9 best car vacuum cleaners of 2024 | Top-rated vacuums
Sit in crumbs no longer. We’ve found the vacuums that make keeping your car clean easy.
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Most of us will spend an ungodly number of hours in our car a week – shout out to relentless Monday morning traffic – and as a result, its interior can leave … well, little to be desired.
Rid your car of crumbs, dust and that Macca’s fry that fell between seats weeks ago with one of our choices for best car vacuum cleaners.
Our favourite? The $60 pick from Amazon with over 119,000 five-star ratings. Shoppers say it’s “easy to use” and “good value for money”.
OUR TOP PICKS
THE BEST OVERALL CAR VACUUM
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner, $59.95 at Amazon Australia
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
What You Need To Know
Say goodbye to crumbs with this showstopping car vacuum featuring a powerful 106w motor and a strong metal turbine. Coupled with the motor, its 16-feet power cable means that even the biggest of vehicles can be cleaned with ease. Purchase comes with three all-purpose nozzles, a storage bag, a special filter cleaning brush and spare HEPA filter.
Lightweight, less than $60 and with a compelling 119,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this model left us no choice but to name it the best overall car vacuum. Customers report being pleasantly surprised by the suction power, one reporting, “I have a 2yr old kid and you can imagine the amount of dirt gets into the car when we go out. It can be beach sand, snacks, paper litter etc., anything and everything. Using this vacuum cleaner, I was able to pull out all those dirt out of my car easily. Definitely, I will recommend this product.”
Another raved, “The suction of the vacuum is too good to believe and definitely worth the money.”
RUNNER UP BEST CAR VACUUM
Black+Decker Lithium Pivot Dustbuster, $129 at Amazon Australia
Black+Decker Lithium Pivot Dustbuster
What You Need To Know
This cordless car vacuum is loved by users for its “folding mechanism that allows you to use the nozzle at any angle” – in fact, up to 200°. Its ergonomic design is paired with cyclonic action, triple-action filtration and 18-volt lithium-ion battery for high-performance, fade-free power.
Sceptical? So was this five-star reviewer, “based on previous experience with so-called dustbusters.” Their review ends simply, “This one leaves them all for dead. Tonnes of grunt.”
Another five-star reviewer was also “surprised” by how “powerful” these handheld vacuums are. They said, “I use it every day between 6 and 10 bursts of up to 20 secs to pick up fine materials without spreading them around via the exhaust.”
THE BEST CANISTER CAR VACUUM
Devanti Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, $109.95 at Amazon
Devanti Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
What You Need To Know
With a price tag that attractive – and reviews like, “Awesome!! Amazing suction … better than a Dyson and a tenth of the price!” – you know we had to investigate this Devanti Bagless Vacuum Cleaner further. Designed with a multi-cyclonic system and 2,200 watts suction power, this conveniently bagless canister vacuum eliminates up to 99.97 per cent of allergens. A retractable cord and 360° rotatable hose top off this popular vacuum – no more straining your wrist to get to hard-to-reach crannies – ideal for both home and car. Reviewers love the strength of the suction on this vacuum from comments like “Very happy, lots of suction” to “amazing suction” and “picks up everything”, you know you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.
THE BEST PORTABLE CAR VACUUMS
70mai Vacuum Cleaner Swift, $189 at Amazon Australia
70mai Vacuum Cleaner Swift
What You Need To Know
Powered by a brushless 80-watt power motor and patented ventilation design, this car vac has an advanced cyclone technology, which offers thorough and fade-free suction and traps 99.5 per cent of allergens. Not that it matters – although, really, if you’re anything like me, it definitely does – it’s far and away the most attractive of any other car vacuum on the market; and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, one-year warranty and lifetime support.With hundreds of five-star reviews – and comments like, “Amazing! My carpet looks fresh and new again, very satisfying” – this budget-friendly, cordless model from Amazon gets our vote for best portable car vacuum.
Black+Decker 18V Handheld Flexi Dustbuster Vacuum, $129.29 (down from $149.99) at Amazon Australia
Black+Decker 18V Handheld Flexi Dustbuster Vacuum
What You Need To Know
Perhaps not as slight in form as the preceding vacuum on this list, this Black+Decker 18V Handheld Flexi Dustbuster Vacuum still earns a spot in this round up for its glowing user reviews, innovative construction and multipurpose, built-in design. Made with its 1.5m hose integrated into its body, a cordless design and – our favourite feature – a brush attachment that folds back to reveal the nozzle when not in use, the Flexi Dustbuste attacks all types of mess with its long-lasting, fast-charging lithium-ion battery for fade-free suction. One five-star reviewer remarked of the handheld vacuum cleaner, “I bought this a month ago and it’s my daily go-to item to clean up around the house. Perfect to use in the car! So easy to use.”
THE BEST PREMIUM CAR VACUUM
Miele Triflex HX2, $570 (down from $799) at Amazon
Miele Triflex HX2 Lotus White, $899
What You Need To Know
Who doesn’t love a two-in-one? Well, German-owned Miele, takes it the extra step further with this three-in-one cordless vacuum, which will not only thoroughly clean the nooks and crannies of your car, but the ones that hide in your closets and furniture and home, too. Lasting an industry-high of 60 minutes per charge, this vacuum’s lithium-ion battery is equipped with seven high-performance cells to keep your cordless handstick running for longer (hello, top-notch battery life!). It also features brilliant head attachments, including a dusting brush, crevice nozzle and upholstery nozzle for customised treatment depending on the surface. This vacuum comes with a two-year warranty.
“Very impressed about the looks, design, suction power and quality built parts. Easy to use and adjust to your needs,” starts on review on Google. Another five-star review was super impressed after only a few days. “Had this for nearly a week, and it is amazing how much it picks up,” they said.
Compared to a Dyson, it is much lighter, according to one five-star reviewer. “I have a floor model Dyson which is fantastic but very, very heavy to pick up and cumbersome to move around the house. It was time for a handheld model and the Miele Pro Triflex HX2 is amazing. Light, manoeuvrable, gets down low and into corners, the light bar that stretches across the front makes a world of difference.”
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum, $997 (down from $1349) at The Good Guys
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum
What You Need To Know
It can’t come as a surprise to anyone that consumer favourite, Dyson, should make an appearance on this list. Synonymous with power and precision, the UK brand is responsible for the V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum, which is transformed from powerful stick vacuum to convenient handheld tool with ease. Featuring laser technology to reveal microscopic dust, this premium car vacuum will seriously deep clean your car. This smart vacuum is then able to capture 99.99 per cent of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Sitting at five-stars on The Good Guys website, this vacuum is sure to do the job and do it well. One five-star review summarises her though by simply saying, “Extremely light, easy to manoeuvre, laser light very good also. Highly recommend this cleaner.” Could you get a better review?
Another five-star review was amazed at how well it worked. They said, “Owned many Dysons over the years V12 is a mile ahead of everything we’ve used I thought the laser thing a gimmick until I actually saw it in action on our ash floorboards.”
THE BEST CAR VACUUM FOR PET OWNERS
Bissell SpotClean Carpet Cleaner, $219 at The Good Guys
Bissell SpotClean Carpet Cleaner
What You Need To Know
There are many models in this list that will do the job of sucking up pet hair from your car’s carpets but we couldn’t end this round up without mention of the Bissell SpotClean Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner. It’s accompanied by three tools for the utmost cleanliness of carpets, floor mats and upholstery – Large Tough Stain Tool, Small Tough Stain Tool and Stain Trapper Tool – and messes are stored in a separate container from the heated water unit used to clean surfaces, ensuring the longevity and hygiene of your car’s interior. Currently boasting a 100 per cent buyer satisfaction status on eBay, this powerful car vacuum cleaner is sure to be a hit with pet owners.
On The Good Guys website, 91 per cent of customers recommend this vacuum cleaner. “This is a great spot cleaner for those little areas that need a clean. I used it on my bench stools and car seats and they came up like new,” said one five-star review.
Another wrote, “This unit is lightweight and easy to use. It cleans incredibly well removing pet stains from my carpets and general grime from the car seats.”
BEST AFFORDABLE VACUUM
Bissell 2024F Featherweight Stick Vacuum, Blue, $79 (down from $99) at Amazon Australia
Bissell 2024F Featherweight Stick Vacuum, Blue
What You Need To Know
This lightweight vacuum is easily convertible into a handheld device for your convenience. Weighing less than two kilograms, it can easily be stored in a cupboard for when the need arises. Also, users can simply attach the crevice tool to get to those hard-to-reach places.
“Ripper little vacuum” is how one five-star rating describes this vacuum and honestly, is there much else to say after that? They continue by saying, “100 per cent recommend this vacuum for anyone in an apartment, looking for a powerful little tool that deals with hair well, and that folds away nice and small when you’re done with it.”
Another five-star review claimed purchasing this vacuum was “the best decision I made.” “This model is very capable, easy to use, compact and lightweight and not much can escape its strong suction power,” they wrote.
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You’d be surprised to discover the many, affordable ways you can get your car to do even more for you. From improving the ambience through scent and sound; to easy fixes for little annoyances like storage and rubbish disposal, there’s something for every car owner here.
Wuteku Magnetic Dashboard Phone Holder, $24.95 at Amazon Australia
Wuteku Magnetic Dashboard Phone Holder
What You Need To Know
If you’re anything like me, you absolutely refuse to touch suction cup-mounted phone holders – never do they stick to windscreens like they promise, always falling off the moment you hit a speed bump. I can confirm from experience, this wallet-friendly, magnetic dashboard phone holder is the answer. The strongest of magnet plates are affixed to both the car dock and your phone – don’t worry, you can place it inside your phone case to maintain its sleek appearance – never once budging, whatever the road may throw at you. With 720° of motion, you’re able to view your phone from every which angle, making navigation easier and most importantly, safer.
With a massive 6,200 five-star reviews, you know you’ll not be disappointed.
“This is such an awesome product. It’s high quality and holds my iPhone XR easy, horizontal or vertical. I love how I can angle it whichever way I want even to the passenger side,” said one five-star review.
EPAuto Car Trash Can with Lid, from $19.87 (down from $24.99) at Amazon Australia
EPAuto Car Trash Can with Lid
What You Need To Know
Designed with a 7.5 litre capacity, this bin has been made with a waterproof interior and sturdy construction to prevent collapse. Its lid allows for easy disposal, while keeping crumpled wrappers and food scraps hidden – no more unsightly mess! – and its thoughtfully situated fasteners allow you to conveniently attach the bin to either centre console, seat back, gear stick or glove box. Perfect for your next car cleaning task!
So, this car bin has over 40,500 five-star reviews – yes, 40,500 – so I have a sneaking suspicion it might be the thing to replace the ratty plastic bag I currently use.
“So happy I purchased this!” starts one five-star review. “When driving on rough roads, it doesn’t topple over. The adjustable strap fits perfectly in the middle console. I also love the elastic opening, it’s almost like a one-way valve. Trash can only keep going in and will never spill,” they say.
Another five-star review is titled “Roadtrip essential” and honestly we couldn’t agree more.
SURDOCA Car Trunk Organiser, $29.99 at Amazon Australia
SURDOCA Car Trunk Organiser
What You Need To Know
Most of us fall into one of two categories of car owners. Those with belongings strewn about our boot, with no sense of organisation; and those who have repurposed cardboard boxes as storage containers, slowly disintegrating as they come into contact with mud and water. Fitting 90 per cent of car models, this easily-installed, eight-pocket organiser will hold everything from groceries to camping equipment.
Durable, waterproof and discreet, this boot organiser currently sits on more than 5,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, with no sign of slowing down.
One five-star reviewer commented, “Love how this storage bag sits at the back of the rear seats instead of taking up room on my boot floor. Great way to utilise space and keep everything organised.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A CAR VACUUM
Not all vacuums are created equal. We looked at several factors when evaluating the best car vacuum to buy.
Suction power: Ideally, your car vacuum should have a minimum suction power rating of 8 kPA (20 AW) in order to clean surfaces effectively.
Battery: How long the battery lasts is a key consideration, particularly when searching for a portable device to use on the go.
Corded vs. Cordless: While corded models tend to be more powerful than their cordless counterparts, the tradeoff is that they can be less portable.
Size: Are you looking for a small and compact car vacuum to take travelling or will you be doing most of your cleaning while your car is parked in your driveway?
Weight: While there’s no “perfect weight”, think about the practical use of your car vacuum when looking at weight. Will it be stored in your vehicle? You might want something lighter and easier to carry. If it’s going to be stored at home, a heavier weight is less of a deal breaker.
Accessories: Consider which accessories such as various sized nozzle attachments, brushes and filters will suit your specific cleaning requirements.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to expert, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I VACUUM MY CAR?
The answer to this question depends, of course, on your lifestyle and occupants of your car. Car owners with little children; active lifestyles that track dirt through carpet; and commutes through dust or pollution-heavy areas, may choose to vacuum their car interiors fortnightly (if not more often).Regardless of lifestyle however, we recommend vacuuming your car’s interior at least once a month, to rid carpet and surfaces of latent dust and unseen bacteria that may be gathering, despite regular use of your vehicle or not.
HOW DO YOU PROPERLY VACUUM A CAR?
Though not an exact science, there are a few tips to ensure you clean your car thoroughly and efficiently.
We recommend:
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- Vacuum the floor last, so any residue from seats that fall to the floor are collected at once.
- Consider a combination vacuum cleaner if you have pets – like the Bissell 472OP SpotClean Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner – to ensure all allergens are thoroughly removed from upholstery and carpet.
- Make use of any and all head attachments that have been designed for use in the car. Broad head attachments, while excellent for overall surfaces, often can’t get to the nooks and crannies behind foot pedals and between seats.
- If your car has any lingering odours, consider laying down baking soda before vacuuming. Inexpensive and easy to use, this will make a marked improvement on your car’s interior.
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