Giving your car a good scrub-down can be far more beneficial than you think. To some, the meticulous process of carefully applying cleaning products in the correct order serves as a form of therapy, granting purpose to that otherwise idle Sunday afternoon and earning that cold beer by the end of the day. However, like most of the best things in life, car cleaning can come at a premium.
Want to improve your cleaning skills? Check out our other articles on the ultimate guide to car cleaning, Parkers’ guide to the two bucket car cleaning method and touchless car washes.
Through times of escalating austerities within the household, you could be forgiven for considering car cleaning products to be among the first luxuries doomed to go. Of course, there are many day-to-day essentials that take precedence over a shiny bonnet, but with a little know-how and the right products, there’s no reason why you can’t keep up your car washing penchant, at least a little while longer…
How can I save money on my car cleaning?
Use a waterless car wash technique – Most car cleaning products demand a lot of water be used safely and effectively, though some are designed to cut out the need for water altogether.
Waterless car washes are sprayed directly onto a car’s surface, using polymers within their chemical makeup to bond with dirt particles, allowing them to be lifted from the spray site using a microfibre cloth without scratching the surface. These products are great for not only cutting down on your water bill but for quick washes on the go.
Use items from within the household – While most household cleaning products don’t make for effective car washing paraphernalia, especially if it’s a streak-free finish you’re after, some household items can still be utilised in the cleaning process, from sponges to towels, but it’s vitally important these products are dry and clean before use.
Dirty rags or sponges could transfer more dirt to the surface of your car, causing unwanted scratching, as a result, make sure your household items are fit for the job before taking to the paint. If your towels are rough and coarse from years of use, leave them out – you don’t want to end up in more trouble than you started with.
Use cheaper products – To keep your car looking top drawer over the cold and wet winter months, while saving pennies in the process, you could opt for some cheaper car washing upgrades. The market for car cleaning products is wide and diverse, with a great number of quality items at the cheaper end of the price spectrum. To keep you washing during tough times, we’ve put together a list of our favourite affordable cleaning products below.
Bilt Hamber Surfex HD – All-Purpose Cleaner
Price: RRP £12.95 | VIEW OFFER
If you’re looking to save some money on your car cleaning, it makes sense to buy a product that can cover all bases. This all-purpose cleaner from Bilt Hamber is a powerful water-based example that’s safe for nearly all automotive surfaces. As it’s water-based and biodegradable, this APC is not only suitable for both interior and exterior cleaning, but also better for the environment, too. Result.
By virtue of its powerful capabilities and great value, we ranked Bilt Hamber’s Surfex HD as our favourite all-purpose cleaner. To check out the rest of our APC picks, click here.
Pros:
• Good for the environment
• A concentrated solution to last months
Cons:
• May be too potent for some areas – dilute accordingly
Autoglym Shampoo and Conditioner
Price: RRP £14.97 | VIEW OFFER
In the same synergistic spirit of the Bilt Hamber APC, this car shampoo and conditioner from Autoglym combines the utility of two products into one. While your barber may relay a few choice words for using 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner on your barnet, Autoglym’s recipe has been formulated for the best possible finish without busting the bank.
For a deep clean, this product initially forms a low-foaming shampoo, but once rinsed leaves a water-repellent finish for ongoing protection, delaying the need for further washes and saving you money. The active ingredients in this product are also safe to apply without stripping away any polish already applied. Click here to see the rest of our favourite car shampoos.
Pros:
• Powerful 2-in-1 performance
• Up to 125 washes in 2.5-litre jug
Cons:
• Not suitable for interior
Turtlewax Hybrid Waterless Wash & Wax
Price: RRP £5.39 | VIEW OFFER
As previously suggested, if you want to cut down on your water bill but would like to continue washing your car, a waterless car wash is the product for you. This example from Turtlewax uses a one-step formula to clean car exteriors without the need for a bucket or any water, with next-generation polymer technology to remove dirt and grime for a scratch-free wash.
Not only does this product clean without water, but its formula also leaves a water-repellent wax layer in its wake, keeping your exterior clean for longer. Use this product anytime, anywhere – it’s really that simple.
Pros:
• Highly portable car cleaning product.
• Helps to cut down on your water bill.
Cons:
• Conventional shampoos and other cleaning products may provide better results.
Polyte microfibre cloths
Price: RRP £14.72 | VIEW OFFER
Chemical solutions are not the be-all and end-all of car cleaning. For quality results, the rest of the necessary equipment is just as important, including a decent set of microfibre cloths. Any professional detailer will tell you that it’s crucially important to use a clean microfibre cloth for each panel of the car, so as not to transfer dirt from one panel to the next.
With this in mind, we recommend buying a multi-pack of microfibre cloths to save on trips to the washing machine. If you’re looking to save a few pennies, look no further, for this fantastic set of 24 30×40 cm microfibre cloths from Polyte represents fantastic value. With 24 cloths available for just 61 pence each, this set will keep you going for months on end, offering great performance for a lint-free and streak-free finish.
Pros:
• Great value
Cons:
• Better, softer microfibre cloths on the market
Turtle Wax Interior Car Cleaner
Price: RRP £5.03 | VIEW OFFER
Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the interior. As this is where you’ll spend your time while operating your car, we won’t blame you for wanting to keep it in good nick. To check out our list of the best upholstery cleaners, click here. If, however, it’s the dashboard you’d like to address, check out this interior car cleaner from Turtle Wax.
For a sumptuous interior shine, this high-quality quick interior detailer cleans and restores surfaces to their former glory. Not only does it clean, but this example also leaves a high-quality fragrance with eight-day slow-release technology, meaning one can could last you all winter.
Pros:
• Long-lasting anti-static shield to protect against dust and grime
• High-quality fragrance to restore your interior to a pleasant environment
Cons:
• Dashboard only
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