The car vacuum cleaners that suck (in a good way)
Whether it’s food crumbs, dirt, leaves, or dog hair – car interiors can often be reminiscent of a germ-and-mess crime scene – one that needs to be thoroughly and frequently vacuumed.But for anyone who has ever attempted this task; the confined spaces, nooks, crannies and awkward angles can often mean performing some sort of gymnastics/parkour routine that you’re not at all equipped for.
So how can you avoid putting out your back and ensure your vehicle is crumb-free?
Well, choosing the right vacuum is a good start.
How do you choose the right vacuum?
When choosing which vacuum to use in your car, you want one that sucks but doesn’t suck.
You know what I mean: one that removes all the mess from your carpet, mats and seats in a way that doesn’t involve the acrobatics.
While home vacuums and self-serve vacuums at car washes can be used, Chris Jager, head of Finder Shopping recommends using a product specifically designed for the task.
“Car vacuums are specifically designed for cleaning automobiles. They are cordless, highly compact, and usually come with upholstery-friendly nozzles,” he says.
“While it’s certainly possible to use a household vacuum to clean your car, these tend to be cumbersomely large with wider heads that are poorly suited to car interiors.”
However, an exception to this rule is a cordless vacuum with a detachable head.
“If your cordless vacuum comes with a detachable head, you might be able to purchase a car-cleaning kit to save money. An online search should turn up any compatible accessories,” says Jager.
What should you look for in a car vacuum? What are the best options?
You can purchase car vacuums pretty much anywhere that sells vacuum cleaners, including JB Hi-Fi, Kmart, the Good Guys, and Big W. You can also get them from auto shops such as Repco and Supercheap Auto, or online from sites like Amazon.
When looking for the right vacuum, “the three main things to consider are suction power (at least 80 watts), battery life (30 minutes minimum) and size (it needs to be portable without compromising on power),” says Jager.
“Some manufacturers sell multi-purpose vacuum cleaners designed for both the car and the home. Our [Finder] pick is the Bissell SpotClean Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner," says Jager.
"It comes with a variety of tools for carpets, rugs, stairs, and auto interiors.”
Additionally, Best Review Guides have listed the following as their top five car vacuums partially based on Amazon reviews.
BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion Pivot Dustbuster, with 4.6 stars (from 637 reviews) on Amazon, currently retailing on the site for just under $100.
Shark Cordfree Handheld Vacuum has 4.4 stars from 56 ratings on Amazon, retailing on the site for around $130.
Seyicot Mini Car Vacuum has 4.4 stars on Amazon from 28 ratings, retailing on the site at around $65.
BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion Pet Dustbuster has 4.2 stars from 86 ratings and costs a little under $150.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum has 4.6 stars from a whopping 33,497 reviews and retails on the site at just over $180.
Another frequently recommended car vacuum is the BLACK+DECKER 21.6Wh Lithium-ion Dustbuster Cyclone which scored 4.5 stars from 653 reviews at the Good Guys.
This vacuum will set you back around $110.
Tips for vacuuming your car
While there are some DIY TikTok hacks like using an orbital sander to dislodge dirt from carpets, unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of safe and reliable ways to speed up the car vacuuming process.
It seems taking your time pays off when it comes to vacuuming your car, as does consistency, with most experts recommending a thorough vacuum at least once a month.
But before you get started, it's advisable to remove all your possessions and rubbish from your car so you can access all areas.
When it comes to the order, working in sections is key, starting at the driver’s seat, working your way backwards and starting higher up first.
“If you are vacuuming your entire car, always leave the floor until last - there’s a very high chance that seat crumbs will fall down there during the cleaning process,” says Jager.
Also, spend extra time in the 'black holes of dirt' AKA around your pedals and under the seats, and use the attachments to get into all those nooks and crannies where crumbs love to hide.
Related: What are the best car cleaning hacks and tips?
Related: Three easy ways to keep your car clean and organised
Related: Messy kids? Try these seven hacks to keep your car clean
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