Sometimes you just want a vacuum cleaner that actually picks up dirt. We agree it’s not too much to ask for.
Or how about finding a vacuum cleaner whose snout can actually access a crevice? Yep, the struggle is real for some of us.
There are a plethora of handheld car vacuum cleaners on the market, and some are excellent options. We’ve compiled a list to help you find the best car vacuum cleaner online.
Best Car Vacuum Cleaner Cordless
Dyson has a reputation that precedes them with their products designed by an exceptional engineer. The Dyson V7 Trigger is one of a line of handheld vacuum cleaners produced by Dyson.
This incarnation is the successor to the Dyson V6 Trigger and offers a mid-range alternative to the V8 range and it doesn’t disappoint.
If budget isn’t an issue for you, then this is an excellent option.
Power, Suction, And Performance
The Dyson V7 Trigger has good power and suction and has shown to be highly effective at vacuuming fine dust and sand from carpets.
So, this would be good for removing dry mud after it has been loosened up or fine crumbs for example.
The ability to pick up fine dust is more than evident in the transparent waste compartment, and really showcases the powerful suction this handheld vacuum possesses.
How good is the Dyson V7 Trigger with pet hair?
In our opinion, this is the best car vacuum cleaner for dog hair on the list. Showing impressive results when confronted with fine and more coarse dog fur on upholstery and leather.
However, it did need to be on the MAX setting to do this and required a repeated going over.
Sound
While no vacuum cleaner out there is completely silent, this one is very un-imposing to the ear. We’d say it is one of the quietest handheld vacuum cleaners we’ve used.
Portability And Handling
A nice, ergonomic design makes this an easy handheld vacuum cleaner to use.
Ejecting the dirt and dust is clean and easy, without the need to touch any of the mess in the process.
Attachments
The Dyson V7 Trigger comes equipped with a good combination of attachments.
- Dyson Mini Motorized Tool – excellent on pet hair, stubborn ground-in dirt, and floor mats. Be aware that the tool can reduce battery time slightly giving an estimated runtime of up to 25 minutes in Powerful mode.
- Combination Tool – with a dusting brush and a wide mouth crevice tool
- Stubborn dirt brush – Great for agitating ground in stubborn dirt especially on floor mats. Use with caution on weaker carpet types as this attachment can be quite aggressive
- Crevice Tool – Excellent for getting into narrow spaces typical in car interiors
Battery
According to the manufacturers, the battery runtime is up to 30 minutes in Powerful mode, and 6 minutes on MAX mode. Even using a combination of these modes you will be able to get up to 20 minutes. The battery is good to last a whole cleaning session.
The charge time is also very good. This vacuum can be fully charged in 3.5 hrs.
Pros
- Power and suction
- Handling and portability
- Excellent aftersales care
- Lightweight
- Fast charging time
- Quiet
Cons
- Not cheap
Conclusion
Those familiar with Dyson products will not be surprised to read that the V7 Trigger is a very able car vacuum cleaner. The quality of engineering is plane to see.
On top of that, the Dyson v7 trigger warranty offers users real peace of mind and excellent support.
It isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for because it is good quality and high performing. More than capable of cleaning your car carpet, floor mats, and upholstery in one battery run.
Power, Suction, And Performance
Compared to the Dyson we found the BLACK and DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum HHVI315JO42 had OK suction, but not ground-breaking.
It also showed decent performance on dust and larger loose debris but was not so good when it came to stubborn dirt and pet hair.
The suction mouth is larger which helps make short work of standard dirt in open spaces. However, it doesn’t do too well in confined spaces.
That being said, the brush attachment makes a positive difference to the pick-up ability.
Sound
It’s fairly when compared to others we’ve tested, and seems to have this weird winding sound, which is a bit jarring for our liking. I wouldn’t say it’s a deal-breaker but something to be aware of nonetheless.
Portability And Handling
At 2.1 lbs it’s one of the lighter options out there. However, the struggles to get into those hard to reach areas, even with the attachment which is a bit on the short side.
It has a decent size bin and is relatively easy to empty cleanly.
Attachments
Comes with an extended nozzle and a brush head, both of which are useful, but do not make up for obvious shortcomings.
The extended nozzle is not that long and is quite wide, so ends up not being hugely effective in tight crevices.
A plus is the brush head attachment. It is decent for agitating and freeing ground in dirt to help the vacuum to pick up better.
The filter is washable, so it’s good for those that want to make these extras last.
Battery
Comparatively modest battery performance. Has runtime of up to 15 minutes, but takes about 4 hrs to fully charge. Just enough time to vacuum a car perhaps.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Very popular
Cons
- Poor battery runtime
- Whiny sound
- Average cleaning performance
Conclusion
The Black and Decker Dustbuster’s car vacuum has a lightweight design making it very easy to handle and is nice and clean to empty.
While the performance is OK it isn’t ground-breaking, and the battery runtime is average at best. It is cheap and could entice those that are operating at a budget to take the plunge.
If you do decide to go for it, the do so with the knowledge that this is not the perfect hand-held vacuum cleaner.
Best Car Vacuum Cleaner Wet and Dry
Specification
- Product Dimensions 11 x 11 x 26 inches
- Item Weight 2 pounds
- Manufacturer Bissell
- ASIN B003R3JFJO
- Item model number 18P03
- Item Weight 2 Pounds
- Specific Uses For Product Carpet, Car, BareFloor, Garage, and Upholstery
- Warranty Description 2 years.
- Batteries Required No
Power, Suction, And Performance
The Bissel Garage Pro 18P03 displayed excellent power and suction capability. Unlike most hand-held vacuum cleaners, this wall-mounted option can clean up wet mess with ease as well as dry dirt.
Very large dust bin capacity at 33 gallons. Some suggest that this can lead to being a hassle to empty if there are unpleasant messes that need to be emptied or if the contents are full of dust.
Sound
For a wet and dry vacuum of this capability, it is average on the volume stakes.
Portability And Handling
Now, this is not exactly portable or easy handle per se.
The recommended way to use the Bissell car vacuum is to mount it on a wall and use the 32-foot hose to allow you to vacuum your car – assuming your car is less than 32 feet away.
However, you will need to install the wall mount, although this shouldn’t be a problem for those who are comfortable with this.
This car vacuum cleaner is wired – another thing that limits its
portability, but the power cord is five foot long.
It isn’t light either at 30lbs+, which limits the ability (or will) to carry it around in a car for on-the-go purposes.
This can also work as a blower, so useful for blowing leaves away. It’s advised to use this function outside only, as it will expel any dust contained in the vacuum cleaner.
Battery
This vacuum cleaner is wired.
Attachments
This comes with 7 attachments and an accessory bag to keep all attachments in one place.
The filter can be cleaned but sometimes prove to be a little messy if the vacuum cleaner has been used to clean up dust. Generally, the filter will need to be replaced periodically.
The hose is reportedly a different size to the hoses available in the Bissel range, making replacing them not so straight forward.
Pros
- Capable of a thorough clean
- Wired power - so no worries about battery run time
- Capable of wet and dry cleaning
- Loads of attachments
Cons
- Not portable
- Wired – so you need to be close enough to the main vacuum cleaner
- Special hose sizing means you have to get replacements from Bissell only
- Not cheap
Conclusion
The BISSELL Garage Pro 18P03 is more than capable of completing a thorough vacuum of your car.
Those looking for a hand-held vacuum will clearly be put off by the fact that this a wired, heavy, and need to be wall-mounted.
However, if you have a decent storage place like a garage and want something that will give you professional-level performance, then this is definitely worth the purchase.
Specification
- Cord Type: Cordless
- Bag Type: Bagless
- Floor Type: Multi Floor
- Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 5.5 x 7.8 inches
- Item Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Manufacturer: BLACK+DECKER
- Item Model Number: CHV1410L
- Battery: Lithium-ion
Portability And Handling
Most of the weight is around the handle area making this hand-held vacuum feel balanced when held. Easy to carry around and negotiate more awkward areas.
A good option to have in the boot as it doesn’t take up much space and is light enough.
Power, Suction, And Performance
The Black and Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L has two-stage filtration, which stops larger debris from reaching the bin compartment. This feature also makes it easier to clean the filters.
The small nozzle means that it is only really capable of cleaning small to medium-sized debris due to some items not being able to fit.
The suction is strong enough for non-heavy duty jobs. If your car needs a moderate vacuum then it should do fine.
However, having no motorized brush makes it less effective than hoped.
As a result, it’s not very effective at cleaning up more stubborn ground-in dirt but does better cleaning up pet hair due to the decent suction power.
On upholstery, it does OK, again due to the good suction power. The lack of a motorized brush does dent this vacuum’s chances of being a world-beater.
Seems more geared to cleaning localized messes that need to be vacuum quickly, not necessarily for complete car vacuuming jobs.
Sound
A bit like the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum HHVI315JO42, the volume isn’t necessarily loud, but it does have a bit of whiny element.
Battery
Some user reviews have reported this to have a run time of between 15 to 30 mins, which is good if the top end of this value can be delivered consistently.
It takes about 4 hours to fully charge, although some people have reported less than this. According to the manufacturer, it does also holds charge for up to 18 months when off the charge.
It’s worth noting that the battery is non-removable.
Attachments
It comes with two attachments: a crevice tool, and a foldable brush tool.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Suction
- Maintenance
- 2 stage filtration
- Good user feedback
Cons
- Lack of motorized brush hinders the ability to clean stubborn dirt
- Average battery life
Conclusion
This a good option if you are on a budget or are looking for something to carry around in the trunk for emergencies. This not the best for more heavy-duty cleaning activities, like a full car vacuum job.
