I found the best vacuums for cleaning your car
A good car vacuum needs specific attachments and levels of suction.
What we like
- Good runtime
- Cordless
- Lightweight
Something to note
- Pricey
Paulina Terlecka, a sales associate and vacuum specialist at Abt, recommends this compact handheld vacuum by Dyson, which uses its famed cyclone dust-sucking technology like Dyson’s other cordless stick models. Three attachment heads — a hair screw tool, a combination crevice tool and a worktop tool — are included for cleaning different car surfaces. “I would say you probably want one that has a crevice tool attachment for sure,” says Terlecka. “Just so that you can get into all the small gaps in your car.” The worktop tool is designed to clean hard surfaces, while the hair screw tool untangles hair caught in fabric car seats with its fast motor. The filter is washable and you can eject the dustbin by using the handle. There are two button controls—the power and max button. “Intensive spot cleaning” results from using the max button, while the regular power button is ideal for “comfortable, continuous cleaning,” according to Dyson.
Type: Handheld | Run time: 25 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.2 L | Weight: 2.2 lbs
This affordable handheld vacuum from Brigii is super tiny without sacrificing cleaning power. “They tend to have pretty good suction for the price of them,” says Jill Koch, a home organizing, cleaning and lifestyle expert. It has an 80-watt cyclone motor, which is impressive for only weighing one pound. For under $50, you get four crevice tools — a mini brush, flat nozzle, hose and blow nozzle — in addition to the vacuum being able to convert into a hand pump and air duster. The HEPA filter is reusable and washable.
Type: Handheld | Run time: 15 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.1 gal | Weight: 1 lbs
Terlecka also recommends this model from Bissell. While it’s marketed toward pet hair, it still makes a great vacuum for your car, especially if your dog often goes in the back seat. The motorized brush tool attachment is designed to tackle pet hair and dirt stuck in car carpets, while the upholstery tool is ideal for fabric car seats. The dustbin can easily be emptied, but its large capacity will lessen the frequency.
Type: Handheld | Run time: 17 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.7 L | Weight: 3 lbs
This vacuum is exclusively for cars, given it charges through a V12 car outlet. It’s a multi-use gadget that can also inflate tires, making it ideal to have on hand for highway emergencies. The inflation function works fast and is compatible with most tires except on RVs and trucks. As for vacuuming, key highlights include cyclone suction, a washable HEPA filter for allergens, three vacuum nozzles, and a 15-foot power cord to reach all around the car. “That’s nice because you can go from the front to the back of your car and you never have to worry about it being charged — it’s always there as long as your car battery works,” says Koch. An LED light is also built-in for vacuuming and inflating tires in the dark.
Type: Handheld | Run time: Corded | Dustbin capacity: 0.6 L | Weight: 4.02 lbs
This handheld vacuum has a near-perfect rating on Amazon from thousands of reviews. A key highlight of this vacuum is its 200-degree pivoting nozzle to accommodate cleaning difficult spots. Similar to Dyson, it has “cyclonic action” for an intense clean, according to Black+Decker. Its crevice tool is extendible, which helps get to hard to reach areas like in between and under car seats.
Type: Handheld | Run time: 10 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 15 oz | Weight: 3 lbs
Depending on the fabric in your car and how much surface area needs to be covered, selecting a vacuum can be tough. The cleaning and vacuum experts I spoke to gave us some tips on things to look out for.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I'm a freelance writer whose beats include tech, home appliances and smart home devices. For this article, Accardi spoke to two experts in the home cleaning and vacuum technology space about how to shop for the best car vacuums. She compiled their top choices, along with top-rated vacuums that include the recommended specifications.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
