A little background: I'm a little obsessive about keeping my car clean, I have some experience detailing cars as a job but I'm by no means a professional, yet. Forewarning: I absolutely love Meguiar's, it's pretty much all I use, but I'll post on this anyway.
My paint was in rough shape when I bought the car, it would barely even shine. Now, my car is glossy even when it's covered in dirt. So I'd say, I'm doing okay in the detailing department and I am only mentioning products that worked for me and I think would be safe for ANYONE to use, even if your paint sucks like mine did. I'm also picking products that don't cost an arm and a leg. They're not the cheapest, but in my experience, you get what you pay for with detailing products.
Car wash - Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditioner. I love the way it smells, and it's gentle on my car's nearly 10 year old paint.
Drying tools - The Absorber. Hands down. I have like, 8 of them. hahaha.
Clay bar - I like Meguiar's and Mother's. I'll use either.
Polish - Meguiar's. lol.
Wax - Monthly, I use Meguiar's Nxt Generation Tech Wax 2.0. I know, it's not the best in the world, but my paint isn't in the best shape, this stuff is easy to apply and get off, it's not too expensive, and it does the job. As long as you don't mind waxing once or twice a month. Possibly more.
Window cleaner - I'm not too concerned about my glass, yet. I just use RainX on the outside, and some kind of anti-fog wipes on the inside. I'm not too helpful on glass.. I might try that invisible glass or whatever it was the person before me mentioned..
Tire cleaner - Dawn dishsoap. I'm a tire shine junkie, and I've found simple Dawn takes it all off and is gentle on the rims. Just try not to get it on your paint, or you'll strip the wax.
Wheel cleaner - Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner. I don't have fancy aftermarket wheels, and my stock ones are pretty clean anyway, so I have this in my arsenal, but only use it occassionally.
Engine cleaner/degreaser - Don't really use any. I just keep my engine bay dusted off and clean so I don't really have to use degreasers.
Other -
Okay,
tire shine. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Meguiar's Gold Class Endurance High Gloss. I cannot say enough good things about it. First off, it will NEVER turn your tires brown like other tire shine will. It lasts FOREVER. Even when it's rainy all the time. And I've had the same bottle since last fall. A little goes a LONG way. The shine is adjustable, if you want more gloss, apply more coats. One usually does it for me, though. and it smells like grapes!!!
Easily my favorite product I own. be sure and wipe it off if it gets on your rims, though.. it attracts dust and road grime. lol
What do you use to clean the.....
Dash - Meguiar's Supreme Hi Gloss Shine Protectant Wipes. I like how convenient they are, not streaky, won't crack the dash. Smells like coconut faintly. I like it.
Headliner - Never cleaned mine. haha.
Mats - Don't have mats, but I use Prestone Interior Cleaner with Odor Neutralizer. Doesn't smell funky, plus it gets my carpet and upholstery SUPER clean. I like that I can use this on my carpet AND upholstery.
upholstery - See above. Prestone Interior Cleaner. lol
other - Hmm, let's see.. OH YES.
For those of you with the automatic spoiler: Sometimes it can end up kind of a weird, rainbow-y splotchy ugly mess and regular car wash doesn't seem to help. Use Turtle Wax Ice. The liquid, not the claybar or paste. Those might work, but I haven't tried. It works WONDERS. I also use the Turtle Wax Ice on my headlights, tail lights, emblems, and everything else you can't use regular wax on. It's great. I don't generally use it on my whole car because it seems to attract dust like crazy. But it does work in a pinch for great shine because it's so easy to apply and you don't have to be in the shade.
I feel like I'm forgetting something. I guess I can always come back if I forgot something.
Oh yeah!
The leather seats! Well, I know they're not REAL leather, but I love using Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Spray. It smells wonderful, and makes your seats SQUEAKY clean. Like, actually squeaky. It's kind of funny. But I promise, use some of this spray with a microfiber towel, and you'll be shocked how much grime will come off of a seat that looks clean.
I have the grey leather and it works. I'm sure it would be great on tan and white interior, too.
I also use that spray on the steering wheel. You'd be suprised how nasty it gets.
I hate it when I get dust and pollen on my car. I live in an area with A LOT of construction. That means lots of dust. California Dusters are great. After I dust off, I sometimes use Mothers California Gold Showtime Instant Detailer. Gives great shine and water beadability. (I think I just made up a word.. haha) Smells like cinnamon. I like it.
And for the love of God, get a good microfiber glove or something to wash your car with. A simple carwash sponge from Wal Mart will suffice if you have crappy paint, but be aware, that sponge will hold on to the dirt and scratch your paint. Hello swirlmarks. I do use a simple sponge on my wheels though. I refuse to use the same sponge on my tires as I do the rest of my car. Think about it: Do you really want brake dust and corrosion on the rest of your car? nope.
Wash your wheels after you wash the rest of your car. If you want to go all the way, use the 2 bucket carwash system. There's a video somewhere explaining it, I'll have to go find it.
I really hope this helps someone. Sorry if I sounded harsh somewhere. I'm just really picky about this stuff.
I'm sure I'll end up adding more to this later.
I feel the urge to go clean my car right now, just thinking about all this. Oh, and if anyone has any input on Zaino, message me. I'm about to throw down $150 on stuff from them because I've heard wonderful things. lol.