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What Is a Car Vacuum?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

With daily driving back and forth, it can be hard to keep the inside of a car clean. This is especially true for people who eat in their cars or have children. Crumbs and spills can render a car's carpet virtually unrecognizable in time. Even those who do not eat on the go may end up with bits of paper and other debris littering their vehicles. Since sweeping a car or picking up dirt and debris by hand is not practical, many people turn to car vacuums to keep their cars clean.

Often, a person can find a high-powered car vacuum at a gas station or car wash. Typically, these vacuums require a coin deposit for use. For example, a person may put a few coins into a car vacuum slot and do a few minutes of high-powered vacuuming of his carpet. These vacuums typically have a long hose attached that the person can use to reach even in the hardest-to-get-to spots in his car. Many of these vacuums even pick up larger debris that home vacuums might have difficulty with.

Some people keep a handheld vacuum in their car to help with cleaning.
Some people keep a handheld vacuum in their car to help with cleaning.

Since going to a for-pay car vacuum isn't always convenient or within the budget, some people prefer to buy their own car vacuums for use at home or buy them as gifts for a new car owner. This type of car vacuum makes it possible to keep a car clean without traveling anywhere or putting money in a machine. A person can vacuum his car while it is parked right outside his door or in his driveway.

Some car vacuum cleaners may be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter for power.
Some car vacuum cleaners may be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter for power.

One of the most popular types of car vacuum is a cordless option. This type of car vacuum allows a person to clean his car out without worrying about cords and electricity. He can simply carry a car vacuum out to his vehicle and vacuum up the debris. These vacuums are portable, making them easy to carry along on trips. Typically, they run on battery power that is charged either on a home charging base or using the car's power and an adapter.

Gas stations often offer car vacuums for use.
Gas stations often offer car vacuums for use.

There are also corded car vacuums that are often described as more powerful than their cordless counterparts, although this is not always the case. Depending on the model, they may plug into a car's cigarette lighter for power and offer lengthy cords for getting to all parts of the car. Additionally, there are some canister models that come with a range of attachments for keeping a car clean. Some of them require access to electricity.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WikiMotors writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WikiMotors writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

whiteplane

There is something that I find strangely relaxing about vacuuming my car. The combination of the whirring sound and the long snake like hose and the feel you get on your fingers as you run them across the soft fabric of the upholstery.

There are honestly times when I have vacuumed my car when it definitely didn't need it just because I wanted to blow off a little steam. I feel like it takes me to a zen place, a few moments of peace. And at least its productive. Lots of guys just go and sit in a bar.

gravois

I am what you would call a clean freak. I like every space in my life to be as clean as it possibly can all the time. I know its kind of weird but its me, and what is so wrong about having clean things.

For this reason I have my own car vacuum cleaner and I use it at least once a week. Its great and it saves me a lot of money. It also gives me the freedom I want to clean my car anytime, anyway. I take a lot of pride in the fact that my car is spotless all the time and without my own vacuum it would just not be the way I wanted it.

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    • Some people keep a handheld vacuum in their car to help with cleaning.
      By: jackmicro
      Some people keep a handheld vacuum in their car to help with cleaning.
    • Some car vacuum cleaners may be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter for power.
      By: aris sanjaya
      Some car vacuum cleaners may be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter for power.
    • Gas stations often offer car vacuums for use.
      By: Steve Mays
      Gas stations often offer car vacuums for use.
    • Someone who eats a lot in his or her car may require frequent use of a car vacuum.
      By: lukasvideo
      Someone who eats a lot in his or her car may require frequent use of a car vacuum.