The Best RV Vacuum Cleaners for Keeping Your RV Spotless

By: Sofia Burley Updated:

Maintaining a clean RV is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. The small spaces in an RV can quickly accumulate dirt and debris, making a reliable vacuum cleaner a must-have.

Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, choosing the best RV vacuum cleaner can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the key factors to consider and explore some of the top options on the market.

What Is an RV Vacuum Cleaner?

An RV vacuum cleaner is specifically designed for use in recreational vehicles.

These vacuums are compact and efficient, making them ideal for the limited space and unique challenges of RV living.

They come in various styles, including corded, cordless, and central-vac systems.

Corded vs. Cordless RV Vacuums

  • Corded RV Vacuums: Corded vacuums require a power source and are generally more powerful with increased suction. However, the length of the power cable can limit their functionality. These are great for RVers who have access to shore power.
  • Cordless RV Vacuums: Cordless vacuums offer optimal performance and maneuverability, especially in tight spaces. They are battery-operated, so you need to keep them charged. Cordless models are perfect for those who prefer the convenience of not dealing with cords.

Traditional Vacuum vs. RV Central-Vac System

  • Traditional Vacuums: These include both corded and cordless models and are great for mobile use in any RV. They don’t require any special equipment or features, making them versatile and easy to use.
  • RV Central-Vac Systems: These systems are usually built into a cabinet or under-storage compartment. They come with a long hose and attachments, making it easy to reach all areas of your RV. Central-vac systems are often factory-installed and come with features like an automatic dustpan for easy cleaning.

Benefits of an RV Vacuum Cleaner

  1. Efficient Cleaning: RV floors can get dirty quickly, especially when parked in nature. A vacuum helps pick up tiny particles that a broom might miss.
  2. Space-Saving: Many RV vacuums are designed to be compact and easy to store, which is crucial in the limited space of an RV.
  3. Versatility: Some models come with attachments for cleaning vehicles, tight spaces, and even wet messes.

Challenges of an RV Vacuum Cleaner

  1. Storage: Finding a place to store a vacuum in an RV can be challenging. Look for models that are compact and easy to stow away.
  2. Power Draw: Corded vacuums use a considerable amount of energy, which can be a concern for boondockers. Cordless options are a good alternative but require regular charging.
  3. Weight: Vacuums can be heavy, so consider the weight if you have limited weight margins or physical challenges.

How to Choose the Best RV Vacuum Cleaner

  1. Evaluate Your Needs: Consider how often you’ll use the vacuum and the type of messes you’ll be cleaning.
  2. Size and Weight: Ensure the vacuum fits in your storage spaces and is easy to carry.
  3. Power Draw: Check the power usage, especially if you boondock frequently.
  4. Wet/Dry Function: If you need to clean up wet messes, look for a wet/dry vacuum.
  5. Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. There are options at various price points to suit different needs.

Top RV Vacuum Cleaners

Best Cordless Stick Vacuums

1. Shark Cordless Pet Plus Vacuum

This cordless vacuum offers 40 minutes of runtime with a removable battery, making it ideal for extended cleaning sessions. The PowerFins brushroll ensures continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets and directly engage floors.

The self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap, making it perfect for pet owners. The HEPA filtration and anti-allergen complete seal capture and trap dust, allergens, dander, and more, keeping them out of the air you breathe.

The vacuum also features LED headlights to illuminate hidden debris and a low-profile design for cleaning under furniture.

It comes with a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and anti-allergen dusting brush. Ideal For RVers who need a lightweight, powerful vacuum for quick clean-ups and pet owners.

Shark Cordless Pet Plus Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Powerful Suction, Lightweight, 40min Runtime

  • HYPERVELOCITY ACCELERATED SUCTION: Provides incredible deep-cleaning performance in an ultra-lightweight vacuum.

2. Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum

Known for its powerful suction, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal captures particles as small as allergens and bacteria.

It runs for 60 minutes on a single charge, making it perfect for deep cleaning sessions.

The vacuum is designed to be versatile, working effectively on all floor types. Ideal For those who want a premium, powerful vacuum for deep cleaning.

Dyson V10 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner: 14 Cyclones, Up to 60 Min Runtime, Purple

  • Powerful suction to deep clean everywhere. 55% more suction than the Dyson V7.
  • Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home – Our vacuums and purifiers are scientifically proven to capture particles as small as and .

Best Corded Stick Vacuum

3. Shark Rocket Corded Vacuum

This corded vacuum converts into a handheld vacuum for easy floor-to-ceiling cleaning. It features swivel steering for excellent maneuverability around furniture.

The vacuum comes with powerful pet hair pickup attachments and can be conveniently hung on the wall with its built-in hook.

Ideal for budget-conscious RVers who need a versatile vacuum.

Shark HV302 Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum, Lightweight with Swivel Steering for Carpets & Hard Floors, Converts to Hand Vacuum

  • SHARK ROCKET PET CORDED STICK VACUUM: Ultra-powerful, corded cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
  • PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the pet-multi tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.

Best Wet/Dry Vacuum

4. Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum

This vacuum is designed to wash and vacuum simultaneously, making it a great choice for pet owners.

It comes with a 25-foot cord for extensive reach and features a multi-surface pet brush roll and pet hair strainer for deep cleaning.

The vacuum is safe and effective for use on tile, sealed wood floors, laminate, linoleum, rubber floor mats, and more.

Ideal for RVers who need a vacuum that can handle both dry and wet messes.

BISSELL Crosswave Pet Pro All in One Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for Hard Floors and Area Rugs, Purple

  • EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets..Cleaning Path Width : 12″. Swivel Head : Yes. Clean Tank Capacity Water Tank – 28 oz. Dirt Cup Capacity : 14.5 OZ..Brush System : Tangle Free. Automatic Cord Rewind : No.

Best Handheld Vacuums

5. Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

Weighing only 1.4 lbs, this handheld vacuum is perfect for RV living. It features an ion charging dock for fast charging and convenient storage.

The high-powered suction and brushless motor make it effective for quick clean-ups. Ideal for those who need a compact, powerful handheld vacuum.

Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum, Lightweight at 1.4 Pounds with Powerful Suction, Charging Dock, …

  • POWERFUL CORDLESS SUCTION: High-speed, brushless motor delivers unbelievable suction power. Dust cup capacity – 0.08 quarts. Specific uses:carpet.Amps : 10.6A.Cleaning Path Width : 3.35 in

6. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum

Designed to remove embedded debris like dirt and pet hair, this handheld vacuum comes with multiple attachments, including a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas.

The 14-volt lithium-ion battery provides extended run time, and the dirt bin is large and easy to empty. Ideal for all RV owners, especially those with pets.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, Purple

  • Buy BISSELL, save pets. BISSELL donates up to 10 dollars to the BISSELL pet foundation for every pet product purchase, upon activation
  • Remove more embedded dirt and pet hair with a motorized brush tool and lithium ion battery
  • 14V lithium ion battery for lithium powered cleaning

7. BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

This budget-friendly handheld vacuum features lithium battery technology for extended run time.

It comes with a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas and a wide mouth for picking up large debris. The lightweight design makes it extremely portable. Ideal for budget-conscious RV owners.

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum, Home and Car Vacuum (HHVI315JO42)

  • MULTI-SURFACE USE – Removes hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, car interiors, furniture, and high-traffic areas.Specific uses:Carpet
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE – Easy to carry and maneuver, even in tight spaces.

Best Central Vacuum System

8. Dirt Devil Central Vacuum System

This central-vac system is designed specifically for RVs and comes with a hose that’s expandable from 7’ to 35’.

The compartment holds up to one gallon of debris, meaning you spend less time emptying the container than with a standard vacuum.

It includes several attachment tools for versatile cleaning. Ideal for RVers who want a built-in vacuum system for easy cleaning.

HP Products 9880 Dirt Devil Central Vacuum System

  • Built in for convenience and space-saving purposes7′ to 35′ expandable length hose
  • 10″ rug/floor tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tools and mesh tool bag included. Flow rate: 100 cubic feet per minute

Best Cordless Hand Vacuum for Ryobi Users

9. Ryobi One+ Evercharge Cordless Hand Vacuum

Compatible with the standard Ryobi One+ rechargeable lithium batteries, this handheld vacuum is convenient for Ryobi users. It weighs only 2 lbs and has a cleaning path of 3.5 inches, making it perfect for RVs.

The compact design and included attachment for smaller spaces add to its versatility. Ideal for Ryobi tool users who need a convenient handheld vacuum.

RYOBI P714K 18V One+ Evercharge Cordless Hand Vacuum Kit

  • 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless EVERCHARGE Hand Vacuum Kit with 1.3 Ah Compact Battery and Wall Adaptor/Charger.

Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners

10. Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

This premium vacuum offers powerful suction and a runtime of 60 minutes, making it ideal for multiple cleaning sessions. The vacuum features a digital display that shows the remaining battery life and performance mode.

The advanced filtration system traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Ideal for those who want a premium, powerful vacuum.

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Blue

  • Up to 60 minutes of run time. Engineered for larger homes with pets. Actual run time will vary based on power mode, floor type and/or attachments used.
  • Advanced whole-machine filtration. Advanced whole-machine filtration traps 99.99% of particles, dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.

Best Affordable Upright Vacuum

11. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum

This lightweight vacuum converts to a handheld vacuum for versatile cleaning. It is designed to be powerful yet easy to maneuver, making it perfect for RVs.

The vacuum comes with a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas and is available in several fun colors. Ideal for budget-conscious RVers.

Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033, One Size Fits All, Blue

  • Powerful, convenient, and easy to use.2033.0 watts.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
  • Clean hard floors and surface dirt on carpets and area rugs. Surface type: Counter tops, sealed hard floors, low pile carpet. Dirt cup capacity: 0.67 liter. Power Cord Length 15′

Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners

12. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Bagless Cylinder Canister Vacuum Cleaner

This bagless canister vacuum automatically detects the floor type and adjusts its suction power accordingly. It features a tangle-free brush that is effective at cleaning up pet hair and other debris.

The vacuum includes a crevice tool and dusting brush attachment for versatile cleaning. Ideal for RVs with both carpet and vinyl floors.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Bagless Cylinder Canister Vacuum Cleaner, 2230

  • Automatic Floor Type Recognition: The SmartClean Sensor automatically detects when cleaning bare floor or carpet and adjusts the suction power to the correct setting for optimal cleaning.
  • Thorough, Tangle-Free Cleaning: The motorized floor nozzle with Tangle-Free Brush captures more embedded hair and debris than straight suction alone.

Best Affordable Canister Vacuum

13. Bissell Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum

This budget-friendly canister vacuum weighs less than eight pounds and features swivel steering for easy maneuverability. It comes with a long handle to reach small spaces and under furniture.

The automatic cord retractor adds convenience. Ideal for budget-conscious RV owners.

Bissell 2156A Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum

  • Dirt cup capacity – 2 liters. Cyclonic action and powerful suction provide thorough cleaning. Plus, no more bags to buy or change ever.Amperage : 9 amps.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
  • 15 feet of cord for great cleaning reach and retracts with the touch of a button for easy storage

Best Wet Vacuums for RVs

14. Dewalt 20V Max Vacuum

This versatile wet vacuum comes with cordless battery or corded power options, making it suitable for any camping situation.

The large 20-gallon capacity is ideal for quickly cleaning up major leaks and preventing serious water damage.

It includes crevice tool and wide mouth attachments for versatile use. Ideal for cleaning up water leaks and preventing water damage.

DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum, Cordless and Corded, Versatile Power Source, Portable Shop Vacuum

  • Plenty of Storage – 2-gallon tank capacity provides enough storage to empty a toilet or clogged pipe
  • Easy Filter Maintenance – Easily accessible, washable, and reusable filter. Heavy Duty – Flexible 5 ft. x 1-1/4 in. diameter hose

Best Affordable Wet Vacuum

15. Armor All Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum

This corded wet/dry vacuum has a 2.5-gallon capacity, making it compact yet effective for cleaning up water messes. It includes several attachments, such as a crevice tool, for versatile use.

The vacuum is designed to be durable and reliable. Ideal for cleaning up water messes.

Armor All, AA255 , 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum , Orange

  • 2.5 Gallon Polypropylene Tank. Specific uses:Car,Garage,Shop. 2 Peak HP Motor. 10 Ft. Cord With Cord Wrap
  • Note: It is a 1-1/4” diameter hose which will make it difficult to pick up leaves or other larger debris.

Best Steam Vacuums for RVs

16. Bissell SpotClean ProHeat Portable Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner

The Bissell SpotClean ProHeat Portable Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner is the best option for steam cleaning in a RV. The SpotClean was designed to be portable, so it is small and lightweight.

Although it is compact, it is still powerful and can remove embedded stains in carpet or upholstery. This portable cleaner can also be used to deep clean the interior of your tow or toad vehicle.

Bissell SpotClean ProHeat Portable Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner, 2694, Blue

  • Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
  • Permanent Stain Removal with the Power of OXY. Take on your toughest spots and stains with the power of BISSELL OXY formula and strong suction.

Other RV Cleaning Tools

Keeping your RV clean requires more than just a vacuum. Here are some additional tools to consider:

  1. Multi-Purpose Cleaner: A versatile cleaner for various surfaces.
  2. Compact Broom: For quick clean-ups between vacuuming.
  3. Dirt-Collecting Door Mat: To prevent dirt from entering your RV.
  4. Biodegradable RV Wash: For cleaning the exterior of your RV.
  5. Adjustable Wash Brush: For reaching high points when washing your RV.
  6. Portable Air Compressor: For cleaning appliances and adjusting tire pressure.
  7. Holding Tank Cleaning Supplies: For maintaining your RV’s holding tanks.

Keep the Outdoors Outside With an RV Vacuum

A good vacuum cleaner is essential for keeping your RV clean and comfortable. Whether you opt for a corded, cordless, or central-vac system, choosing the right vacuum can make your RV living experience much more enjoyable.

Consider your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle to find the best RV vacuum cleaner for you. Happy cleaning and safe travels!

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Hi, I'm Sofia Burley, a seasoned camper who loves helping women experience the great outdoors. I'll share tips and recommendations based on my 10 years of experience to make camping fun and memorable for everyone.
Join me on this journey!