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Between commuting round-trip to work and school, going to appointments, or running daily errands, many of us spend time each day in our car. It’s challenging to keep a vehicle clean when it’s like a house on wheels. Eating on the go generates food wrappers, empty cups, used napkins, and more. Getting in and out at various locations might also track dust and dirt into the car.
Once you remove the unwanted clutter, you also likely need to clean your car inside and out to maintain it. Now that spring temperatures have arrived and scorching summer days are just around the corner, you may even want to handwash the outside of your vehicle at home. Whatever your preference, here are 10 car wash essentials to help keep your vehicle spiffy and clean.
Photo: mbtphotos via gettyimages.com
A bucket full of soapy water or a cleaning solution is the first thing you need to start washing your car. Carrand’s line of car wash products includes a 3-Gallon Car Wash Bucket . It boasts an ergonomic handle for easy lifting. The sides are shaped to accommodate up to a 10” wash brush head and an integrated towel rest.
Rain-X 5072084 Foaming Car Wash - 100 fl. oz
If you want a car wash solution that doesn’t harm the wax on your vehicle, Rain-X 5072084 Foaming Car Wash - 100 fl. oz. fits the bill. The cleaning formula is biodegradable and safe for all vehicle surfaces. It reduces spots and streaks and leaves your car with a sparkling high gloss finish. When the elements wreak havoc on your car, trust Rain-X Foaming car wash to remove dirt, grime, and residue.
As a car owner, you want to baby the finish on your vehicle. So, you never want to use harsh cleansers and brushes with abrasive materials. The Chemical Guys Chenille Premium Scratch-Free Microfiber Wash Mitt traps dirt and grime in the soft, fluffy fibers. The mitt also holds a generous amount of suds and works with a sensitive touch to help prevent swirls and scratches in the paint.
You need a powerful sprayer to properly rinse off soap, dirt, and grime. The AUTOMAN-Garden Hose Nozzle gets the job done. It has seven spray patterns, depending on the application. It also features a trigger lock, a rear trigger design, and a comfortable handle. The nozzle fits all standard garden hoses with a ¾” diameter thread.
Tires catch all the dirt and grime from the road. That’s why nothing looks nicer than a clean set after a car wash. Chemical Guys Big Blue Stiffy Heavy-Duty Tire & Upholstery Cleaning Brush has stiff bristles that are up for the task. The durable plastic handle is easy to grip. The bristles deep clean the tires in a snap. The brush also works on vehicle carpet and upholstery.
Armor All brand auto products are known for sprucing up the dashboard and other hard surfaces in your car. Armor All Extreme Tire Shine delivers the “most extreme wet, black shine.” If you want your tires to look glossy and new, spray this on to nourish and protect your tires’ original rich black look.
Protecting your car’s finish is critical for extending its exterior life. When you wash it, pay attention to the cloths and sponges you use throughout the process. SoLiD Multipurpose Plush Microfiber Cleaning Cloth provides lint-free and streak-free cleaning. The soft, non-abrasive fabric won’t scratch glass, paint, stainless steel, or clear coat surfaces. The cloth also absorbs 10 times its weight in liquid and is durable for many reuses.
California Car Duster Mini Duster
The interior of the car collects dust and debris quickly. To help keep up on maintenance, the California Car Duster Mini Duster is the perfect size to sweep gently over the dashboard, interior door pockets, center console, and steering wheel. Its non-toxic, wax-treated microfibers collect dirt and dust and remove it. It also works on the outside of the car and doesn’t scratch the finish.
Many people find it challenging to drive at night—especially when it’s pouring down rain. Rain-X Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent uses its signature water beading technology to repel rain from the windshield as it rains. Just spray it on for a streak-free shine on the vehicle’s glass. The formula also helps remove ice, snow, and bugs.
It’s amazing how fast dirt, crumbs, and other particles get down into a vehicle’s interior cracks of car seats, carpet, and upholstery. You need a strong vacuum to clear it away. The CherylonCar Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner High Power 150W/7500Pa hand vac is a deep cleaning pro tool with multiple attachments to clear debris. It plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter/DC 12V. Plus, the power cord stretches to 16.4 feet to access the entire car—even the trunk.
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Photo: mbtphotos via gettyimages.com
Rain-X 5072084 Foaming Car Wash - 100 fl. oz
California Car Duster Mini Duster
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