Att tvätta din bil på rätt sätt är inte så enkelt som du tror. Som det mesta inom bilindustrin finns det ett rätt verktyg för varje jobb. Det kan till och med finnas verktyg som du aldrig trodde att du behövde för att tvätta din bil! Nuförtiden finns det många alternativ för att få din bil ren. Du kan gå till din lokala biltvätt och betala några dollar, eller så kan du köra den genom en biltvätt på din lokala bensinstation. Det finns ännu dyrare detaljhandlare som kommer att få din bil att glänsa bättre än ny.
Men en del av glädjen med att äga sin egen bil är att ta hand om den själv, och det innebär att ge den en ordentlig detaljering då och då. Om du vill få din bil att glänsa som ny inifrån och ut, har vi sammanställt en omfattande guide som täcker nästan alla produkter du behöver för att tvätta din bil som ett proffs. Det kommer att ta lite armbågsfett och tid, men det sparar pengar och ger dig tillfredsställelsen att göra det själv.
För mer information om de bästa bilrengöringsprodukterna, se vår innehållsförteckning.
Varför du behöver det:
Du kanske tycker att en normal hink räcker när det kommer till att tvätta din bil, men att skaffa en dedikerad hink med smutsfälla eller grusskyddsinsats rekommenderas starkt. Det beror på att medan du tvättar din bil, sköljer du sannolikt din svamp eller handvante i hinken, vilket innebär att smuts och skräp från din bils kropp blandas i vattnet. En smutsfälla eller grusskydd hjälper till att separera vattnet från smutsen, så att du sköljer din vante eller svamp i rent vatten. Ingenting är värre än att tvätta din bil, bara för att inse att smuts har fastnat på din svamp eller vante och att du faktiskt skrapar din klarrock medan du tvättar.
Vad du ska leta efter:
När du handlar efter en dedikerad biltvättshink är det bäst att spendera de extra få spännen för en som inkluderar en smutsfälla eller grusskydd. Du kan alltid köpa tillbehöret separat, men då måste du se till att det fungerar med din hink. Leta efter en kraftig hink som tål lite missbruk, och helst en med lock. På så sätt kan du förvara några av dina biltvättstillbehör i skopan när den inte används.
Det finns också "två-hinkar"-metoden om du vill minska risken för att få smuts eller grus på din bils yta. Du använder en hink för biltvättsåpan och en annan med bara vatten för att skölja av din vante eller svamp. Om du väljer att använda två-hinkar-metoden, se till att grusskyddet eller smutsfällan är i vattenhinken. Alternativt kommer vi att utforska användningen av en skumpistol senare, vilket skulle eliminera behovet av en tvålhink.
Rekommendation:
Adam’s Grit Guard Wash Bucket with Lock kan vara lite dyrare än andra biltvättshinkar, men den kommer med grusskydd och lock. Med en kapacitet på fem gallon räcker hinken för att tvätta även stora stadsjeepar och lastbilar. Du behöver inte leta efter några ringklockor när det kommer till din hink, bara se till att du tar en högkvalitativ, kraftig en som inte spricker eller går sönder efter några användningar.
Varför du behöver det:
Detta är nästan självförklarande, eftersom du inte ska tvätta något utan tvål! Men det finns skäl att köpa riktig biltvättsåpa istället för att använda något som diskmedel. Disktvål är bra för att bekämpa fett på din disk, men de tar bort vaxet och skyddsmedlet från din bils yta. De flesta biltvättvålar är speciellt framtagna för användning på lack och klarlacker, med mer smörjmedel så att det är säkrare på din bils yta.
Vad du ska leta efter:
Som enkla och okomplicerade biltvätthinkar är, så är biltvättsåpor raka motsatsen. Förbered dig på att översvämmas av en uppsjö av alternativ på marknaden, med priser som sträcker sig från absurt billiga till löjligt dyra. Köp inte bara någon biltvättsåpa som är populär eller har höga betyg, eftersom du först måste bestämma vilken typ av biltvål du behöver. Det finns tre allmänna kategorier när det kommer till biltvål:allmänt bruk, tvätt och vax samt stripp.
Biltvål för allmänt bruk är idealiska för vecko- eller månadstvättar. De tar inte bort något tidigare vax eller skyddsmedel och lämnar din bil fin och glänsande. Tvätta och vaxa biltvålar är bra när du letar efter ett sätt att behålla ditt vaxskydd utan att behöva detaljera din bil. Det är ett bekvämt sätt att slå två flugor i en smäll, även om du inte ska förvänta dig samma skyddslager som ett helt lager vax. Slutligen finns striptvål tillgängliga när du behöver ta bort vax eller skyddsmedel från din billack. Varför skulle du vilja göra det? Du kan behöva polera bort några repor eller brister som är djupa, eller så vill du applicera ett nytt lager vax eller till och med keramisk beläggning för att skydda din färg. Om du vill ta bort det vaxet, se till att du får en biltvättsåpa som är formulerad för jobbet, så att den fortfarande skyddar den målade ytan.
Rekommendation:
Med så många alternativ där ute är det verkligen svårt att begränsa det till ett. Men om du inte vill ägna tid åt forskning kan du inte gå fel med Meguiars Gold Class Car Wash. Varumärket är ett pålitligt namn inom bilvård och dess Gold Class Car Wash är en av dess mest populära produkter. Den har en premiumformel designad för att försiktigt skumma bort smuts, vägsmuts och föroreningar utan att förstöra ditt vax. Alla Meguiars biltvättar är icke-tvättmedel och hjälper till att smörja ytan medan du rengör, så att smuts och smuts glider av lacken istället för att slipa in i lacken.
Varför du behöver det:
Bli inte frestad att tvätta din bil med en handduk. Åtminstone vill du använda en svamp, men det är bäst att använda en handvante. De gör inte bara jobbet mer bekvämt och bekvämt, de flesta vantar är gjorda av mikrofiber eller fårskinn, vilket är mycket säkrare att använda på din bils yta. De är också mycket lättare att tvätta och hålla rena när de inte används.
Vad du ska leta efter:
Nowadays, there are a lot of different companies that manufacture car wash mitts. Look for a mitt that is constructed from a soft material that’s safe to use on your car’s paint, preferably microfiber. Some products are offered in pairs at a competitive price, and having a second mitt handy doesn’t hurt. Just make sure you get a high-quality mitt that won’t fall apart after a couple uses.
Recommendation:
Griot’s Garage is another well-respected company in the car care market, and it offers a two pack of its microfiber mitts for a competitive price. This way, you can use one mitt for the extra dirty parts of your car, and another for the glass, roof, and hood. Griot’s Garage’s pair of mitts come in different colors, so you’ll be able to differentiate which mitt is being used for what. They’re also machine washable for easy maintenance and there’s no thumb area, so the mitts easily rotate on your hand.
Why you need it:
Truth be told you don’t need a pressure washer to clean your car. It’s really a luxury item that makes your job easier and gives your car a more thorough cleaning. There are a few things to keep in mind when using a pressure washer. First, most pressure washers will still need a hose hookup as a source for water. Second, you’ll need a power outlet to connect the pressure washer, which may or may not be convenient for you. Third, you’ll need a decent sized driveway if you’re using a pressure washer, since you won’t want to have to move it around and risk hitting your car.
Another advantage to having a pressure washer is the ability to use a foam gun or blaster, which attaches to the pressure washer. This allows you to spray your car soap on your vehicle, instead of having to use a mitt to soap up your car. This helps given the car a more thorough and even coating of soap, which you can then simply use your mitt to wipe away the dirt and grime.
What to look for:
When shopping for a pressure washer, you’ll want to pay attention to its power, weight, cord length, accessories and warranty. Some pressure washers come with a variety of spray tips, allowing you to tackle light, medium, and heavy duty tasks. Cord length is important, since you’ll want to make sure the pressure washer can easily reach a power outlet without getting too close to your car. Other washers make things a bit more convenient by offering a built-in hose reel, making it put everything away when you’re done washing your car.
Recommendation:
While the Sun Joe SPX3000 is one of the most popular pressure washers on Amazon, we actually recommend the SPX3001. It offers the same performance as the SPX3000 with 2030 PSI from a 14.5-amp, 1800-watt motor, but it has an onboard reel that keeps up to 20 feet of high-pressure hose organized on the pressure washer itself. It comes with five quick-connect spray tips and automatically shuts off the pump when the trigger isn’t being used. The SPX3001 also comes with a two-year warranty.
Why you need it:
If you’re using a pressure washer, paying a few extra bucks for a foam gun is a must. It allows you to easily coat your car evenly with soap, saving you a lot of time when it comes to washing your car. After soaking your car with the pressure washer and spraying all the loose dirt off, you can quickly connect the foam gun to the pressure washer to cover the car with soap. This helps ensure the rest of the grime, dirt, and other debris on your car is loose before you turn to your mitt to wipe it clean.
What to look for:
Most foam guns look the same but there are a few things to look for when shopping for one. Most importantly, you want to make sure it’s compatible with your pressure washer by looking at the required pressure figure. You’ll also want to make sure its tank capacity is generous, so you don’t have to worry about mixing up a car wash mixture in the middle of washing your car. Pay close attention to the materials its constructed from and whether the bottle is high quality. Some cheaper foam guns have bottles that will eventually shear off, forcing you to purchase a replacement. Lastly, check to make sure the nozzle is adjustable so you get good coverage rather than a “drippy” spray.
Recommendation:
Competitively priced, the TriNova Foam Gun is a solid choice. It features a wide neck to prevent cracking and works with pressure washers from 800 to 3500 PSI. It also features a dial so you can easily adjust the amount of foam from the gun.
Why you need it:
Well, if you’re planning to wash your car with a hose and you don’t have a hose nozzle, you’re going to have a bad time. A high-pressure hose nozzle is necessary to get loose dirt and grime off your paint before you start washing it down with a mitt. Stronger nozzles will even get tougher dirt and spots off your car without you having to scrub the area. They won’t be as powerful as a pressure washer, but they are a lot more affordable. They also help control the flow of water, so you don’t have to constantly turn off your hose while you’re soaping down your car.
What to look for:
Hose nozzles come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and price ranges. There are even foam cannons you can purchase to use with a hose, but naturally they won’t be as powerful or convenient as one hooked up to a pressure washer. When shopping for a hose nozzle, look for one with multiple patterns and a flow control knob, so you can adjust according to your needs. Comfort is also an important factor. You’ll want to purchase one that’s fairly lightweight and easy to grip, since you’ll be spending a good amount of time spraying down your car when you wash it.
Recommendation:
One of the most popular and highly rated products on Amazon is the Gardenite garden hose nozzle. It’s manufactured from solid metal and features a baked enamel finish, so it’s designed to last. The nozzle features 10 watering patterns, from high pressure jet to soft shower, making it one of the most versatile nozzles available. Best of all, you can use it for other purposes than just washing your car. It’s most defining feature is the flow control knob, so you can choose just how much pressure is coming through. Comfort shouldn’t be an issue either, since it uses a front squeeze trigger with a clip so it can stay permanently on.
Why you need it:
Like a pressure washer, you don’t necessarily need a car dryer. But it does save you quite a bit of time and lessens the chance you’ll scratch your car while drying it with a conventional towel. If you don’t like the idea of purchasing a specific tool just to dry your car, you can look at car vacuums that can double as a blower. They may not be as powerful as dedicated dryers, but they’ll still save you some time and effort.
What to look for:
A leaf blower actually makes for a cost-efficient car dryer. You don’t need to necessarily purchase a car dryer, when another existing and cheaper tool does the job just as well, if not better. There are plenty of leaf blowers available in the market so if you’re looking in that direction, research the power of the blower’s motor and how much it weighs. You’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable to use and that it has a long enough cord to conveniently reach around your car. Just make sure if you’re using a blower to not get any of the dirt around the car back onto the surface of the paint.
Recommendation:
Not too cheap and not too expensive, the Worx Turbine600 corded leaf blower is a fine choice to get all the water off your car after a wash. The blower pumps out air speeds up to 110 mph with a CFM of 600, while weighing 6.4 lbs, light enough for one-handed operation. It also has variable speed control so you can adjust it for different tasks. Another benefit to the Worx Turbine 600 is its three-year warranty.
Why you need it:
You don’t just need a single towel to dry your car once you’re done washing it. You’ll actually want to invest into several towels, so you have separate ones to detail certain components of your vehicle, including the interior. Invest into a proper towel designed for drying your car, and then pick up an affordable pack of microfiber towels. This way, you have a few handy whenever you need a clean towel to touch up another part of your car.
What to look for:
As we mentioned before, the first thing you want to look for is a dedicated towel for drying your car. This can range from an absorbent microfiber towel, or a product like “The Absorber” or a shammy. Look for something that is machine washable for easy maintenance and has a decent size that’s not too cumbersome to use, but covers a good amount of surface area while you’re drying.
Recommendation:
You really can’t go wrong with The Absorber. It’s one of the most popular products designed for drying your car efficiently and quickly. It has an attractive price and won’t scratch your car’s paint. It also comes with a convenient tube so you can roll it back up and store it when it’s not being used. The Absorber is resistant to mold, mildew, and other chemicals, while measuring 27 inches by 17 inches. It’s also machine washable.
Along with getting The Absorber, invest into a pack of microfiber towels. These don’t have to be expensive towels, as you’ll be using them to touch up certain spots or detailing your interior. AmazonBasics offers a 24-pack at a really competitive price, with three different towel colors. This way, you can separate each shade for a certain purpose. These towels are ultra soft and non-abrasive, safe to use on paint and other surfaces. Each cloth measures 12 inches by 16 inches and can be machine washed.
Why you need it:
Having a spotless and shiny exterior doesn’t mean your job is done. You’ll want to make sure to put some effort into cleaning your car’s interior – that is where you spend all your time with the car after all. As you can imagine, a car vacuum is a valuable tool in keeping your cabin clean, and some double as a blower that can be used to dry your car. A vacuum also comes in handy to take care of any food or drink spills, as well as tidying up your trunk so it stays in good condition.
What to look for:
Shopping for a car vacuum is surprisingly complicated. You can choose from either a corded or cordless option, and if you go the corded route, whether you want a 12-volt option that uses your car’s cigarette lighter or a standard power outlet. Cordless vacuums have several features to consider, including their weight, canister size, and battery life. Then you have to consider the size of your vehicle. If you own a three-row SUV, chances are you’ll want a vacuum that lasts longer and has a larger storage tank. Make sure to also pay attention to suction power, as you will want a vacuum that is powerful enough to pick up all the dirt and debris that has accumulated on your floor mats and carpet.
Recommendation:
Since there are so many variables when it comes to shopping for a car vacuum, it’s tough to make one overall recommendation. So instead, we picked two vacuums, one corded and one cordless.
If you’re able to use a corded vacuum with a standard power outlet it’s worth investing in the Armor All 2.5-gallon utility wet/dry vacuum . It’s basically a shop-vac, able to deal with wet and dry debris, with a 2.5-gallon storage tank that should be sufficient for even large SUVs. It comes with a 10-foot power cord and a 6-foot hose, which should be enough to navigate around your vehicle without being too much trouble. It can also be converted to a blower so you can use it as a dryer. The vacuum includes several helpful components, such as a reusable cloth filter, reusable foam sleeve, two-in-one utility nozzle, crevice tool, deluxe car nozzle, blower nozzle, and detail brush. It comes with a two-year warranty.
A popular cordless handheld vacuum is the Black+Decker Dustbuster. It weighs just 2.6 lbs but can only be used on dry debris. The portable vacuum is rated at 15.2 watts with max voltage of 16v and has a suction power of 15.2 air watts. Its dustbowl capacity is 20.6 ounces, but can easily be emptied and washed. The Black+Decker Dustbuster features a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via a charging base. Another benefit to the vacuum is that its battery is capable of holding a charge for up to 18 months, so you can conveniently keep it in your car.
Included with the vacuum are a flip-up brush and a crevice tool, both of which will help you clean your interior with less effort. It also comes with a two-year warranty.
Why you need it:
A comprehensive wash on your car could take hours and you might not always have the time to do that. In between washes, you can spend a few minutes with a bottle of exterior detailer and a microfiber towel to keep your car looking clean. Also known as quick detailers, these specially formulated products are designed for a convenient spray-on, wipe-off touch up for when you can’t do a proper wash.
What to look for:
When picking a quick detailer, choose a reputable brand that is respected in the car care industry. These companies have invested the research and development to come up with a solution that won’t damage your car’s clear coat or paint. If you’re willing to spend a bit extra, opt for a product that has a hydrophobic component, that gives added protection while repelling water. Just make sure the product doesn’t strip or remove any wax or protectant from your car’s clearcoat. There are also some detailers that can be used on other surfaces such as glass, plastic, or metal.
Recommendation:
Available in a 22-ounce bottle, Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Detailer costs a little bit more than your standard bottle of quick detailer, but it features hydrophobic polymer technology. Designed to deliver a high surface tension for added protection, the Ultimate Quik Detailer is great to use in between washes. Expect it to leave your car looking shiny, safely removing dust and other contaminants with just a spray and wipe.
Why you need it:
Your interior takes a beating sitting out in the sun during the day, so you’ll want to protect all exposed surfaces inside your cabin. Not just that, but your seats go through more wear and tear than any other component inside your car, so giving them a bit of attention can go a long way in making sure they last. Interior detailer only cleans the surface of your dash, center console, and seats, but also protects them from harmful UV rays.
What to look for:
Depending on your vehicle, you will need to choose an interior detailer made for the job. For example, if you have leather seats, make sure you purchase an interior detailer that works for leather surfaces. You may need to purchase a separate detailer to handle your dash and door panels, or other vinyl, plastic, and rubber surfaces throughout the cabin. Look for a product that gives you the finish you desire – some people prefer a shiny look, while others would rather have a matte touch. Pay close attention to how they smell too, since sensitive noses may not want some of the stronger scents that some interior detailers put out.
Recommendation:
A great all-purpose interior detailer is the CarGuys’ Super Cleaner. It’s designed to work on various surfaces including upholstery, fabric, canvas, leather, vinyl, plastic, rubber, grease, and more. We prefer this cleaner over others because it leaves a nice, clean finish with no gloss to the surfaces. And since its all purpose, you can spray the detailer on the included towel and wipe away throughout your cabin, from the dash to the seats, door panels to even the floor mats.
Why you need it:
So you have the exterior of your car all washed up and your cabin is looking spotless. That’s when you realize that you probably neglected the windows. While the outside glass is likely clean from the wash itself, you’ll want to make sure the inside glass gets treated as well. Over time, the inside of your windows can accumulate all sorts of residue, leaving you a cloudy appearance that your wipers can’t take care of.
What to look for:
You may think a popular household product such as Windex will do the job, and you’re not wrong. But there are products that make the job easier, with a finer mist spray that won’t drip all over the place. In addition, some glass cleaners are formulated to remove the thin layer of film that builds up on the interior of windshields. If you have tinted windows, you’ll also want to make sure you’re purchasing a glass cleaner that is safe to use.
Recommendation:
Easy to apply and ammonia-free so it’s safe to use on tint, Invisible Glass premium glass cleaner comes in an aerosol can with a no-drip, fine mist spray. It’s one of the most popular products on Amazon and for good reason. It doesn’t use any soaps or dyes, nor is it scented. Each wipe won’t leave streaky residues, so your windows are crystal clear once you’re done.
Why you need it:
Depending on how intricately designed your wheels are, cleaning them can be a real pain. That’s when a wheel and tire cleaner comes in handy. After a quick rinse on your wheels, you can simply spray the cleaner, wait a few minutes for it to do its job, and then rinse it off. If there’s any stubborn dirt left over, it should be fairly easy to scrub off with your hand mitt and soap.
What to look for:
The most important factor when shopping for a wheel and tire cleaner is to make sure it’s safe to use on any finish. Modern wheels come in a variety of finishes, including chrome paint, so you’ll want to make sure the wheel cleaner isn’t so harsh that it damages your wheel. Look for a wheel and tire cleaner that’s environmentally friendly and is formulated to be acid free, non-toxic, and pH balanced.
Recommendation:
Our recommendation for a wheel and tire cleaner comes from Car Guys. One of the most popular and highly-rated wheel and tire cleaners on Amazon, Car Guys’ product ticks all the boxes we look for. It’s made in the U.S. and conforms to all safety regulations, specially formulated to be acid free, non-toxic, and pH balanced. It will clean wheels of all finishes, including alloy, aluminum, anodized, chrome, painted, polished, clear-coated, and even plasti-dipped.
June 7, 2021:Removed the promoted product recommendation.
March 31, 2021:Updated with a promoted product recommendation.
