The best car vacuum cleaners: The 4 Best Car Vacuums of 2023

The 4 Best Car Vacuums of 2023

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Cars
Accessories for your car

Photo: Marki Williams

FYI

May 2023

Cleaning crumbs, fur, and dried-up dirt from the inside of your car isn’t fun—but the right tool can make the task bearable. A high-quality handheld vacuum gives you the cleaning power and flexibility to keep your car spick-and-span.

Strong suction

Whether dealing with furry pets, mud-tracking, or snack-spilling passengers, a car vac should be strong enough to clean it all.
Decent runtime

A car vacuum should last long enough to give your car a good once-over.
Helpful attachments

Crevice tools, motorized brushes, and extendable hose attachments help you deep-clean seats and reach nooks and crannies.
Reliability

A vacuum with a two-year warranty (at least) and replaceable parts (especially the battery) is more apt to last.

For routine car cleanups, our favorite is the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit. If you need to clean up after pets, the Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515JP07 handles fur better than any other handheld vacuum we’ve tested. And if you need something lighter-weight and more comfortable to handle, try the Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum BDh3020FL or the Worx 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac WX030L.

Our pick

Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit

This model’s powerful suction, long runtime, and extra-large bin make short work of tidying up the car. Its build may make it difficult to reach under car seats, though.

The Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit offers powerful suction, long battery life, and a capacious 22-ounce bin, larger than almost any other cordless handheld vacuum we’ve tested. The pivoting dust brush and crevice tool reach into most cup holders and car storage compartments.

It runs for a respectable 18 minutes and recharges in less than an hour, faster than any of the other handheld vacs we tried.

Many of its parts, including its filters and battery, are easily replaceable, and its battery is compatible with all One+ Ryobi tools.

Its three-year warranty is one of the strongest among the vacuums we tested.

Also great

The Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515JP07 reliably handles common car messes and cleans up pet fur better than any other handheld model we’ve tried.

This vac’s strong suction is enhanced by a motorized brush that agitates debris and dislodges stubborn fur from grippy surfaces like car upholstery. Its built-in extendable crevice tool helps ferret out dirt from most car storage compartments, but it can be unwieldy for smaller nooks and crannies. Its 25-ounce bin volume is the largest of the handheld vacs we’ve tested, which is especially helpful for bulky fur.

It runs for up to 25 minutes and charges in less than three hours. It comes with a two-year warranty.

Also great

Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum BDh3020FL

This model’s extendable hose makes vacuuming a car’s nooks and crannies more comfortable. But it’s a weaker cleaner, has a short runtime, and takes a long time to charge.

The Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum BDh3020FL has an extendable hose that lets you put down the body in order to reach under seats and into crevices, which makes it more comfortable to use if you have hand or wrist issues. Although this model struggled with larger debris like chips and Cheerios, it picked up dust, bird seeds, and glitter easily. Its rubber-nubbed pet-hair tool does a decent job of picking up fur from most types of upholstery. It has a sufficiently large 17-ounce dustbin.

But the Black+Decker BDh3020FL only runs for 12 minutes—hardly enough time for a deep clean on a large car—and it takes a full four hours to recharge. It’s also noisier than most handheld vacuums we tested.

It comes with a two-year warranty.

Also great

Worx 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac WX030L

This model has an extendable hose for easier cleaning, convenient on-board tool storage, a long warranty, and a replaceable battery. But its suction is weaker than our other picks, and it has a tiny bin.

The Worx 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac WX030L is beautifully designed and compact, with onboard storage for its tools and a flexible hose that allows you to set down its body during use.

The Worx WX030L excelled at sucking up dust but struggled with larger debris and pet fur and has a tiny 6-ounce dustbin.

The vacuum runs for up to 25 minutes and recharges in just one hour. The battery is replaceable and compatible with other Worx tools, and the vacuum comes with a strong three-year warranty.

Everything we recommend

Our pick

Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit

This model’s powerful suction, long runtime, and extra-large bin make short work of tidying up the car. Its build may make it difficult to reach under car seats, though.

Also great

Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum BDh3020FL

This model’s extendable hose makes vacuuming a car’s nooks and crannies more comfortable. But it’s a weaker cleaner, has a short runtime, and takes a long time to charge.

Also great

Worx 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac WX030L

The research

Why you should trust us
Who this is for
The best all-purpose car vacuum: Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit
A great car vacuum for pet fur: Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515JP07
A hand vacuum made for cars: Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum BDh3020FL
A smartly designed hand vacuum for cars: Worx 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac WX030L
How we picked and tested
The competition

Why you should trust us

Staff writer Sabine Heinlein has been a journalist for more than two decades. Her desire to spoil her menagerie of rabbits and cats continuously challenges her ambition to maintain a spotless house. She obsesses over how different types of fur adhere to upholstery and how best to remove hair balls from it.

Who this is for

Made for spontaneous cleanup and tight spaces, a good car vacuum is lightweight and versatile. It helps you tackle your car’s storage compartments and upholstery and runs long enough to give your car a once-over. If your car needs frequent attention, it can be stored in the trunk without taking up a whole lot of space.

You may already own what you need. Most good cordless stick vacuums easily transform into handheld units that can be used in the car. For longer, deep cleaning sessions, an upright or canister vacuum or shop vac with hose attachments can work if you have access to an outlet. One type we don’t recommend: car vacuums designed to plug into a car’s 12-volt cigarette lighter, which don’t draw enough power to be effective and keep you leashed to a short cord.

The best all-purpose car vacuum: Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit

Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit

This model’s powerful suction, long runtime, and extra-large bin make short work of tidying up the car. Its build may make it difficult to reach under car seats, though.

What the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit lacks in aesthetic appeal, it makes up for in superior suction power, an extra-large bin, and versatile attachments.

It’s our favorite overall cleaner. We tried this Ryobi model on and between car seats and in storage compartments, and it did an excellent job picking up all kinds of debris, including Cheerios, sand, and dust. It comes with a crevice tool and a brush tool that pivots 360 degrees, which makes it ideal for spots with awkward angles, such as your car’s cup holders.

It has a large dustbin. Holding 22 ounces of debris—twice the capacity of most other handheld vacuums we tested—the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum’s dustbin saves you a run to the trash can mid-clean.

The Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit works great as a car vacuum, but its bulky design makes it hard to get under car seats. Photo: Sabine Heinlein

It runs long and charges quickly. This Ryobi model ran for a full 18 minutes on its highest setting, plenty of time to give your car some much-needed attention. It charges in about an hour; other handheld models take three to four.

It has a generous warranty and replaceable parts. The Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum has a three-year warranty (one of the longest we’ve seen), and its battery is replaceable, as are most of its parts and accessories. (You can also use the battery in many other cordless Ryobi tools.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum’s bulky design makes it hard to maneuver in a car’s tight spaces. Low, deep areas, like the space under your car seats, can be hard to reach.
It’s less comfortable to use than some other models, especially if you have hand or arm issues. Although this vacuum is a lightweight 2.3 pounds (one of the lightest high-performing vacuums we’ve tested), the battery, which is located directly below the handle, makes up a large part of the vacuum’s weight and may strain your hand and wrist.

A great car vacuum for pet fur: Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515JP07

Photo: Marki Williams

Also great

Thanks to its motorized brush tool with rubber bristles, the Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum cleaned pet fur from cars better than any other handheld vacuum we tested. Photo: Sabine Heinlein

It’s a top-notch cleaner for pet fur (and great at other messes, too). The Black+Decker HHVK515JP07 picked up fur better than any model we tried, thanks to its motorized brush with rubber bristles. The only area where it struggled was removing fur from the grippy car floor and trunk upholstery. (All the vacuums we tested performed poorly at this. Instead, try the Uproot Cleaner Pro. )

This model effortlessly sucks up other kinds of debris, too, including glitter, crumbs, and dust. Although it has two suction modes, we found the low mode to be strong enough for most cleaning scenarios.

It has an extra-large dustbin. The Black+Decker HHVK515JP07’s 25-ounce capacity dustbin is the largest of any hand vacuum we tested. This comes in handy when vacuuming lots of pet fur, which can quickly clog smaller dustbins.

It has a long runtime for deep cleaning. This model has an impressive runtime of 24 minutes on low suction mode, sufficient for most furry car situations. It charges in about three hours.

It’s sturdy and reliable. The Black+Decker HHVK515JP07 comes with a two-year warranty (average for handheld vacuums). Guide author Sabine Heinlein has used hers daily for almost four years. The suction hasn’t diminished, and the vacuum has withstood being dropped and knocked over. Many of its parts, including its washable filters, belt, and charger are replaceable. The battery is not.

But it can be awkward in tight spaces and tricky to empty. The vacuum’s built-in, extendable crevice tool lets you get into most car storage compartments. But the tool is too large and stiff to fit into extra-tight spots and often slides back into place. The filters sometimes slip out when emptying the bin.

Uproot Cleaner Pro

This handy tool removes pet hair from even the clingiest car floor and trunk upholstery—a task that all the handheld vacuums we tested struggled with.

Buying Options

$24* from Amazon

*At the time of publishing, the price was $23.

In our test, the Uproot Cleaner Pro was the only tool that was able to target fur efficiently on the clingy upholstery of the car’s trunk. Photo: Sabine Heinlein

A hand vacuum made for cars: Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum BDh3020FL

Photo: Marki Williams

Also great

Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum BDh3020FL

This model’s extendable hose makes vacuuming a car’s nooks and crannies more comfortable. But it’s a weaker cleaner, has a short runtime, and takes a long time to charge.

It’s versatile and convenient in tight spaces. You can set down this model’s coffee-can-size motor and use its expandable hose with one hand. The whole machine weighs just over 3 pounds and, thanks to its handle, is comfortable to carry. This makes it particularly helpful for people with hand and wrist issues or for those who clean their car often.

The hand vac’s hose makes it easy to clean the low, deep areas in your car (like the space under the seats and behind the pedals) that regular hand vacs typically struggle with.

The narrow crevice tool comes in handy for the small car-door storage compartments and the tight area around the parking brake and steering wheel. Unfortunately, the crevice tool is too slender for large crumbs and cereal.

The rubber-nubbed pet-hair attachment works well for fur and debris on car seats, but it is useless on the clingy upholstery that covers the trunk and floors. (We recommend the Uproot Cleaner Pro for those cleanups.)

It has weaker suction. A hose restricts airflow, which is what keeps debris moving. It performed fine in our tests, picking up different kinds of debris, though not as well as the Black+Decker HHVK515JP07 or the Ryobi model. (Its dust bin holds 17 ounces of debris—ample, but less than the Ryobi vacuum and the Black+Decker HHVK515JP07.)

It has a short runtime and is slow to recharge. The Black+Decker BDh3020FL charges in four hours and has a runtime of 12 minutes, enough to give your car a quick once-over but not a deep clean. We also found that wrapping the hose back around the machine after using it requires some fiddling.

It has a decent warranty, but the battery isn’t replaceable. The Black+Decker BDh3020FL’s two-year warranty is standard for most handheld vacuum cleaners. Because its battery can’t be replaced, the whole machine becomes unworkable when the battery dies.

A smartly designed hand vacuum for cars: Worx 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac WX030L

How we picked and tested

Photo: Marki Williams

All the models considered for this guide were first tested for our guide to the best handheld vacuums, where we assessed their suction, battery life, and versatility. We then took the top contenders and used them in a 2008 subcompact Honda Fit covered in crumbs, dirt, and fur. We tackled the interior and trunk of the car, as well as the ridges on floor mats and the crevices between seats.

We looked for attachments such as crevice and brush tools that help you reach inside cup holders and door pockets and effectively clean upholstered surfaces. To remove pet hair and other fuzz that clings to upholstery, we found that a rubber-nubbed tool or motorized brush is helpful.

We considered some car vacuums designed to plug into a vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette lighter, but we don’t recommend them. They’re much, much weaker than the vacuums recommended in this guide and are less versatile and convenient.

The competition

This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.

Meet your guide

Sabine Heinlein

Sabine Heinlein is a staff writer at Wirecutter. Her work has previously been published by The New York Times, The Guardian, Psychology Today, and many other publications. When she is not following her dream of an immaculate home and a flood-proof basement, she is taking care of her menagerie and creating magical animal quilts.

The 5 Best Car Vacuums – Spring 2023: Reviews

Table of Contents
Intro
Best Vacuum
1. Best Mid-Range
  1. Best Budget
    1. Best Shop
      1. Best Corded
        
        Notable Mentions
        
        Recent Updates
        
        All Reviews
        
        Discussions
        
        Updated May 24, 2023 at 11:24 pm
        
        By Evan Jakab
        
        No matter how hard you try to avoid or prevent it, keeping your car completely clean is impossible. Kids accidentally drop snacks on the floor while pets shed or leave mud prints on the upholstery. Luckily, a vacuum designed for cleaning your car’s interior can help make your automobile feel like it’s dealership-new once again. These vacuums tend to be very portable and lightweight. They also favor better performance on low-pile carpet over other surface types, and they come with several tools to help you reach more difficult areas like crevices.
        
        We’ve tested over 130 vacuum cleaners, and below are our recommendations for the best vacuums for cleaning cars to buy. These picks were selected based on their performance on different types of surfaces and their feature set, battery life, and price. For more recommendations, look at our lists of the best vacuums, the best cordless vacuums, and the best vacuums for pet hair.
        
        Best Car Vacuum
        
        Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+
        
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        Cars
        
        8.3
        
        Vacuum Type
        
        Handheld
        
        Bagless
        
        Yes
        
        Cordless
        
        Yes
        
        Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
        
        No
        
        Wet Compatible
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        The best vacuum for cars we’ve tested is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+. Its compact size lets you store it on a garage shelf or even in the trunk of your vehicle. It’s also very lightweight, allowing you to carry it around with little effort but without feeling overly cheap or flimsy. It does a fantastic job of handling debris on flat, hard surfaces and is impressively effective in dealing with messes on carpeting and floor mats. Its dirt compartment is large for a handheld model, so you only need to empty it occasionally. Unfortunately, its battery life of a little over 10 minutes isn’t especially noteworthy, even by the standards of other handheld vacuums, so you’ll need to work quickly when cleaning out your car. Worse, the battery isn’t designed for removal, so you can’t swap in a new pack if the current unit’s performance degrades over time.
        
        This CH951 variant of this vacuum has a crevice tool for dealing with debris in tight corners and a miniature turbo brush, though the latter is pretty unwieldy and has a hard time picking up pet hair on fabric surfaces. The vacuum also does a terrible job of capturing fine debris. For a similarly designed model with HEPA-level filtration and much longer battery life, the iRobot h2 is the best handheld vacuum for car use we’ve tested that comes at a premium price point. The reason it’s not our main pick is because of how expensive, especially for a handheld vacuum, it is and the fact that it has a much smaller dirt compartment.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Mid-Range Vacuum For Cars
        
        Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum
        
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        Cars
        
        8.1
        
        Vacuum Type
        
        Handheld
        
        Bagless
        
        Yes
        
        Cordless
        
        Yes
        
        Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
        
        No
        
        Wet Compatible
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        The Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum is the best vacuum for cars at a mid-range price that we’ve tested. Unlike the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+, it doesn’t come with a turbo brush attachment, which makes it a little trickier to clean larger carpeted and upholstered areas. It also takes much longer to recharge and has a similarly short battery life of about 10 minutes. It shares a common downside with the Shark in the form of its non-replaceable battery pack too, so you can’t swap out the pack if its performance degrades over time. All of that said, it’s not without its upsides. It’s cheaper than the Shark and has an even higher-capacity dustbin that won’t need emptying as often. Despite its bulkier size, it’s still very lightweight, so you can easily carry it around with minimal fatigue.
        
        This vacuum’s integrated extension wand/crevice tool makes it easier to clean tight spots, like between car seats and your center console or the depths of cup holders. It also has a flip-out hard-bristle brush for dislodging stuck-on dirt from seats or any plastic surfaces.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Budget Vacuum For Cars
        
        BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim
        
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        Cars
        
        8. 6
        
        Vacuum Type
        
        Handheld
        
        Bagless
        
        Yes
        
        Cordless
        
        Yes
        
        Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
        
        No
        
        Wet Compatible
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        The BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim is a great choice if you’re shopping for a cheaper handheld. Its extremely small size means it can’t hold nearly as much debris as a larger handheld model like the Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum, but this also makes it even easier to use in cramped quarters, like the inside of a compact car— you can even stand it upright in an extra-large cupholder. Like the Black+Decker, it doesn’t have a miniature turbo brush tool to clean larger upholstered areas like the trunk or floor mats. However, there is a crevice tool to extend your reach between seats and in cupholders and a slide-on soft-bristle brush for cleaning delicate plastic surfaces, like your car’s center console.
        
        This vacuum feels well-built, especially for a handheld at this price point. Its simple design makes emptying its tiny dustbin or accessing its filters effortless. Unfortunately, while it’s highly effective at clearing away pet hair and lightweight debris, bulky material like whole cereal pieces can easily clog its narrow suction inlet. It can also only run for about 15 minutes on a charge, which gives you little time to clean bigger messes. That said, that short a run time isn’t unusual for a vacuum of this type.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Shop Vacuum For Cars
        
        RYOBI 18V One+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry
        
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        Cars
        
        7.7
        
        Vacuum Type
        
        Handheld
        
        Bagless
        
        Yes
        
        Cordless
        
        Yes
        
        Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
        
        No
        
        Wet Compatible
        
        Fully Compatible
        
        See all our test results
        
        If you want a vacuum that can handle dry and wet messes inside your car, you need a shop vac! The RYOBI 18V One+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry is a great option for this use and is among the best cordless car vacuums we’ve tested. While compact for a shop-oriented vacuum, it’s much bulkier than a conventional handheld like the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+. The trade-off of this larger design is a much greater debris capacity and a far more powerful suction motor, which lets it easily clear away heavy debris and liquids⁠—make sure to remove the filter before using it to clean up wet messes. While the included 4.0 Ah battery only supplies roughly 15 minutes of runtime, you can easily swap out the depleted battery for a higher-capacity unit or grab another pack if you have any other RYOBI One+ products in your home like a cordless drill or reciprocating saw.
        
        You can detach the hose and fold the grab handle flush against the top cover, allowing you to stow it on a large shelf or under a worktable. However, it can become somewhat hard to carry around as it fills up with debris, as the motor unit/canister body is meant for you to carry in one hand. While there is a crevice tool to extend your reach, its hose is very short, which makes it difficult to clean the furthest recesses of your car’s interior.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Corded Car Vacuum
        
        Eureka Mighty Mite
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
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        Finding Store
        
        Cars
        
        8.1
        
        Vacuum Type
        
        Canister
        
        Bagless
        
        No
        
        Cordless
        
        No
        
        Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
        
        No
        
        Wet Compatible
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        If you want to avoid running out of charge partway through cleaning your car, the Eureka Mighty Mite is still among the best portable car vacuums we’ve tested. Right off the bat, it’s important to note that it has a short power cord, forcing you to use an extension cord to clean hard-to-reach spots in your car and making it trickier to clean tight areas when compared to a cordless handheld model like the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+. Still, its lightweight design makes it easy to pick up and carry around. Despite its affordable price point, it has a reasonably potent 12-amp motor, resulting in a strong performance on hard surfaces and low-pile floormats. It also does a great job of clearing away pet hair on upholstered surfaces like car seats when used with its mini brush tool. The vacuum’s simple design lets you quickly dispose of its high-capacity dirtbag once it fills up.
        
        Unfortunately, build quality isn’t especially impressive, with most of its parts being made of cheap-feeling plastic. While its long wand, made of two hollow plastic tubes, gives you a bit of added reach for cleaning tight spots, it’s worth noting those plastic tubes can fall apart if you don’t wedge them together with sufficient force. In addition, unlike an actual shop vacuum like the RYOBI 18V One+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry, you can’t use it to clear away liquid spills.
        
        See our review
        
        Notable Mentions
        
        Shark WANDVAC:
        The Shark WANDVAC is among the best portable car vacuums we’ve tested, with a very good performance on low-pile carpets and much better air filtration performance than the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+. However, it lacks a miniature turbo brush tool.
        See our review
        
        Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vacuum:
        The Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vacuum is a solid alternative to the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ and uses a detachable battery pack that offers a longer runtime out of the box. However, compared to the Shark, the best cordless car vacuum we’ve tested, it doesn’t perform as well on carpeted surfaces and doesn’t come with a turbo brush.
        See our review
        
        Wyze Handheld Vacuum:
        The Wyze Handheld Vacuum is among the best handheld vacuums for car use we’ve tested, as it offers HEPA filtration and a near-30-minute runtime on a single charge. That said, like the BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim, it struggles with bulky debris. Its availability is also somewhat limited.
        See our review
        
        Recent Updates
        
        May 24, 2023:
        Ensured all main picks are still available and represent the best option for user needs.
        
        Apr 28, 2023:
        Minor in-text adjustments to improve clarity of information.
        
        Mar 29, 2023:
        Verified that all main picks still represent the best fit for user needs.
        
        Mar 03, 2023:
        Ensured all main picks are still available and represent the best choice for user needs.
        
        Feb 02, 2023:
        Ensured all main picks still represent the best choice for user needs.
        
        All Reviews
        
        Our recommendations are based on what we think are currently the best vacuums to clean the inside of your car. We don’t just base our results on overall performance, but also on factors like availability, price, and reader feedback.
        
        If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our vacuum reviews, ranked by their suitability for car cleaning. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no vacuum is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
        
        Best Car Vacuum Cleaners – Rating 2023 – Top 10
        
        Cleanliness in the car interior is the key to the comfort of the driver and his passengers. A small vacuum cleaner will help keep order. The format of this equipment provides quick, easy cleaning in hard-to-reach places. The best car vacuum cleaners are distinguished by high power, good equipment, and engine reliability. The VyborExperta.ru team decided to find out which models are worthy of the attention of car owners.
        
        Contents
        
        Rating of car vacuum cleaners
        
        When compiling the review, the technical characteristics of the models were studied, the quality of cleaning from contaminants was compared, comfort while working in cramped conditions. We took into account user reviews, the opinion of an expert – a consultant for a hypermarket of household appliances with 12 years of experience. The main attention was paid to the following parameters:
        
        Type – models for wet and dry cleaning;
        
        Power – produce rechargeable, wired models;
        
        Power – affects performance;
        
        Complete set – different nozzles expand the functionality and capabilities of the device.
        
        Poor suction, low engine reliability, quick failure, unsuitable format for working in a car salon – equipment with such defects was excluded from our rating.
        
        Best car vacuum cleaners of 2023
        
        1. Kitfort KT-537
        
        The best Russian-made car vacuum cleaner. Differs in a good ratio between the price and quality. It has an aerodynamic shape, small size. The format is convenient for regular care. The car vacuum cleaner works from the cigarette lighter, develops a power of 75 W, providing good suction. The curved handle allows for any grip. Control keys are conveniently located on the handle made of anti-slip material.
        
        Includes 3 nozzles. The narrow one is designed to clean dirt between the seats. Silicone – used for suction of liquids. The lint nozzle is used for caring for seats. The cyclone type design works with low noise, reliable and efficient cleaning. The plastic container holds up to 0.4 liters of dry waste or 150 ml of liquid. The equipment can be easily disassembled for scheduled maintenance.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Long cord;
        
        Light weight;
        
        Low price;
        
        Sealed container.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Not detected.
        
        The cyclone filter acts as a dust collector. Vortex flows effectively press the collected debris against the walls. The container is easy to clean, if necessary – it can be washed in water.
        
        2.Stvol SPS100
        
        Chinese manual car vacuum cleaner equipped with a powerful motor. Works from the onboard electric network to which it is connected through the cigarette lighter. Wire length 3 meters. The suction power of 100 W allows you to collect not only dust, but also dried dirt. Garbage is collected in a transparent plastic container.
        
        HEPA filter installed, this allows the use of the device for dry and wet cleaning. The kit includes a hose and crevice nozzle, a brush for cleaning the upholstery of the seats. A simple replacement of components helps to quickly move from one operation to another, to perform a full interior service. The device is light weight, comfortable handle and good balance. This reduces the load on the brush during operation.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Convenient adapter;
        
        Bagless dust collector;
        
        Short body;
        
        Convenient control location.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Hose material has no safety margin.
        
        3. AVS Turbo PA-1011
        
        The products of the Russian company regularly rank high in the rating of car vacuum cleaners and accessories for cars. This model was developed in 2023. Engineers have implemented a dual filtration technology that effectively protects the filter from large debris. The device is equipped with a 150 W motor, powered by a cigarette lighter. The cable length of 4 m allows the use of equipment for the care of SUVs and minivans.
        
        Reusable filter made of moisture resistant material. This part can be washed for quality cleaning. Supplied with 3 nozzles. For cleaning seats and carpets there is a classic and round brush. The crevice tool will help remove dust and debris in hard-to-reach places. In order not to bend over and effectively clean under the seats, you can install a two-stage tube.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Motor overload protection;
        
        Convenient arrangement of control buttons;
        
        Good dirt removal;
        
        Case included;
        
        Transparent capacious container.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Fasteners between compartments become loose during use.
        
        4. Airline Cyclone-2
        
        Chinese portable car vacuum cleaner with powerful motor. Power supply from the cigarette lighter via a 4-meter cord with an adapter. Supports Cyclone technology: the garbage remains in the container in full. The engine and user are protected from dust by a HEPA filter that is not afraid of high humidity. The control is located next to the ergonomic handle.
        
        Complete with crevice nozzle and flexible hose for maintenance in hard-to-reach places. To care for upholstery, floor mats, there is a classic and round brush. It comes with a bag for storing equipment and nozzles. According to user reviews, the model copes well with sand cleaning.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Additional filter included;
        
        Durable plastic housing;
        
        High vacuum pressure;
        
        Low price.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Heavy weight.
        
        5. Black+Decker PV1200AV
        
        Brand products regularly enter the TOP of car vacuum cleaners due to their reliability and wide functionality. This model is designed for regular dry cleaning. The gadget attracts attention with its bright design, the original location of the garbage collection container. The format is convenient for caring for seat upholstery, trunk. The angle of inclination of the intake is adjustable in the range of 200 degrees.
        
        Power supply from the on-board power supply. Supplied with a 5 meter cord with cigarette lighter adapter. The cyclone filter holds 440 ml of debris. Three stages of filtration provide effective protection of the motor from fine dust. The high suction power is maintained regardless of how full the trash can is.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Good equipment;
        
        Mesh bag for storage and carrying;
        
        Long wire;
        
        Easy to take apart for routine maintenance.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Overpriced.
        
        6. Berkut SVC-800
        
        The original model, the novelty of the market, which begins to climb in the ranking of car vacuum cleaners. Equipment designers have taken into account all the basic requirements of car owners. A Russian company has developed a powerful car vacuum cleaner with a suction force of 4,000 Pa. The equipment has an original format: a compact round body, a flexible hose is wound around it, the maximum length of which reaches 2 meters. The 100W motor provides an airflow speed of 42m/s. The motor is designed for 30 minutes of continuous operation.
        
        Dust container has a volume of 0.4 liters. HEPA filters are installed, which trap dust particles of 0.1 microns. Multi-stage filtration protects allergy sufferers from pollen and other allergens. It comes with three nozzles for cleaning in hard-to-reach places and caring for the upholstery of car seats.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Cleaning radius 5.5 meters;
        
        Flexible hose;
        
        Carry bag with detachable strap;
        
        Comfortable handle on the body.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Needs extra attention when emptying the waste container.
        
        7. Starwind Moon Edition VC/Ember Edition VC
        
        A Russian company has developed a small car cordless vacuum cleaner for regular interior care. The portable model takes up little space and weighs 443 grams. Power of 90 W allows you to easily cope with the main pollution. Comes with brush and crevice tool. Components are securely fixed on the body.
        
        Dust container volume 0.1 liter. The container is easily dismantled, emptied and quickly installed on the body. The mesh filter protects the engine from dust, large debris. Comes with a 2500 mAh battery. The charge is enough for 22 minutes of intensive work. It will take 3-4 hours to restore the battery power level.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Comfortable in the hand;
        
        Picks up dirt well;
        
        Low noise;
        
        Fill indication.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Charger not included.
        
        8. New Galaxy 784-009
        
        Chinese company’s manual car vacuum cleaner is designed for dry and wet cleaning. It has a cylindrical body with a comfortable handle. Equipped with an electric motor that provides a suction power of 150 W – one of the highest in its class. Removes not only sand, but also accidentally dropped coins. Handles stubborn dirt well.
        
        Supplied with a crevice tool and two brushes in different sizes. Accessories can be connected to the device directly or through a flexible hose, which improves maneuverability when cleaning. The filter is reusable and can be easily removed for routine maintenance. Power supply – from the cigarette lighter, to which the device is connected using a three-meter cable with an adapter.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Motor overload protection;
        
        The filter can be washed in water;
        
        Light weight;
        
        Works quietly.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Not the strongest corrugated material.
        
        9. Aggressor AGR 100 H Turbo
        
        Car vacuum cleaner with turbo brush demonstrates high suction power and robust design. The coarse filter is connected directly to the inlet. Hole diameter – 2 mm: this effectively protects the internal filter from large debris. The container for garbage collection is made of transparent plastic, which allows you to control the filling. The fine filter is made of thick filter paper. Holds fine dust well. Easy to change, can be washed with water or blown under high pressure.
        
        The motor is additionally protected by a non-woven filter element. Power supply – from the cigarette lighter. The device has a powerful starting current, but during operation, the load on the on-board electrical system is minimal. Includes crevice nozzle and hair brush.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Wire length 5 meters;
        
        Flexible hose;
        
        LED backlight;
        
        Function for collecting liquid from the surface;
        
        Storage bag.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Power is 10% lower than advertised.
        
        10. Saferet WL-X025
        
        Designed for cars of different classes and has a wire length of 5 m. The corrugated hose included in the kit will help to increase the cleaning radius. Equipped with a powerful motor that provides the best suction power in the class – 6800 Pa. The electric motor develops a speed of 36,000 rpm, providing good cleaning quality from any debris in the car.
        
        Dust container capacity 0.5 liters. Comes with a crevice nozzle and brush for fabric upholstery care. HEPA filter provides reliable protection of the electric motor from fine dust. The comfortable handle provides a good grip during difficult manipulations. The control keys are located under the thumb. The design was developed by a German studio. Made from durable plastic.
        
        Advantages:
        
        Light weight;
        
        Low noise;
        
        Storage case;
        
        Picks up wool well from fabric upholstery.
        
        Drawbacks:
        
        Fine corrugated hose.
        
        What to look for when buying a car vacuum cleaner
        
        When choosing a Karcher professional car vacuum cleaner in a store or a model for periodic cleaning of a personal car, you should pay attention to the power and type of power supply. Manufacturers of equipment offer models of different types: the equipment must meet the requirements. The choice may be influenced by the number of nozzles and additional features.
        
        Power
        
        One of the main parameters is power. Manufacturers bring to the fore the number of watts consumed by the engine. This does not always indicate the quality of cleaning. A 100W model can vacuum better than equipment one and a half times more powerful. A more practical characteristic is suction power. It is recommended to purchase equipment with this parameter of 90-100 W or more. Similar indicators have the best car vacuum cleaners on batteries and network models. Most stand-alone appliances have less than 70 watts of power, which is only enough for surface cleaning. You should not compare the performance of car vacuum cleaners with classic household appliances. Car gadgets are powered by 12V, and the home electrical network has a voltage of 220V.
        
        Cleaning type
        
        Produce models for dry and wet cleaning. A washing vacuum cleaner for cars differs in its functionality and design from household appliances of this class. The equipment is not equipped with water tanks. Only professional salon equipment has such functions. Wet cleaning devices are able to collect spilled water without harm to the electric motor. This is the only difference between a washing vacuum cleaner and standard models.
        
        Power type
        
        Models are available that can be used as a power source:
        
        Household electrical outlet – high power equipment, but tied to a power source;
        
        On-board power supply – the cigarette lighter is used for power. When choosing, it is worth considering the length of the cable. For a small car, a 3 m wire is enough. For an SUV or minivan, a 4-5 m electric cable is required;
        
        Rechargeable battery – the advantage of this type of power supply is complete autonomy. Among the minuses are high price, high weight, limited operating time.
        
        Which car vacuum cleaner is best for working in the garage? What to use for general cleaning in the cabin? It is better to buy equipment that works from the cigarette lighter. It is light, agile and attractively priced.
        
        Nozzles
        
        Accessories make work easier and provide better cleaning results. There are many hard-to-reach places in the cabin, from which dust can only be removed using a crevice nozzle. You will need a brush to care for the upholstery. If a dog is transported in the cabin, then you should choose a model with a turbo brush.
        
        Additional functions
        
        Car vacuum cleaners are compact devices. Only TOP manufacturers offer gadgets with advanced functionality. The equipment can be equipped with a garbage container full indicator, LED illumination of the working area and a garbage blowing function.
        
        Q&A
        
        How does a car vacuum cleaner work?
        
        When the engine is turned on, an air current is formed that sucks the debris into the container. Air passes through the filter and exits. Dust, sand remain in the garbage bins, which has sufficient volume to care for the interior of the car.
        
        How powerful should a car vacuum cleaner be?
        
        Recommended for purchase of a device with a motor power of at least 80 W. Optimum cleaning results when using models with 100-150 W electric motors. The suction power of such gadgets is 4000-6500 Pa.
        
        Which car vacuum cleaner is better: wired or cordless?
        
        Wireless mobile, it can be used not only to clean the cabin, but also in the trunk of a minivan or SUV. Wired – does not require charging, its cost is lower, and its power is higher than that of battery technology.
        
        Which car vacuum cleaner is better
        
        Equipment differs in price, functionality, nozzles. The best models with a short wire will not fit a minivan or jeep. The VyborExperta.ru team knows how to choose a vacuum cleaner for your car and recommends the following brands:
        
        Kitfort KT-537 – for owners of budget sedans;
        
        AVS Turbo PA-1011 – for cleaning in a crossover;
        
        Airline Cyclone-2 – on a tight budget;
        
        Black + Decker PV1200AV – the choice of the owner of a premium car;
        
        Starwind Moon Edition – for a small car;
        
        Saferet WL-X025 is the choice of picnic and outdoor enthusiasts.
        
        All the gadgets presented in the review deserve the attention of car owners. The most functional and reliable models received the status of the best car vacuum cleaners in their categories.
        
        6 best car vacuum cleaners – Rating 2023
        
        When compiling the rating, two equivalent factors were taken into account: the technical characteristics of manufacturers and the real impressions of buyers. We guarantee objectivity.
        
        The best car vacuum cleaners
        
        Car owners spend more than 10 hours a week in their car. So, the microclimate there has a great influence on well-being. Special car vacuum cleaners will help to improve the atmosphere in the cabin. They are able not only to remove dust efficiently, but also to carefully care for upholstery made of various materials.
        
        This handheld vacuum cleaner is really designed for dry interior cleaning. But the manufacturer has provided for the possibility of collecting spilled liquid (if there is not much of it).
        
        The plastic body of the Kitfort vacuum cleaner is made of a highly durable modified polymer. The ergonomic geometry of the handle makes it comfortable to work with, reducing the load on the muscles of the hand.
        
        Characteristics:
        
        power 75 W
        
        cable length 4 m
        
        dust container 0.4 l
        
        weight 850 g
        
        Includes three nozzles: silicone, fluff and narrow, which allow you to completely clean the car. The size of the dust container is sufficient so as not to be distracted by cleaning it until the end of work.
        
        The filter consists of two parts: a textile bag and a plastic container. Both items are reusable. After washing, the bag completely restores its properties.
        
        We liked low cost model with a good level of quality and reliability.
        
        The vacuum cleaner is powered by a car battery and has good vacuum performance, standing out from others.
        
        The handheld vacuum uses innovative Cyclone technology. Also on the unit is a reliable double HEPA filter that traps small particles of dust. The transparent dust container makes it possible to constantly monitor the degree of its filling.
        
        Characteristics:
        
        power 150 W
        
        cable length 4 m
        
        dust container 0.5 l
        
        weight 1.2 kg
        
        We liked the complete set of the device with four nozzles: an adapter, a carpet cleaning brush, nozzles with narrow and wide spouts. The disadvantages include the assembly problems encountered: the elements of the vacuum cleaner may begin to make uncharacteristic sounds. However, this does not affect performance.
        
        This model plugs into the cigarette lighter and is powered by the car’s 12V electrical system. The design is a little unusual, but surprisingly efficient.
        
        The turbine vacuum cleaner creates an air flow, easily sucking up dust and large debris. The long hose allows you to clean minibuses and spacious cabins, if the current parameters in the network are suitable.
        
        Characteristics:
        
        power 72 W
        
        cable length 5 m
        
        dust collector 0.56 l
        
        weight 1.5 kg
        
        Large debris is collected by the extended nozzle into a transparent plastic container. There are only two nozzles in the kit – a brush and a crevice – but they can be fixed at a variety of angles to facilitate the process of cleaning the interior and trunk.
        
        We liked the ‘s washable filter and the vacuum’s ability to easily reach every part of the car. In addition, it does not need to be kept on weight during cleaning. However, due to the small volume of the dust container, you still have to shake out the container quite often, otherwise the suction power will decrease.
        
        The low price of a domestic car vacuum cleaner attracts many. The simplicity and safety of its use makes it possible to clean even minors.
        
        Modified plastic car vacuum cleaner with a wide mouth and an enlarged container. All this together increases the performance of the device, and the low weight and comfortable shape reduce hand fatigue.
        
        Characteristics:
        
        power 100 W
        
        cable length 4 m
        
        dust collector 0.6 l
        
        weight 1.7 kg
        
        The device is powered by the cigarette lighter. The air purification filter is reusable; after removing dirt and washing, it restores its characteristics again.
        
        We liked the ‘s 360° brush rotation, which increases the functionality of the device. Although the vacuum cleaner has only two nozzles.
        
        Car vacuum cleaner with waste and liquid container, complete with brush and flat crevice nozzle. Works from an onboard automobile network or from the lighter.
        
        The Bort machine has a transparent dust container, which allows you to control its filling and guarantees timely cleaning – the load on the engine is reduced. The convenient handle does not cause fatigue even at long work. There are no problems with storage either: there is a place on the case for winding the cord.
        
        Features:
        
        power 95 W
        
        cable length 2.8 m
        
        dust collector 2 l
        
        weight 800 g
        
        We liked the possibility of wet cleaning. However, in this scenario of use, it is necessary to strictly observe the angles of inclination of the vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, water may enter the housing onto electrical parts and cause oxidation or short circuits.
        
        Compact vacuum cleaner with a transparent dust container and a comfortable ergonomic handle for dry interior cleaning. Special elbows on the suction tube allow you to vacuum surfaces without bending over.
        
        Very powerful for its size, this car vacuum cleaner has a high degree of air purification due to the presence of two stages of filtration. The filter is reusable and easy to clean. To connect to the cigarette lighter, the device is equipped with an adapter.
        
        Characteristics:
        
        power 150 W
        
        cable length 4 m
        
        dust container 0.55 l
        
        weight 1.25 kg
        
        We liked a complete set of motor electrical protection against critical loads. As a result, the time of continuous operation of the vacuum cleaner reaches 30 minutes. However, you need to monitor the fastening of the dust collector to the body. Under load, the joint may be depressurized.
        
        How to choose a car vacuum cleaner
        
        All compact handheld vacuum cleaners are divided into several large categories, depending on the technical parameters and capabilities. There are models that can be used not only for cleaning the car interior, but also in everyday life.
        
        But in any case, there are a number of criteria that you should pay attention to when buying a car vacuum cleaner.
        
        Power type
        
        Vacuum cleaners on the market are powered by a built-in battery, AC 220 V or car battery.
        
        Battery models
        
        Older models are equipped with NiMH batteries, new ones have modern Li-Ion batteries. In all technical characteristics, lithium-ion batteries are superior to nickel-metal hydride ones, but they have one drawback – high cost.
        
        When choosing the capacity of the battery, take into account the power of the vacuum cleaner and the expected operating time. Bulky or heavily soiled interiors (such as taxis) take a long time to clean. Accordingly, a battery with a large margin of capacity is needed here – about 2000 mAh.
        
        Such a battery at the same time increases the weight of the device, but provides almost an hour of uninterrupted operation. Another nuance should be taken into account – at sub-zero temperatures, the battery capacity drops sharply.
        
        If the car is permanently parked in a cold open area, the battery life of the cordless vacuum cleaner (which is stored in it) is reduced.
        
        Car electrical system
        
        The most extensive category of vacuum cleaners. They are powered by a cigarette lighter or a special socket. However, the operating voltage must match the battery voltage.
        
        Most cars have 12V, but there are SUVs and trucks with 24V wiring. Vacuum cleaners with this power supply are more powerful and can work up to 2 hours. The important thing here is not to completely drain the battery of the car.
        
        On average, vacuum cleaners drain the battery by 1 Ah in 6 minutes of operation. That is, after an hour, the battery capacity will decrease by 10 Ah.
        
        From this data and the capacity of the car’s battery, you can roughly calculate the recommended time for using the vacuum cleaner.
        
        Household 220 V
        
        The most powerful and reliable vacuum cleaner available, leading the way in all technical parameters. They are much cheaper than rechargeable devices, but they are able to clean out any debris and dust. The only drawback is that the car must be close to the outlet.
        
        Power
        
        Models with a power of ≤ 70 W are classified as low power, all other vacuum cleaners are considered powerful and can easily cope with any debris.
        
        Still, we do not recommend buying a car vacuum cleaner with a powerful motor if it is powered by batteries. It doesn’t matter – from your own or from the car. Excess power increases the risk of critical battery discharge.
        
        Power is also related to the dimensions and weight of the device. Vacuum cleaners with a total weight of more than 1.5 kg quickly tire the brush.
        
        Suction type
        
        Here the choice is standard: dry and wet cleaning.
        
        Dry cleaners are simpler and cheaper. The latter work with wet debris (dirt), and some are even able to suck up spilled liquids. These are expensive and technically complex models, and working with them requires special skills.
        
        On the other hand, the wet cleaning function facilitates the general cleaning of the interior using shampoos and special products. Such a vacuum cleaner will gently remove foam and moisture from all surfaces, while also reducing the drying time of the upholstery.
        
        Dust collector type
        
        Older models of car vacuum cleaners are still equipped with bags, and modern ones with plastic cyclone containers. The second option provides stable suction parameters and does not impair the airflow capacity as dirt accumulates. However, containers increase the dimensions of compact vacuum cleaners.
        
        Most models have only a coarse filter; it is impractical to remove fine dust from the passenger compartment with such vacuum cleaners – it will be blown back. The second, thin filter is completed only with expensive innovative models.
        
        Accessories
        
        The rule of thumb is that the more accessories that come with your vacuum cleaner, the better. There are many hard-to-reach places in the cabin, small parts that require careful cleaning.
        
        Car vacuum cleaner must have flexible hoses of appropriate sizes or long nozzles of different widths, plus various brushes (including those for removing lint and animal hair).
        
        But if the model provides for the ability to buy additional accessories as needed, then this is also considered an advantage – you do not have to pay for extra attachments.
        
        Questions and Answers
        
        How do I clean my dog’s hair from the interior?
        
        Everything depends on two factors. The first is the upholstery material. If it is leather or leatherette, then the cleaning process is simplified. You can use any vacuum cleaner with a power of 40-60 W, nozzles – special brushes. Suitable for both dry and washing vacuum cleaner.
        
        Fluff is more difficult to remove from the finish of woven fabrics. Wool gets tangled in thin threads, suction is impossible without breaking these bonds. Here you need special brushes and more vacuum cleaner power – about 70 watts.
        
        The second factor is the presence of allergies. It must be understood that an allergy does not occur to the villi, but to an allergenic protein, it is found both in wool and in all secretions: sweat, feces, saliva, sebum. This means that the interior of the car will not only have to be vacuumed, but also to carry out a thorough wet cleaning.
        
        What is the difference between a plastic dust bag and a traditional bag?
        
        Bag – also a dust collector, but made of special non-woven materials. Garbage is collected in it using this technology: dirty air passes through the fabric of the bag, solid particles are retained, and a clean stream is brought out.
        
        That is, the bag acts as a dust collector and filter at the same time. The air is cleaned better, the size of the vacuum cleaner itself can be smaller. The disadvantage of such a system is that as the bag fills up, the suction parameters deteriorate.