Many people enjoy detailing their cars and having them look like new again. It is an enjoyable hobby for many car enthusiasts, but it can also be a financial investment to keep your car in pristine condition. There are also practical reasons, such as turning a profit on your services if you gain enough clients or customers. Many car enthusiasts are drawn to detailing because they want their cars to look shiny and new. It is a simple yet effective way to keep your car looking that way like you did the day you purchased it.
1. Wash mitts
Wash mitts are an essential car detailing supply. They are used to clean the body of your vehicle. Wash mitts are made from various materials such as microfiber, terry cloth, and corduroy. Most wash mitts come with an attached sponge and a loop for your thumb to fit through. Wash mitts should be able to hold a lot of water and soap for you to scrub off any dirt or grime that may have built up on your car’s exterior if it has been sitting outside for some time.
2. Bucket
A bucket is another essential product you will need to clean your car. The bucket is used to hold your water and cleaning solutions. You can use the bucket for various chemicals, such as degreasers, waxes, rinses, and other fluids that can be used to clean your vehicle’s exterior. As with the wash mitts, ensure you get a sturdy bucket that stays intact if you accidentally drop it on the ground during detailing.
3. Soft wash mop
A soft wash mop is a must-have product if you plan to wash your car’s exterior. You can use the soft wash mop as an alternative to washing your vehicle with a bucket and sponge. Gentle wash mops are ideal for delicate surfaces and finishes. You can use them with products such as shampoo, soap, or any other type of liquid that you are hoping to wash onto your car. Soft wash mops are most commonly made from microfiber, an excellent moisture absorbent and the best material for these types of purposes.
4. Spray bottle
A spray bottle is an essential product used to apply your cleaning solution to your car’s surface. The sprayer portion has a similar mechanism to a standard spray bottle one would use around the house to spread cooking oil or water etc. You can fill the bottle with your favorite cleaning solution, whether it be soap, degreaser, etc…
5. Tire and wheel brushes
Tire and wheel brushes are used to clean your tires and wheels. Tire and wheel Brushes are typically made from plastic, rubber, or steel. The rubber or plastic brush is excellent for applying your favorite tire cleaner, while the steel brush can remove rust from the surface of your wheels. These products can be found at a local automotive supplier or hardware store, depending on your preferred material.
6. Tire shine
A good tire shine is an effective way to give your tires an even shinier look than when you first purchased them. Tire shine acts as a top coat for your tires. It provides your tires with an even and polished look. Tire shine is the perfect way to finish off all the techniques you used while detailing your car.
7. Polish
Once you have finished detailing your car, a good polish is another great way to give it a shiny new look. Polishes come in various colors and textures and can be used or mixed with other products to produce custom finishes for surfaces such as chrome, glass, metal, etc.
8. Wheel cleaner
The wheel cleaner is one of the essential products you will use during your detailed service on any vehicle’s exterior. The wheel cleaner is used to clean and remove any grime or debris that may be on your vehicle’s wheels. This can be done with a simple spray and wipe process. Most wheel cleaners are also designed to remove brake dust, grime, and dirt.
9. Wheel brush
Wheel Brushes are another must-have product if you plan on cleaning your wheels. These brushes are made from rubber, plastic, or steel, just like tire brushes. Wheel Brushes come in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of wheels you want to clean. The size of your wheels will dictate which brush you will need to use for the best results in cleaning your wheels correctly, depending on whatever it may be that is stuck to them, such as dirt, grime, etc.
10. Clay bar
Clay bars are another fantastic product if you enjoy detailing your car. Clay bars are used to remove any scratches from your vehicle’s paint. They can be used to remove minor blemishes, such as fixing the typical chips and scrapes that occur if you drive through a parking lot or if you happen to get in an accident. Clay bars are also an effective way of removing glass marks and tree sap if you get some liquid stuck on your vehicle’s paintwork by driving over a tree during the spring months when trees tend to produce an excess of fluid due to the weather changes and flowering season.
11. Razor
Razor blades are an effective and powerful tool that removes any wax buildup from your vehicle’s surface. You can use a razor blade with either plain water or paint thinner to get the best results. This helps soften the wax before obliterating it. It is recommended that you use a razor blade instead of another type of cleaner, as it is more precise and does not leave behind any soap buildup, which can damage your vehicle’s surface.
12. Wax
Waxing your vehicle effectively gives it good protection against foreign particles that may scratch its surface. Wax can be used alongside other products, such as polishes, to give your car an even glossier finish than it already has. The waxing process can be straightforward for anyone to do. You can either use a wax that is already made for vehicles, or you can make your own. There are numerous ways to make your wax, depending on the finish you want on your vehicle’s surface.
13. Glass cleaner
Glass Cleaners are another prevalent product you will use during your detailing service on your vehicle. Glass cleaners are used to remove any streaks or dirt that the windshield wipers may leave behind after you have driven through a heavy downpour. Using glass cleaners is very simple as it can be applied using a spray and wipe process.
Conclusion
The main thing to remember while detailing your car is to do it sparingly. Many make this a common mistake as they think more products equal better results. The truth is that underdoing your car’s detailing job can be just as bad as overdoing it. If you apply too much product, your surface can become sticky and attract more dirt and debris. To prevent this from happening, use the recommended product for the area you are trying to clean, then buff it off with a cotton cloth or microfiber towel. This will leave the site free of any products, allowing dirt and debris to stick to your car’s surface again.
