The simple handheld vacuum cleaner could be the best tool to help keep your car interior clean and stop that feeling that you're fighting a never ending cleaning battle. The space we spend the most time inside our vehicles can get very dusty and we don’t even notice. What's more, if you have kids, those little ankle-biters love crushing up food and throwing wrappers on the floor, not to mention the mud off their shoes; it can get everywhere. Sometimes we have no option, and the big vacuum that we use in our home has to come out. This usually means that it's a big job and that we have to spend a good hour just getting the dust cleaned up.
While these larger vacuum cleaners are great for big jobs, picking them over smaller, easier-to-use handheld vacuum cleaners can be the wrong move, certainly on the carpets of our cars. While larger vacuums don't damage carpets, the extra suction power can grab the carpet pile, not leaving room to suck up the dust and dirt. This can be a pain when all you want to do is have a quick surface-level clean around.
The best handheld vacuum cleaners at a glance:
Editor's choice: Bosch EasyVac - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for ease of use: Vaclife Handheld - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for pet owners: Shark Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Buy now from Amazon UK
There is a place for larger mains powered vacuums, especially if you are tackling a full car clean where you might be looking for a wet and dry machine which will tackle your upholstery as well, but if it's a regular light clean-up you're aiming for, you need a little something handheld to help you get to those hard-to-reach places. Here’s a list of the best handheld vacuum cleaners under £100.
The best handheld vacuum cleaners
Editor's choice
If you like all your tools to be by the same manufacturer, you may already be aware of the Bosch EasyVac – or after reading that sentence, you may be relieved to know Bosch makes a handheld vacuum for your car.
This lower price is because the EasyVac comes without a battery or charger, but if you already own a Bosch product with a 12V battery, you can use that same battery in the EasyVac. Weighing just one kilogram and with a noise level of 50dB, the Bosch EasyVac seems like a sound choice.
Pros
- Selection of attachments
- Good filter
Cons
- A bit heavy for some
Best for ease of use
This cordless handheld vacuum from VacLife gives you the freedom to not be snagged around the seats. It’s lightweight with a powerful motor and long battery life. It’ll pick up all the kiddy crumbs, pet hair and dirt from your seats and carpets, and a bright LED light helps clean in the dark and the thin design gets under the seats.
It also comes with two attachments to help you get into every nook and cranny.
Pros
- Compact size
- LED illumination
Cons
- Cleaning the filter can be fiddly
Best non-battery cleaner
www.argos.co.uk
The Black & Decker Dustbuster Flexi Hand Vac is compact but powerful due to its 'motor in the filter' technology. It can be used as a traditional hand vacuum or removed the handle to tackle those hard-to-reach areas. The cyclonic action spins dirt away from the filter, maintaining optimum suction power. It's powered by the car's 12v supply and has a five-metre cable, so you can get all areas of your car, including the boot.
Pros
- Long cable
- Large dust storage capacity
Cons
- Requires 12v power
Best for powerful suction
The Hoover name has become synonymous with vacuuming. So much so that people often call a Henry a Henry Hoover, which would be like calling your Mercedes a BMW Mercedes.
Here, this ultralightweight Hoover vacuum with a powerful and ergonomic car cleaning tool. Cordless, with an impressive suction power of 40 Airwatts for up to 12 minutes, takes just three hours to recharge.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Good suction power
Cons
- Runtime could be longer
Best for pet owners
The Shark CH950UKT Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is great for on-the-spot clean-ups, with powerful suction from the high-efficiency motor. Clean up kiddy litter spills or crumbs from the floor without needing to get your main vacuum cleaner out. One button pops the dust cup release so that you can empty it in seconds. No fiddling, so no spilling the dust before making it to the bin.
Pros
- Easy to empty and clean
- Great for pet hair
Cons
- Only 10mins of run time
Things to consider when buying a handheld vacuum cleaner:
Portability and Size: Look for a compact and lightweight vacuum cleaner that is easy to carry around and manoeuvre inside the car. A smaller size will allow you to reach tight spaces more effectively and is easier to store.
Power Source: Handheld vacuum cleaners typically come in two power source options: corded or cordless. Cordless vacuums offer more convenience and flexibility but may have limited battery life. Corded vacuums provide continuous power but may restrict movement due to the cord.
Battery Life (for Cordless): If you opt for a cordless vacuum, check the battery life. Look for models with longer battery life to ensure you can clean your car thoroughly without interruption. Also, consider if the battery is removable and if spare batteries are available for purchase.
Suction Power: The suction power determines how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt, dust, and debris from your car's interior surfaces. Look for a handheld vacuum with sufficient suction power for your needs.
Attachments and Accessories: Check what attachments come with the vacuum cleaner. Attachments such as crevice tools, brush nozzles, and upholstery brushes can help you clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas inside your car effectively.
Dust Capacity and Filtration: Consider the dust capacity of the vacuum cleaner's dustbin. A larger dustbin will allow you to clean more without frequent emptying. Additionally, look for models with effective filtration systems to trap dust and allergens, especially if you have allergies.
Ease of Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to clean and maintain the vacuum cleaner. Removable and washable filters are convenient features to look for, as they prolong the vacuum's lifespan and maintain suction efficiency.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tool Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. He also contributes to What's The Best.