Best Detailing Products?

[TXRLU]

Just figured maybe we need a comprehensive thread for a complete listing of products recommended for detailing our vehicles. I've found Meguiars Gold Wax to be a great product. Also the Mr. Clean Car wash kit works good if you don't mind your driveway getting soaked and don't mind using a wash mitt. As far as windows I've found most any cleaning solution but used with a new newspaper gives me a very brilliant shine. Interior I haven't had as much success with the dash or the door handles. It seems like everything I use leaves an oily residue even after vigorous wiping. On the wheels I've found Mother's wheel polish to be great and on the tires and trim Black Magic is good as well as some other products. The one major area I have trouble cleaning is inside the wheel wells. I've tried most cleaners but wind up scrubbing more than I feel necessary. Anyone have any luck out there with that area?

[loreg]

Meguiars Gold and Mr Clean Auto Wash here too. For removing bugs (it's love bug season here in FL), I use a sponge that has a mesh covering over it. Works really great with minimal effort.

I haven't cleaned the windows on this car yet. I had picked up something a few weeks back, I think Black Magic windshield cleaner, and also one of those blue window cloths and used it on my 93 SL2 and it worked great. The windshield was sparkling.

For the inside I use this orangish looking sponge that I picked up somewhere many years ago, can't remember the brand but it cleans up the inside without any residue left behind.

I'm new to having any sort of wheels so I haven't got a suggestion for those. I got quite a bit of the brake dust out of the inside by sliding my hand in there. Luckily my hands are small enough that they fit. I do have some strange looking black spots on one of the back ones that will not come off. Eventually we'll take them off and do a complete clean.

[cvenom2122]

i use the mr clean auto dry perfect for a blue car not water spots

[Sp00ner]

I use the Meguir's 3 Step System-thingy. Paint cleaner, polish, wax. I finally got around to using it on the Redline. I substituted the Mother's Clay Bar system in place of the polish this time. I'm not sure if it worked better, but it worked as good, and took ALOT less effort.

I had been using chrome polish on the wheels, but I read in the manual for the car not to use it on our wheels. I figured if it was safe for chrome it would be safe for the aluminum. Guess not.

The Mr. Clean thingy works pretty damn good too...

[magikal_dragon]

Here is what I have been using so far...
Wash: Mr. Clean works awesome - I hate having to dry a car by hand. Also that bug scrubbing sponge that loreg was talking about it does work really good at getting the bugs off

Tires: Sometimes Black Magic wet shine for really shiny black tires and sometimes Turtle Wax professional tire dressing for more of a subtle black (no drips, runs or spinoff)

Inside: Armor All - I love the shine it gives

Wax: Finishing up some Turtle wax I have but I just bought some "Nanowax" from Eagle one. Its supposed to be a polisher/wax all in one but haven't had a chance to try it yet

Wheels: Turtle wax F2000 foaming tire cleaner. It works great. I barely have to scrub and it really disolves the break dust.

Windows: Basic window cleaner for now. Going to get some RainX wipes soon

I know there are better products out there but I really like the results with most Turtle Wax products I have tried...I just don't have the $$ right now for more expensive brands. And I figure if I detail the car once a week it will stay in pretty good condition

[XeroState]

I use what ever my dad has laying around, now it ain't cheap stuff but it isn't the best either. But I found that none of products took the brake dust off the wheels, so I went out and bought some Simoniz (spelling?) Rim(maybe Wheel) Cleaner..it was on-sale..lol. I must say, you spray it on, let it sit for about a minute, and wash it off. It does a real good job for being 9 bucks. 2 coats of the stuff and they look new (cept for some minor scratches).

[CAM68]

Meguiars all the way!!

[xtremesc2]

Meguiars NXT Tech Wax.......definitely.


my car is a rolling detailing company. at any one time i have at least 30 bottles of detailing stuff and at least 20-25 towels of different sizes, and a few assorted brushes.

i stole 3 walmart carrying baskets and have em all full of crap for my car.....its nuts. people at car shows love me

[Kirtsky]

Originally Posted by TXRLU

As far as windows I've found most any cleaning solution but used with a new newspaper gives me a very brilliant shine.

Okay, I have heard this before. Just clean using a newspaper? The print sections?

[TXRLU]

Originally Posted by Kirtsky

Okay, I have heard this before. Just clean using a newspaper? The print sections?

Black and white section. I find the Sports Section works well, I wouldn't recommend using the Funnies because no telling what Garfield or Ziggy have gotten into

Seriously though, use the Black and White print newspaper (the newer the better for whatever reason, maybe something to do with fresh ink?) and just any regular window cleaner. You'll be amazed at how streak-free and brilliant you can get the windows.

Oh and I was waxing my car yesterday with Meguiar's Gold and I've noticed that the Wax has turned an off yellow-cream color. Anyone else experience this? It used to be a white cream color but has turned yellow for some reason. Maybe it saw me use that bottle of Turtle Wax the other day and got pissed?!?!