Cars are bound to get dirty and this is an irrefutable fact of life considering the amount of time we spend in them while commuting to work, shuttling kids to school, and running errands. Our cars witness a myriad of activities, from eating meals and applying makeup to clipping nails and completing homework assignments. Without proper care, your gleaming status symbol can swiftly transform into an unsightly eyesore.
Car owners will attest to the fact that vacuuming is an essential aspect of car maintenance. When you own a car, it becomes imperative to provide proper care and maintain its cleanliness to the best of your abilities. If dust settles within your car, it can quickly give rise to mold. Vacuuming offers a solution to clean your car without necessitating a full-fledged car wash.
Maintaining a clean car, both inside and out, can prove to be a pricey affair if one relies solely on specialty carwashes. Every car owner should familiarize themselves with public establishments that kindly provide complimentary car vacuuming sessions. After all, saving a few pennies here and there can accumulate over time!
4 Gas Stations that Provide Free Car Vacuuming
While not every station in your neighborhood may offer complimentary vacuum services, it’s worth exploring the small gas stations as a promising starting point. These lesser-known establishments often employ the strategy of providing free services to compete with their larger counterparts. To begin your search, consider seeking out a small, independently owned fuel station nearby and reach out to inquire about the availability of a complimentary car vacuum facility.
1. Arco
Locations: Approximately 1500 in the United States.
Found in states: 17 especially on the West Coast, Mexico, and the Upper Midwest
Vacuum charge: A modest fee of $0.75 for 2 minutes and $2 for 6 minutes is levied for vacuuming your vehicle. However, some centers like the Arco gas station nestled on Wigwam Parkway in Henderson offer this service for free.
Accepted payment methods: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, prepaid gas card, fleet card, debit card, credit card, and cash.
Time taken: 2-6 minutes
Number of vacuum cleaners at each branch: At least two
Other Facilities: Gas refill and snack bar
Arco Gas Station near me: https://www.arco.com/en-us/southwest/find-a-station/
2. BP
Locations: Approximately 18700 around the globe and 7200 plus stations in the United States.
Vacuum charge: At BP stations, the standard rate for five minutes of vacuum cleaning is approximately $2. However, BP sweetens the deal by offering a complimentary car vacuuming session when you avail yourself of their car wash services, which typically range from $8 to $10. BP loyalty customers can revel in the delight of a free car wash accompanied by vacuuming after completing five visits.
Accepted payment methods: Credit cards, Apple Pay, etc.
Time taken: 2-5 minutes
BP Gas Station near me: https://www.bp.com/en_us/united-states/home/find-a-gas-station.html
3. Citgo
Locations: Approximately 5000 in the United States.
Found in states: 30 states
Vacuum charge: Citgo’s vacuuming services typically come with a price tag of approximately $2 for a five-minute session. However, many Citgo service stations generously offer free car vacuuming if you fulfill a simple condition—filling up your gas tank. This perk becomes particularly prevalent at stations equipped with old-school units that operate without the hassle of payments.
Time taken: 3-5 minutes
Other Facilities: Drive-through car wash service with a vacuum cleaner situated behind it. Many of its convenience stores sell lottery tickets, CITGO gift cards, offer check cashing, money orders, money transfers, $40 cash back with debit cards only, and convenient ATMs.
Citgo Gas Station near me: https://www.citgo.com/station-locator
4. Phillips 66
Locations: Approximately 7550 in the United States.
Found in states: 48 states
Vacuum charge: At Phillips 66 stations, the cost of vacuuming is typically a modest $0.75 to $1.50. It charges just $1.50 to rid your vehicle of light dust and debris. It’s important to note that Phillips 66 stations are independently owned, and some offer their car vacuum cleaners to customers free of charge. Phillips 66 gas station offers exciting cashback and rebates when using specific cards and their app and specific cards which can be redeemed for vacuum cleaning.
Accepted payment methods: Phillips 66® Credit Card, Direct Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Click to Pay, and Phillips 66® Gift Cards.
Time taken: 2 minutes
Phillips 66 Gas Station near me: https://www.phillips66gas.com/station-finder/?s=all
4 Convenience Store for Free Car Vacuuming
Many convenience stores have recognized the value of providing complimentary vacuuming services as a way to enhance the customer experience. What’s even more remarkable is that these services are often available without any charge. These stores understand that by offering this thoughtful amenity, they can not only attract customers but also foster a sense of loyalty and satisfaction.
1. QuikTrip
Locations: Approximately 930 in the United States.
Found in states: 15 states
Vacuum charge: At QuikTrip, you can indulge in a comprehensive car wash experience, complete with free vacuum cleaning, all for the enticingly affordable price of $3.
Accepted payment methods: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major debit and credit cards.
Other Facilities: Gas refill, shopping, and snack bar
Quicktrip near me: https://locations.quiktrip.com/search
2. Kwik Trip
Locations: Approximately 700 in the United States.
Found in states: Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota
Vacuum charge: For a mere $3, you can treat your vehicle to a comprehensive car wash experience that includes both a thorough body and undercarriage wash and dry. Car vacuuming service is offered complimentary with every car wash. However, that’s not all—should you desire additional enhancements, you have the option to customize your car wash package. If you don’t want to opt for an elaborate car wash, then you might have to pay between $1-2 for car vacuuming.
Accepted payment methods: Apple Pay, major credit and debit cards, and cash payments.
Time taken: 3-5 minutes
Other Facilities: Convenience stores offering vegetables, fresh meat, and fruits. They also have fee-free ATMs.
Kwik Trip near me: https://www.kwiktrip.com/locator
3. Chevron
Locations: Approximately 7800 in the United States.
Vacuum charge: $1-2, while some offer free vacuuming.
Accepted payment methods: PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard, Reliacard debit card, American Express, Discover, Texaco physical gift cards with pins, Texaco and Chevron electronic gift cards, and activated American Express gift cards.
Time taken: 3-5 minutes
Other Facilities: Car wash services, diesel fuel, auto service, etc.
Chevron near me: https://www.chevronwithtechron.com/en_us/home/gas-station-near-me.html
4. 7-Eleven
Locations: Approximately 14000 in the United States.
Vacuum charge: $1-$2, while some offer free vacuuming.
Accepted payment methods: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, activated American Express gift cards, and 7-Eleven gift cards.
Time taken: 2 minutes
Other Facilities: Many locations have 24-hour gas stations with car vacuums. They sell Western Union and MoneyGram money orders.
7-Eleven near me: https://www.7-eleven.com/locator
19 Car Washes Centers for Free Car Vacuuming
Many modern car wash establishments allow motorists to utilize their vacuums without any charge. There could be multiple reasons behind this, such as converting potential customers into paying patrons by offering car cleaning services and other related amenities available at the car wash. If you frequent a particular car wash, you might be entitled to free vacuum cleaning on occasion. In case you can’t recall a car wash franchise that offers such benefits, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve listed car washes that provide free car vacuum cleaning services.
- Breeze Thru Car Wash
- Flash Car Wash
- Go Car Wash
- Pete’s Express Car Wash
- Raceway Car Wash
- Tidal Wave Auto Spa
- Tommy’s Express Car Wash
- Super Star Car Wash
- Quick Quack Car Wash
- Blue Wave Express
- El Car Wash
- Take5
- Car Wash USA Express
- Wash’N Go Express
- Auto Spa Car Wash
- Wash N’ Go Depot
- Lightning Express Car Wash
- Zips Car Wash
- Jet Brite Car Wash
1. Breeze Thru Car Wash
Locations: 12 convenient locations in Northern Wyoming and Colorado
Vacuum charge: Breeze Thru Car Wash branches offer free-to-use vacuum cleaners which are reserved for paying customers. To make the most of your visit, you can spend $12 to get an unlimited wash pass. This pass grants you unlimited car washes and includes complimentary presoak blowing and vacuuming services.
Breeze Thru Car Wash near me: https://breezethrucarwash.com/locations/
2. Flash Car Wash
Locations: Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Vacuum charge: At all Flash Car Wash stations, you’ll find the convenience of free-to-use vacuum cleaners. However, please be aware that these vacuums are generally reserved for paying customers. While most Flash Car Wash franchises may not enforce restrictions on non-paying customers using the vacuums, it is recommended to be mindful of others and limit your cleaning time to approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Flash Car Wash near me: https://flashcarwashes.com/locations/
3. Go Car Wash
Locations: California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Virginia
Vacuum charge: Free if you avail of a car wash.
Go Car Wash near me: https://gocarwash.com/locations/
4. Pete’s Express Car Wash
Locations: 5 locations in Pennsylvania including North Wales, East Norriton, Strafford, Warrington, West Chester
Vacuum charge: Each of their locations boasts a centralized car vacuum system that you can utilize without any additional cost whenever you opt for a car wash by paying $5.
Pete’s Express Car Wash near me: https://petesexpresscarwash.com/
5. Raceway Car Wash
Locations: 40 locations across the state, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas.
Vacuum charge: Every branch of their establishment provides complimentary access to vacuum cleaners for your convenience. However, it’s important to note that to enjoy the benefits of these free vacuum cleaners, you are required to become a member of their program or service.
Raceway Car Wash near me: https://racewaycarwash.com/locations
6. Tidal Wave Auto Spa
Locations: 100 different locations widely scattered across 11 states, namely Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia
Vacuum charge: Certain branches generously offer free self-service vacuum cleaners to the public, provided there are available spots. However, it’s important to note that other branches may have more stringent regulations, reserving the use of their vacuum services exclusively for paying customers.
Tidal Wave Auto Spa Car Wash near me: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/locations/
7. Tommy’s Express Car Wash
Locations: It has 206 locations spread across 30 states, namely 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
Vacuum charge: You can drive to Tommy’s Express Car Wash and avail of car vacuuming free of charge. These are usually positioned near the exit of the car wash.
Tommy’s Express Car Wash near me: https://tommys-express.com/locations/
8. Super Star Car Wash
Locations: Arizona, Los Angeles, Texas, San Diego, and Colorado
Vacuum charge: Free
Super Star Car Wash near me: https://www.superstarcarwashaz.com/locations/
9. Quick Quack Car Wash
Locations: Over 150 locations in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah
Vacuum charge: The vacuums are available free of charge when accompanied by a car wash purchase. Alternatively, if you prefer not to utilize their car wash services, you can opt to pay a fee of $1 for the use of the vacuums.
Quick Quack Car Wash near me: https://www.dontdrivedirty.com/locationsandpricing/
10. Blue Wave Express
Locations: Texas and California
Vacuum charge: Free if you get a car wash
Blue Wave Express Car Wash near me: https://bluewaveexpress.com/locations/
11. El Car Wash
Locations: Only in Florida
Vacuum charge: It is a free self-service vacuum location having 10+ vacuums available, followed by a paid drive-thru car wash.
El Car Wash near me: https://elcarwash.com/locations/
12. Take5
Locations: Only in North Carolina
Vacuum charge: Free if you get a car wash
Take5 Car Wash near me: https://www.take5.com/car-wash/
13. Car Wash USA Express
Locations: It has over 100 car wash locations across the Mid-South US.
Vacuum charge: Customers who purchase a wash are treated to the convenience of free vacuum services. Additionally, as an added bonus, you will receive complimentary towels and sprays to enhance your car-cleaning experience.
Car Wash USA Express Car Wash near me: https://carwashusaexpress.com/locations/
14. Wash’N Go Express
Locations: 2 in the United States
Vacuum charge: Get a basic car wash for $5 to enjoy car vacuuming services for free.
Wash’N Go Express Car Wash near me: https://www.google.com/maps?ll=26.187156,-80.252541&z=13&t=m&hl=en&gl=US&mapclient=embed&cid=17692993856856474253 and https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wash-N-Go+Express+Car+Wash/@27.2602487,-80.3734986,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88deea2c4f5d2723:0xb8917664d4d1a996!8m2!3d27.2602587!4d-80.3735025!16s%2Fg%2F1vr3dz_s?entry=ttu
15. Auto Spa Car Wash
Locations: 7 in Los Angeles
Vacuum charge: Get your car washed and enjoy vacuuming for free.
Auto Spa Car Wash near me: https://autospala.com/#locations
16. Wash N’ Go Depot
Locations: 3 in Southern Oregon
Vacuum charge: Get your car washed and enjoy vacuuming for free. You will also get complimentary towels, window cleaner, dash wipes, and an air freshener.
Wash N’ Go Depot Car Wash near me: https://www.washngodepot.com/locations
17. Lightning Express Car Wash
Locations: Lawndale California
Vacuum charge: Get your car washed and enjoy vacuuming for free.
Lightning Express Car Wash near me: https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/17111+Hawthorne+Blvd,+Lawndale,+CA+90260,+USA/@33.8752626,-118.3554813,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x80c2b4f8c7c80a91:0xe36a9765dfb2212b!8m2!3d33.8752626!4d-118.3529064!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3zmjgb?entry=ttu
18. Zips Car Wash
Locations: 275 locations across 24 states and counting in the United States
Vacuum charge: Get your car washed and enjoy vacuuming for free.
Zips Car Wash near me: https://www.zipscarwash.com/drive-through-car-wash-locations
19. Jet Brite Car Wash
Locations: 11 stores across Chicago and its suburbs
Vacuum charge: Get your car washed and enjoy vacuuming and mat cleaning for free.
Jet Brite Car Wash near me: https://www.jetbritecarwash.com/locations/
Conclusion
Frequently, our cars don’t require an elaborate car wash; we simply aim to eliminate the excess debris from their surfaces. Allocating ten dollars for this purpose might not be the most appealing option for everyone. But you don’t need to worry as the places listed above will offer complimentary vacuuming services in your vicinity to help get rid of the debris without having to break your bank.
