Buyer's Guides

The Best Car Vacuums For Crumb-free Cars

If you're constantly dragging out your house vacuum to the car it might be time to consider getting a quality car vacuum instead! 🚗
Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

We are reader-supported and may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if a purchase is made through one of our links.

The best car vacuums are lightweight, convenient, and make sprucing up your car as easy as pie. They’re generally handheld and compact units that make it very easy to get into the more difficult areas of a car.

They are not suited for household cleaning due to their small dust canisters, but there’s typically more than enough space for collecting all of the dust and debris from a car.

TL;DR: The #1 Car Vacuum for Most People 👇
Price reduction
Black & Decker Pivot Dustbuster Car Vacuum
560 Reviews
Black & Decker Pivot Dustbuster Car Vacuum

If you’re looking for a high-quality car vacuum with good suction, battery life, and ergonomics, you can’t look past the Pivot Dustbuster!

It has the typical fantastic build quality found in all Black & Decker products, as well as some clever design choices like a flip-out brush attachment.

The value for money on this product is hard to beat so make sure you take a closer look at this brilliant car vacuum. 🙌

The Best Car Vacuums to Buy Today in Australia

1. Best Car Vacuum for Dog Hair: Valuta Car Vacuum Cleaner

2,120 Reviews

What we like about it:
  • An excellent budget option
  • Built-in HEPA filter for preventing pollutants re-entering air
  • Lightweight and ergonomic
  • Charge the vacuum in the car
What customers say:

“I needed a little car vacuum to keep in my car since I have grandchildren I pick up from school and daycare always spilling crackers etc and I don’t have time to go to the car wash. I have bought car vacuums in the past and I was always disappointed by the sucking power they had but I was very impressed with this one.Its the best I ever used. ” – Maria

The Valuta Car Vacuum Cleaner is one of the most popular car vacuums on Amazon Australia and with good reason. It has excellent specs and features that make it more than worthy of its position on this list.

We chose this as our top pick for the best car vacuums because it’s powerful, comes with a rich assortment of nozzles, and is also easy to work with.

The Valuta Car Vacuum Cleaner has an 8000Pa high power suction that is capable of lifting all common debris found in cars such food crumbs and dust particles. It can also vacuum light spills.  And don’t worry about the filter wearing out because this guy has a stainless steel HEPA filter which is 20 times more durable than standard filters.

It’s ergonomic too! With multiple attachments and a 16ft power cable, you’ll be able to get right into the cracks without too much trouble. On top of this, it’s very lightweight at just 1.65 lbs, and with a comfortable handle so it’s almost no burden at all!

If you want a budget car vacuum, then you have to consider the car vacuum from Valuta. With a 5 star rating over 130 ratings on Amazon.com.au, you can’t go wrong.

Pros
  • No nonsense and effective
  • Lightweight
  • Long power cable
  • HEPA filter
Cons
  • Lacks premium features

2. Best for Most People: Black & Decker Pivot Dustbuster Car Vacuum

Price reduction
560 Reviews

What we like about it:
  • Lightweight and extremely easy to handle
  • Powerful suction with built-in filtration
  • Easy-to-empty dust bowl
  • Flip out brush attachment
What customers say:

” Great compact size when not in use with a charging dock to sit in. A few options built in to make vacuuming easier. Works a charm to help clean up the car and the dust/dirt and if you’re too lazy to pull out the larger home vacuum.” – Ade C

The Black & Decker Lithium-ion 18v Pivot Dustbuster is our number 2 pick for the best car vacuums in Australia and a favourite among most people due to its compact and lightweight design. It does everything you’d ever want a car vacuum to do, and it does it well.

Backed by an incredibly trustworthy name in the vacuum space and beyond, with a list of features that would make Dysons jealous. It’s ergonomically designed to be extremely comfortable during use, while also being able to get into every nook and cranny a car could possibly have.

Take advantage of the 200-degree rotating nozzle and get behind the peddles with contorting your body! With just a 4 hour charge time for the 18V battery, you’ll be up and running quicker than most other car vacuums, and the fade-free battery means the power will stay consistent to the very end!

Empty what it collected with ease using the removable dust container. Overall, this is well worthy of the number 2 spot thanks to its all-around quality, usefulness and value for money!

Pros
  • Trusted brand
  • Rotating nozzle
  • Quick charge
  • Fade-free power
  • Ergonomic
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Awkward charging spot

3. Best Vacuum for Car Detailing Australia: Kisfam 2-Speed Car Vacuum

66 Reviews

What we like about it:
  • Small but powerful
  • Comes with a carrying bag for storing attachments
  • Multiple attachments
  • Easy for getting into nooks and crannies
What customers say:

“This dustbuster is easy to set up and use. It comes with various attachments. It runs very quietly and is quite powerful. The battery doesn’t last very long but is adequate.” -El

Meet the Kisfam 2-Speed Car Vacuum – a sleek and modern cordless hand vac for all your messy, hard to reach places. The lithium-ion battery can charge up in just 3 hours, this device can handle most of your messes without having to rely on lengthy power cords!

For those tricky areas such as crevices and deep corners, there are 2 specially designed attachments available: a long crevice tool for cleaning awkward spaces like under the seats and a short one for getting into tight spots like car door shelves! This makes the Kisfam 2-Speed Car Vacuum ideal for car detailing.

To make it even better, there is a soft brush attachment if you want to vacuum the dash without fear of scratching. On top of the awesome features, this car vacuum is incredibly ergonomic and comfortable to use.

Best of all, it is reasonably priced, making this an ideal pick for anyone who is looking to keep their car clean.

Pros
  • Washable filters
  • Lightweight design
  • Adjustable suction
Cons
  • The battery needs improvement

4. Best Value Car Vacuum: ThisWorx for car 12V Car Vacuum Cleaner

230,924 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Strong sucking power
  • Has 5-metre-long hose that helps with hard-to-reach spots
  • Transparent trash container lets you know when it’s full
  • Comes with 3 different nozzles
What customers say:

“…The ThisWorx Car Vacuum ticks all these boxes and more. The suction is so good and obvious in the filter and suction chamber, but also easily cleaned…”– MrsEngelhardt

If you want to keep your car clean in between visits to your favourite professional car wash, the ThisWorx for car 12V Car Vacuum Cleaner is a handy tool to have. Having this device in your car will help you get rid of dirt and debris when they occur, helping to eliminate the build-up of dirt in your ride.

This portable vacuum cleaner features a 105w motor that runs on 12 volts of power, letting you use it while it’s plugged in to your car’s lighter socket. The power cable that comes with this device is 16 feet long, which lets you reach as far back in your car as you need to, allowing you to clean all parts of your ride.

This handheld vacuum cleaner comes with three different attachments for your varied cleaning tasks. The 5-metre-long flathead hose lets you reach under seats and into hard-to-reach spots for a thorough clean. Its extension tube lets you get into tight crevices, cracks, and slots. The brush head helps you clean upholstery and carpets, letting you reach deep down with a little scrubbing action.

The dust canister is also worth mentioning, with its transparent body, effective filter, and protective lid. The body is see-through, letting you know at a glance when it needs emptying, and its filter keeps any debris from entering the vacuum cleaner’s motor. The protective cover stays in place as you clean up, helping keep all that dirt and debris contained.

Also included in your purchase with this handy cleaner is a cleaning brush that lets you remove dirt from the filter’s fins when needed. This lets you extend the usability of the filter, since you can clean it when you empty the contents of the trash container.

When your filter is no longer serviceable, don’t worry since this unit comes with a spare filter, making it one of the best value car vacuums that you can buy.

Pros
  • Strong sucking action
  • Can clean your car from end to end
  • Clear trash bin lets you see how much debris has been collected
Cons
  • It’s not cordless and is dependent on your car for power

5. Best Multipurpose Car Vacuum: Minthouz Portable Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Price reduction
56 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Compact but powerful
  • Cordless and rechargeable
  • Has quick charging 4400mAh battery capacity
  • Effective usage for up to 30 minutes
What customers say:

“For a handy product it is good. Suction is sufficient for small spaces. Works equally good on carpeted areas as does on hardwood floors…”– Gk

When you want a truly portable vacuum cleaner for your car, the Minthouz Portable Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is the one. This vacuum cleaner is cordless, with a 4400mAh battery capacity that lets you use the device for up to 30 minutes continuously.

For a portable device, this vacuum cleaner has quite a powerful 6000Pa suction that allows you to suck up dirt and debris from any surface. This will let you get rid of almost any debris you find in your ride – paper scraps, dust, sand, pet hair, and more.

With its original nozzle and 2-in-1 nozzle, you can perform a variety of cleaning tasks with ease. The original nozzle lets you remove surface dirt, but when you need to get into small and tight spaces, the crevice attachment is what you need. This same attachment also has a brush that you can lock into place when you have to do some light scrubbing on carpets or upholstery to remove dried up dirt there.

The vacuum cleaner has a clear dust container that lets you know when it needs emptying. This dust container is also very easy to empty and to clean since its filters are removable and washable too, along with the bin itself. When you’re done washing the two filters and the bin after emptying it, simply air dry before returning to the vacuum cleaner.

One thing that this device has that other portable vacuum cleaners may not have is its multifunctional LED lights. These help you in more ways than one, with three lighting modes that can be used for different purposes.

You can use the SOS strobe function for when you need to capture the attention of other vehicles when you need help. The normal light function lets you see inside your car at night and can even serve as a flashlight. With the white strobe function, you alert passing vehicles that you’re there since it can work as a warning device.

Pros
  • Portable, compact, and cordless
  • Can be used anywhere, even in your home
  • Ergonomic handle makes it easy to grasp
Cons
  • Battery power lasts only 30 minutes

6. Best Lightweight Car Vacuum: Truefree Car Vacuum Cleaner

13 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Lightweight and compact
  • 5500Pa suction power
  • Filters are washable
  • Quick charging – can be fully charged in 2.5 hours
What customers say:

“This is just what I needed and works very great. Makes cleaning my car and home office so much easier! It is a pretty decent vacuum.”– ScofieldKuen

Looking for a multipurpose car vacuum cleaner that you can use at home and in your office too? If you are, then the Truefree Car Vacuum Cleaner is the vacuum cleaner that’s perfect for you. This portable vacuum cleaner is small and lightweight enough to be carried with you wherever you need it, but this doesn’t mean it has less power than other products just like it.

The Truefree Car Vacuum Cleaner has a compact design that makes it small enough to fit in your car’s glove box, in a tote, or in your desk. It has a 5500Pa suction power that lets you get rid of a variety of debris, which include sand, pet hair, dust, crumbs, and a whole lot more.

To charge this portable vacuum cleaner, plug it into any device that has a USB-C port and you’re good to go. Charge it while you’re driving, while at work, or at home – wherever you have an outlet that can be used with its accompanying charger or cable. In a couple of hours, your small but powerful cleaner is ready to be used again.

With 18 minutes of usable power on full charge, you can do quick clean-ups in your car, your home, and in your office. Simply turn the device on, and you can take care of any mess you need to clean up.

This vacuum cleaner has two attachments that you can use for various cleaning tasks. The crevice tool helps you get into nooks and crannies, while the dusting brush tool helps you scrub off and sweep up stubborn debris.

Other features that are worth mentioning include the washable and reusable filter, the clear trash container, and protective cover. After each use, you can easily empty the clear container, wash the filter, and let these two parts air dry before reattaching to the cleaner. When not in use, you can put the cover over the top and store it away.

Pros
  • Compact and easy to use
  • Can be charged quickly
  • Washable and reusable filter
Cons
  • Short usage time of only 18 minutes per full charge

7. Best Car Vacuum for the Money: AvviKro Car Vacuum Cleaner

82 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Strong suction for fast cleaning
  • Portable for user convenience
  • Lightweight for easy handling
  • Overheating protection for user safety
What customers say:

“This unit appealed as it has a slender shape which helps for storing in the car, and assists in reaching into tight areas. In use, the suction has proved to be completely adequate, and the small attachments work…”–Kindle Customer

The AvviKro Car Vacuum Cleaner is another top car vacuum without the big brand recognition. But don’t let that fool you. This portable vacuum cleaner packs a serious punch and offers great value for money.

It’s similar to the Valuta car vacuum, but a little cheaper and with a little less power. Saying that it’s still more than powerful enough at 9500 Pa which is easily enough to lift dust, small pebbles, liquid spills, etc.

It’s fitted with a removable HEPA filter that collects all of the fine dust and helps extend the lifetime of the vacuum. Additionally, it is one of the quietest vacuums on our list at 70dB, so if you’re sensitive to loud noises, this could be the car vacuum for you.

Plus, this unit has been rigorously tested to ensure you get a car vacuum that can help get the job done within the shortest time possible.

Pros
  • Multifunctional design
  • Straightforward design
  • Has an anti-backflow valve
Cons
  • The dust canister is small

8. Honourable Mention: Honlibey Mini Car Vacuum

1,796 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Lightweight for easy manoeuvrability
  • Large capacity battery for extended runtime
  • Compact design for easy portability
  • Washable filter for easy cleaning
What customers say:

“This little vacuum has done more for me than it’s supposed to do! I have used it on my computer keyboards, my Cricut machine, my fiber laser machine, window screens, car vents, inside of my shoes, ceiling fan blades… and some more places…”–3AMworks

The Honlibey Mini Car Vacuum is also another great option that you can consider adding to your cleaning kit. It comes with two nozzle attachments that can help you lift dust from different surfaces.

You can use it for cleaning car vents, sewing machines, laptops, to mention but a few. It will enable you to clean hard-to-reach areas, allowing for effective removal of dirt. Get into every crevice with ease without throwing your back out!

Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, this mini car vacuum cleans efficiently without any heavy lifting on your part! Equipped with a 2000mAh battery, it will provide you with about fifty minutes of continuous runtime.

So if you’re banking on doing your car in one go, then this could be the best car vacuum for you! It is also very easy to charge, thanks to the included USB cable.

Pros
  • It uses a brushless motor
  • Portable design
  • Easy to work with
Cons
  • Limited number of accessories

How we Picked the Best Car Vacuums

We picked 8 of the best car vacuums that we could find in the Australian market and tested them for suction power, battery performance (for cordless models), and durability.

In addition to this, we measured the noise level of each test model using a decibel metre. The vacuum cleaners were tested in a car to see how they perform in real conditions.

We scattered bread crumbs, sawdust, and salt crystals onto the car seats and then used the test models to clean the mess.

Each vacuum cleaner was tested three times when clearing the just mentioned debris. We noted how well the vacuum cleaners lifted the particles and compared the results to identify the most powerful unit.

All the car vacuum cleaners performed well when we used them to clean the seats, which is great since most people buy these devices to remove debris from car seats.

We scattered more debris onto the floor and dashboard to check if the vacuum cleaners could lift the particles as well as they did on the seats.

Additionally, we tested battery performance by timing the runtimes when the vacuum cleaners were operated at their minimum and maximum suction. Lastly, we tested durability by dropping the car vacuums from different heights.

Car Vacuums: Buyer’s Guide

Before you drop your hard-earned cash on a car vacuum, spend some time getting more familiar with the product. There are some important considerations that should be made before purchase as well as understanding some of the nuances.

What to Consider When Buying a Car Vacuum

Here are some of the factors that you need to take into account when shopping for a car vacuum:

Suction Strength

Suction strength is arguably the most important thing to pay attention to when buying a device like this. The strength dictates how well it is able to suck in dust and debris, and in particular the more stubborn suspects.

A more powerful device will not only do a better job but also save you time. Weaker vacuums will require more time being spent on each spot. Of course, the more powerful ones are typically more expensive, but it is money well spent.

Tank Capacity

Because these devices are typically small and lightweight, they have small canisters. If you have a large vehicle or allows dogs, you may want to opt for one with a larger canister to avoid multiple trips to the bin and back.

Weight

If you’re planning on using this a lot, then pay attention to the weight. You don’t want to have to lump around unnecessarily heavy vacuums when cleaning your key every week. There are plenty of lightweight options, so we would heavily suggest opting for one of those.

Runtime

These devices have relatively small batteries to keep them lightweight and easy to maneuver. A Downside of this is the lack of runtime, with some car vacuums only able to operate for 5 minutes. Some others are able to run for over 30 mins, but they are the exceptions. Anything over 10 minutes i considered good.

Attachments

If you want to do a comprehensive clean, you will need a car vacuum with attachments. Some attachments are designed for the carpets, others for crevices and soft brushed for dashboards.


You may also be interested in:

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Author

Obsessed with technology. Compelled by innovation. We're your home of gadget reviews, technology news and intensive buyers guides. We believe that technology goes far beyond the gadget itself. From groundbreaking technological advancements to quirky gifts and gizmos, we're here to tell you all about the clash between man and machine.

Write A Comment