When people hire you for professional auto detailing, they’re just as concerned about the inside of their vehicles as the outside. You may have even taken on a few jobs where the inside of a vehicle needed far more time and elbow grease than the outside. After all, many people spend a lot of time in their cars, using them for mobile workstations, on-the-go meals, transporting children and pets, and even taking quick drives to escape from everyday chaos for a little while.
With all that being the case, you need the right tools and equipment to get rid of dirt, mud, crumbled food, set-in stains, and many other unsightly messes. That’s where auto detailing vacuum cleaners come into play. Having the right model, or models as the case may be, on hand can give you the power you need to leave vehicle interiors spotless.
Exploring Different Types of Detailing Vacuum Cleaners
Several types of vacuums are on the market. For auto detailing, they fall into three main categories: handheld, plug-in, and wet/dry vacuums. Each one has its own features and benefits, but not all of them are right for all types of jobs. Read on to learn more about what each option can bring to the table to help you find the right ones to make your customers happy.
Handheld Vacuums
First, let’s look at handheld vacuum’s cleaners. They’re light, compact, and easily portable. They’re also cordless, which can be helpful for several reasons. They’re perfect for reaching crevices and tight spots that larger vacuums can’t easily get to. They’re fantastic for cleaning cup holders, around seat mounts, and in other awkward areas.
Still, handheld vacuums usually don’t have the same power as plug-in models. On top of that, using them to clean an entire vehicle interior could be time consuming and labor intensive. You have to keep them charged as well. For the most part, handheld detailing vacuums are best for light jobs and finishing touches.
Plug-in Vacuums
Plug-in vacuums are popular among professional detailers. They have ample suction power, and they can easily handle tough messes. They have long hoses as well. Though you may have to move them from time to time to get into all the nooks and crannies of a vehicle, that probably won’t be a constant hassle. With the right attachments, they can be just as effective as handheld models for tight spots.
Of course, the trade-off here is mobility. They’re bigger, bulkier, and heavier, which makes them a bit more difficult to handle. You need to be fairly close to an electrical outlet to use them too.
Wet/Dry Vacuums
Finally, there are wet/dry vacuums. They’re perfect for set-in stains, caked-in mud, and other tough cleaning needs. For deep cleaning, removing water after shampooing and scrubbing, and other heavy-duty jobs, wet/dry vacuums are usually the best solution. You can use them for vacuuming up dry messes as well as drawing out excess moisture, so they’re more versatile.
That being said, wet/dry vacuums tend to be the heaviest and bulkiest of the models on the market. As such, they’re more difficult to handle. They’re not the best option for cleaning in tight crevices, either. Many professional detailers feel that the multifunctionality they offer makes them well worth the added weight and bulk, though.
Choosing the Right Detailing Vacuum
Overall, the right detailing vacuum for you depends on the types of jobs you do. Some professionals prefer to have all three types of models on hand. Others may use a combination of wet/dry and handheld versions. On the other hand, if you typically do light cleaning, a plug-in vacuum with an assortment of attachments may be all you need to get the job done.
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