When it comes to car cleaning products, there are a few schools of thought. There are those who go through the local garage brush wash just after filling up with fuel, as it gives them a couple of minutes to make their next call or reply to that text. Some squirt some car shampoo into a cleaning bucket and grab the kitchen washcloth with the hope of getting the job done as quickly as possible.
Then there are those with dedicated tyre cleaners and the like. They will have refined their car detailing technique so much it’s almost an art form. Or maybe you just like to go out, empty your mind, and enjoy the choreography of the cleaning dance. This will not only reveal the sparkle of the finish under the dirt and grime but will give you a degree of satisfaction too. It’s a kind of therapy, isn’t it?
It won’t do your car any harm, either. By using decent cleaning kits, you’ll not only be keeping your car looking good, but you’re also protecting the bodywork, paintwork and finish. You’re more likely to spot any scratches or chips and be able to deal with them quickly before they become problematic. All of this means that you’re adding pounds onto its value come selling time.
Best car cleaning products tested 2024 at a glance:
The best car cleaning product: Bilt Hamber Auto Wash – Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor’s pick: Autoglym Ceramic Wash and Protect – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best drying towel for car cleaning: Detailers United – Hydro Hoover XL – Buy now from Amazon UK
We’ve rounded up some of the essentials to get you started on your car detailing trip. Perhaps it could give you some ideas on how to improve your cleaning sessions. Have a look at some of our favourite car cleaning products.
How we test
Each of the products you see below were part of either individual or group tests performed by Parkers’ product experts. The criteria is to gather a vehicle or a line-up of vehicles, to test the products as fairly as possible in equal conditions, unless the package instructions specify otherwise, and generally by the same tester for fair and measurable results.
The majority of the products were, predictably, tested of their cleanliness. But ease of use, value for money, and effectiveness in particular areas was also considered each time. We mostly tend to test the products using an outdoor socket and tap at the bottom of the Parkers HQ car park – ideally under the same lighting and temperature, because this makes measuring the results a lot easier.
The best car cleaning products tested 2024
The best car cleaning product
On our shampoo test, the competition was a fair bit closer than we thought, but ultimately it was the Bilt Hamber Auto Wash that came out on top. Just one swipe of a loaded wash mitt managed to dissolve, lift, and detail a section of a filthy car without a second going-over needed.
It's easy to tell this shampoo has spent a long time in the lab before production, and the results are worth it. If your vehicle is badly caked in dirt, look no further than a bottle of Auto Wash.
Pros
- Easy to use, thanks to capability
- Effective results and dirt gone within seconds
- You don't need much to achieve optimum cleanliness
Cons
- It doesn't create a lot of foam, which is perhaps less satisfying
| Capacity | 1.5L |
| Dimensions | 25.5cm x 13.9cm x 7.2cm |
| Weight | 1.4kg |
Editor's pick
I've covered hundreds of miles at a time with this shampoo applied, and the level of road grime and dust repellence is simply spectacular. It also does a great help at making the body and paintwork feel more slick than before. It's a wonderfully effective cleaning product that performs two tricks at once, and if you like a bit of gloss, it can also provide a bit of that, too.
Pros
- Amazing level of protection, thanks to ceramic element
- Keeps your paint looking glossy and repels of of dust and road grime
- Allows for longer intervals between washing
Cons
- Cleaning effect isn't quite as strong as the Bilt Hamber shampoo
The best snow foam
It's a clear level above competing snow foams. And on the test vehicle that we tried several snow foams on, its designated panel came out the cleanest. It doesn't foam up on the bodywork as much as others, but it works its magic to lift the top layer of dirt off - leaving you with a slightly cleaner car to apply shampoo onto afterwards.
Pros
- Biodegradable formula, means it's not harmful to the environment
- Excellent and effective cleaning, as it doubles as a pre-wash
- Leaves little marks and dirt on your paintwork
Cons
- The thickness isn't the best out there
| Capacity | 5L |
| Dimensions | 37.1cm x 26.2cm x 13.7cm |
| Weight | 5.8kg |
Best glass cleaner
We performed a large group test of them, and found that it was Gtechniq that outdid the lot. One spray on each side window and two on the front windscreen, and it performs amazingly at giving your windscreen a crystal clear finish. It's perfect to give your front windscreen a quick clean before doing a journey where you'll be hit by direct sunlight facing towards you.
Pros
- Great value for money at under £10
- Easy to apply, as you spray once or twice before cleaning with a cloth
- No smears or stains in sight, and it's suitable for modern screens, too
Cons
- 500ml isn't the most generous amount
| Capacity | 500ml |
| Dimensions | 21cm x 19cm x 25cm |
| Weight | 570g |
Best alloy wheel cleaner
Nevertheless, the result is wonderfully clean alloys in a matter of minutes. A pH-balanced formula makes it safe to use on all wheels, even those gleamy chrome and magnesium rims. When we tried it for ourselves, it was pretty much neck and neck with a few of the others on hand. But the cleanliness of the wheel this cleaner left was undisputed, and for that, made it the winner.
Pros
- Immensely effective at wheel cleaning
- Easy to use, thanks to strong trigger
- Takes care of really heavy dirt on your alloys
Cons
- The smell is quite strong when it's bleeding
| Capacity | 1L |
| Dimensions | 10.16cm x 4.45cm x 26.04cm |
| Weight | 1.24kg |
Best pre-wash
The most favourable pre-wash we tested was the Almighty Pre-Wash from Car Gods. The level of dirt ridded from our algae-covered Audi test car was a tiny bit more over its competitors, and was our group test winner.
Pros
- Very effective at cleaning away anything from algae to bird droppings
- Superb at clearing away top layer of dirt from your paintwork
- Good value for money for each bottle
Cons
- Isn't the be-all and end-all of car cleaning
| Capacity | 500ml |
| Dimensions | 4cm x 6cm x 22cm |
| Weight | 560g |
Best tar remover
What's more, you don't even need that much product to create an effect. One or two simple sprays on an area of residue, and you can simply wipe it away a few minutes later. This Tar Remover will last a long time, providing great value for money on top.
Pros
- Great way to shift tar spots and duct tape residue
- Acts fast and only requires you to wipe away after a few minutes
- Great value for money at only £8
Cons
- Can be easy to get through 500ml
| Capacity | 500ml |
| Dimensions | 6.5cm x 6.5cm x 23.5cm |
| Weight | 500g |
Best leather seat cleaner
Included in this kit is the hand brush, cleaner, cloth, and protector to ensure the finish of the leather is as good as it can be. It never failed to impress us, and it worked very well - even on synthetic vegan leather, albeit with a bit more agitation required.
Pros
- Comprehensive little cleaning kit for car interiors
- The brush is an especially useful tool
- Works well on a range of leather types
Cons
- Requires a lot of elbow grease
The best quick detailer
Geyon's Q2M Quick Detailer ticks all of the boxes and successfully came out as the top performer in our quick detailer test. It gave the paintwork some shine as well as seamlessly getting rid of the little bits of leftover dirt. I did, however, find myself chewing through a lot of this stuff to achieve the best result, but it's best used a spray at a time while the vehicle is still slightly wet.
Pros
- Fabulous thing to use after cleaning a vehicle
- Gives the paint a subtle gloss
- Ensures your vehicle is photograph/show ready
Cons
- Cleaning capabilities not quite as strong as others
Best bucket for car cleaning
Having lived with them for nearly a year, I can tell you that these AVA buckets are a level above everything else that's out there. For instance, the soft, chunky handles mean that when they're loaded to the brim with water, they feel a little lighter and more manageable than a regular bucket.
The grit guards work wonders at keeping dirt away from your wash mitt, and both of them have sturdy lids, which are immensely useful for two things: 1) if you want to hold as much full water as possible inside. Or 2) if you want to store car cleaning products inside without them letting off a slight scent. There's enough room for a dozen different bottles and equipment and will serve you very well.
They are however, a nightmare to keep clean. Dirt builds up in the little crevices at the bottom and corners of the inside, which are not easy to access unless you have a thin brush.
Pros
- Great build quality and bucket size
- Comfortable to hold, thanks to large handle
- Loads of space for water or storing other products
Cons
- You'll need two buckets for the best results, and the combination isn't cheap
| Capacity | 22L |
| Dimensions | 32cm x 32cm x 36.8cm |
Best wash mitt for car cleaning
The WM2 is also made from a super soft microfibre that's designed to lather up a shampoo more effectively and features an internal foam core to keep the mitt wetter and lubricated for longer. This, of course, reduces the risk of scratches that sponges are prone to. Even when being weighed down by water, the cuffed wrist fits snugly around your wrist, and it never feels restrictive or uncomfortable. Handy when you're constantly lifting it to wash your vehicle.
Pros
- Top-quality materials and ensures a soft application on paint
- Comfortable fit, which makes it easy to use
- The design is shared across loads of different brands
Cons
- Possibly not the best value available
| Dimensions | 30cm x 20cm x 5cm |
| Weight | 100g |
Best microfibre cloths for car cleaning
Rrp: $11.99
Rrp: $11.99
When it comes to cleaning your vehicle, buffing wax or other products, or application of scratch remover and similar, microfibre towels are the trusty tools you need for looking after your car without scratching it.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile products suitable for all sorts of cleaning tasks
- Good value for money at under £20 for the set
- There is less chance of scratching your paintwork
Cons
- They can get stained relatively quickly
| Quantity | 5 |
| Dimensions | 31.7cm x 15.9cm x 4.4cm |
| Weight | 130g |
Best drying towel for car cleaning
They're a garage essential, and this one from Detailers United is the ideal tool. It's a great choice for even the most delicate part of your paintwork, and it has a deep pile to ensure the water is as absorbed as possible when applied.
Pros
- Soft and effective towel for drying
- Gets water off instantly, which is handy
- Large size, which makes car coverage super easy
Cons
- It will need to be washed regularly
| Dimensions | 70cm x 50cm x 0.1cm |
| Weight | 1.2kg |
FAQs and things to remember with car cleaning
How can I get the best out of car cleaning products?
Firstly, understand the differences between various detailing products and their appropriate applications to achieve the best results. And remember, patience and attention to detail are essential qualities for a professional car detailer. Take your time, follow proper techniques, and use the right car cleaning products to get that showroom-quality finish. No one knows how to clean a car better than those who do it for a living. We’ve had a look around to get some of the top tips from the detailing professionals. Investing in high-quality microfibre towels, wash mitts, and foam applicators is a must. This is to ensure that your paintwork won’t get scratched in any part of the process.
What is the best way of cleaning and detailing a car?
Use a two-bucket wash method – one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing your wash mitt. This helps prevent dirt and contaminants from being reintroduced to the car’s surface. It’s always best to opt for car shampoo and other cleaning products that are pH-balanced. This will prevent damage to the car’s paint and clear coat.
When polishing, use a dual-action polisher with appropriate pads and polishes to remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation. Work in small sections and avoid excessive pressure. Afterwards, apply a high-quality wax or sealant to protect the paint from UV rays, water spots, and other environmental elements.
How to keep car wheels clean
Your best bet for maintaining your hard work on your alloys is a coating of wheel sealant. You simply apply it to protect the wheels from brake dust and road grime build-up after cleaning with a good wheel cleaner.
Moreover, the result of car cleaning is dependent on shade and sunlight. Try to work in shaded areas or indoors to prevent products from drying too quickly and leaving residues. Once you’ve finished all of that, ceramic coatings are an option too. They provide long-lasting protection and hydrophobic properties, making future cleaning easier.
What are the essential car cleaning products I need?
You will learn that there is a whole host of different products for different stages when it comes to car cleaning. But we don’t blame you if you don’t want the full kit and slim down to only the essentials.
Above all, prioritise shampoo as your absolute essential. It’s the main stage of any car cleaning task, and will get your paintwork looking smart. Next is wheel cleaner; if your car has alloy wheels, this is an essential to getting all of the dirt off from the brakes (dust) and from the road and puddles. Pre-wash is highly recommended by us, though not absolutely essential to everyone, and snow foam only exists for a surprisingly niche reason.
To clean and dry the car, invest in some good quality, soft wash mitts. These are far superior to any sponge and won’t leave swirl marks or light scratches on your paintwork. To dry the vehicle, get yourself a big drying towel; leaving your car to dry naturally is only going to allow water spots and residue to show up later – and this is something you never like to see.
The last thing we’d greatly recommend is glass cleaner – it works wonders on clearing the smears and grime from your windows and allows you to see better under direct sunlight or tricky conditions.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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