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
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:
California
Kansas
Missouri
Nevada
New York
Texas
Virginia
4. Quick Quack Car Wash
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
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
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
