Here, we’ve provided you with a list of essential auto cleaning supplies to have.
Auto-cleaning is a service that is in high demand by vehicle owners. However, for this to be successful, the right supplies must be obtained.
This list of supplies won’t be anything new for some readers knowing what’s needed. However, it serves as a checklist to ensure you don’t forget some essential supplies during a car detailing job.
Here is a separate cleaning supply list for boats.
Best Supplies for Different Auto Cleaning Tasks
Auto-cleaning depends on what specific tasks you intend to perform.
Some clients may only require exterior cleaning; others may need both exterior and interior cleaning. Still yet, there may be demands for complete wash up (That is, cleaning of the car’s interior, exterior, and engine).
There are supplies for each type of auto cleaning and we’ll be listing all of the supplies you’ll ever need to perform such tasks.
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Exterior Auto Cleaning Supplies
As the name implies, this focuses on getting the car’s exterior cleaned up. To do this successfully, the following supplies will be required;
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Wax Remover
To amp up your paint protection, by applying a coating, all waxes must be removed.
Now, there are supplies for getting this done. Some of the most popular wax removers include Griot’s Garage Dried-On Wax Remover and CarPro Eraser Intense Oil & Polish Cleanser.
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Chrome, Stainless Steel and Aluminum Polish
Car exteriors are made from different materials including chrome, stainless steel, and aluminum. These will need to be polished to keep them brilliant.
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Specialty Detergents or Soaps
There are specially formulated detergents for car cleaning. These products help remove all types of surface particles without leaving a scratch.
Popular products include Chemical Guys CWS_301 Citrus Wash, Meguiar’s G7101FFP Gold Class Car Wash and Adams NEW Car Wash Shampoo Gallon, etc.
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Waxes and Sealants
Waxes and sealants come in either liquid or paste form. These can be applied by hand or with a waxing machine.
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Applicators
Applicators are of different types and include special cloths, polish pads among others. Some of the best products include Meguiar’s G55012 Classic Wash & Wax Kit, Car Wash Microfiber Sponges, and Fasmov Microfiber Applicator Pads.
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Detail Clay
This auto cleaning supply helps clean different types of contamination on car exteriors such as animal droppings and tar among others.
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Auto Glass Cleaner
There are several products for auto glass cleaning some of which include Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner, Meguiar’s G8224 Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner, SprayWay SW050-12 Glass Cleaner and Driven Extreme Duty Glass Cleaner among several others.
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Black Trim Cleaning Products
For cars with black trims, black trim cleaning products will help give a perfect clean for such.
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Soft Brush
Soft brushes will be needed for removing contaminants from the car surface without leaving scratch marks.
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Tire Cleaning and Protection Products
Apart from their cleaning actions, these products are also specially formulated to offer protection for tires. These are also used for windshield wipers.
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Auto Interior Cleaning Supplies
There are specific cleaning supplies designed for car interiors. This section focuses solely on these.
Here is a price list for car interior cleaning.
Car interior cleaning supplies include;
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Car Vacuum
There is a wide range of car vacuum cleaners. Some of the top products include Armor All AA255 Wet/Dry Vacuum, Black & Decker MAX Lithium Pivot BDH2000PL, and Holife 3M036BW Vacuum Cleaner. Others are Hotor Car Vacuum Cleaner and VacPlus DC12V Vacuum Cleaner.
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Hand Brush
There are hard to reach areas in cars that cannot be easily cleaned except with the use of the right tool. Hand brush makes it easier to reach such areas.
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Carpet Cleaning Product and Stain Remover
Among the car care products to have are carpet cleaners and stain removers. These are necessary supplies when cleaning car interiors.
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Cloths and Soft Brush
Cloths are needed for dusting the dashboard and indicator screens. Also, a soft brush will be needed for cleaning seats and other areas.
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Polish
Non-porous surfaces will need some polishing to make them more brilliant. There are lots of polish products that can be used for this.
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Stiff Bristled Brush
Cars interiors with caked in the dirt will need an appropriate cleaning tool such as a stiff-bristled brush. This removes difficult dirt much easier.
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Upholstery Cleaner
Upholstery cleaner is used on car interiors made with vinyl, leather, or cloth material. This helps remove all sorts of dirt.
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Upholstery Protector
After cleaning the car upholstery, you’ll need a protector to ensure dirt is minimized and the condition of such upholsteries is preserved.
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Cleaning Product for Steering Wheel and Dashboard
It’s necessary to have a good dashboard and steering wheel cleaner among your supplies. Some of the best supplies include Chemical Guys, SPI-663-16, Meguiar’s G13616, TriNova 33534, and Nextzett 92470515.
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Floor Mat Detergent and Brush
For floor mats to be cleaned properly, a good detergent will be needed. Some car cleaners are multipurpose and can also be used for cleaning floor mats. A brush will be needed too.
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Auto Engine Cleaning Supplies
Auto engine cleaning products are varied and essential to getting the job perfectly done. These supplies include the following;
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Hand Brush or Air Compressor
Both of these tools help with the removal of debris stuck on auto engines. You can either get both or one of them.
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Engine Degreasers
One thing that is common with dirty engines is a greasy mess. You’ll need engine degreasers to get rid of such a mess.
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Engine Compartment Cleaners
We recommend using citrus or water-based cleaners for cleaning these parts of auto engines. The reasons are simple; petroleum-based cleaners can cause damage to rubber and vinyl components of engine compartments.
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Engine Cover
To protect your car engine from getting wet (which can lead to damage), you’ll need to get an engine cover.
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Small Detail Brush
An auto engine has several crevices that will be hard to reach without the right tool. A small detail brush gives you access to clean such areas.
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Tape and Plastic Bags
Before proceeding with auto engine cleaning, you’ll need to cover electrical devices using tape and plastic bags.
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Vinyl Protectant Spray
Having this supply helps in protect rubber hoses as well as plastic parts
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Engine Protectant, Sealant, and Polish
Engine protectants are used to coat hoses and wires. Sealants are needed for long term coating protection while the polish is great for aluminum parts.
These are the different auto cleaning supplies you’ll need for auto cleaning. We’ve also listed and discussed those supplies used for external, internal, and engine cleaning.
