You want to get your car vacuumed. However, you don’t think it’s worth paying $5 to $10 to use the self-service public vacuum at your local gas station. Or maybe your car doesn’t need a full-on car wash yet, but you want to brush off some debris.
Unfortunately, not many establishments let customers use their self-service vacuums for free. You could even search “car wash and gas stations with free vacuuming near me” and still come up empty-handed. You’ll at least have to pay a few bucks to use these apparatuses.
However, if you’re determined to find a nearby establishment that lets customers use their self-service public vacuum cleaners for free, we can help.
Our team understands the relevance of vacuum cleaning. A stained, dusty, and pest-infested car interior might seem intimidating to clean, but it typically just needs some deep vacuuming.
At least familiarize yourself with the local self-service public vacuum cleaners. Trust us—every car owner should have several options on where to bring their car for vacuuming now and then.
Stick with us until the end. Otherwise, you might waste hundreds on professional interior detailing when you can vacuum your car yourself at a local gas station or convenience store.
Let’s look into the places where you can vacuum your car for free!
Car Washes With Free Car Vacuums
You might have doubts about car washes that offer free vacuum cleaning, but they exist. Many modern car washes let motorists use their vacuum for free.
Of course, note that they’ll want to convert you into a paying customer eventually. As a general rule, drive in for a car wash at least every month or two so that the staff don’t flag you for abusing the shop’s cleaning apparatus.
Do you have a specific car wash franchise in mind? Check out the car washes that offer free vacuum cleaning near you!
** search results may contain both free and paid vacuum cleaners, please check reviews first. **
Tommy’s Express Car Wash
Tommy’s Express Car Wash ranks among the most widely known car washes in the U.S. It has 205 locations in 30 states.
Incidentally, it’s also one of the only major car wash franchises that let customers use their vacuum cleaners free of charge. Just drive up to any Tommy’s Express Car Wash location.
Flash Car Wash
Flash Car Wash has several locations in Florida, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Although all stations have free-to-use vacuum cleaners, they’re often only available to customers.
However, most Flash Car Wash won’t call out non-paying customers sneaking a few minutes of vacuuming.
Just limit your cleaning to around 5 to 10 minutes. If you want, look for branches that position their cleaning apparatuses away from the storefront so that you won’t have to confront the staff.
Tidal Wave Auto Spa
Tidal Wave Auto Spa has 60+ locations scattered across 11 states. Although all branches have self-service public vacuum cleaners, some branches follow stricter restrictions than others.
Generally, you can only use Tidal Wave Auto Spa’s vacuums after a wash. However, some locations let non-paying motorists vacuum for a few minutes as long as the spots aren’t full.
Raceway Car Wash
Raceway Car Wash has 40+ locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas. All of these branches carry free-to-use vacuum cleaners.
Technically, you need a membership to access their cleaning apparatus. However, the rates start at just $13 per month, and you’ll already get multiple washes plus free vacuuming.
Considering that gas stations often charge $2 for five minutes of vacuuming, Raceway Car Wash’s deal doesn’t sound so bad.
Breeze Thru Car Wash
Breeze Thru Car Wash has 12+ locations in Wyoming and Colorado. All branches carry free-to-use vacuum cleaners, but they typically limit these to paying customers.
If the location near you lets customers vacuum beforehand, you can try sneaking a few minutes of vacuuming. However, Breeze Thru Car Wash generally vacuums after a wash.
Motorists who need to vacuum regularly could try the station’s unlimited wash pass. You get free presoak, blowing, and vacuuming for just $12 a month.
Since most car owners spend $5 to vacuum at gas stations, you’ll get an ROI after two or three cleaning sessions.
Gas Stations With Free Car Vacuums
Some of the most widely known gas station franchises that carry vacuum cleaners include:
Arco
Arco has more than 1,500 locations scattered across 14 states in the West coast, upper Midwest, and even Mexico. Many of them carry at least a couple of vacuum cleaners.
Newly opened gas stations like the one at Wigwam Parkway in Henderson let customers use their vacuum cleaners for free. However, most charge $0.75 for two minutes.
Assuming that you just need to brush off light debris and pick up some trash, you’ll only need $2 for six minutes of vacuuming.
BP
BP has more than 7,200 locations scattered across various states, most of which offer car cleaning and vacuuming services. You can even find them through the BPme app on your iOS or Android device.
BP stations typically charge $2 for five minutes of vacuum cleaning. However, loyal BP patrons get a free car wash with vacuuming after five visits—and each wash only costs $8 to $10.
QuikTrip
Although QuikTrip isn’t as widely known as the other gas station franchises on this list, it offers the best deal.
Most gas stations charge $3 for vacuuming. Meanwhile, you can get a full car wash and free vacuum cleaning for just $3 at QuikTrip.
QuikTrip has recently expanded to 930+ locations in 15 states. If you live near one with a car wash tunnel and self-service vacuum cleaner, make sure you drop by.
Phillips 66
Phillips 66 ranks among the most widely known gas station franchises in the U.S. It currently has 7,550 locations in 48 states.
Most stations only charge $0.75 for two minutes of vacuuming; you can get rid of light dust and debris for only $1.50.
However, note that Phillips 66 stations are independently owned. At least a few hundred locations don’t mind letting customers use their vacuum cleaners for free.
Pro Tip: Phillips 66 offers cash backs when you use specific cards. You can use the rebates you collect from filling up on gas or buying stuff at the convenience store to pay for vacuum cleaning.
Citgo
Citgo has under 5,000 gas stations in the U.S. Most Citgo gas stations have a drive-through car wash, and they position their vacuum cleaners just behind it.
Vacuuming typically costs $2 for five minutes. However, most locations will let you vacuum for free if you have just filled up on gas—especially if they have old-school units that don’t take payments.
Don’t worry if you can’t find any of these gas stations. Instead, search for all the local gas stations that offer free vacuum cleaning near you
** search results may contain both free and paid vacuum cleaners, please check reviews first. **
Finding Car Washes With Free Vacuum Cleaners Near You
Are you still having trouble finding car washes and gas stations that let non-paying customers use their vacuums for free? You’ll find more free vacuum cleaning locations by:
- Using Google Maps: Google Maps shows all the establishments carrying vacuum cleaners. Check them out when you have the time.
- Joining Threads and Groups: Join Facebook groups and Reddit threads where motorists discuss local establishments with free self-service public vacuum cleaners.
- Checking Smaller Gas Stations: Small, independently owned gas stations often have no qualms about letting non-paying customers use their vacuum cleaners.
Bear in mind that if the establishment isn't near you or your destination, the money you spend on gas alone already trumps the cost of paid vacuuming, so it's best to visit an establishment with a free vacuum nearest to your location.
Whether you use the vacuum cleaner at a local gas station or buy a small one yourself, don’t neglect to vacuum your vehicle. It’s the quickest way to keep your interior clean. Eliminating the dirt, debris, and crumbs in your car makes a world of difference.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
