Taking your car to the cleaner’s can be expensive and time-consuming. But doing it from home can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have one of the best vacuums for car detailing.
These vacuums make deep cleaning and detailing your car super easy, effective, and quick. They’re specifically designed to get into all the nooks and crannies and suck up a range of dirt and debris.
There are tons of options on the market, and it can be overwhelming. We’re here to help by narrowing it down to our favorite 10.
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Blower port
- Dual-flex technology
- On board storage
- Rugged polypropylene tank
- Powerful 5.5 HP motor
- 4-gallon dirt tank
- Doubles as a blower
- 7 handy attachments
- High power 100 W motor
- Only weighs 2 pounds
- HEPA filter included
- 3-in-1 design
- 10-foot power cord
- Durable 10-gallon tank
- 3 HP motor
- Portable design at 8.65 lbs
- Large 3 gallon tank
- Lightweight at 7 lbs
- Complete on board storage
- Narrow nozzles
- Has 2-in-1 air duster
- 60,000 RPM motor
- Includes 3 nozzles
- 25 min battery life
- Folds at 180 degree angle
- Cyclonic HEPA filtration
- Wireless & portable
- HEPA filter included
- 5600 Pa suction
Product Reviews
We have spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions. With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the 10 best vacuums for car detailing.
1. Craftsman 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Most Powerful Vacuum for Car Detailing
Power equals ultimate cleanliness. So if you want every speck of dirt, dust, dander, and debris to be lifted from your car, then this is the vacuum for you.
At a horsepower of 6.5, this heavy-duty vacuum can tackle literally any job, whether you’re cleaning domestically or professionally.
What We Like
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Not only can this vacuum suck up regular dry dirt and debris, but it’s also a wet vacuum. So if you’ve spilled juice or water in the car, or in the garage, then this vacuum can clean it up in no time.
Blower Port
This vacuum has a built-in blower port. At the rear of the machine, the blowing port means you can use it as a leaf blower. Get rid of leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from your garage and driveway.
Dual-Flex Technology
The dual-flex technology allows for 180-degree mobility at each end of the vacuum hose. This prevents kinking in the hose so that your vacuum experience is smooth and straightforward.
What We Don't Like
Heavy Construction
Some customers don’t agree that this is a vacuum for domestic jobs. It’s perhaps better for professional settings. That’s because it is very heavy. It may require a couple of people to operate. It’s hard to maneuver, transport, and navigate around a car and garage.
Low Quality Materials
Keep in mind that the materials are made from what feels like cheap plastic. The wheels are also not great and make it very hard to move the main body around. As for durability, it should last at least a year, but the quality is disappointing for some customers.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Corded (20 feet) |
| Motor Power | 6.5 HP |
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Capacity | 16 gallon |
| Weight | 26 pounds |
2. Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac
Best Car Detailing Vacuum for Pet Hair
Are your furry friends messing up your pristine car? Then you need a high-quality, heavy-duty vacuum cleaner to get the car back to mint condition.
This Vacmaster Professional wet dry vacuum is our top choice for pet owners.
Customers absolutely love how it sucks up every last strand of hair. Thanks to the 5.5 HP, this vacuum can handle all sorts of messes.
What We Like
Wet and Dry Vacuum
The superior suction of this vacuum can handle dry debris, pet hair, and other dirt. But it can also handle wet messes, like spills and pet accidents.
On Board Storage
You can easily wrap up all the attachments, and keep them on board, which makes storage super easy. Plus, you can transport this from place to place easily with the attached handle.
Rugged Polypropylene Tank
If you want something that’s going to last for years to come — this vacuum is it. The rugged polypropylene tank is super durable, corrosion-resistant and can handle the impact. So if you drop it, bump it or nudge it with your car — it’s built to last.
What We Don't Like
No Wheels
This vacuum does not come with wheels (but they can be purchased and installed separately) which is very annoying for customers. It makes it hard to move it around.
Attachments Could be Better
Customers have said that the attachments are of poor quality. For instance, one said the hose broke in a couple of places.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Corded (18 feet) |
| Motor Power | 5.5 HP |
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Capacity | Five gallons |
| Weight | 13.5 pounds |
3. Bissell Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Car Vacuum
Best Wall-Mounted Vacuum for Car Detailing
Wall-mounted vacuums are very convenient. They stay placed on the wall, so you just drive up to them, open your car doors and get to work. This is our top choice for a wall-mounted vacuum.
Why? Firstly, it’s a wet/dry vacuum so it can tackle solid and liquid debris. Secondly, it converts to a blower. Thirdly, it comes with all the essential attachments.
Read on to see more of our favorite features in more detail.
What We Like
Convenient Construction
Of course, being mounted to the wall is convenient enough. But this goes a bit further. It has a 32-foot hose which means you can get around the whole car without any hassle.
There’s a semi-translucent 4-gallon dirt tank, so you can see when it needs to be emptied.
Finally, there’s an LED full water tank indicator so you know when that needs emptying, too.
Doubles as a Blower
We think the added blower function is super handy, especially since driveways and garages can get pretty dirty. Now you can blow away leaves, grass, and other debris so that they’re out of your way.
Seven Attachments
The seven handy attachments make this the perfect tool for car detailing. You can get into every nook and cranny with these, as well as picking up every type of dirt while still being gentle on your car’s surfaces.
What We Don't Like
Inflexible Hose
Some customers are frustrated by the hose. They say it’s inflexible and flimsy at the same time, hard to use and it kinks and gets stuck in places.
Suction Could be Better
According to many customers, the suction could be better. The 12 amp motor implies that this would be a fair suction power, but you may find that your local gas station has stronger vacuums.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Corded and wall-mounted (32 feet) |
| Motor Power | 12 amps |
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Capacity | Four gallons |
| Weight | 33.2 pounds |
4. Solpuo Portable Vacuum Cleaner
Best Budget Vacuum for Car Detailing
On a bit of a budget? No problem. The Solpuo portable vacuum cleaner is one of the best vacuums that a little money can buy! It won’t break the bank, but it will still clean the car.
This high-power vacuum cleaner has 100 watts, so it has decent suction power. And it has a HEPA filter, so it can bust out allergens, mold spores, and bad smells from your car!
Perfect for cleaning dust, debris, dirt, and hair. If you have pets, this can deep clean the car after they’ve rolled around in the back seats.
What We Like
High Power Motor
As mentioned, the motor is about 100 watts (equivalent to 0.13 HP), so for a budget-friendly and compact vacuum cleaner, this is impressive. The vacuum has 6800 pa, which is great suction!
Useful Attachments
This vacuum comes with all the necessary attachments to deep clean your car. It has a brush for getting out debris in the carpets. It has extended nozzles for getting in narrow places, like between seats. The long cable helps you get into hard-to-reach places. Finally, the long tube can help you get around every inch of the car.
HEPA Filter Included
This vacuum has two HEPA filters so it traps dust, dirt, and other debris. This prevents it from circulating back into your car. With a great seal, your car will be cleaner than before!
What We Don't Like
Car Needs to be On
One of the big drawbacks for this vacuum is that it needs to be plugged into the car charging port and the car needs to be on. This can drain the car battery, for starters. Plus, if you have a poor car battery, this will decrease the suction power of the vacuum.
Vague Instruction
For some users that are not familiar with the accessories, it would take a learning curve in familiarizing which accessory is used for a particular task because the manual does not include a guide about the aforementioned accessories.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Corded (16.4 feet) |
| Motor Power | 0.13 HP |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Capacity | Not specified |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
5. Stanley 10 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Best Car Detailing Vacuum for Hard to Reach Areas
While most car vacuums are designed to reach tight corners or hard-to-reach places, this one does an exceptional job.
With a 10-foot power cord and a 6-foot cleaning hose, you can get under seats and all around the trunk with no problem.
It also comes with a range of different nozzles so you can squeeze the hose in tighter areas. This will help you give the car a thorough detail and make sure it looks brand new again.
What We Like
3-in-1 Design
Not only does this work as a regular vacuum, but it also works as a wet vacuum and a blower. So you can clean up spills and liquids. But you can also blow grass and leaves out of the road so that you have a clear path again.
Powerful Motor
The 4-HP motor makes for quick and efficient clean-up. This vacuum is intended for heavy-duty purposes so if you have a big mess at hand, you can get the car back to sparkling clean with one fine sweep.
Durable and Spacious Tank
The 10-gallon tank is super huge! It gives you tons of space for all the dirt and debris you collect. Less emptying of the tank between uses. Also, the tank is super durable. It’s made with buoy technology so it withstands damage from water.
What We Don't Like
Clog Problems
Some customers reported that the vacuum could clog easily. At the connection point, there seemed to be a lot of debris getting stuck. We recommend not sucking up large bits of debris, such as food wrappers, to avoid this problem.
Top Heavy
One major design flaw is that the vacuum is top heavy so when you pull it towards you, it often falls over.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Corded (10 feet) |
| Motor Power | 4 HP |
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Capacity | 10 gallons |
| Weight | 16.6 pounds |
6. Stanley 3 Horsepower Portable Car Vacuum
Best Wet and Dry Vacuum for Car Detailing
We have quite a few wet and dry vacuums on our list, but here’s another one if that’s what you’re specifically looking for. This Stanley portable vacuum has a large three-gallon tank so you can do big jobs without needing to stop and empty the tank.
It can clean up wet spills, liquids, as well as dry debris, dust, sawdust, dirt and other messes. The safe buoy technology inside prevents it from any breakdowns if it gets wet. So you’re safe to do all cleaning jobs!
What We Like
Three Horsepower
At 3 HP, this is a very powerful wet dry vacuum. It can tackle a huge range of wet and dry messes, with great suction power, so your car is cleaner than ever before!
Portable Design
Although this is a large vacuum, it’s not too heavy. At 8.65 pounds, and with the ergonomic carrying handle, this is easy to transport and move from room to room. Plus, it has on board storage so you can keep the attachments together with the vacuum.
Versatile Use
This vacuum isn’t just good for the car. Nope! You can use this inside, too. It’s great for general cleaning, cleaning up spills in the kitchen, cleaning upholstery, vacuuming up the mess from a DIY project, and much more.
What We Don't Like
Short Cord
The short cord might get annoying. It’s only 6 feet long, so it doesn’t leave much room for flexibility. You may want to consider a separate extension hose so you can get around the whole car.
Durability in Question
Many customers reported that after a few uses, it stopped working. Other customers reported that the wet vacuum function didn’t work well and actually sprayed the liquid right back out onto the floor.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Corded (6 feet) |
| Motor Power | 3 HP |
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Capacity | Three gallons |
| Weight | 8.65 pounds |
7. Armor All Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Best Vacuum for Car Carpets
If you have carpets in your car — which most people do — then this is a great device to deep clean car carpets. The range of devices works on all kinds of surfaces, from carpets to leather to the dashboard.
It’s also a wet/dry vacuum so you can clean up excess liquid on the carpets.
You can also use it on your garage or shop floor. Overall, this is a convenient vacuum for literally any job!
What We Like
Lightweight and Portable
At only 7 pounds, this is a lightweight and portable design. You can transport it around your car with total ease.
On Board Storage
This vacuum has complete on board storage. It has space for all six accessories, so you can minimize the risk of losing them when you need them most.
Narrow Nozzle
This vacuum comes with a lot of cool nozzles. But we love the narrow one which can get into tight corners and hard-to-reach spaces. You can easily fit it between the car seats and down the sides of seats where your hand can’t reach!
What We Don't Like
Suction Power Lacking
Unfortunately, this doesn’t have the highest suction power of the vacuums on our list. It’s not bad, but it’s not the strongest. It has an HP of two, so it’s decent, but we don’t want you to be disappointed so keep in mind it’s good for light to medium cleaning.
It Clogs Easily
This vacuum tends to clog easily. The design means there’s not a lot of space at the connection point, so items can easily clog this and cause the vacuum to lose all suction power until you’ve cleared the clog.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Corded (10 feet) |
| Motor Power | 2 HP |
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Capacity | 2.5 gallons |
| Weight | 7 pounds |
8. Opolar Cordless Air Duster & Vacuum
Best Cordless Vacuum for Car Detailing
Go cordless with the Opolar air duster vacuum. This little gadget makes it easier than ever to navigate around your car, getting into every nook, cranny, cup holder, and crevice.
In between seat cushions, under seats, all around the trunk — anywhere you’ve dreamed of vacuuming!
You can even use USB-powered devices such as laptops and car chargers so you can charge it while you drive.
What We Like
2-in-1 Air Duster
Besides vacuuming, this also works as an air duster. So if your vents, keyboard, dashboard, or window sills are looking a little dusty, blast the dust away with the air effect. You can use this inside the home, in the car, or anywhere else you need.
60,000 RPM
This super powerful air duster vacuum has a 60,000 RPM motor with a wind speed of over 30 meters per second. Therefore, it can remove 99 percent of dust away from any surface, so that you can deep clean every inch of your car.
Included Nozzles
This vacuum comes with three included nozzles so that you can get into hard-to-reach places without too much effort. Using these nozzles helps get the jobs done quicker and more efficiently.
What We Don't Like
Not As Good As Compressed Air
If you’re expecting it to replace compressed air cans, then think again. While this is better in the long run since you don’t have to keep buying compressed air, it’s not as effective. This is partly down to the wide nozzle that doesn’t shoot out the same force of concentrated air.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Cordless |
| Motor Power | N/A |
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Weight | 0.87 pounds |
9. Orfeld 4 in 1 Stick Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum for Car Detailing
While you don’t necessarily get upright vacuums specifically for car detailing, the Orfeld 4 in 1 stick vacuum is a great option for an upright vacuum that will work well on cars.
It has a 4-in-1 design so it works as an upright vacuum and a handheld vacuum. The handheld vacuum can get along skirting boards and room edges, upholstery, and of course: cars!
So if you want something you can use in and out of the house, including the car, this is the upright vacuum for you.
What We Like
Cordless Cleaning
No matter where you use this vacuum, it works as a cordless device. It has a battery life of 25 minutes on high power and 40 minutes on low. This is enough to clean a 120-meter squared house, and of course, plenty of time to clean an entire car.
Folding Handle
When using this as an upright vacuum, you’ll love the awesome folding handle. It folds at a 180-degree angle, not only while you store it, but also as you use it!
This helps you to go all the way under furniture so that you can get every bit of dust. It also means you don’t have to bend over to get into hard-to-reach places.
Cyclonic Hepa Filtration
The fully-sealed HEPA filter traps 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns which gives you cleaner air. This is great for people with allergies, as the air in the car will be much purer. The filters are detachable and washable for your ease.
What We Don't Like
Hard to Charge
This is a very specific disadvantage, but it was seen across many customer reviews. It’s hard to place the vacuum on the charger. It is a challenge to click it into place, so much so that many customers have recommended against the vacuum!
For Light Cleaning
This isn’t a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. It’s recommended for light pickups. So if your car is super messy, we recommend this for in-between deep cleans.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Cordless |
| Motor Power | 0.16 HP |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Weight | 6.6 pounds |
10. Baseus 70W Car Vacuum Cleaner
Best Mini Vacuum for Car Detailing
You can’t get much mini-er than this. At only 9.25 inches long, and a weight of 1.2 pounds, this is the perfect compact and portable vacuum cleaner to keep in your car.
Its mini size makes it super great for getting in tight places. You can clean your car seats, corners, trunk, sunroof, cup holders, and floors with this vacuum.
It’s around the same size as a thermos so keep it in the glovebox or a cup holder for convenience.
What We Like
Wireless and Portable
This lightweight and cordless vacuum cleaner is free from wires, to give you a hassle-free clean of your car. The portable convenience of it makes it easy to take it with you on all kinds of trips. Why not ask your passengers to vacuum your car while you drive?
HEPA Filter
With an included HEPA filter, you can avoid dirt, debris, allergens, and bacteria from being blown back around the car. The HEPA filter traps all kinds of nasties, protecting you and your family.
5600PA Suction
With such strong suction for such a tiny vacuum cleaner, we think you’ll be super impressed. It can really zap away all kinds of dirt. That’s not all though — the other end functions as a blower. So you can blast away dust from all kinds of surfaces.
What We Don't Like
Irritating Noise
Watch out for the annoying high-pitched noise this vacuum cleaner makes. It can be very irritating to use, especially if someone is cleaning up their mess while you’re driving. That can be distracting.
Hard to Empty
Customers found this vacuum quite hard to empty. Access to the dust bin was hard, especially with removing the filter. Keep in mind that cleaning it out may be a hassle for you.
Product Specs
| Corded or Cordless | Cordless |
| Motor Power | 0.09 HP |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Weight | 1.29 pounds |
| Product | Best | Corded/Cordless | Motor Power | HEPA Filter | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | Powerful | Corded | 6.5 HP | No | 16 gal | 26 lbs |
| Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac | Pet Hair | Corded | 5.5 HP | No | 5 gal. | 13.5 lbs |
| Bissell Wall-Mounted Wet/Dry Car Vac | Wall-Mounted | Corded & wall mounted | 12 Amps | No | 4 gal. | 33.2 lbs |
| Solpuo Portable | Budget Pick | Corded | 0.13 HP | Yes | N/A | 2 lbs |
| Stanley 10 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum | Hard to Reach Areas | Corded | 4 HP | No | 10 gal. | 16.6 lbs |
| Stanley 3 Hp Portable Car Vacuum | Wet & Dry | Corded | 3 HP | No | 3 gal. | 8.65 lbs |
| Armor All Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum | Car Carpets | Corded | 2 HP | No | 2.5 gal. | 7 lbs |
| Opolar Cordless | Cordless | Cordless | N/A | No | N/A | 0.87 lbs |
| Orfeld 4 in 1 Stick Vacuum | Upright | Cordless | 0.16 HP | Yes | N/A | 6.6 lbs |
| Baseus 70W Car Vacuum Cleaner | Mini | Cordless | 0.09 HP | Yes | N/A | 1.29 lbs |
What Is a Car Detailing Vacuum?
These differ from normal vacuums because they are made to get into tight spots, like between seats and down cup holders. They usually have longer hoses to reach around large vehicles or across garages.
You’ll also find many cordless options so that you can navigate the car’s interior without getting tangled in cords.
They usually come with many different attachments so you can tackle a variety of tasks. Last but not least, they have a high horsepower for ultimate suction.
Something To Note
What to Look For (Buying Guide)
What are the most important details to consider when buying a vacuum for car detailing?
Cord or Cordless
Some people prefer cordless because it gives them more flexibility, but remembering to charge it up between uses can be a pain. If you’re choosing corded, make sure the cord is long enough to stretch across your garage from outlet to car.
Motor Power
Motor power is either measured in watts or horsepower (HP). The higher this number, the more powerful the vacuum. A strong horsepower for a car detailing vacuum is anywhere between 1 HP and 7 HP, but some are lower. These are usually more budget-friendly. While their power may be lower, they can still do a decent job.
HEPA Filter
HEPA filters are great at capturing dust, allergens, and other bacteria that are floating around your car. It doesn’t deposit it back into the air. It’s really one of the best ways to deep clean your car! It’s a bit more expensive, but we think it’s worth it — especially if you have allergies.
Capacity
The tank or bag capacity is very important. The bigger it is, the less often you have to empty it out. If you’re running a business, we say the bigger the better. If you’re just cleaning your own car every now and then, you can get away with any size of tank or bag capacity.
Warranty
Car detailing vacuums can be expensive, so it’s important to check the warranty. The longer it is, the more reliable the car vacuum.
Weight and Size
For storage purposes, size is very important. Make sure there’s space for it in your car or garage. As for weight, always check this as you don’t want something that’s going to be too heavy to maneuver.
FAQs
Is It Worth Getting a Car Detailed?
We think so, from time to time. Professional car detailers will do an incredible job at deep cleaning your car from top to bottom, from inside to outside.
We especially recommend this if you’re planning to sell the vehicle. However, on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, a valet is a good alternative. It’s also cheaper and quicker.
How Long Does a Full Car Detail Take?
Depending on how much work needs to be done, it can take between two and four hours. Therefore, it only really needs done a few times a year.
Do I Need to Empty My Car Before Detailing?
Yes, you should empty any items from your car before detailing. If you have a trunk full of stuff, they won’t be able to clean that part of the car. Likewise, remove coffee cups, any clutter, garbage, and anything else that may be laying around.
How Often Should You Vacuum Your Car?
You should vacuum your car every couple of weeks or at least once a month. However, it depends on how dirty your car’s interior gets.
Is a Shop Vac the Same as a Wet Vac?
A shop vac is not the same as a wet vac. A shop vac sucks dirt and debris, whereas a wet vac sucks dirt, debris and dirty water.
How Do I Increase the Suction on My Shop Vac?
The best way to improve the suction on your shop vac is to check the filters. If they are blocked or soiled, clean them to improve airflow and suction.
Down to the Last Detail
With the best vacuums for car detailing, you can get every last spec of dirt, dust, and debris. You can even clean up spills and liquids if you choose a wet vacuum mode.
No matter what kind of car you have, these vacuums can help you to deep clean. Just make sure to pay attention to our recommended details. This includes whether the vacuum is corded or cordless, the motor power, whether it has a HEPA filter, capacity, and size and weight.
With this in mind, you’ll find a car vacuum that continues to impress!
