When it comes to maintaining your car, you cannot leave out the cleaning aspect. It is not enough to wash the body of your car, you must also clean the inside. When your car’s interior is clean and fresh, you can enjoy the time you spend inside your vehicle. With a good vacuum for car, you can easily maintain a sparkling-clean interior.
If you are looking for the best vacuum for car detailing, you’ll need to pay attention to certain specifications and nuances to make a choice that suits your needs. There are many brands to pick from and your final choice will depend on personal preferences, needs, and available budget.
We understand that choosing a vacuum cleaner for your car could be challenging. That is why we have put this comprehensive article together. We will be reviewing some of the best car detailing vacuums, and also provide you with enough information to make your shopping easier.
Furthermore, we will give you an informative buyer’s guide so that you can step out well-equipped and able to make the right purchase.
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10 Best Vacuums for Car Detailing Reviews
1. VacuMaid GV50PRO Wall Mounted Car Vacuum
While this machine might seem rigid and immovable, it is worth considering as it is specifically designed as a vacuum cleaner for cars.
First off, it runs on a 120-volt, 5.7-inch Ametek Lamb Motor. The 12amp motor has a great suction power that helps you with cleaning your car’s interior. The motor unit is mounted on the wall and plugged into a socket.
Using this unit for your car detailing might seem hard, but it isn’t. It comes with a 50-ft crush proof hose that makes the cleaning process easy. Although the GV50PRO has been designed for the vehicle it can also be used to clean your garage or auto shop with great success.
The unit is made from super-strong galvannsealed steel. Furthermore, it is powder-coated to resist corrosion and rust. This mega vacuum will last many, many years.
Another thing to love about this unit is its 7-gallon dirt capacity minimizing how often the dirt container will need to be emptied.
We loved the fact that the cleaner is loaded with other accessories like a dusting brush, a 12-inch floor tool, an upholstery tool, and a crevice tool. They can all be neatly stored in the included accessory-storage bag.
For those of us who would like a more colorful vacuum, the GV50PRO also comes in blue, red, white, and more. Lastly, if wet cleaning is needed a wet kit can be purchased separately.
The VacuMaid GV50PRO Wall Mounted Car Vacuum is an effective machine that works impressively on your vehicle’s interior. You won’t have to worry about emptying the large capacity dirt-bag too often. The durable galvannsealed steel is rust and corrosion-resistant.
2. Bissell Multi Cordless Hand & Car Vac
This is a cordless hand vacuum that has impressive performance for its size. It is quite compact and weighs only 3.9 pounds. One advantage of this unit is that your arms won’t easily tire when you’re cleaning with it.
It runs on a pro-grade 22V Li-Ion battery that can deliver constant suction for about 15 minutes. This might be a limited run-time to people with large vehicles but should be plentiful more most applications. It comes with a 0.4l dirt cup, which is could be a little small in some instances. On the other hand, it is quick and very easy to empty the removable dirt cup.
We loved the motorized brush roll that makes it easy to work on your car upholstery. Whether you want to eliminate pet hair on the car seats or dust in other areas, this machine will assist you well.
Apart from it being light-weight, it also comes with an ergonomic design that has comfortable soft grips. In addition to the motorized brush roll, other accessories are also included such an extension wand, an on-board crevice tool, and an onboard dusting brush. The built-in extension hose lets you clean the hard to reach areas with ease.
This cleaner is lightweight for easy portability. The motorized brush roll lets you work on your car upholstery effortlessly. You’ll have an easy time using it and even emptying the dirt cup. The major issue is that it has a short running time.
3. Bissell Garage Pro Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Car Vacuum
The Bissell Garage Pro Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Car Vacuum is another great cleaning solution from Bissell. When compared to the previously mentioned VacuMaid GV50PRO, some significant differences can be noticed.
One of the major differences between the two is that this Bissell wall-mounted car vacuum comes with a smaller dirt tank of 4 gallons, compared to the VacuMaid’s 7 gallons. The Bissell comes with a 32-ft long hose. It may be shorter than the VacuMaid’s hose, but it’s still long enough.
This unit also comes with a 12-amp motor, which offers a strong suction power.
While the VacuMaid vacuum might have a longer hose and larger dirt capacity, the Bissell 18P03 is both a wet and dry vacuum. Plus, the it comes with a two-stage filtration system.
The Bissell Garage Pro includes seven versatile attachments for quality car detailing. Lastly, the dirt tank is translucent to help you monitor the water level and empty when needed.
If you have a spacious garage, you can have this wall-mounted unit to help with the cleaning. It boasts a large 4-gallon dirt can. The Bissell Garage Pro is an overall great wall-mounted vacuum well suited to clean the inside of a car.
4. Bissell SpotClean Pro 3624
The Bissell 3624 SpotClean Professional Portable Cleaner is a unit that’s truly worth the mention. Apart from our recommendation, a lot of other buyers have branded this product as the best car detailing vacuum.
Thanks to its performance and delivery, this unit might just be the best among the rest. First off, it is a corded portable vacuum that has impressive power output. Powered by a 5.7-amp motor, this machine has a strong suction power that will help you eliminate unwanted debris from your vehicle upholstery, floors, and mats.
You’d be wrong to think this cleaner only has a good suction ability. In addition, the machine is loaded with other accessories. One of them being a non-motorized (manual) brush that goes over the stubborn stains as the machine sucks debris in. To remove the stains, simply move the brush over them in a back and forth manner. Compared to the other features, we didn’t love the non-motorized brush, which relies on your energy to eliminate stains.
When it comes to cleaning hard to reach areas in the vehicle, the cleaner’s 5-ft flex hose makes things easy. The 6-inch stair tool lets you work on your car floors and other areas for a quick clean.
What’s more, Bissell throws in the 2X Pro Deep Cleaning Formula to help you with your vehicle cleaning process. This unit comes with a two-tank system. One tank stores the clean water, while the other tank stores the collected dirty water.
The 5.7-amp motor on this cleaner promises an equally strong suction power. It’s also a lightweight unit that has a decent tank capacity and you won’t have to empty it frequently. The machine comes with a cleaning formula to get you started. Unfortunately, it can't be used on leather surfaces.
5. DeWALT DCV581H Wet-Dry Vacuum
If you are looking for portable vacuum for car that can also be used in your garage, this unit is a great choice for you. The DeWALT DCV581H is a hybrid vacuum that can be used with a cord or cordless. DeWALT combines the ability to use the it with an AC outlet, or portably with one their standard 18/20v MAX battery (not included).
Its hybrid feature is not the only point worth discussing. The vacuum also comes with a HEPA-rated wet/dry filter, which can trap dust with an incredible 99.97% efficiency. This means that the filter will trap typically most of the dust that goes through it. The filter can be easily accessed and washed with regular tap water to clean it.
This cleaner comes with a 5-ft hose that is crush-resistant and super flexible. It features a 2-gallon tank that does not need frequent emptying. The 2-HP motor offers a decent suction power.
There is onboard storage for the hose and accessories, which makes it easy to transport.
The DEWALT DCV581H Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum is a portable unit that’s easily used both in and out of the car. It is one of the few car-detailing vacuums that come with a HEPA-rated filter. You can choose to use it with or without the cord for extra convenience. Plus, it has extra attachments for better cleaning experience.
6. WORKSHOP Portable Wet Dry Vac for Car
The WORKSHOP WS0301VA Portable Wet Dry Vacuum is one of the best portable car vacuums while still being strong enough.
It is powered by a 3.5hp motor that supports both wet and dry cleaning. This motor has enough suction power to suck out the dust and debris in your vehicle. One impressive feature that we loved on this cleaner is the fitted suction-powered dustpan that makes cleaning easy.
This unit has some dedicated attachments for car cleaning and detailing. These attachments make it qualify as the perfect car detailing vacuum. The compact design makes its storage easy. There’s also a Qwik Lock Filter fastening system, which makes changing the filter a walk in the park.
The hose can stretch up to 7 feet allowing you to reach the tight and far away spaces in the vehicle. We also like the bleeder valve on the hose. This feature typically helps to control the suction power based on what you are working on. Another neat feature is the power-cord quick release mechanism.
The cleaner comes in a sturdy copolymer drum that is strong enough to protect all fragile parts and helps to resist cracks and rust.
The WORKSHOP Portable Vacuum is a cleaner that has been designed to last a long time. The copolymer drum will protect the fragile parts, and you will enjoy a strong and adjustable suction power.as you wish. Although its installation could be challenging, once successfully installed, it is easy to use.
7. Vacmaster VF408 Wet/Dry Vacuum
The Vacmaster VF408 might not have been specifically designed to be a car detailing vacuum, but it sure does an excellent job on your automobile.
To begin with, this vacuum comes with a 5-HP motor and a 4-gallon dirt tank. It is important to point out that the motor onboard features a 2-stage mechanism. This means that the cleaner will run quietly, offer great suction, and also handle both wet and dry cleaning.
The 18-ft power cord comes with an automatic cord rewind for neater storage. You don’t have to manually push the cord back after use; just let it rewind by itself.
The secure fit lets you attach the hose tightly and prevent accidental slips of the accessories.
This vacuum cleaner unit was made to be portable. It comes with prominent top handle for easy carry, a rear caddy for storing the accessories, and large rear wheels that let you move it around with ease.
The large On/Off dust sealed switch is easy to access. Also, it prevents dust from getting inside the switch and causing possible damage. The Vacmaster VF408 comes with many accessories such as a crevice tool, floor nozzle, three extension wands, a dust brush, and a two-in-one utility nozzle that make is suitable as a car vacuum cleaner.
The Vacmaster VF408 Wet-Dry Vacuum comes with a 5-HP motor that offers you with strong suction power. Regardless of how powerful its motor is, this unit still runs quietly without causing any disturbance. The extra accessories can be stored onboard for easy access.
8. Vacmaster Wall-Mountable Vacuum
When compared to the previously mentioned Vacmaster VF408 Wet-Dry Vacuum, the Vacmaster VWM510 is a larger bulkier version with different superior features and functionality.
It is equipped with a similar motor to the Vacmaster VF408 Wet-Dry Vacuum (a 5-HP 2-stage motor), but with a larger dirt capacity of 5 gallons. You can choose to mount it on the wall when you are not using it. The best part is that it comes with remote control for turning it on or off.
The Vacmaster VWM510 vacuum has three hose options; an 11-ft standard hose, a 10-ft flex hose, and a 21-ft hose that has a cord wrap for safe storage. It also operates quietly, and it can be used as a vacuum (sucker) or a blower.
There are other multiple accessories including a crevice tool, a combo floor nozzle with a brush, a noise/air diffuser, a car nozzle, a round dust brush, and two extension wands. By the way, the cartridge filter is washable. There is onboard accessory storage to make things easy for you.
The long 11-ft hose that makes it easy to reach the whole interior of the car and the numerous accessories make it an effective vacuum cleaner for your car.
This cleaner comes with some impressive features that help to effectively clean your car. It operates quietly with a powerful blower function included. The best part is that you can control it remotely. It is a little heavy, which might be an issue for some people but this can be mitigated by the long hoses that are available.
9. AutoSpa 94005AS Bagless Auto-Vac
The AutoSpa 94005AS Bagless Auto-Vacuum is super light. However, the fact that it is lightweight doesn’t mean it’s less effective. The cleaner can do some impressive cleaning on your automobile. It runs on electricity and a powerful motor that can suck up stubborn dust in the car upholstery or dashboard.
This vacuum unit features a 43-inch flexible hose that lets you reach the confined areas with ease. The hose is attached to a 360-degree swivel elbow that turns to any side or angle. It is also portable and bag-less. If you’re wondering where the dust/debris goes, they are trapped in the vac’s reusable collection basket.
There is also a blower grip handle that allows you to blow away debris, dirt, or even water from crevices and seams. Other included attachments are the carpet/upholstery tool, dash and console brush, and a crevice brush.
This unit has been designed to allow 44% more airflow, hence boosting its cleaning power.
This cleaner is one of the lightest models for car cleaning. Even with its super-lightweight, the cleaner still has a decent suction power. Nonetheless, you may not want to go for this unit if you will be doing some heavy cleaning. Plus, the dust basket is relatively small.
10. Vacmaster VBV1210 Wet/Dry Vacuum
This is the third Vacmaster in this line up for good reason. This is a heavy-duty vacuum that offers you an amazing car cleaning experience. This corded vacuum is powered by a 5-HP motor. This motor doesn’t just offer a strong suction power, but it also has an effective blowing ability. The detachable blower can reach blowing speeds of 210mph.
One thing that is easily noticed about this machine is its large size – this feature is attributed to its tank. The machine has a 12-gallon polypropylene tank that reduces the need for frequent emptying. It has a 7-ft long hose, which might not be long enough but this is compensated by the two extension wands.
You’d enjoy the multiple accessories that come with this cleaner – these include an air/noise diffuser, car nozzle, utility nozzle, a standard cartridge filter, and a reusable foam filter sleeve. We did mention that the cleaner has a blowing ability. What we didn’t say is that there is a detachable blower adapter.
The Vacmaster VBV1210 Wet-Dry Vacuum is a cleaning unit that comes with a super-strong blowing power. The tank capacity is very large and the blower is detachable. It features prominently in our review of the best garage vacuums. It is very versatile and will do a superb job in detailing the inside of your car.
Car Detailer Vacuum Buyer’s Guide
We have provided you with reviews of our 10 best vacuums for car detailing. The guide below will give you extra information to help you pick the right vacuum. Here is a look at the factors you should keep in mind when shopping for a vacuum cleaner for your car.
Motor/Suction Power
The motor strength will directly affect the suction power of the unit. For this reason, you should watch for a unit that has a powerful motor that provides you with equally powerful suction power.
Cordless/corded
You will have a choice between a cordless vacuum that runs on rechargeable batteries or a corded unit that is plugged in a wall outlet. Keep in mind that cordless machines have limited run-time balanced with portability and convenience.
Portability
While most cordless vacuums are portable, many corded machines are also very portable. Some are light enough and come with transport handles and wheels to let you move them with ease, while others are rigid and difficult to move. On the other hand the most powerful units can be wall-mounted but extra long hoses give them a lot reach and flexibility.
Motorized Brush?
This is a feature that you should consider if you want effortless spot cleaning.
Durability
The car detailer vacuum you buy must be built to last long. It shouldn’t break down easily or fail to withstand multiple usage. Instead, the cleaner must be as strong and durable as possible.
Hose length/Flexibility
This is a feature that is also related to the portability of the machine. If it has a long hose, it will let you work on the car without having to carry the whole unit around. Other than the length of the hose, you should also consider how flexible it is and its crush resistance.
Extra accessories
Not every vacuum cleaner on our list is specifically designed for car detailing. However, they do come with accessories that can help clean your vehicle’s interior appropriately. With that in mind, ensure that you check the available accessories and if they are suitable for car detailing.
Price/Warranty
Of course, you will also want to consider your budget as you step out to purchase. Always stick to your budget, but remember to choose a car vacuum that can serve you accordingly. There must also be some assurance when you purchase the vacuum.
Some will come with a limited money-back guarantee, where you will get a refund if the vacuum doesn’t perform as promised within the stated period. But more importantly, there must be a warranty for the machine you choose to buy.
FAQs About Car Detailing Vacuums
How Often Should I Vacuum My Car Interior?
Typically, vacuuming your vehicle's interior is the same as cleaning it. You don’t have to vacuum the car interior every single weekend. Instead, you can conduct a thorough car interior cleaning once every month.
Where Should I Start Vacuuming?
Too many people make the mistake of starting to vacuum the car floor. Doing so will give you more work since the dirt will fall back on the floor. Ideally, you should start from the top and work your way to the bottom. The floor should always be the last section.
Must I Use a Dedicated Car Vacuum?
It is not a must. Just make sure that the cleaner you choose comes with the right car detailing accessories/attachments, and can easily reach the car.
Must I Empty the Dirt Can Frequently?
Yes, you should. Even if you have a large tank capacity, you should never store it with the dirty water inside. As soon as you are done vacuuming your automobile, clean all the cleanable parts and store the machine when it is clean.
Final Verdict
We have come to the end of this review, and we believe that you are now well-equipped and informed about what car detailing vacuum you should purchase. Remember this is a list of our favorite vacuums. Our opinion might vary from yours, but these are definitely among the best vacuums for car detailing out there.
Regardless of which car detailing vacuum, you decide to go with, always ensure that you make the right choice. In short, choose a vacuum that is reliable, efficient, durable, and affordable enough. You should consider getting one that is easy and cost effective to operate and maintain.
With all this in mind, making the right purchase will be a walk in the park.
Like any other tool, there is a need for thorough information about car detailing and why it is essential. There are reasons for that mentioned in this blog and how that can be achieved here. By the implementation of them, people can improve a car’s look.