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Our top picks for a spotless car.
Photo:Real Simple
We also prioritized picks that were lightweight, comfortable to hold, and easy to maneuver.
The battery life display is a bit unclear.
The suction was comparable to that of a plug-in model and excelled at picking up pet hair.
PHOTO: Amazon
It navigated tight spaces, like between couch cushions and car seats, with ease.
Thanks to its two attachmentsa brush nozzle and an extenderthere are no areas that we couldnt reach.
Six months in, its still exceeding our expectations.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Unlike other handheld vacuums that require frequent recharging, this one has a surprisingly long battery life.
Our only complaint is the battery life indicator, which we found a bit confusing.
We found this vacuum lightweight and comfortable to hold for quick tasks.
key in: Cordless |Canister Size: 0.6 liters |Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Theres no battery life indicator, and dust tends to stick to the filter.
Furry friends make great travel buddiesexcept when they shed all over your car.
Thats why we love the Shark Cyclone PET Handheld Vacuum.
During testing, we were amazed by how well it picked up hair.
The battery life was great too, although we wish there was a battery life indicator.
key in: Cordless |Canister Size: Not listed |Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Its pretty heavy and less effective on softer surfaces.
It also weighs just over three pounds, so its on the heavier side.
Just note that thebattery and chargerare sold separately.
throw in: Cordless |Canister Size: 23.6 oz.
|Weight: 3.3 lbs.
To see how they really worked, we tested them by cleaning typical messes youd find in your car.
We unboxed each one, adding a filter and charging it before use.
While we used them, we paid attention to things like suction power and battery life.
We tracked how many passes it took to clean up these messes and repeated the same process with hair.
After each session, we emptied the canister and cleaned the filter to see how easy that was.
That said, the main issue is battery life.
That said, they are less suitable for on-the-go use, as youll need an outlet nearby.
Instead, theyre better for those who have a garage.
In our testing, weve learned that weight doesnt necessarily correlate with power or battery life.
Crevice toolsare long and narrow, helping you clean the nooks and crannies of your vehicle.
In a car, theyre especially effective at reaching between seats and in cup holders.
All of the options on our list have crevice tools.
Theyre especially useful if you have a heavy, non-portable, corded vacuum.
During testing, we found its brushes, crevice tools, and extension hoses very helpful.
Questions You Might Ask
How long does a cordless vacuum last on one charge?
Battery life varies by brand, model, and suction setting.
Can I plug my car vacuum into the auxiliary outlet without draining my cars battery?
In short, we recommend staying on the safe route and charging it in a wall outlet.
For this list, we used over 50 handheld vacuums over six months.
Our top picks were powerful, long-lasting, lightweight, comfortable to hold, and easy to maneuver.
PHOTO: Target
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
Real Simple
Real Simple
