Your favorite cleaning products

[CoriBug]

To keep this concise, please post the name of your favorite....

car wash -
drying tools -
clay bar -
polish -
wax -
window cleaner -
tire cleaner -
wheel cleaner -
engine cleaner/degreaser -
other -

What do you use to clean the.....
dash -
headliner -
mats -
upholstery -
other -

If you buy it somewhere other than a car parts store or Wal-Mart, Target, etc, please post where you get it. Thanks. I like the products I use now but am looking to clean out my supply.

[Volkswoman]

Car Wash - Meguiars - purple gel wash - thick and nice
drying tools - The Absorber - get most of the water off, then, use a nice microfiber towel
used only for drying your car to finish

Clay Bar - any of the common ones are good, Mothers, Meguiars But the best is the one from
Griot's Garage - Very nice!
Polish - Meguiars
Wax - wow, I mostly use Meguiars yellow wax ) I call it Banana Wax cuzz it smells like
banana - sometimes I use other brands for a nice change, I particularly like Griot's
Garage paste wax (it smells like fruit - yummy!) and Griot's Garage Best of Show liquid
wax
Window cleaner - Invisible Glass hands down - you probably know to stay away from blue
window cleaners, right?
Tire cleaners- I use a cheap product called Totally Awesome ( I get it at the 99 cent store) i
it works, is killer on white walls, and has cut my costs for tire cleaners waaay down
Dash - I use the Dash Duster, then any good interior cleaner, and finish with Natural shine
vinyl protectant from Meguiars or Vinylex
headliner - If its vinyl any good interior cleaner, if it's fabric I use Folex
Mats - If they are carpet mats, I use Folex, the best product I've used in 20 years detailing
cars - if mats are vinyl I use Toally awesome and finish with Natural Shine

Folex is a great product as I've stated and is available at Lowe's, Home depot, osh If you
don't live in CA, just google it to find where you can get it It works good on most fabric stains, carpet stains, seats, etc

[Oh Randi]

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.

[mloeks76]

As you know, I'm a newbie, so I'm not going to recommend products. However, I did find this website that I found very useful on detailing (for newbies like me at least): Auto Detailing: Secrets Of The Experts
I had never heard of a claybar till I visited newbeetle.org.

[CoriBug]

Thanks for the replies. I need new car wash and may also splurge on new cloths and wax. Everyone has preferences for cleaning supplies but I like to know WHY. I liked liquid wax then I tried the paste and prefer it over the liquid. Daisy's spring detailing is coming up and I will be using the orbital polisher for the first time. Which type is best with the orbital, paste or liquid?

[antonym]

Here:

[70autostick]

Originally Posted by antonym

Here:

That's what I've got!!! Once a week,and a once over with the dirt devil vacuum,and she shines

- I detailed her just yesterday,microfiber clothes work wonders on interior/exterior polishing

[Riggz]

For the mats and fabrics I use the X3 Fabric cleaner from Car Brite and for drying -- of course The Absorber!

[spirit of herbie]

Concerning me, this my list products I used to clean my herbie

car wash - Super Slick and Suds Poorboy's World
drying tools - Waffle towel Poorboy's world
clay bar - Medium clay Poorboy's world
polish - Wolfgang Swirl remover 3.0 Menzerna and Meguiar's #83
finishing polish : Meguiar's #80
glaze and sealent : Cleaner Fluid by Swissvax
wax - Concorso Swissvax
window cleaner - Glasses cleaner GS27
tire cleaner - New Look Trim Gel Chemical Guys
wheel cleaner - Super Degreaser Meguiar's + car wash shampoo
engine cleaner/degreaser - Super Degreaser Meguiar's

[antonym]

Originally Posted by 70autostick

That's what I've got!!! Once a week,and a once over with the dirt devil vacuum,and she shines

- I detailed her just yesterday,microfiber clothes work wonders on interior/exterior polishing

Well .. u know what they say! Great minds think alike. The second part does not apply ...

[jensbtl]

Just a word of caution, DO NOT purchase microfiber from Autozone, Wal Mart or Target. In fact be careful where you purchase; most are not real micro, made in North Korea and really a cheap knock off. Go to Pep Boys or O'Reilly AutoParts. Better yet order on-line, proper www.properautocare.com.

I use Zymol, 303 Products, Lexol and a variety of other cleaners. Meguiar's is excellent, espically the claybar kit.

Armor all is crap, do not use it. Full of oils not good for your auto, espically the exterior parts.

[jensbtl]

Originally Posted by CoriBug

Thanks for the replies. I need new car wash and may also splurge on new cloths and wax. Everyone has preferences for cleaning supplies but I like to know WHY. I liked liquid wax then I tried the paste and prefer it over the liquid. Daisy's spring detailing is coming up and I will be using the orbital polisher for the first time. Which type is best with the orbital, paste or liquid?

Is this your first time with a buffer? If so, be careful; you can burn through the paint fast.

I only pay professional (experienced) individuals to OB my ride.

[spirit of herbie]

You don't never have to use a rotary machine to lay on your wax !
Machines are made to polish and to eliminate swirls and scratches on your paint !
but you have to be very carefl using an orbital machine or rotary machine, use a low speed with the good pad to start your work ! If you go too fast you can burn and make some holograms on your paint !
Remember the 7 steps to clean completly your car :
1) car wash
2) clay bar
3) second car wash
4) polish
5) finishing polish
6) glaze and sealent
7) wax

that's all !

[nighttrain1974]

car wash - Meguairs Nxt Gen
drying tools - Drying cloth, microfibre
clay bar - Meguiars
polish - Autoglym Super resin, G220 applied
wax - Meguiars Tech Wax, G220 applied
window cleaner - Turtle wax
tire cleaner - Sponge, shiny tyres look un-natural
wheel cleaner - Meguirs nxt gen wax, Super resin, Tech Wax
engine cleaner/degreaser - Turtle wax window cleaner
other - Meguiars Ultimate compound, for getting the base right, applied by G220

What do you use to clean the.....
dash - Meguiars Quick detailer
headliner -Autoglym interior shampoo
mats - Vacumn cleaner
upholstery - Autoglym interior shampoo
other -

[beetlebug7]

For my carpets I use Professor Amos shock it clean, gets all the dirt and stains out of the carpets. I use leather Ethan Allen upholstery cleaner for the seats and the dash I'm not what is good for the dash as it marks up so easy.

[Fl_bug]

This thread came along JUST in time because i was just about to wash my car for the first time since early March (reason for limited pics......) and i realized why i haven't done it..... I don't have cleaning stuff!

Before i had:
This Meguiars kit. I used everything BUT the Quick Detailer because i don't quite see a use for it. At first, i thought it was a waterless carwash spray thing but then its not. Its to be used after waxing if i recall correctly.

Mother's Back to Black for my black plastics such as around the windshield wipers, or door handle gaurds

Black Magic Tire shine (still my favorite! I just wanted to use the supplied Meguiars stuff before buying more).

Rain-X for the windows to finish everything off.

Then i realized that the major place i haven't been taking care of is the interior. I haven't really taken care of my seats and stuff since i got the car in August. I should start by getting a sub $30 vacuum for the interior since my last one broke and i'm sick of paying to use the craptastic one at the gas station.

Any Recommendations on what i should buy for a fresh start?

[adamvwt5]

Hi from the uk
Quick question for you pro detailers...
I have rotary machine polished her with farecla g3 as she was very swirly and full of holograms. I have some farecla g10 with a blue polishing mop i am about to finish her up.
Do i need to claybar.. or has the g3 removed all the surface contaminants?
Really into the carbrite Nano wax it leaves a super glossy finish although i know the paint has to be as polished as possible undernaeth as this stuff does hide swirls(for a short while)
I have a black beetle and transporter full of swirls that im hoping to get up to showroom standard.. Not easy in the uk when its raining most days
Is claybarring worth it after its been compounded??
thanks in advance .. adam

[spirit of herbie]

You have always to claybar your car before to polish it !!!
If not you can make another scratches with contaminents stayin' on the bodypaint when you use your rotary machine and polish.

Remember the 7 steps to clean completly your car :
1) car wash
2) clay bar
3) second car wash
4) polish
5) finishing polish
6) glaze and sealent
7) wax

[sharon11]

i am here discussing a new discussion. carpet cleaning is not a easy job. it need some practice and need someprofessionalism.carpet cleaners virginiareally provide good services to us.

[amelia.marie]

I love cleaning my car. I have a ton of stuff that i've been collecting over the year some that I like more than others so here they are! Make sure you read what I clean my wheels with... you gotta try it out.

car wash - Meguiars I forgot what its called but its yellow and nice & thick. I love a thick car wash soap. You know its not deluted with a ton of water already

drying tools -Drying towl, I forgot where I got this. But its works great on soaking up water and you just ring it out and keep going. I call it my magic sponge && of course the 100 Pack of Micro-Fibres from the best place on earth... COSTCO!!

clay bar - I've been using Meguiars, & so far I like it a lot.

polish -Meguiars (yes I use a lot of Meguiars stuff)

wax - Meguiars Cleaner Wax, this stuff is awesome and quick! It also smells like the Banana Runts Candy, so thats a plus!

window cleaner - Invisible Glass, I absolutly love this stuff. I've never had streaks.

tire cleaner - Meguiars tire shine

wheel cleaner - SIMPLE GREEN. If you dont use this grab a bottle next time you go to the grocery store, its amazing && only around $4. Spray it on, let it sit for 30 seconds and wipe off. It leaves your wheels nice and shiny, without a ton of work to get them clean. You can also use it in your home too!

engine cleaner/degreaser - hmm I dont have a specific brand... I usually just buy what ever is cheapest, considering I only need to use it once a year.


What do you use to clean the.....

dash -Meguiars Interior Cleaner. ALSO- I keep the swifer shelf duster in my glove box for when the dash gets dusty inbetween cleans, works great and doesnt scratch.

headliner - Havent cleaned that yet.. doesnt get dirty. :P

mats - When I wash my car I always usually take out my rubber monster mats and wash those too, My carpet mats rarely ever get dirty thanks to the monster mats.

upholstery -I shampoo my seats and carpets about once/twice a year. I have a little green machine that does the job nicely.

other - Lint Roller. I use this for stuff that the vaccum doesnt get. Works wonders on seats


HAPPY CLEANING!