Detailing Vacuum
Size matters...just not the way you think.

"Darren, I am confused about buying the right detailing vacuum. I see these other guys with mongo-sized shop vacs for detailing and think that maybe I need the same; can you help?"



I am surprised how often I am asked about finding the right vacuum for detailing. Whether a person is detailing their own cars or looking to start out in the business, it is an area that is often over-thought, but is actually an area of detailing that can be more simple than all the online "gurus" might suggest.

Size Matters

After I had been in professional detailing for awhile, I began to notice a theme with the other mobile detailers I came across.

They all seemed to be using these massive Shop Vacs!

There I was using a much smaller detailing vacuum that seemed to perform just fine.

Being the critical thinker I have always been, I quickly decided that these over-sized Shop Vacs might have a poor ROI (return on investment) and all these other detailers were simply playing "follow the followers".

One of my least favorite strategies in life.

Since every other detailer had an over-sized Shop Vac, then surely I must have one also. After all, if they are doing it then it must be the "right way".

But it's not....

The Best Shop Vac for Detailing:
4 gallon Ridgid Vacuum

Ridgid detailing vacuum

Ridgid Detailing Vacuum on Amazon

  • Won't break the bank.
  • Wet or dry capabilities.
  • Perfect for home or professional use.
  • The updated detailing vacuum I have used professionally for over 10 years

Most guys think they need to go level 10 when it comes to choosing the right vacuum for detailing.

I have found this simply to be unnecessary.

Not only will you spend more on a larger vacuum, but it will also become an added burden to not only haul the vacuum around if you plan on being mobile, but working with it will also become problematic.

ridgid detailing vacuumThis is my Ridgid vacuum that is years old now and keeps on going. As you will have noticed that this version has been updated.

Best Car Detailing Vacuum Nozzle

If you are just starting a detailing business and are choosing and guying your start-up equipment, you will read this page and very quickly decide that I am attempting to get you to buy more stuff, not less stuff.

Any "mechanic" (yes, you as a detailer will be a form  of mechanic) will know that tools matter. And more specifically, the right tool really matters.

While all these extra accessories are not a requirement since the Ridgid detailing vacuum comes with everything needed, the reality s that the other accessories I recommend here are not only what will make your job easier (the right tools), but are the exact accessories I have used professionally for decades now.

And the reason is simple: because they work and provide a much better user experience when performing a detailing task that is already difficult enough.


vacuum nozzle

Detailing Vacuum Nozzle on Amazon

  • The actual crevice tool I use professionally
  • Will literally last you years. (I have used this single crevice tool for years in the professional world)
  • Made of hard rubbery-plastic; very durable material without feeling cheap
  • Can be sanded down easily if the tip gets a jagged edge to prevent any damage to the interior of your car if ever required
  • This additional crevice tool will make life easier when using this vacuum to vacuum the many tight areas of a car interior

Your Detail Equipment Can Make or Break You

Ask any car mechanic how important their tools are to them, and then ask them how important it is to have the right tool.

The same holds true for detailing.

Detailing is physically hard and you don't want your detailing tasks to be harder than they already are by having the wrong tools.

Now you know what vacuum I use as a professional; which is also the winning balance in a vacuum for any driveway detailer.

Sincerely,

Darren Priest




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