It doesn’t take much to keep your car looking shiny and new, as simply giving it a wash using a quality car shampoo isn’t a bad place to start. But if you really want that fresh-from-showroom feel, or you’re looking to revive tired paintwork, only the best car cleaning products will do.
We’ve already covered off the likes of the best car vacuum cleaners and the best pressure washers for dealing with properly grimy motors, but now it’s time to focus on the the car cleaning products that help remove grime and create a jealousy-inducing shine.
We are talking waxes, shampoos and polish, as well as the special chemicals that help return alloy wheels to showroom status and special compounds for streak-free and rain resistant windscreens.
We’ve got a stack of the best car cleaning products below that range from cleaning products through to gadgets for getting the job done that little bit easier too. And, for the last little finishing touch, have a quick flit around your motor with a detailing spray to really showcase the best bits of your car.
T3's top 3 car cleaning products
The best car cleaning products you can buy
Our favourite product that encompasses pretty much every step of the car cleaning process is the great value Ultimate Car Bundle from cleaning experts Muc-Off. This handy kit includes pretty much everything you need to obtain a professional level clean of your pride and joy.
Perhaps most importantly, it features a Dirt Bucket with Filth Filter, which stops pesky stones and grit getting in your wash mitt. This can cause havoc with sparkling paint jobs and can even lead to unwanted scratches and scrapes.
The kit also includes 1-litre of Snow Foam for your pressure washer lance, as well as soft brush, a smaller wheel and component brush and polishing cloths for achieving the perfect shine.
Best overall
Muc-Off has long been at the forefront of cleaning products, offering a compact range of chemicals and accessories that are designed to keep everything from cars to bicycles looking fresh and running smoothly.
The Ultimate Car Bundle includes the badass Dirt Bucket, which includes a built-in filter that keeps gunk, dirt and small stones out from your washing solution, so you don’t inadvertently scratch the paintwork you are trying so desperately to keep looking its best.
Alongside this, Muc-Off throws in one of its 2-in-1 Microfibre Wash Mitts, which features soft microfibre technology on one side to break up dirt in delicate areas, and a more aggressive waffle design on the palm for more stubborn stains.
There are a number of brushes for tackling hard to reach areas and even a lanyard to keep your car keys safe while washing.
In terms of chemicals, you get one litre of Muc-Off’s famous Snow Foam, which screws directly into most pressure washer lances and acts as a fantastic first step when shampooing dirty cars.
There’s also a bottle of Nano Tech Motorcycle Cleaner, which isn’t just for bikes. It rapidly breaks down built-up grease and oil, making it great for older cars.
Plus, it’s awesome for targeting particularly stubborn areas of grime. Simply spray, leave for a bit and then wipe away.
Best paint protector
Treating your car to a wash and wax is a given, but sometimes you need to go just that little bit further. Meguiar's G17216EU Ultimate Compound can be used to mildly cut back your paint surface, so that small scratches and blemishes vanish. It can be used on single stage and clear coat paintwork and is also ideal for removing tree sap and tar spots.
What’s more, you’ll be able to remove those annoying buffer swirls that less competent garages and drive-up car wash places can inflict on your paintjob and all without adding further damage. When you’re done, a quick once over with a quality wax and you’ll be good to go.
Best for interiors
Focussing on a show-stopping exterior finish is one thing, but that needs to be followed up with an equally fresh interior. This handy spray from Armor All allows you to achieve just that, with a triple action approach to busting dirt - kills grime, leaves a fresh finish and protects.
It is safe to use on most automotive surfaces, including dash, vinyl, consoles, rubber floor mats, and plastics (although there are better products for leather), breaking down dirt so it can easily be wiped away.
After spraying, it leaves a clean and natural finish, but don’t go mad with it, otherwise surfaces can feel a little sticky to touch. However, that slight remnants is deliberate, as this spray also protects surfaces, keeping sticky finger prints and general smudges away that little bit longer.
Best high gloss polish
G3’s latest Pro SuperGloss Paste is the best way to achieve a really deep shine on your paintwork once you’ve finished washing and ridding the exterior of visible dirt. It comes with an edgeless microfibre cloth and G3 Pro Black Waffle Pad Applicator, which gives fantastic results, but it is small, so you will have to put in the work on larger vehicles.
According to G3, the formula is blended with selected hydrocarbons, microwaxes, and high-grade Carnauba wax to offer a fantastic shine. Give it some elbow grease and you’ll only have to do this once every six months - that’s how confident G3 is on the robustness of its product.
Best for alloy wheels
Most cars come with alloy wheels nowadays and it’s the rims that really set off your car nicely. So, keeping them looking tasty is vital, which is where Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel Cleaner comes in. Best thing about it is the non-acid, non-alkaline make-up of the spray on liquid, so it’s fine on just about any kind of wheel.
Gentle brushing brings out the best results, especially on complex designs, but even used without any kind of manual intervention you’ll find that your wheels come up a treat. It might sport low-key packaging but the results are a genuine revelation and it’ll last you a while too.
Best detailing spray
Shabby interior and exterior plastic trim is a real letdown if you’ve spent time buffing up your paintwork and treating the wheels. So, a quick run round with Dodo Juice and all of your other surfaces will be looking just as good. Simply spray it on and wipe off.
Paint, plastic trim as well as metal and glass can all be given the same treatment and this comes in a large 500ml container, while a supplementary 100ml spray is also available as part of the range. It’s a quick and easy solution for adding the finishing touch to your very own valeting routine.
Best for windows and glass
If you’re obsessed with having a clean car, or just want to make it look ‘right’ then the devil is in the detail. Clean glass all round really makes a difference and this bargain-basement super simple liquid removes all manner of residues and gunk with spray-and-go efficiency.
Help things along with a decent cloth or paper towels and you’ll find that your glass soon returns to its original condition. Plenty of elbow grease brings out the best from this product, but it’s pretty good in small doses and can be easily worked into those tight window corners with a suitably fluffy cloth.
Best polishing kit
This extensive car cleaning kit is ideal for giving your car a full clean inside and out. It includes things such as shampoo and polish, gloss protection, tyre and wheel cleaner as well as a sponge and finishing cloth to ensure no smears. All of these products fit into a handy carry case, making it easy to keep in the boot or in your garage for whenever you need it. If you’re someone who likes looking after their car, then this set should give you everything you need for that professional finish at home.
Best wash and wax
If you want to keep your car looking good in-between waxes, then this wash and wax formula will clean your car and leave it with a high shine afterwards. Simply mix with water and scrub, and then rinse with water afterwards.
It’s quick and easy to use, and is pH neutral so not too harsh on your vehicle. Users have said it leaves your car completely streak-free after use and you only need to use it sparingly as it gets very soapy.
Best wash mitt
Using this soft car-cleaning mitt will ensure you’re not left with any streaks or any scratches to the paintwork, even when tackling tough dirt and grime. This mitt is said to last a long time and it also has a mesh panel on one side which is great for lifting off things such as bugs.
After use, you simply wash the mitts in warm water so they are clean and ready for the next time. You can use this mitt with any kind of car cleaning shampoo or polish.
How to buy the best car cleaning products
If you are unsure about the best car cleaning products, it is best to invest in a bundle or kit that includes everything you need to get started. The Muc-Off Ultimate Car Bundle and Autoglym’s The Collection are both fantastic places to start, as they include everything you need to bust dirt and create a shine afterwards.
Car detailing can be taken to very intricate levels, beginning with a general wash, moving on to paintwork treatment and then applying multiple stages of polish and protection. For this kind of thing, you will be better placed purchasing more targeted products for every stage of that clean.
Also, it’s really easy to forget about a car interior, which needs a lot of love, too. Go for something with germ-beating properties and a product that will leave a layer of protection on surfaces and fabrics. That way, you won’t have to spend so long removing stains in the future.