Professional auto detailers highly recommend these car detailing tools to maintain the pristine appearance of their vehicles.
Pressure Washer A
pressure washer utilizes high-pressure water expelled through a small nozzle, providing a powerful means to eliminate stubborn and adhered grime without the need for excessive manual effort. Moreover, you can opt to incorporate car soap into the pressure washer, enabling a convenient alternative to manual hand-washing. Will Creech, a reputable detailer and blogger at DetailDIY.com, recommends the Karcher K1700 Pressure Washer, an electric model boasting a maximum pounds per square inch (PSI) of 1,700. Creech deems it an excellent choice, particularly for sporadic use throughout the year, emphasizing its favorable warranty terms.
Foam Gun
For those not looking to make the investment in a pressure washer, Creech suggests considering a foam gun attachment for your garden hose as a cost-effective alternative. Simply fill the canister with water and a few ounces of car soap, switch on the hose, and spray a substantial layer of foam onto your vehicle. Creech specifically recommends Adam’s Foam Gun, offering the flexibility to opt for either a concentrated stream or a broad fan of foam, allowing control over the water-to-soap ratio during application.
Grit Guards
If you adhere to the traditional two-bucket car wash method, grit guards are indispensable, according to Creech. They act as a filtration system for your soapy water bucket, preventing dirt from contaminating the water and potentially causing scratches during the washing process. Simply place a grit guard at the bottom of your bucket and run your mitt or sponge against it to dislodge the dirt, which is then trapped beneath the guard. This ensures that the soapy water above remains clean and suitable for washing. Creech recommends the Dirt Trap Cyclones by Chemical Guys, lauding their effectiveness in trapping dirt at the bottom due to nearly 300 funnel-shaped traps.
Car Dryer
Car dryers are highly efficient in drying car interiors and hard-to-reach areas such as side mirrors and door jambs. Residual water in these crevices can later leak, causing stubborn and challenging water spots. Creech specifically favors the MetroVac Air Force Blaster Car and Motorcycle Dryer. Weighing only three lbs., this dryer expels air at an impressive rate of 18,000 feet per minute. Additionally, it filters and slightly heats the air to approximately 30°F above the ambient temperature.
Microfiber Mitts and Towels Microfiber,
composed of polyester and nylon, features threads that are finer than 10 micrometers in diameter, even surpassing the fineness of human hair. Creech emphasizes the significance of microfiber mitts and sponges in preventing fine scratches and swirls in a car’s clear coat. He highly recommends stocking up on microfiber towels and mitts from The Rag Company, highlighting the exceptional absorbency of their Dry Me a River towel.
Car Vacuum
Vacuums are indispensable for the thorough removal of loose particles from a car’s interior. While a household vacuum can be utilized outdoors, a dedicated car vacuum is more suitable for this purpose. Creech speaks highly of the Metrovac Vac N’ Blo Car Detailing Vacuum, which not only vacuums but also acts as a dryer, effectively removing water from tight spots and crevices. This proactive measure helps prevent water spots that could potentially damage the car’s clear coat. For those unsure about justifying the cost of the Metrovac, which exceeds $300, a shop vacuum like the Armor All Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vac can also suffice. This versatile option can be used for vacuuming the garage and workshop in addition to car cleaning tasks.
Car Detailing Steamer
A handheld steam cleaner directs steam precisely where needed, effectively loosening and removing the most stubborn and stuck-on residues (picture chewing gum pressed into your cupholder). Alex Killingsworth, a service consultant at Superior Honda in New Orleans, emphasizes the necessity of a steamer. The Bissell SteamShot stands out as a customer favorite on Amazon, boasting over 15,000 five-star reviews. It is equipped with a jet nozzle and brush attachment, also ideal for grout cleaning!
Car Polisher
Polishers are essential for smoothing out paint imperfections. Random orbital polishers replicate a hand-polishing motion and are beginner-friendly. Steve Evans, owner of Tampa Boat Detailing, recommends the Shurhold Pro Rotary Polisher. Evans applauds the durability and user-friendliness of his Shurhold polisher, yielding exceptional results.
Boar’s Hair Detailing
Brushes Experts like Dennis Donchev, the proprietor of La Jolla Mobile Car Detail, opt for boar’s hair due to its robustness in cleaning while being gentle enough not to cause scratches. Boar’s hair brushes are ideal for cleaning tires, wheel faces, engine bays, inner doors, weather stripping, and even your dashboard.
