Budget car vacuum cleaners might not have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive model, but it can still be an effective way to keep your carpets and upholstery tidy and prevent the need for a major clear-out. The great thing about car vacuums is that they are usually small and compact, so they are ideal for storing in the boot for ease of access when needed.
With the best will in the world, it’s nigh on impossible to keep dirt and dust from getting into your car, not to mention the crumbs from that lunchtime snack you grabbed on the go or the dried mud from the kids’ shoes. A quick once-over with the vacuum can keep the need for that deep clean at bay for another few weeks.
Best budget car vacuum cleaners at a glance
Editor's Choice: ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best Budget Vacuum Cleaner for Flexibility: Black & Decker PD1200 - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best Budget Vacuum Cleaner for Wet and Dry: Vax Gator - Buy now from Argos
Best Budget Vacuum Cleaner for Price: Black & Decker NVB12 - Buy now from Amazon UK
We’ve put together a selection of worthy contenders for you to choose from. You might want to consider whether you would prefer a cordless handheld vacuum or if you need accessories to help access those difficult to get to places. Plus, having a secondary vacuum to hand for those smaller tasks around the house is never a bad idea. So, let’s have a look at what’s available.
Best budget car vacuum cleaners
Editor's choice
Description
With a lightweight and ergonomic design, the ThisWorx car vacuum has a good mix of tools and a 5m
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes with a storage case
Cons
- Not so good with larger pieces of debris
The best budget wet and dry vacuum cleaner
www.argos.co.uk
Description
The Vax Gator is ideal for giving your carpets and seats a once over, and it’s not scared to
Pros
- Cordless
- Easy to empty
Cons
- Long charging time
The best budget vacuum for flexibility
Description
This Black & Decker model is probably at the top end of what might be considered a budget buy for
Pros
- Flexible hose
- Long power cord
Cons
- Slightly bulky
The best budget vacuum for run time
www.robertdyas.co.uk
Description
The Tower Handheld will rise to both wet and dry challenges and will give you a whopping 25
Pros
- Long run time
- Suitable for wet and dry cleaning
Cons
- Not so good on ground-in dirt
The best budget vacuum for value
Description
Here’s the second entry on the list from Black and Decker. The NVB 12AV has been specifically
Pros
- Large bin
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Can struggle with pet hair
Budget Car Vacuum cleaners FAQs
Why should I bother with a car vacuum?
A good question! Yes, you could just run an extension lead from your house and use the family vacuum cleaner or rock up at your local garage, where most have a vacuuming facility. But that’s a bit of a hassle, isn’t it? The budget car vacuum cleaners we’ve included are compact enough to be stored in the car and ready for use when needed. A quick once-over when you have a spare couple of minutes can prevent a build-up of dirt and debris and keep things looking tidy and smart. And they are so easy to use.
What features should I look for?
You should consider the size of the vacuum and whether it will fit in a suitable space in your vehicle. You might want to think about the accessories that are supplied with it, for example, crevice nozzles and brush attachments. Also, would you prefer it to run from your car’s power source via a cord, or would you prefer the freedom of a rechargeable cordless machine?
Can I use a car vacuum in other areas?
Of course. Just be aware that you will never get the kind of performance from a 12v operated car vacuum that you would from a 240v mains powered machine. But they are great for things like workbenches, desks and cleaning computer keyboards.