Efficient and Easy-to-Clean Filtration System.
- Adjustable Nozzle.
- High-Quality Long-Lasting Battery.
- High-Performance Motor.
- Compact Design.
Cons
- Non-Replaceable Battery.
- Limited Dirty-Bowl Volume.
Armor All AA255
The Armor All AA255 is the only product on this list that has the capacity to clean both dry surfaces and wet surfaces such as liquid spills all at once. For this purpose, the AA255 features and an impressively powerful 9-Amp motor that has a 2.0-peak-horsepower, giving it one of the most powerful suction forces you will ever find on a car vacuum.
This versatile cleaner is also a multipurpose model that functions as a blower whenever you need to dry surfaces quickly. With all this power and high-performance, anyone would assume that the AA255 is a noisy beast. But guess what? This device is as quiet as they come due to its in-built noise-diffuser, which allows the cleaner to work at full capacity with minimal noise emission.
To further add to the AA255’s appeal, this cleaner is easy to maintain and extremely user-friendly. To start with, the AA255 comes with a flexible 10-foot hose that is easy to manipulate, especially when you need to clean those hard-to-reach crevices of your vehicle.
This car vacuum comes with a large 2.5-gallon polypropylene dirt-tank that stores large volumes of both wet and dry material before you have to empty and clean it. The cleaner also comes with a reusable fabric filtration system that is also just as easy to clean.
Although the dirt-tank isn’t transparent, the AA255 features a stopping mechanism that automatically shuts down the device once the tank is full, letting you know that it is time to empty and clean the dirt-tank before proceeding with your cleaning.
If you are looking for a versatile, multipurpose car vacuum that can both clean and dry surfaces in your vehicle, then look no further than the Armor All AA255.
Pros
- Outstandingly Powerful 9-Amp/2-Horse Power Motor.
- Multi-Functional. Simultaneously Works as a Blower.
- Handles Both Wet and Dry Clean-ups.
- In-Built Noise Diffuser.
- Automatic Shutoff Feature.
- Large Capacity 2.5-Gallon Dirt Tank.
Cons
- Non-Transparent Dirt Tank.
- Bulky.
Metropolitan VM6BS500
This stainless steel car vacuum cleaner has been manufactured by Metro DataVac; this brilliant piece of equipment sports a powerful twin-fan motor with a whopping 4.0 horsepower capacity, all in a small, compact package.
The cleaner also comes with a crevice tool and flexible 7-foot hose for all those hard-to-reach places in your vehicle. The Metropolitan VM6BS500 also features a multi-functional floor/rug option that allows you to seamlessly switch between the hard, floor-like surface option and the soft material option for more effective cleaning.
With such a high-performance capacity, you would expect this device to be bulky but, in fact, the Metropolitan VM6BS500 is very small and compact, weighing in at only 2.7 Lbs. The cleaner has an all-steel design and comes with a power unit, an upholstery tool, a dust brush, a crevice tool, and a shoulder strap for convenient use. To top it all off, the VM6BS500 comes with a five-year warranty, which is itself a testament to this cleaner’s durability.
Metro DataVac has often promoted the Metropolitan VM6BS500 as ‘The World’s Most Powerful Handheld Vacuum Cleaner’ and while that may be debatable, it certainly has the highest suction capacity on this list, with a 4.0-Horse Power motor.
With such intense power, you are guaranteed to clean practically any dirt and particles in your vehicle; its flexible 7-foot hose, crevice tool, and dust brush also allow you to get to those hard-to-reach spaces of the car for a truly effective clean.
However, user reviews indicate that the motor makes too much noise when the cleaner is in operation. On the upside, the reviews also indicate that as much as the device is loud, it is not as loud as vacuum cleaners of a similar power capacity.
Additionally, some users have pointed out that the power cord on this product is short, which limits maneuverability, although this can easily be remedied by purchasing an extension cord.
The biggest complaint we have encountered with this cleaner, however, is the fact that it doesn’t have a permanent dirt-tank as most car vacuums do, rather the VM6BS500 has a dirt-bag that eventually has to be replaced.
Altogether, if you need a quiet, cordless car cleaner, this may not be the model for you. But if you are more focused on power and functionality in a small package, then this is one product you should definitely consider.
Pros
- Incredibly Powerful Motor. 4.5-Amps/4.0 Horse Power.
- Light. Only 2.7 Lbs.
- Resourceful Attachments for Detailed Cleaning.
- Durable.
- Shoulder Strap for Convenient Use.
- Slick Design.
Cons
- Short Cord Limits Maneuverability.
- Dirt Bags need to be Periodically Replaced.
What to Consider when Purchasing a Car Vacuum
Power
Naturally, car vacuums with high power ratings are also high-performance, high-efficiency devices. When comparing different models on this basis, pay attention to the Watts on each model.
Look out for the margin of Watts margin between the models you are comparing and if the difference is not too significant, the efficiency of the models may be the roughly the same.
Similarly, pay attention to the motor’s capacity; even with an insignificant disparity in the wattage, a motor with greater horsepower will undoubtedly be more efficient.
Design and User Friendliness
This may not seem important to most people but, trust us, the design is absolutely important. When we hear the word ‘design’ we tend to assume that it implies appearance, and, honestly, in a way it does.
But design transcends aesthetics. Consider a car vacuum that has a design you can comfortably hold in your hand.
You don’t want to end up with a cleaner that you can’t hold properly or whose design doesn’t allow you to effectively clean of all spaces and crevices of your vehicle.
Weight
Here to buttress the user-friendliness point above is the weight factor. Most people will overlook this factor, but that is a mistake because most car vacuums are hand-held.
A lighter vacuum will allow you to clean your vehicle more effectively since you can hold the device for longer without feeling fatigued. Note, however, do not compromise on certain essential features solely based on the weight factor.
Dirt-Tank
All the dirt and particles picked by the car vacuum cleaner are collected in a dirt-bow/tank. The dirt-tank, therefore, determines how much dirt you can collect and how often you have to empty and clean the tank.
When it comes to the dirt-tank, it all boils down to compromise; while a larger tank may be more appealing since you don’t have to clean it out after every few uses, it also means that your device will be bulkier.
Here you have to decide what you value more, the convenience of not having to clean your dirt tank regularly or portability.
Also important is to consider is whether your dirt tank is reusable. With some car vacuums you eventually have to replace your dirt-bag and with others, all you have to do is clean the dirt-bowl.
Again, it all boils down to personal preference, you have to decide what you are comfortable with.
Attachments
All vehicles have different surfaces; the surface of your carpets, seats, and dashboard are often different.
Furthermore, cars are harder to clean than regular home surfaces due to the nooks, crannies, and crevices that make certain spaces hard to access. For this reason, you will need attachments that extend the vacuums reach and functionality, enabling you to access every inch of your vehicle’s interior.
A cleaner with accessories like flexible hoses, crevice tools, and dirt brushes will allow you to get to those elusive spaces. It is therefore important that you consider what attachments come with each model before making a purchase in order to determine which model will guarantee you the most efficiency.
Cost
Since you are looking into car vacuum options, it is safe to assume that you already have a budget in mind, which is a great discipline to have.
Nonetheless, unless you are already aware of the general pricing of car vacuums, it is much wiser to list down the features you find absolutely essential; it does you no good to purchase a cheaper model now only to purchase a model that truly suits your needs a few months down the line, it may even end up being costlier, right?
We propose that you find a model or models that perfectly suit your needs then adjust your budget around the best-buy regardless of your initial budget allocation. You could even take the time to gather more resources if your current state does not allow you to make a purchase immediately.
Trust us, you will appreciate the fact that you did not compromise when your product is meeting all your needs as efficiently as you had imagined.
Warranty
This is not usually a deal-breaker, but you should watch out for it regardless. The warranty timeline given by a manufacturer can indicate how much confidence that the manufacturer has in his own product.
Longer warranty timelines mean that the manufacturer believes in the quality and durability of his product, but more importantly, it means that you can get free repairs or replacements if your device malfunctions within that period.
User Reviews
Most people make the mistake of going solely with visuals and market hype, which can be a costly mistake. Note that manufacturers are, first and foremost, business-oriented. They will only emphasize the positive attributes of their products but never their shortcomings.
Fortunately for you, it is highly likely that other people have purchased the car vacuum model you are looking into and a lot of their experiences with the product are documented online.
Log onto the manufacturer’s website and read through the comments made by users on the particular model you intend to purchase. Browse through product reviews in online markets like Amazon and see what previous users have to say about the model.
If there are more negative than positive reviews on the model it may be time to considering other options. But if the user experiences seem to be more positive than negative, then the model is, in all probability, a high-quality product.
Conclusion
You can find the perfect car vacuum cleaner for your needs by picking one amongst our top picks above. These are undoubtedly some of the most efficient and high-performing models in the market today in terms of functionality, ease-of-use, portability, power, and durability.
However, don’t take our word at face-value, consider all the factors outlined above before picking a model. Remember, each individual’s needs are different, so take the time to figure out which combination of features will best suit yours and select a model based on that. Happy Cleaning!!
