Best Products and Tips for Beginner Car Detailing at Home?

[micaeljames]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to start taking better care of my car’s exterior and interior.

I’ve seen a ton of products out there like waxes, ceramic coatings, and interior cleaners, and it’s a bit overwhelming.

What are some must-have products for beginners, and what’s the best order of steps for a basic detailing session?

I’ll be working mostly by hand without fancy tools. Also, any budget-friendly recommendations are appreciated.

I’d love to hear your go-to techniques or any mistakes to avoid.

 

[micaeljames]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to start taking better care of my car’s exterior and interior.

I’ve seen a ton of products out there like waxes, ceramic coatings, and interior cleaners, and it’s a bit overwhelming.

What are some must-have products for beginners, and what’s the best order of steps for a basic detailing session?

I’ll be working mostly by hand without fancy tools like SUPERBRIGHT DETAILING. Also, any budget-friendly recommendations are appreciated.

I’d love to hear your go-to techniques or any mistakes to avoid.

thanks in advance for any help

 

[illopp00]

Do you have a home driveway for cleaning?

For exterior I use this: https://www.chemicalguys.com/products/foam-blaster-6-foam-wash-gun-mr-pink-foam-party-soap
So, foam cannon, those quick attach hose fittings, a high-pressure spray attachment and some microfiber clothes and sponges. Can clean the car in 20 mins and it stays pretty shiny for a good while.

 

[PureJoy77]

One of my favs is Chemical Guys Swift Wipe Waterless Car Wash. Use it all year round for quick touchups (great for bird poop and bug splats) and waterless winter car washes.

 

[borski]

My PPF shop has a fantastic aftercare page: https://bayareadetails.com/after-care-ocdetailing/

 

[lucidtouringman]

ONR on exterior, 10mins car is done. Bug spray remover from 3D. Chemical guys total interior cleaner and protectant. 2 dozen microfiber cloths and one car towel from chemical Brothers.

 

[Shane_SLC]

I highly recommend checking out the Out of Spec Detailing YouTube channel. Coleton has great recommendations on products and how-to videos for different detailing topics.

Out of Spec Detailing

For more info on getting your vehicle detailed, visit cleardetailing.com

youtube.com

 

[Amster]

ONR on exterior, 10mins car is done. Bug spray remover from 3D. Chemical guys total interior cleaner and protectant. 2 dozen microfiber cloths and one car towel from chemical Brothers.

It is fast, but I've never gotten it done in 10 minutes.

 

[DeaneG]

I prefer Aero Wash Wax All over ONR. It leaves a slick finish, and works as well or better at cleaning.

 

[Lucidale]

Avalon king.

 

[lucidtouringman]

It is fast, but I've never gotten it done in 10 minutes.

Oh I know...I used to take 20 mins too but here's what I've learned over the times of doing it to make it fast...so you do the car in 5 sections in this order...top. side, back, side, front...spray one side dry one side roughly...once you're done all 5 surfaces fast..you will still have left over moisture..take a towel and dry the car off ..this method..I'm able to get it done from anywhere in 8 to 12 mins.. Also, I spray the front with a bug remover first to allow it to soak for the time I wash the rest of the car .. The days I'm feeling slow and have time to burn I'll detail the exterior more carefully...