Car detailing is more than just a sponge, soap, and bucket. You must have a bunch of other car tools to keep your vehicles always fresh and clean. While there are a bunch of tools that range from thousands of dollars, you don’t need to spend that much unless you are going to start a car detailing business. To help you choose the best tools for your needs, I have compiled a list of the best car detailing tools for both professional and personal use. Let’s get started!
What is Car Detailing?
Before we dive into all the tools, we need to learn about some of the basics of car detailing first. And the very first question we have to answer is What is car detailing?
Well, simply put, car detailing is caring for your vehicle and keeping it in the best condition possible. People often mistake car detailing and car washing since washing the car is also part of the detailing process. However, car detailing goes beyond just cleaning the surface of your car. It involves a deep and meticulous treatment of every part of your vehicle, from the paintwork to the upholstery. Here’s the full definition of car detailing for those interested:
Car detailing is the process of thoroughly cleaning, restoring, and protecting every part of your vehicle, from the paintwork to the upholstery. It involves using specialized products and techniques to remove dirt, dust, stains, swirls, scratches, and other imperfections that can affect the appearance and performance of your car. Car detailing can also enhance the value and longevity of your vehicle, as well as improve your driving comfort and safety.
Why Do You Need Car Detailing Tools?
You might think that a simple car wash with soap and water is enough to keep your car clean. That’s not the case. A car wash can only remove surface dirt and grime, but it can’t reach the deeper layers of contamination that can damage your car’s finish. Moreover, a car wash can also introduce new scratches and swirls to your paintwork, especially if you use abrasive materials or improper techniques.
That’s why you need car detailing tools that are designed to safely and effectively clean every part of your car, without causing any harm. These tools can help you achieve superior results that a car wash can’t match, and also save you time and money in the long run. With the right tools, you can detail your own car at home, or start your own detailing business.
What are the Must-Have Car Detailing Tools?
There are many different types of car detailing tools available on the market, but not all of them are essential or suitable for your needs. Depending on your budget, skill level, and preferences, you might need more or fewer tools than others.
However, there are some basic tools that every car detailer should have regardless of their experience or goals. Here are some of the must-have car detailing tools that I recommend:
1. Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is one of the most important and versatile tools for interior detailing. It can help you remove dust, from hard-to-reach areas and help you prepare your surfaces for further cleaning and conditioning. With different settings, a vacuum cleaner can also help you blow, inflate, or dry spots in your car.
A good vacuum cleaner should have powerful suction, a large water tank, a long cord or battery life, and various attachments for different surfaces and corners. Investing in an effective vacuum cleaner can be a great way to save on car detailing bills.
2. Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaning is one of the most effective cleaning methods. The steamer can help you sanitize, deodorize, and deep-clean your upholstery, leather, vinyl, plastic, rubber, metal, and glass surfaces.
A good steam cleaner should be one that has a high temperature and pressure output, a long hose or cord length, and various nozzles for different applications like this Wagner steam cleaner.
3. Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels are versatile and indispensable tools for both interior and exterior detailing interior and exterior. They can help dry surfaces faster and they can also help you buff your surfaces to a high gloss and smooth finish. There are a lot of different types of microfiber cloth and not everything can be used for car cleaning. An example of this is Glass towels which are 350.0 GSM and should only be used for glass cleaning.
You should look for microfiber towels that have high quality, a soft texture, a high GSM (grams per square meter) rating, and an edgeless design. I would recommend Ethoscarcare as their Microfiber Towels are both quality and affordable.
Tips: Do not use detergent for microfiber towels as it will make the cloth less water absorbance.
4. Detailing Brushes
Detailing brushes are useful tools for cleaning hard-to-reach areas that a vacuum cleaner or a steam cleaner can’t access. They can also help you apply cleaners, conditioners, and protectants to your surfaces.
An ideal detailing brush should be one that has a durable handle, a soft bristle, and a suitable size and shape for your needs.
5. Clay Bar
A clay bar is a special tool for exterior detailing that can help you remove embedded contaminants that a car wash or a microfiber towel can’t remove. These contaminants include sap, tar, bug bugs, brake dust, metal particles, and industrial fallout. They can stick to your clear coat and cause dullness, roughness, oxidation, and corrosion. A clay bar can help you lift and remove these contaminants, leaving your paintwork smooth, shiny, and ready for polishing and waxing.
Opt for a clay bar that has high quality, a fine or medium grade fine or medium grade, and a lubricant spray to prevent scratching. This clay bar kit from Ethos should be a good start.
6. Polisher
The mechanical polisher is undoubtedly the most important and I would consider it a more advanced investment compared to other tools that I have listed. At around $500 a polisher can help you correct swirls, scratches, oxidation, water spots, holograms, and other paint defects.
An insider tip to help you find the best polisher is to look for one that has variable speed control, a comfortable grip, a counterweight system, and various pads and backing plates for different purposes.
7. Wax
The wax acts as a protective layer for your paintwork from environmental elements. This is why wax can be the defining factor for exterior detailing. You can either get natural or synthetic wax, they both will do the job.
When buying Wax, you should look for one that has high quality, long-lasting durability, an easy application, and a suitable finish for your preference. Torque Detail and Chemical Guys are two brands that have some of the most amazing wax.
You might want to read this blog to know more about the two brands: Torque Detail Vs Chemical Guys
Conclusion
These are some of the must-have car detailing tools that I use and recommend for anyone who wants to take the best care of their car. With these tools, you can achieve great results that will make your car look stunning and last longer. Of course, there are many more tools and products that you can explore and experiment with, depending on your budget, skill level, and goals.
