How To Vacuum Your Car The Right Way

Your car is more than a simple mode of transportation. It's your ticket to adventure – and your oasis when you need to take a break from the real world and blast the music at top volume.

While your car can be an exciting or peaceful environment, it's unlikely to achieve either quality if it's full of dirt and debris. This issue goes beyond aesthetics; a grimy car can be a health hazard, exposing you to allergens or even mold.

Thankfully, as with any space you hold dear, you have the power to make your car shine. You don't need to rely on a detailing service to get the job done – a vacuum with the right attachments should be up to the task.

Below, we break down the process. You'll come away knowing how to vacuum a car and how to vacuum between car seats and address hidden corners or hard-to-reach places. 

Choose the Right Vacuum

Before you haul your vacuum outside, confirm that it's up to the task. Not just any vacuum can handle the rigors of cleaning a car. You'll want to work with a high-end model equipped with the right attachments.

A crevice attachment, for example, is non-negotiable for cleaning crumbs out of difficult spaces. Specialized brush attachments can also work wonders in such situations. These attachments form the simple answer to the common query: How to vacuum tight spots in a car?

Yes, a handheld vacuum is more portable, but you'll lose in pure power what you gain in ease of movement. The result? You'll inevitably feel frustrated and spend too much time on a task that would be a cinch for a high-powered vacuum.

Wet and dry vacuums are always a solid choice for cleaning vehicles, as they're uniquely portable and have exceptional suction. Do your research to determine which models are the best suited to car care. 

Start With the Front of the Car

To begin, push the front seats back as far as possible. Work with a scrub brush and a crevice attachment to vacuum the car's floor. The brush will help you dislodge trapped dirt, allowing you to clean the debris before it settles immediately.

Next up? The front seats. Start with each seatback. Pay close attention to the seam, where the seatback and the bottom of the seat join. This crevice tends to collect a lot of crumbs. Finish the seat by spreading any seams by hand as you run the crevice tool over the stitching.

Repeat this process with the front passenger's seat. Next, continue the cycle with the back seats. Look closely for seams and stitching, which can be difficult to spot but are almost guaranteed to contain unwanted debris.

Remove Loose Items and Floor Mats

Before you get to work with your vacuum:

• Take a moment to remove all loose items from your vehicle.
• Check in the pockets, under the seats, and anywhere else junk may have settled over time.
• While you're at it, determine which items are trash – and which you can keep or donate.

Next, remove your car's floor mats or carpets and place them somewhere safe for the time being. Depending on their construction, you may eventually need to wipe them down or use your vacuum attachments to give them a thorough cleaning. 

Clean the Carpets and Floor Mats

How you address the carpets will depend on how dirty they seem. Beat them or use a scrub brush to dislodge dirt when in doubt. You can run the crevice or hose attachment over the mats.

Brush the carpet's fibers in opposite directions for a final aesthetic touch. This will create a visually appealing pattern, giving your car the last look reminiscent of professional detailing.

Before you replace the floor mats, check the backs for debris. This may have been present, but it's more likely that dirt or debris will have clung to the mats as you removed them and set them aside.

A little effort can go a long way as you give your car a makeover. A quick detailing with your vacuum will make it feel new. It takes a high-quality vacuum and the desire to make your vehicle's cabin sparkle.