9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (2024)

Owning a car is a big expense on its own, but the cost of maintenance and cleaning can add up fast. Since a vehicle is such an investment, you definitely want to keep your car in clean, working order to make it last as long as possible. And while you can’t get around the price of new tires or windshield wipers, you can save money on one maintenance element: vacuuming.

Regular vacuuming will keep the inside of your car clean and improve its resale value if you decide to sell. But think twice before you head to the car wash with a handful of quarters. There are plenty of car washes and gas stations that provide free car vacuums. And by using one, you can save a few dollars each month and keep those coins for parking meters.

The average price of professional car detailing is $50 – $150. Even if you pull up to the car wash to vacuum the seats yourself, you’ll need to spend several dollars to keep the vacuum on long enough to get into every nook and cranny.

We researched all the major chain car washes and gas stations to put together a list of where you can find free car vacuums. But keep in mind there are plenty of local places you can try, too. Search “free car vacuum” in Yelp or your search engine to find the locations nearest you.

For more money-saving tips, download the KCL app or text HACKS to 57299.

Here’s Where You Can Find Free Car Vacuums

  • Tommy’s Express Car Wash

  • Tidal Wave Auto Spa

  • Go Car Wash

  • Quick Quack Car Wash

  • Raceway Car Wash

  • Super Star Car Wash

  • Flash Car Wash

  • Breeze Thru Car Wash

  • Blue Wave Express

Related: Can You Save Money atWalmart Auto Center?

1. Tommy’s Express Car Wash

9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (1)9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (2)

Where to find it: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

All Tommy’s Express Car Wash locations provide free vacuuming services. There’s no purchase necessary, so you can just drive up, vacuum, and drive away. With more than 200 locations in 30 different states, Tommy’s Express is by far the most widely available chain with a free vacuum.

2. Tidal Wave Auto Spa

With locations in 14 states, Tidal Wave Auto Spa also provides free car vacuums, but not every location has one. Call your nearest location to check before you go.

Locations in these states:

  • Alabama

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • Nebraska

  • North Carolina

  • North Dakota

  • South Carolina

  • South Dakota

  • Texas

  • Virginia

3. Go Car Wash

Go Car Wash offers free vacuuming in addition to a variety of car wash services. Check their website for all locations.

Locations in these states:

4. Quick Quack Car Wash

9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (3)9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (4)

Quick Quack Car Wash is a drive-through car wash service that provides free vacuuming as long as you make a purchase. So if you’re already paying for a rinse and a wax, take advantage of this bonus and do a quick vacuum while you’re there.

Locations in these states:

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Colorado

  • Texas

  • Utah

5. Raceway Car Wash

All of Raceway Car Wash‘s 30+ locations provide free vacuuming when you purchase any kind of car wash service.

Locations in these states:

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Nevada

  • Texas

6. Super Star Car Wash

9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (5)9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (6)

Take advantage of unlimited car washes for less than $10 a month at Super Star Car Wash. With every membership, you can vacuum your car for free as often as you like.

Locations in these states:

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Colorado

  • Texas

7. Flash Car Wash

Flash Car Wash is only located in three states, but they advertise free car vacuums along with four different car wash options at each location.

Locations in these states:

  • Connecticut

  • Massachusetts

  • Rhode Island

8. Breeze Thru Car Wash

With a dozen locations (and more on the way), Breeze Thru Car Wash will be your one-stop shop if you live in Colorado or Wyoming. They offer an unlimited monthly Wash Pass for $15, as well as unlimited free vacuuming at all locations, regardless of whether you’re a monthly member or not.

Locations in these states:

  • Colorado

  • Wyoming

9. Blue Wave Express

9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (7)9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (8)

Residents of Texas and California can take advantage of free car vacuuming at Blue Wave Express. Check out their store locator to find the nearest one to you.

Locations in these states:

  • California

  • Texas

If you don’t live near any of these chains, you can find pay-per-use car vacuums at these gas stations. Most of them cost $0.50 or $1 to operate for a set amount of time, so it’s still a fairly cheap option compared to professional detailing.

These gas stations offer paid vacuums:

  • Arco

  • BP

  • Exon

  • Kwik Trip

  • 7-Eleven

  • Mobile

  • Philips 66

  • Shell

9 Gas Stations and Car Washes with Free Vacuums (2024)

FAQs

How to clean a car without a vacuum? ›

How to clean car carpet without a vacuum
  1. Pick up any large debris by hand. Stones, even glass shards can be very damaging to car carpet. ...
  2. Get down with the good old dustpan and brush. ...
  3. A cleaning product will help lift debris from within the pile enabling the user to wipe away dirt with a damp microfibre cloth.

Can we use vacuum cleaner for car wash? ›

Using Foam Brush to Clean Vents and Crevices:

Insert the brush into vents and along trim lines during your car wash with vacuum cleaner. The foam brush loosens dust and dirt, which can then be vacuumed up easily.

Can car wash vacuums pick up water? ›

Most vacuum systems at car washes are suitable for both wet and dry applications, unless otherwise stated.

How much power do car wash vacuums have? ›

These types of vacuums run on one powerful motor (typically 15 horsepower to 25 horsepower depending on how many user stations) that uses three-phase electrical power.

What happens if you don't vacuum your car? ›

Vacuuming the car is important for several reasons: Health and Hygiene: Allergen Removal: Dust, pollen, and pet dander can accumulate in the car, potentially triggering allergies and respiratory issues. Bacteria and Germs: Food crumbs and spills can harbor bacteria and germs, creating an unhealthy environment.

Can you clean without a vacuum? ›

Sweepers are relatively affordable tools that you simply run across your carpet to help pick up dirt. They do not require electricity and are much quieter than a vacuum, so you can clean anytime and anywhere. Run a sweeper across your carpets for quick crumb removal or dirty shoe trails.

Is a car vacuum worth it? ›

A good car vacuum is practically a must-have if you have kids or pets, but it's a useful accessory for most drivers. It'll take care of dust, dirt, crumbs and grit that'll build up on your car's carpets and upholstery, and make the interior look good as new in a few minutes.

What can I use to vacuum my car? ›

Your best bet is to use a high powered wet/dry vacuum with an extendable hose. One of these vacuums will give you all the suction you need while also being more maneuverable. Consider purchasing a dedicated car vacuum, which is designed to fit easily into hard-to-reach spots inside automobiles.

Can I use a home vacuum on my car? ›

While you could use a typical household vacuum to remove the grit from your car's interior, that isn't always practical. The best car vacuums are easy to handle in tight spaces and able to remove the mud, crumbs, and pet hair that can accumulate on your floor mats and upholstery.

Will water ruin a vacuum? ›

Vacuums not rated for water can be ruined when they get wet, depending on how much water you try to clean up. Light moisture like a few drops probably won't cause damage or put you at risk of a shock.

What happens if you pull a vacuum on water? ›

When we pull a vacuum on water, there are two opposing forces; on the one hand, we are DECREASING the pressure, which leads to evaporation and then boiling.

What vacuum picks up water? ›

Robot Wet/Dry Vacs

Robot wet-dry vacs contain two tanks, one for picking up dust and dirt in suctioning mode and the other for collecting water or cleaning fluids in mopping mode. The sensors and cameras installed in most robot wet-dry vac models scan and map out the areas for cleaning.

What is the best suction power for a car vacuum cleaner? ›

The best suction power will vary from 80 to 90 watts for a car vacuum cleaner. This will ensure that it will pick up all the dust, dirt, and debris from your car.

How many psi are most car washes? ›

What is the water pressure of your average automated car wash? Learn the Answers to More Frequently Asked Automotive Questions in our Blog! Car washes typically blast out their liquid at 1,000 to 1,200 PSI, although pressures can go up to 2,200 in some situations.

Do vacuums use a lot of electricity? ›

Vacuum cleaner wattage and local power prices affect operating costs. A standard vacuum cleaner uses 500-1500 watts per hour. At the U.S. national average power rate of $0.16 per kWh, operating a vacuum for an hour would cost $0.08 to $0.24.

What can I use if I don't have car cleaner? ›

  • If you need to, hand soap can be used to wash your car. ...
  • Vinegar can clean dirt and grime without damaging a car's exterior. ...
  • You can make a paste from water and baking soda to target stains or spots on your vehicle.
Sep 11, 2023

How to pick up crumbs without a vacuum? ›

Use a broom and a dustpan to take out sticky debris:

Sweep your carpet with the help of the right broom, dustpan and a bit of elbow grease, which helps remove debris and dirt. Make sure that the bottom of the broom houses stiff bristles to help effectively loosen and lift the dirt away from the carpet pile.

How do you clean a car seat without a vacuum? ›

Method 1: Use A Vinegar Mix on Your Seats

Keep a bottle of this stuff around to attack dirty areas everywhere—from your car seats to your shower head. Mix one cup of vinegar with about a gallon of water. Dab the mixture onto the seat and scrub with a brush. Finish by wiping dry with a microfiber towel.

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