Top 7 essential car cleaning products

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Here are my top seven essential car cleaning products and items to make your car shinier and the process a whole lot easier.

My top seven essential cleaning products article aims to take out the hassle of selecting the right equipment. Because despite Jeremy Clarkson once saying that cleaning a car was something only anoraks did, it remains a popular way for motoring enthusiasts to spend an afternoon.

The problem, besides finding the time, is that to do it well is easier said than done. Though only a bad workman blames his tools, there are ways to damage the paintwork of your pride and joy. Especially if your car is a dark colour.

Car soap

Seems obvious, this one, but not all car soaps are created equal. Those with a fancy power washer can go for the popular and satisfying foam option, but a good brand such as Autoglym, Meguiars, Simoniz and even CarPlan if on a tight budget. Avoid harsh home cleaning products such as washing up liquid.

Cleaning mitt

Not only should you have a good car soap, you should have a cleaning mitt (ideally two). Halfords does a cheap option but most are fairly inexpensive. The reason is that the shaggy hairs help keep grit and other solid objects away from the paintwork although a good blast with the hose or power washer is usually sufficient.

Two buckets, one car

For a similar reason, using two buckets can help reduce damage to your paintwork and those dreaded swirls. One bucket is rinsing your furry mitt and the other is for washing. This keeps debris away from the paint. Just try to resist the temptation to throw either bucket of water over your lovely clean car at the end.

Autoglym Clean Wheels

Now we get to a specific car product, Autoglym Clean Wheels. The reason is that alloys can be a pain to make shiny (a good automotive brush can really help). Spray Clean Wheels on, leave for a while (be careful in hot direct sunlight) and, voila, grime will be vanquished and shininess will return.

Drying towel

Wait, why would I want to dry my car? Well, in the winter you may not need to, especially if you use decent products and have time to spare. In the summer, however, fast-drying water can leave stains and marks. As a result, a good automotive drying towel can prevent the issue as it absorbs an unholy amount of H2O.

Car wax

I know getting to this point can take a while and in the summer the pub is calling. It is just that a good layer of car wax does not just enhance the shine if used properly, it helps protect the paintwork from driving debris and stops liquids from settling. A good wax is key to helping increase the gap between car washes.

Interior spray

Last but definitely not least in my essential car cleaning products list, we come to an interior spray. Dust, oil, germs and other surface-dwelling things can build up over time, making it a good idea to give all surfaces a good wipe.

Products known not to leave a sticky residue are preferable. Just pick a smell you can tolerate from a reputable brand. Maybe even consider an air blower.