Owning a car is a big expense on its own, but the costs of cleaning and maintenance can add up fast. Since a vehicle is such an investment, you definitely want to keep your car clean and in working order. And while you can’t get around the price of new tires or windshield wipers, you can save money on one maintenance element: vacuuming.
The average price of professional car detailing is $100 – $350. 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.
If you love free stuff, check out these freebies you can get with coupons and freebies you can (almost) find.
For more money-saving tips, download The Krazy Coupon Lady app or text HACKS to 5729 9.
Offers and local participation may vary.
Here’s Where You Can Find Free Car Vacuums
1. Tommy’s Express Car Wash
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 229 locations in 37 different states, Tommy’s Express is by far the most widely available chain with a free vacuum.
Locations in these states:
-
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
2. Tidal Wave Auto Spa
With over 275 locations in 30 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
-
Arkanasas
-
Florida
-
Georgia
-
Idaho
-
Illinois
-
Indiana
-
Iowa
-
Kansas
-
Kentucky
-
Michigan
-
Minnesota
-
Mississippi
-
Missouri
-
Montana
-
Nebraska
-
New Mexico
-
New York
-
North Carolina
-
North Dakota
-
Ohio
-
Oklahoma
-
Pennsylvania
-
South Carolina
-
South Dakota
-
Tennessee
-
Texas
-
Virginia
-
West Virginia
-
Wisconsin
3. Go Car Wash
Go Car Wash offers free vacuuming in addition to a variety of car wash services. Check their website for all 157 locations.
Locations in these states:
-
California
-
Kansas
-
Missouri
-
Nebraska
-
Nevada
-
New York
-
Oregon
-
Texas
-
Virginia
-
West 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 have a membership. 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.
You'll find 253 Quick Quack Car Wash locations in these states:
-
Arizona
-
California
-
Colorado
-
Oklahoma
-
Texas
-
Utah
5. Super Star Car Wash
Super Star Car Wash offers free access to their vacuums.
Look for 122 Super Star Car Wash locations across these states:
-
Arizona
-
California
-
Colorado
-
Texas
5. Raceway Car Wash
All of Raceway Car Wash‘s 44 locations provide free vacuuming when you purchase any kind of car wash service.
Locations in these states:
-
Arizona
-
California
-
Nevada
-
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 of their 19 locations.
Locations in these states:
-
Connecticut
-
Massachusetts
-
Rhode Island
8. Blue Wave Express
Residents of Texas and California can take advantage of free car vacuuming with every car wash at the 49 Blue Wave Express locations. Check out their store locator to find the nearest one to you.
Locations in these states:
-
California
-
Texas
9. Breeze Thru Car Wash
With 15 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
Gas Stations With Vacuums (Not Free)
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
Related Reading:
