How to use a Car Vacuum Cleaner at Home?
Vacuum cleaners have become one of the most used home appliances today. The market is flooded with so many models of vacuum cleaners that there are vacuum cleaners for cars. So, if you already own a car vacuum cleaner, is there a way to use it at home? Note that a car vacuum cleaner uses a DC supply, whole home vacuum cleaners use an AC supply. Well, yes, you can use a car vacuum cleaner at home. In this article, you will learn different ways to use a vacuum cleaner for home use.
How to use a Car Vacuum Cleaner at Home?
Car vacuum cleaners are not compatible with home sockets. So, to use a car vacuum cleaner at home, you need to change the plug from that of a cigarette lighter to one more suitable for home sockets. Here is how to do it the right way.
Step 1: Open the car Vacuum Cleaner Plug.
What you need to do first is to change the plug. To do that, you need to open the car vacuum cleaner plug. To open it, you need to apply pressure to the ring around the tip of the plug while pressing the two conductors at the side of the plug.
Step 2: Connect it to a USB Cable.
The essence of opening the vacuum cleaner’s plug is to gain access to the interior of the plug. In the interior, you’d see two wires connected to the tip and side conductors of the plug. So first, disconnect the two wires from the plug and get a USB cable. Next, connect the two wires from the vacuum cleaner to the red and black wires of the USB cable.
Step 3: Plug the Cable into an Adequate Adapter
Next, get a suitable adapter; this is the essential part of the whole step that will either make the whole process work or not. Note that you are converting 220V or 120V to about 12V DC. If you don’t get a suitable adapter, you won’t get enough power that will be able to power the vacuum cleaner. So, before getting an adapter, check the specification of your vacuum cleaner, and check Amazon or eBay for the suitable adapter.
Step 4: Plug the Adapter into a Power Outlet at Home and Clean
Lastly, connect the USB cable to the adapter and plug the adapter into a power outlet at home. If you did the connection right, it should work properly without giving you any issues. You can plug the vacuum cleaner into an extension socket so you can quickly move around the house as you clean.
Other ways to use a Car Vacuum Cleaner at Home
Don’t want to go through the process of disconnecting and connecting wires? Below are other ways you can convert a car vacuum cleaner for home use.
● Using a PSU Unit
One of the cheapest ways to convert a car vacuum cleaner for home use is using a PSU desktop unit. Since most homes already have a PSU unit, you wouldn’t have to do many connection installations. The PSU unit will ensure you have enough wattage to power your vacuum cleaner without causing any damage to the cleaner. To use a PSU unit, first, you have to remove the outer casing of the vacuum cleaner. Next, locate the power section and cut off the connection with batteries. After that, connect the vacuum cleaner connection wires to the PSU of the desktop before using an attachable cord to supply power from the socket. Once done, mount the PSU unit in a suitable position and align it correctly with the mains and the vacuum to enhance conductivity.
● Using a Cigarette Socket Device
If you don’t have a PSU unit in your home, getting a cigarette socket device is the cheapest way to convert a car vacuum cleaner for home use. Since it’s evident that a car vacuum cleaner comes with a plug for a cigarette lighter, then you need a power supply that delivers the exact specification as a cigarette lighter. You can buy this device from Amazon or eBay. Once you buy the device, connect the cigarette lighter plug to it and enjoy.
● Using a two-in-one Vacuum Cleaner
Lastly, if you buy a two-in-one vacuum cleaner, you don’t have to associate yourself with the conversion. Several two in one vacuum cleaners have a removable technology that makes the device portable and handier. Most two-in-one vacuum cleaners come with packages and many accessories dedicated to both car and traditional vacuuming; they have a car cigarette lighter and the main power port. They are also often lightweight for both types of cleaning jobs.
Is a Car Vacuum Cleaner Efficient for Cleaning a Home?
The truth is that a car vacuum cleaner is not meant for us for home use. So, don’t expect it to work as efficiently as a home vacuum cleaner. Nevertheless, they do a great job cleaning the home. It’s recommended not to use a car vacuum cleaner for cleaning large spaces.
If I use a Car Vacuum Cleaner to clean my Home, will it overheat?
Depending on the maker and model of the vacuum cleaner, it may overheat when used for an extended period. For example, a car vacuum cleaner is meant for use in a car or in small spaces. So, when you use it to clean your home, you may end up using it for an extended period; this means that you will be overworking the vacuum cleaner’s motor. And if there is anything you should know about working with motors, they overheat when used for an extended period.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, using a car vacuum cleaner at home is possible. However, for it to work, you need to convert the AC supply you get at home to a DC supply suitable for the vacuum cleaner. And even after converting it, ensure you use it only for emergencies or small spaces.
