The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us? 9 best car vacuum cleaners, expert-tested in a family car Car interiors can become messy quickly, from biscuit crumbs and stray crisps to pet hair and dirt tracked in from outside. While a full-size vacuum can handle the job, a cordless or handheld model is often more convenient for quick clean-ups. Cars have many tricky spots to clean, from gaps between seats to cup holders and centre consoles. Compact cordless vacuums are ideal for quick crumb clean-ups, while corded models offer more power for tougher messes. I tested a selection of models in my family car, which had plenty of mess to deal with, including a football-mad teenager, regular snacks and a golden retriever with a talent for finding mud. Here are the best models for every budget. The Miele duoflex HX1 carcare cordless vacuum cleaner is the best overall. It is one of the most versatile cordless vacuums I've tested, bridging the gap between home and car cleaning. Its sleek design and high-end finish make it feel premium. The vacuum has strong, consistent suction and an included hose extension that reaches under seats and into footwells. It comes with a flexible crevice nozzle, which is useful for tight spaces. The accessory lineup is impressive, including a dusting brush, upholstery tool, and even a multi-floor electro brush. The runtime is up to 55 minutes, making it suitable for both home and car cleaning. The Quest handheld car vacuum and blower is the best budget buy. It is light, weighing about the same as a travel hairdryer, and comes with six attachments. It is well-built and handles fine dust and small messes well. The runtime is 25 minutes on low and 15 minutes on high, which is enough for spot-cleaning. It can also be used for inflating or deflating items, making it a versatile tool for quick clean-ups. The Stihl SEA 20 handheld vacuum is ideal for quick tidy-ups. It is compact and comes with a range of accessories. It performs well on fabric seats and finer debris but struggles with larger dirt. It has a 14-minute run time, making it suitable for quick clean-ups rather than deep cleaning. The Hoover HS5 spot wash and dry is the best for deep cleaning and stain removal. It is a larger machine but offers more power and a generous selection of tools. It can clean both fabric and glass, making it a versatile cleaner. It has large water tanks and an extension hose, which makes it easier to clean without repositioning the unit. It is powerful and ideal for professional-level cleaning. The Gtech multi platinum handheld vacuum is a powerful handheld cleaner. It feels as powerful as a full-size cleaner and has LED headlights that illuminate dark corners. It has a 30-minute runtime and a range of accessories, including a powered turbo brush and scented cartridges. It is suitable for both car mats and light household cleaning. The Daewoo cyclone freedom carvac is a lightweight USB-powered vacuum. It is compact and comes with several attachments, including inflate nozzles. It is ideal for quick clean-ups and light detailing. It has a 20-minute runtime on low and 12 minutes on high, making it suitable for small jobs. The Kärcher VC 4 cordless is a powerful vacuum with a 21.6V lithium-ion battery. It is light and easy to handle, with a crevice tool and a two-in-one dusting and upholstery brush. It has a 650ml dust container and a 30-minute runtime in normal mode, making it suitable for full interior clean-ups. The Vax SpotWash home and pet-design spot washer is ideal for pet owners. It has separate clean and dirty water tanks and a range of tools for cleaning stains and pet hair. It is a corded cleaner, which means it needs access to mains power, but it is powerful and effective for deep cleaning. The Gtech Koala spot cleaner is a compact and powerful spot cleaner. It has two clear tanks and a single scrubbing brush attachment. It is light and easy to carry, making it ideal for quick spot cleans in cars or campervans. It is effective for removing stains and muddy marks from upholstery.