whats a good car vaccuum cleaner?

arrutled · 12-04-2008, 07:13 AM

do they have small ones that will hook into your cigarette lighter or ones that are charged? I want a nice small one thats not too expensive that i can get my 1er clean with, any ideas?

EspressoBoy · 12-04-2008, 07:28 AM

wet dry with attachments

they have small ones but they don't suck the hard stuff...

you need sucking power, and for those days you messed up and allowed a coffee or what ever and it got spilled with a wet/dry you can take out the filter and suck the liquid out!

Wet/Dry was made for cars... Wonder why nobody thought of this yet...but what about a cloth type attachment to your wetdry that you can "dry" the car??? LOL I am kidding... but not a bad idea if you want original ideas to sell to those bmw ppl who have to have everything...

EspressoBoy

arrutled · 12-04-2008, 08:08 AM

drinks are not allowed in the car, lol, yes i am anal. just wanna suck up dirt and leaves thats all.

Mark M · 12-04-2008, 10:13 AM

Got a nice 5 gallon one at home depot. It mounts on the wall.

I always hated the shop vacs on wheels, too many times they end up smacking into the car and potentially could cause a ding or scratch.

The home depot one mounts on the wall, and includes a 12' hose. I bought a hose extention, so I now have 30' of hose. Perfect for vacuuming both cars in the garage and even for reaching the one in the driveway. Plenty of suction.

arrutled · 12-04-2008, 10:19 AM

good idea, thanks

mrgoochio · 12-04-2008, 11:41 AM

you can get a craftsman or ridgid wet/dry vacuum cleaner, they are both reputable although ridgid maybe preferred over craftsman as far as auto detailing goes. you should look into a unit that is at least 5.0hp, the amount of gallons it holds isn't nearly as important as the vacuuming power (5.0hp). Look into attachments as well, it can be very handy for the nooks and crannys. I've done a lot of research on vacs as I am gearing up to purchase one myself. Let me know if you have more questions

BlackjackMulligan · 12-04-2008, 01:02 PM

How much does a good one run?

EspressoBoy · 12-04-2008, 01:03 PM

I totally agree if you have a garage. I think when I get a garage I will do that... longer extension does cut in to suction power though. You could also have different hooks and move it if needed. But still a very good idea. As for wet/dry... even sucking out wet vents and not have to worry about the vacuum is nice. I have seen some fancy car vac's...all polished pretty...give me a vac I don't mind kicking any day... LOL

EspressoBoy

EspressoBoy · 12-04-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

How much does a good one run?

hmmm depends on how hard I kick it?

Espressoboy
(I could not resist...sorry McLovin) Check homedepot.com etc

mrgoochio · 12-04-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

How much does a good one run?

<$100 for the craftsman and ridgid units i recommended. i would go for ridgid's 5.0hp 4gallon portable with blower but its kindof hard to come by these days it seems.

Mark M · 12-04-2008, 03:23 PM

This is my wall mounted one. Excellent, works great, even with 30 ft of hose. And easily unclips from the wall mount should you need it elsewhere.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ame=Tank+Style

vanbmw · 12-04-2008, 08:19 PM

I tried a small portable unit meant for cars...A Dirt Devil with a brush head on the front of it. It did a good job on the carpets..the brush left the "just vacumned" marks on the carpet but it didn't really have much sucking power. For the money it wasn't very good. I got a garage attachment to my built in Beam vacumn on my new house and it ROCKS! Very powerful and I got a good selection of attachments on it. Very good. The only downside is it is fairly loud in the garage!

mrgoochio · 12-04-2008, 09:59 PM

Small portable vac units are simply just not enough to clean the interior of a vehicle. Sure, you can suck up the first layer of junk on the surface of the carpet or maybe the little cracks of your seats.. but you're really going to need something more versitile and something with more power to really clean. Even with the wet/vacs I've mentioned, people have gone up and beyond that to steamers and extractors. The problem with smaller units is that for example, if you actually have a soiled carpet with some juice or food spillings and god forbid puke, youre going to have to use some type of cleaner (probably liquid or foam) to clean it up. A small unit will NOT be able to suck the cleaner back out of the carpet. Sure it may take most of the visual dirt and grime out of the carpet, but it will leave a damp carpet. It is extremely important to suck out as much of the liquid as possible and follow up with air drying, preferably with a fan blowing through the car. MOLD and mildew can easily form and grow in a carpet seeping with bacteria left behind that the smaller units cannot pick up. This is why I recommended a wet/vac unit with at least 5.0hp. Not only that, but these units typically have a number of accessories that can be attached for cleaning conveniently and some handy features like a blowing ability. Ever try blow drying your car? It's not that uncommon, and with one of these vac's you can do it without a seperate blower (usually leaf blowers). I would highly recommend getting a second hose so you can use one for strictly suction and one for the blowing feature. You DO NOT want to use the suction hose as a blower and accidently shoot something at your cars paint surface that was stuck in the tubing. Sorry for the semi-long read, I tried to keep it brief and informative.. just some of the bits and pieces I've picked up on my adventures of auto-detailing.

edit: I am not a professional auto-detailer, i only do it as a hobby as of late, and do not claim to know everything and that my methods are the best, but this is the best information I could provide you according to my own knowledge. If somebody disagrees with my opinions, please state why so people don't get misinformed information. thanks!

vanbmw · 12-05-2008, 10:13 PM

I also have a Bissell little green carpet cleaner that I use on my carpets. Maybe twice a year I take my carpets out of the car and use the Bissell to clean them. It works great and makes a big difference.

mrgoochio · 12-05-2008, 11:21 PM

The whole carpet or the mats?

JimBeemer · 12-06-2008, 10:25 PM

I bought this one: http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...ROD&ProdID=351

It kicks ass. Its tiny, has massive suction and comes with too many attachments. Can be used as a portable blower for drying.

vanbmw · 12-07-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrgoochio

The whole carpet or the mats?

I have only used it on the mats. I wash them and let them dry outside of the car. My carpets are very clean and they have never needed any carpet shampoo. The mats end up getting some dirt/mud on it so the Bissell cleans that stuff off. I did use it once in my trunk in my last car and it worked fine but I did leave the trunk open till the carpets had dried out.

mrgoochio · 12-07-2008, 03:08 PM

So expensive.. wish I had that kind of cash to put down on a vac

randomquickness · 12-07-2008, 03:28 PM

I just use my Dyson. It works well for me.

ChrisK · 12-09-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrutled

drinks are not allowed in the car, lol, yes i am anal.

You and I could be long lost brothers!

PeeJay · 12-09-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomquickness

I just use my Dyson. It works well for me.

Yup, me too. For the nasty stuff I use my upright Dyson and for the small stuff, I use my portable handheld Dyson.

Midgad · 12-09-2008, 06:09 PM

Electrolux Harmony canister.
Its really small, with wheels, can fit under door when door is open.
Really long cord with auto retract. Really light, really powerful, can take outside with one hand.
Variable speed although I really just use full power with the crevace and sweeping tools.
I believe that having the hose is the best vaccuum method, just like pro detail shops use.
Btw, my brother suggested using his leaf blower on really high speed with the doors open.
....Not only for the interior, but to get the water off after washing on exterior!!??
I think thats a bit evasive, think I'll stick to the vac, and microfiber.

12-04-2008, 07:13 AM	#1
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	whats a good car vaccuum cleaner? do they have small ones that will hook into your cigarette lighter or ones that are charged? I want a nice small one thats not too expensive that i can get my 1er clean with, any ideas? __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
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12-04-2008, 07:28 AM	#2
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	wet dry with attachments they have small ones but they don't suck the hard stuff... you need sucking power, and for those days you messed up and allowed a coffee or what ever and it got spilled with a wet/dry you can take out the filter and suck the liquid out! Wet/Dry was made for cars... Wonder why nobody thought of this yet...but what about a cloth type attachment to your wetdry that you can "dry" the car??? LOL I am kidding... but not a bad idea if you want original ideas to sell to those bmw ppl who have to have everything... EspressoBoy __________________
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12-04-2008, 08:08 AM	#3
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	drinks are not allowed in the car, lol, yes i am anal. just wanna suck up dirt and leaves thats all. __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
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12-04-2008, 10:13 AM	#4
Mark M Major 240 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: E30M3 E83X3 E90335D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lancaster, PA iTrader: (0)	Got a nice 5 gallon one at home depot. It mounts on the wall. I always hated the shop vacs on wheels, too many times they end up smacking into the car and potentially could cause a ding or scratch. The home depot one mounts on the wall, and includes a 12' hose. I bought a hose extention, so I now have 30' of hose. Perfect for vacuuming both cars in the garage and even for reaching the one in the driveway. Plenty of suction.
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12-04-2008, 10:19 AM	#5
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	good idea, thanks __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
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12-04-2008, 11:41 AM	#6
mrgoochio 135i Coupe Owner! 46 Rep 1,009 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	you can get a craftsman or ridgid wet/dry vacuum cleaner, they are both reputable although ridgid maybe preferred over craftsman as far as auto detailing goes. you should look into a unit that is at least 5.0hp, the amount of gallons it holds isn't nearly as important as the vacuuming power (5.0hp). Look into attachments as well, it can be very handy for the nooks and crannys. I've done a lot of research on vacs as I am gearing up to purchase one myself. Let me know if you have more questions __________________ 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Jet Black Sport Pkg. P1 Lemon Boston Leather High Gloss Black Trim Comfort Access System
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12-04-2008, 01:02 PM	#7
BlackjackMulligan Most interesting Roadster 70 Rep 2,224 Posts Drives: '01 Z3.0 Roady;'10 C300 Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Boston 'burbs iTrader: (5) Garage List 2010 Mercedes-Benz ... [0.00] 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roa ... [0.00]	How much does a good one run? __________________ I can't complain, but sometimes I still do........Life's been good to me so far. - Joe Walsh
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12-04-2008, 01:03 PM	#8
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I totally agree if you have a garage. I think when I get a garage I will do that... longer extension does cut in to suction power though. You could also have different hooks and move it if needed. But still a very good idea. As for wet/dry... even sucking out wet vents and not have to worry about the vacuum is nice. I have seen some fancy car vac's...all polished pretty...give me a vac I don't mind kicking any day... LOL EspressoBoy __________________
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12-04-2008, 03:23 PM	#11
Mark M Major 240 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: E30M3 E83X3 E90335D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lancaster, PA iTrader: (0)	This is my wall mounted one. Excellent, works great, even with 30 ft of hose. And easily unclips from the wall mount should you need it elsewhere. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ame=Tank+Style
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 08:19 PM	#12
vanbmw Major 130 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 2015 Black 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	I tried a small portable unit meant for cars...A Dirt Devil with a brush head on the front of it. It did a good job on the carpets..the brush left the "just vacumned" marks on the carpet but it didn't really have much sucking power. For the money it wasn't very good. I got a garage attachment to my built in Beam vacumn on my new house and it ROCKS! Very powerful and I got a good selection of attachments on it. Very good. The only downside is it is fairly loud in the garage!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 09:59 PM	#13
mrgoochio 135i Coupe Owner! 46 Rep 1,009 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Small portable vac units are simply just not enough to clean the interior of a vehicle. Sure, you can suck up the first layer of junk on the surface of the carpet or maybe the little cracks of your seats.. but you're really going to need something more versitile and something with more power to really clean. Even with the wet/vacs I've mentioned, people have gone up and beyond that to steamers and extractors. The problem with smaller units is that for example, if you actually have a soiled carpet with some juice or food spillings and god forbid puke, youre going to have to use some type of cleaner (probably liquid or foam) to clean it up. A small unit will NOT be able to suck the cleaner back out of the carpet. Sure it may take most of the visual dirt and grime out of the carpet, but it will leave a damp carpet. It is extremely important to suck out as much of the liquid as possible and follow up with air drying, preferably with a fan blowing through the car. MOLD and mildew can easily form and grow in a carpet seeping with bacteria left behind that the smaller units cannot pick up. This is why I recommended a wet/vac unit with at least 5.0hp. Not only that, but these units typically have a number of accessories that can be attached for cleaning conveniently and some handy features like a blowing ability. Ever try blow drying your car? It's not that uncommon, and with one of these vac's you can do it without a seperate blower (usually leaf blowers). I would highly recommend getting a second hose so you can use one for strictly suction and one for the blowing feature. You DO NOT want to use the suction hose as a blower and accidently shoot something at your cars paint surface that was stuck in the tubing. Sorry for the semi-long read, I tried to keep it brief and informative.. just some of the bits and pieces I've picked up on my adventures of auto-detailing. edit: I am not a professional auto-detailer, i only do it as a hobby as of late, and do not claim to know everything and that my methods are the best, but this is the best information I could provide you according to my own knowledge. If somebody disagrees with my opinions, please state why so people don't get misinformed information. thanks! __________________ 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Jet Black Sport Pkg. P1 Lemon Boston Leather High Gloss Black Trim Comfort Access System
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12-05-2008, 10:13 PM	#14
vanbmw Major 130 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 2015 Black 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	I also have a Bissell little green carpet cleaner that I use on my carpets. Maybe twice a year I take my carpets out of the car and use the Bissell to clean them. It works great and makes a big difference.
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12-05-2008, 11:21 PM	#15
mrgoochio 135i Coupe Owner! 46 Rep 1,009 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	The whole carpet or the mats? __________________ 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Jet Black Sport Pkg. P1 Lemon Boston Leather High Gloss Black Trim Comfort Access System
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12-06-2008, 10:25 PM	#16
JimBeemer Private 1 Rep 99 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2008 iTrader: (0)	I bought this one: http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...ROD&ProdID=351 It kicks ass. Its tiny, has massive suction and comes with too many attachments. Can be used as a portable blower for drying.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2008, 03:08 PM	#18
mrgoochio 135i Coupe Owner! 46 Rep 1,009 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	So expensive.. wish I had that kind of cash to put down on a vac __________________ 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Jet Black Sport Pkg. P1 Lemon Boston Leather High Gloss Black Trim Comfort Access System
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12-07-2008, 03:28 PM	#19
randomquickness Brigadier General 221 Rep 3,668 Posts Drives: 996tt Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (13)	I just use my Dyson. It works well for me. __________________
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12-09-2008, 06:09 PM	#22
Midgad Free Skier 28 Rep 439 Posts Drives: 128i Coupe, 6MT, M-Sports Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: LI,NY iTrader: (0)	Electrolux Harmony canister. Its really small, with wheels, can fit under door when door is open. Really long cord with auto retract. Really light, really powerful, can take outside with one hand. Variable speed although I really just use full power with the crevace and sweeping tools. I believe that having the hose is the best vaccuum method, just like pro detail shops use. Btw, my brother suggested using his leaf blower on really high speed with the doors open. ....Not only for the interior, but to get the water off after washing on exterior!!?? I think thats a bit evasive, think I'll stick to the vac, and microfiber.
	Appreciate 0 Quote