How to put together the best car cleaning kit: Product Recommendations & Tips
Whether you've just come back from a long road trip or you're starting to notice your car isn't as clean and shiny as you remember it being, cleaning your car can be a laborious process. That's why you want to make sure that you're using the right tools and the right products to clean your car inside and out.
That's why we've put together this guide to help you know what you need to include in your car cleaning kit to make your next car wash a breeze!
Exterior Cleaning
Cleaning the exterior of your car seems simple enough, grab a sponge and some soap and have at it. But you can't use any old sponge or any old soap, unless you want to ruin the finish or miss those hard to reach areas on your car.
We've put together everything you need to make sure that your car cleaning kit has everything you need to tackle any exterior dirt that's made it way onto your ride.
Bucket
The first thing you're going to want is a bucket. Not only is it where you'll keep the water for your car cleaning, but it can double as storage for your other cleaning supplies when you don't need them. Preferably, you will want two buckets, one for soapy water and one for normal water to rinse off your car. You can find buckets for washing your car here.
Car Wash Soaps & Waxes
Next you're going to want to pick out a soap that you're going to use to wash your car. However, you should be careful about which soap you use. You should use a dedicated carwash soap or pH-neutral soap to ensure that you don't damage your car's finish and clear coat during washing. Soaps like dish soap can strip the protective wax off your car and damage the paint underneath.
You will also want to look at picking up car polish or car wax to rejuvenate your car's paintjob and provide an extra layer of protection from dirt and general use. You can pick up car wash soaps that have wax mixed into them, eliminating the need for two separate products.
We have a collection of car wash soaps & waxes at the Warehouse that are perfect for making sure that your car is cleaned without any damage being done.
Cleaning Tools
To clean a car effectively you will want to use sponges, brushes, and microfibre cloths. You will want to be sure that you are choosing products that are designed with car cleaning in mind to avoid any potential scratches or damage to your vehicle. You can find all the tools you need to effectively clean your car at the Warehouse.
Sponges
The most effective way to apply car wash soap to your car will be with a sponge. A sponge will help you reach tight spaces and effectively remove dirt and debris from the surface of your car. Make sure the sponge is soft enough to not scratch the paint but sturdy enough to get the job done.
Brushes
You will want to use a brush to clean off any stubborn bits of dirt or debris on your car. Be careful not to scrub too hard or you risk damaging your car. Be sure to use a soft-bristle brush as they're the most gentle on paintwork while still being able to lift up bits of dirt and grime.
Microfibre Cloths
Microfibre cloths are the types of cloths that you want to use for cleaning your car. They are super absorbent, are soft and gentle on car surfaces, and don't leave streaks when drying your car. You can also use them to apply wax or polish, and they can be used to clean the car's interior as well.
Wheel Cleaner
A great addition to your car cleaning kit is wheel cleaner. A specific cleaner for your wheels will help remove break dust and road grime from your tyres and rims. You can also pair this with a brush with harder bristles to ensure that any dirt or grime is cleaned off your wheels. You can find wheel cleaner and brushes at the Warehouse.
Glass Cleaner
To round out your exterior cleaning kit, pick up some glass cleaner for your windows and windshield. A good glass cleaner will make sure that your glass is spotless and clean while not leaving streaks. Use a sponge to apply and a microfibre cloth to dry. We have a great selection of glass cleaners at the Warehouse for you to browse.
Interior Cleaning
It should go without saying, but you can't use everything you use to clean the exterior of your car to clean the interior. You will need specialised products designed to keep the interior of your car clean.
We've put together some products that you need to make sure your car cleaning kit is ready to handle your car's interior cleaning needs.
Interior Cleaner
The first part of your interior cleaning kit are interior cleaning products. These can range from carpet & upholstery cleaners, multi-purpose sprays, sanitisers, and all purpose cleaning wipes. Be sure to choose the appropriate products for your interior's material, as using the wrong products can be ineffective in removing dirt, stains, or odour, and can even lead to damage in some cases.
We have a wide range of interior cleaning products at the Warehouse, so no matter the interior of your car we've got you covered.
Vacuum Cleaner
Next, you're going to want to grab a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt or debris that has found its way inside your car. While you have flexibility in what vacuum you use, we recommend using a cordless vacuum cleaner for ease of use and the fact you won't need to make sure your vacuum is able to be plugged in wherever you are washing your car.
Make sure that you have attachments that are designed for cleaning upholstery, along with crevice tools that make reaching tight spots easy. We have a collection of vacuums, both corded and cordless, and attachments that you can find here.
Cleaning Tools
Similarly to exterior cleaning, you will want brushes and microfibre cloths to effectively clean your car's upholstery and other interior components. You will want to use a soft bristle brush for delicate surfaces, such as your dashboard or leather, and heavy duty brushes for fabric, carpet, and tough stains. You can also use small, fine tip brushes for tight crevices and air vents.
Just like cleaning your car's exterior, microfibre cloths are the best choice because they're soft, absorbent, and can trap dirt and grime without scratching surfaces. Microfibre cloths are also the best choice for cleaning the interior of your cars windows and windshields.
The Wrap Up
Putting together the right car cleaning kit turns a tedious chore into a quick, effective routine. Start with the basics (two buckets, a pH‑neutral car wash soap, and soft sponges), add the right tools for the job (microfibre cloths, soft brushes, wheel and glass cleaners), and round it out with interior essentials like a suitable cleaner and a good vacuum.
Choose products designed for automotive finishes and match cleaners to your upholstery and surfaces to avoid damage and get the best results. With the right kit on hand, routine maintenance becomes faster and your car’s finish and interior will stay protected and looking great.
Browse the selection at the Warehouse to assemble a tailored kit that makes every wash easier and more effective.