Best Car Hoover and Portable Vacuum Cleaners
We have reviewed what we believe are the top 4 and best car hoovers you can get. The best car hoover and portable vacuum cleaners, no more mess, just great suction and cleaning power lies within this post.
There wasn’t a lot in this comparison, they were all very good and the best 4 car vacuum cleaners here were all pretty good with suction, the dustbowl and collections weren’t too dis-similar and they all had really long cords so you could get around any part of the cars interior.
We spend a lot of time in our car and mess builds up pretty quickly, it doesn’t help with having a dog and always going out for little adventures. Below we have tested 4 little corded 12v hoovers that we think are capable of keeping your car clean and tidy and ready for the next adventure.
Regular Cleaning & Vacuuming
We would recommend cleaning and vacuuming your car at least once a week, or at least after a big days adventure and you get the car full of mud, dirt, sand or other things. This way, due to the power of the car vacuum cleaners, you will be able to stay on top of it and will have a better chance of hoovering up all of the debris and rubbish in your car.
If you let it accumulate, you may find that it gets harder and harder to keep your cars interior clean and that the car hoover struggles with the build up of dirt.
Using The Car Vacuum At Home
If you have a small home and wooden floors, which is just the setup we have, you could use one of the car hoovers below and convert the 12v car cigarette lighter to a mains plug. Because we have wooden floors, we brush everywhere and have no real need for a vacuum cleaner. We do though have sofa’s and other soft furnishings which would be perfect for a vacuums of these sizes.
Even though they are all 12v corded hoovers, you could plug it in to the converter linked above and then plug that in to the mains on your wall, that way, you have a smaller hoover you can use both in your home and your car or other vehicle.
What a great little car hoover the Black & Decker PD1200 is, we are thoroughly impressed with this small vacuum and we’re sure you’ll be too. It’s lighweight, has a carry handle and can also be left down on the car seat or flooring whilst you use the hoover extension hose. It’s very powerful for how small it is, great compared to the others and on par with the other Black + Decker we reviewed. This is why it is ranked our number 1 best car vacuum, it’s versatile, looks great, anyone can use this small device as it’s been well thought out and also affordable.
Our 2nd, 3rd and 4th ranked hoovers are actually very good in their own right.
Best Car Hoover and Portable Vacuums
Review of Black + Decker PD1200AV-XJ Flexi Car Vacuum
A mini handheld Black + Decker car vacuum cleaner. We review this car hoover to see how it works out whilst cleaning our car after an adventurous day out.
This Black + Decker PD1200 car vacuum cleaner is a corded mini hand held vacuum cleaner made specifically for your car. It comes with a 12v cord, so don’t be fooled if you’re thinking of using it elsewhere, in your home or somewhere, it can only be used where there is a car cigarette lighter or 12v input.
Ease of Access
This portable car hoover comes with a few small accessories and hose attachments, with these extra attachments you can use them to get in to small places in the car, beside car seats and down in car door trays.
The other attachment is a wide fitting which has a brush flip out on the other side. This is great for hoovering and cleaning up the car floors, seats and boot, basically the bigger flatter areas.
With its flexible hose you can get this in to most hard to reach areas, unlike other vacuums without a hose, where they struggle to fit down the side of the car seat, or underneath it. You can even place the handheld motor part of the hoover down and move the hose around if you aren’t strong enough to carry the whole vacuum around.
Cord Range
This portable car vacuum cleaner comes with a 5m long cord which plugs in to your car cigarette lighter. If that is in the middle, in between your two front car seats, this car hoover will pretty much reach anywhere, including the boot of your car. We were able to get it around our car on the outside and in to the boot to give that a hoover which was perfect for us.
How Well Does It Suck
The suction of this vacuum is pretty good for how small it is, don’t expect the power you get from a high end, wired hoover you use around your home, but it does exactly what we ask of it. The downsides to this are that if you have a dog, like us, we can’t get the boot completely hair free. We are lucky we have a short haired dog so aren’t complaining.
We have hoovered up sand, dried mud, food crumbs successfully. As long as you are using the correct attachment, this hoover should be good in cleaning up your car whatever muck and dirt you get in it.
General Use
Emptying the container after it has picked up a bit of dirt is very easy, a click of a button and it comes right out. You can even wash the inside if you are so inclined, we didn’t but the manual says you can.
It packs away in a little net bag and we leave it in our storage cupboard in our house. We don’t need it all the time, we just use it as a portable car vacuum cleaner and take it to the car when its parked up.
Pros
- Lightweight so great for anyone, including older people to use it as you can place the hoover down and just hold the hose and nosel if you are inclined.
- Very powerful considering how small it is
- The 5m power cord is long enough to get to any part of the car, including bigger cars
- Will hoover up almost everything, including little stones
Cons
- Dog hairs are hoovered up but not thoroughly
- It is a cable car vacuum only, this is not cordless and does not have a battery
Video
Verdict
Surprisingly powerful mini hoover for car which is great for us as our car is parked away from the home so we can’t get a normal wired hoover to it. So if you need a car hoover that you can plug in and use within the car, when you need it, this one could be for you.
It looks great, I like it has two sections with the hoover mechanism having the handle and the hose coming off of it, a much better design compared to the one piece hoovers. For us, one of the best car vacuum cleaners.
Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ Black+Decker 12 V Flexi Auto Dustbuster, Grey/Red
- 12V connection Suitable for all 12V sockets (cigarette lighter) in the car, 5 m cable For more range when vacuuming - to reach all areas in the car and in the trunk
- Dirt trap Transparent area, easy emptying and removal for hygienic cleaning. suction force 12.5 air watts
- 12V connection Suitable for all 12V sockets (cigarette lighter) in the car, 5 m cable For more range when vacuuming - to reach all areas in the car and in the trunk
- Dirt trap Transparent area, easy emptying and removal for hygienic cleaning. suction force 12.5 air watts
- Cyclonic Action filtration system with 3-stage filtration system for extremely high dirt absorption and suction power
- Unique flexible suction hose The integrated 1.2 m long suction hose makes it possible to vacuum even in hard-to-reach places
- Box contents: 2 in 1 crevice tool with fold-out upholstery brush, 1 extra long crevice tool, 1 storage net
- Note This is a 12V car vacuum cleaner. For coarser dirt, please use a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner or handle vacuum cleaner
- Ensure adequate connection with the cigarette lighter port and filter and dust bowl are cleaned regularly
Review of ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner a Portable Vehicle Vacuum Cleaner
A small handheld car vacuum cleaner by ThisWorx, we have never heard of this brand before, but it comes with a warranty, it has the handheld and small shape of hoovers we recognise so thought we best give this a thorough testing to see how well it cleans our car interior.
This is the smallest car hoover we have tested, that is one of the reasons we chose it. We wanted something we could pack away in the boot of our car nice and neat in the corner and get out when we wished to clean up. Our car is parked in front of our house but a good 20metres away, so instead of going the extension lead route with a mains plug hoover, we thought we’d test out some car vacuums, this being one of them.
The hoover came with the following parts;
- The hoover body
- Filter
- Hose attachment
- Long thin attachment
- Wide brush attachment
- Instruction manual
Look and Feel
This is one of the best looking handheld car vacuums we have tested, it feels great to hold and it’s an all in one hoover, there is no hose or extra pieces in the way, just the vacuum as one piece.
Using This Car Vacuum Cleaner
It comes with a few attachments, the usual wide brush and thin section as well as a hose, this was a pleasant surprise, so it can fit in to gaps or areas of your vehicle that the hoover body would struggle to get in to.
The suction, if we compared it to a manual mains plug, home hoover, it isn’t half as powerful. But comparing it to the other car vacuums here it is very good. We have managed to hoover up small little pebbles and stones from the beach, sand, mud from walking in fields all quite well. The main thing here is that we cleaned up every few days so that we didn’t have too many issues with picking up dirt.
One thing we love though about it is that it can also hoover up wet spillages and messes. We often spill a bit of water in the boot when the dog is using his bowl and when that mixes up with the soil and muck that gets in there, it can be difficult to clean up by hand. This little vacuum can clean that right up with very little issues.
Talking about our dog, the hoover struggled with the little pups hair, it managed to get a lot of the dog hair in the car but not all of it, luckily he is a short haired dog so we couldn’t really see any dog hair after hoovering unless we looked very closely. At least, with the long 5m cable that came with it, we were able to get back around the side of the car and in to the boot where we keep the little fella.
Build Quality & Parts
This has some great quality parts, it feels solid to hold and the two parts that you want to work do so very well. They are the dustbin and the filter.
The dustbin clips right off, it’s not the biggest but is very easy to empty. The filter as well, although does not need ’emptying’ or cleaning as often as the dustbin, can be cleaned and washed to ensure a new lease of life when the hoover picks up bit too much dust.
Pros
- Comes with a hose as well as 2 attachment accessories
- Long cord so you can reach any part of your car
- Nice and light compared to the others, so good for anyone to use it
- Considering it’s size, it has a very good suction
- Great affordable price
Cons
- Couldn’t hoover up all of the dog hair
- Filter was a bit tricky to get back in once we took it out to clean
Verdict
A great little car vacuum cleaner which we would highly recommend, it comes with a hose so you can use this in the smallest of parts in your car and should hoover up pretty much anything in front of it, as long as you keep on top of it and don’t let it build up, remember it’s still a car hoover and not a mains plug type that you use in your home.
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Portable, Lightweight, Powerful, Handheld Vacuums w/Strong Suction,...
- Small and Mighty! At 2.4lbs, this lightweight car vacuum cleaner belies a strong suction, powered by a 106W / 8.8 amps motor. Simply plug the hand vacuum's 4.8m power cord into the car's cigarette lighter socket, and watch it conquer those crumbs!
- Small and Mighty! At 2.4lbs, this lightweight car vacuum cleaner belies a strong suction, powered by a 106W / 8.8 amps motor. Simply plug the hand vacuum's 4.8m power cord into the car's cigarette lighter socket, and watch it conquer those crumbs!
- Easy to Use: With its ergonomic design, large handle, and 3 interchangeable nozzles, this mini vacuum is easy to wield, and its precision attachments can evacuate any awkward nooks and crannies! Car crud beware - nothing escapes our portable vacuum!
- Complete Clean: Need a car interior cleaner? Ours won't disappoint. As well as the precision nozzles (flathead, extension tube, and brush head), our car cleaning kit also includes a carry bag, spare filter, and special filter cleaning brush.
- Ready for Anything: This compact and portable car vacuum is designed for the road - it easily fits in the boot, and is an essential accessory for muddy hikes, dog walks, and beach trips. Mud, sand, or wet pet hair, our car vacuums can handle it!
- Gift: Whether your friend has just bought a new car, or a new puppy, this portable vacuum cleaner for car use will come in handy! With its elegant design, this sleek mini car vacuum is a practical gift they'll appreciate, time and time again!
Review of BLACK + DECKER PAD1200 Flexi Car Vacuum
The Black + Decker PAD1200 Car Vacuum Hoover is a mid range compact yet cleverly designed vacuuum designed specifically for cleaning your car. Read on for our review on this Black + Decker vacuum cleaner.
Suction Strength
The suction of a car vacuum cleaner is quite different to a household hoover, if you are looking for a lot of power to pick up a large quantity of mud/dirt and mess then I would recommend connecting your household hoover on an extension lead to use this way. However if this isn’t an option for you for example if you park your car in a designated parking space far away from your home then this is one of the strongest car vacuum hoover suctions on the market.
It comes with 315 mm/water suction pressure. Simply put the suction method sucks dirt in and spins it dirt away from filter in a cyclonic motion. Like I said above a large degree of debris will not be picked up by this little hoover however more intricate troublesome mess such as dog hair, crumbs from your children eating in the back seat, this is perfect for. You will also need to keep your car engine on while the vacuum cleaner is plugged in to prevent your car battery running low.
Overall Size
The Black + Decker PAD1200 has been cleverly designed that it comes in a very small size that is easy to pack away fairly unobtrusive in the car. The vacuum comes provided with its own tidy away bag and its flexible hose means it wraps neatly around the main body of the vacuum cleaner. The 5 metre long cable also is much longer than other car vacuum cleaners especially for the size ratio of the hoover itself.
Ease of use
With its neat compact style theBlack + Decker PAD1200 can be used in its fixed position as the hose sits on top of a carry handle for you to pick the hoover up easily and move it around as a unit. This vacuum cleaner is also light enough for you to be able to do this without your arms aching. You do however also have the option to unclip the hose of the carry handle which is helpful when you want to concentrate of getting to harder accessible areas of the car such as under your car seats. With the flexibility of the hose and the option of both two interchangeable nozzle ends allows you to not only access those harder reaching areas with the slim line nozzle but you can change it to the brush which works better and gentler on harder surfaces.
The length of the cable allows you to plug into your cigarette lighter and still be able to happily clean up any mess in the boot with out any stress or tight pulls to the lead. Due to the size of the hoover it will fill up quickly and need to be emptied quickly however the clear window to the compartment this allows you to keep an eye on this so your not in a situation where the hoover is full and you have no where to put the contents and handy on long journeys where for example you can need to empty the contents quickly at a service station bin there is a quick release lever meaning no need to get your hands dirty.
- Plenty of suction
- Compact in size to be stored away in the car
- Flexible tube
- Interchangable tools
- Long 5m cable allowing you to access the boot
Cons
- Not as powerful as cleaning your car with a household hoover
- You will need to have the car turned on to make sure you do not run the battery down
- Can only be used as a car vacuum as does not come with a main plug option
- Smaller capacity for holding dirt will need to be emptied sooner than larger models
Verdict
The Black+Decker PAD1200 is a clever use of a tiny amount of space it will take up in your car. Allowing you to grab it quickly, clean up any minor spillages ASAP with little stress or hassle and pack it away again with no one even knowing your car was ever a mess at all.
Great Value Black & Decker PAD1200 Auto Flexi Car Vacuum 12 V
Review of ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner
This is a review of another ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner, a budget range hoover that is supplied with a multitude of cleaning tools. Read on for for more information on our experience of this vacuum cleaner.
Suction Strength
The suction power of this particular car vacuum hoover is well designed to focus on picking up all sorts of small bits such as dust, fluff and grit. For dog owners this is the perfect type of cleaner picking up the majority of pet hairs. However the power is not going to be anywhere near as good as a house hold hoover so If you have several dogs that moult heavily you would be better extending a cable to use your household hoover.
The variety of different suction nozzles really help remove dirt from each area of your car, the soft rubber extending crevice tool allows you to reach those hard yo access sections of your car under and between your seats. On you soft furnishing the brush tool is ideal in catching debris without damaging the material.
Overall Size
This ThisWorx vacuum cleaner is made of a hard plastic and looks sleek in its design. The easy grip handle making it easy to quickly swing it around your car for a quick clean up. Its noise limiting feature means it is also quieter than other models at a maximum of 75dB. The 5 metre long cable means you are likely to reach all areas of your car with ease.
Ease of use
This vacuum cleaner is light enough for you to be able to hold and very portable in its style and also with its carry case to be moved between cars. It is robust that if you drop it or it rolls around in your boot it should still work fine. Additionally with the choice of suction tips allows you options that you wouldn’t get on other car hoover models where you may find yourself with only one option spending more time trying to suction up something where this model with the right tool would do in a few moments. To empty the vacuum cleaner it is very simply a case of un-clipping the front part taking off the filter section and emptying it straight into the bin.
- Comes with multiple cleaning end tips to reach different parts of your car
- Great at cleaning up dirt and debris
- Comes with a nylon carry bag
- Small in size, easy for storing
- Portable
- Long cable allows you to reach and clean your car boot
Cons
- Not as powerful as using a household hoover, but that’s hardly expected
Verdict
This isn’t a top of the range hoover but for its value for money it is a winning car vacuum cleaner, with its quiet mechanism, robust yet sleek design. If you haven’t already got a hoover in your car you need at least this cheap little one.
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Portable, Lightweight, Powerful, Handheld Vacuums w/Strong Suction,...
- POWER: The car vacuum cleaner may not be as powerful as a big house vacuum cleaner, but once connected to your cars 12v cigarette lighter port, it grabs all the power available to make all the car interior as clean as new.
- POWER: The car vacuum cleaner may not be as powerful as a big house vacuum cleaner, but once connected to your cars 12v cigarette lighter port, it grabs all the power available to make all the car interior as clean as new.
- INDEPENDENCE: The portable car vacuum has a LED light that allows you to clean your car at any location during any time of the day.
- STYLE: Thanks to its minimalist, ergonomic design and sleek finish, this vacuum cleaner for car looks absolutely stylish while you hold it in your hand.
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
FAQs
What is a 12V car hoover?
A 12V car hoover is a portable vacuum cleaner designed specifically for vehicles. It operates on a 12-volt power source, typically drawing power from the car’s cigarette lighter socket.
How effective is a 12V car hoover in cleaning a car?
A 12V car hoover is quite effective for regular cleaning tasks. It can pick up dust, dirt, crumbs, and other small debris. However, for larger or more stubborn messes, you might need a more powerful vacuum.
Can a 12V car hoover clean liquid spills?Can a 12V car hoover clean liquid spills?
It depends on the model. Some 12V car hoovers are equipped to handle wet and dry cleaning, but always check the product specifications before attempting to clean up a liquid spill.
How do I power a 12V car hoover?
Most 12V car hoovers are powered by plugging them into the car’s cigarette lighter socket. Some models may also have a rechargeable battery option.
Is a 12V car hoover safe to use on all surfaces in my car?
Yes, a 12V car hoover is generally safe to use on all surfaces, including upholstery, carpet, and hard surfaces. However, always use the appropriate attachments and settings to avoid damage.
Can a 12V car hoover reach under the seats and other tight spaces?
Most 12V car hoovers come with various attachments that are designed to reach under seats and into other tight spaces. The flexibility will depend on the specific model.
How to maintain my 12V car hoover?
Regularly empty the dust container and clean or replace the filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, store it in a clean, dry place to prolong its lifespan.
Can a 12V car hoover remove pet hair?
While a 12V car hoover can pick up most of pet hair, it may not be as effective as a vacuum specifically designed for pet hair. Using a pet hair attachment, if available, can improve results drastically.
Does a 12V car hoover make a lot of noise?
Noise levels vary by model, but in general, 12V car hoovers are not excessively loud. They are designed to be used in a small, enclosed space, so manufacturers typically try to minimize noise.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean other vehicles like a boat or RV?
Yes, as long as the vehicle has a compatible 12V power source, you can use a 12V car hoover to clean it.
How long is the power cord on a 12V car hoover?
The length of the power cord varies by model, but typically ranges from 10 to 20 feet. This should provide enough reach to clean most areas of a standard car.
Can I use a 12V car hoover on leather seats?
Yes, but use a soft brush attachment if available, and be gentle to avoid scratching the leather. Also, avoid using it on wet leather to prevent damage.
What should I do if my 12V car hoover isn’t picking up dirt effectively?
Check if the dust container is full and empty it if necessary. Also, check the filter and replace it if it’s dirty. If the problem persists, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the car’s exterior?
No, a 12V car hoover is designed for interior use only. Using it to clean the car’s exterior could damage the vacuum and the car’s paintwork.
Can a 12V car hoover pick up larger debris like leaves or small stones?
Larger debris might clog the vacuum or damage its internal components but depending on the size/performance of a particular vacuum, they can pick up larger debris.
How often should I use a 12V car hoover to clean my car?
This depends on how often and how you use your car, but as a general guideline, vacuuming your car once every two weeks can help keep it clean and fresh
Can I use a 12V car hoover if my car’s battery is low?
It’s best not to use a 12V car hoover if your car’s battery is low, as it could further drain the battery. Always ensure your car’s battery is in good condition before using the vacuum.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean my home?
While it’s possible to use a 12V car hoover in your home with an appropriate adapter, it may not be as effective as a regular home vacuum cleaner due to its smaller size and lower power.
What should I do if my 12V car hoover stops working?
Check if it’s a power issue – ensure the car’s battery isn’t low and the vacuum is properly connected to the power source. If the vacuum still doesn’t work, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for support.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the dashboard and console?
Yes, with a soft brush attachment, you can gently clean the dashboard and console. However, be careful not to scratch or damage any controls or screens.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the trunk of my car?
Yes, as long as the power cord is long enough (or it has a battery), you can use a 12V car hoover to clean the trunk.
Does a 12V car hoover use a lot of my car’s battery power?
While a 12V car hoover does draw power from your car’s battery, the amount is typically minimal and should not significantly affect your battery’s charge for short cleaning sessions.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean car mats?
Yes, a 12V car hoover can be used to clean car mats. However, for heavily soiled mats, you might need to remove them for a thorough cleaning.
What’s the typical suction power of a 12V car hoover?
The suction power varies by model, but most 12V car hoovers offer sufficient suction to effectively clean dust, dirt, and small debris from your car.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the air vents in my car?
Yes, using a brush attachment, you can gently clean the air vents. However, be careful not to push dust or debris further into the vent system.
Can a 12V car hoover remove odors from my car?
While a 12V car hoover can help remove debris that might be causing odors, it does not have the capability to remove odors on its own. For persistent odors, consider using a car deodorizer.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the headliner of my car?
Yes, but be gentle to avoid damaging the material. Use a soft brush attachment and avoid applying too much pressure.
Can I use a 12V car hoover on heated seats?
Yes, but ensure the seats are turned off and cooled down before cleaning to avoid damaging the vacuum or the seat’s heating elements.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the windows of my car?
A 12V car hoover is not really designed to clean windows but can be effective for dust or spider webs.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the engine bay?
No, the engine bay contains sensitive components that could be damaged by a vacuum. It’s best to clean the engine bay using appropriate methods and products.
How do I clean the filter of my 12V car hoover?
Most filters can be cleaned by gently tapping them to remove dust or by washing them with warm water. Always check the user manual for specific instructions.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean child car seats?
Yes, a 12V car hoover can be used to clean crumbs and debris from child car seats. However, for a thorough clean, you might need to remove the seat cover and wash it separately.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the glove compartment?
Yes, with a suitable attachment, you can use a 12V car hoover to clean the glove compartment.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the door pockets?
Yes, a 12V car hoover can be used to clean door pockets. Use a crevice tool to reach into tight corners.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the cup holders?
Yes, using a crevice tool or small brush attachment, you can clean the cup holders with a 12V car hoover.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the gear shift area?
Yes, with a suitable attachment, you can use a 12V car hoover to clean around the gear shift. Be careful not to dislodge any small parts or buttons.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the foot pedals?
Yes, but ensure the car is off and in park to avoid accidental movement. Use a brush attachment to clean around the pedals.
Can I use a 12V car hoover to clean the sun visors?
Yes, using a soft brush attachment, you can gently clean the sun visors. However, be careful not to apply too much pressure as this could damage the material or mechanism.
