The resale value of a car is dependent upon many factors, the top being how well you take care of your vehicle. Needless to say, a car with damaged paint, an interior with a lot of stains and an engine covered in gunk does not impress at all! Regular auto detailing, thus, is not just about maintaining appearances; it is also an investment. Here are 10 must-have car cleaning accessories that will ensure a high resale value for your car.
DIY car detailing is not just about having the right car cleaning accessories, but also about knowing the ins and outs of detailing procedures. For instance, owning a rotary buffer for polishing could turn into a disadvantage if you do not know how to operate it safely. So we advise you to be honest with yourself, assess your own skills first and then if necessary, seek professional help for auto detailing. If you forego professional help just to save money, you could end up causing damages to your vehicle worth thousands of dollars!
10 Must-Have Car Cleaning Accessories for DIY Car Detailing
1. Microfiber Towels
Microfibre towels are must-haves for any auto detailing project. These towels have amazing water absorbing qualities and can grab even the most microscopic of dirt particles. Microfibers can lock in moisture and dirt without causing any scratches and swirls on the paint. Just make sure to thoroughly clean all towels to get rid of contaminants before the next use.
2. Auto Detailing Brushes
Instead of using old t-shirts, scouring pads or generic hard-bristled brushes on your vehicle, invest in auto detailing brushes. These are soft-bristled brushes designed to clean surfaces with minimal damage. Whether it is upholstery cleaning, wheel, and tire cleaning or pet hair removal, you will find an auto detailing brush on the market designed specifically for each purpose.
3. Vacuum
If you don’t use a vacuum, then your interior detailing work is incomplete. Before spraying around any products, it is important to get rid of dust, dirt and other loose residues on the upholstery, carpets, etc. If any dirt comes into contact with water or moisture, there will be more stains to deal with.
4. Dual Action Buffer or Rotary Buffer
While you can also polish an entire car just using your arm and a polishing pad, we don’t recommend putting your arm muscles through such a strenuous activity. A dual action buffer or a rotary buffer will make your life so much easier and will do a great job polishing your car too. The dual action buffer is easier to handle and will cause less damage to the paint if it you do not handle it properly. The rotary buffer is, however, for experienced detailers who are well aware of how to handle one, because it can cut right through the paint in seconds.
5. Grit Guards
When you are using the two-bucket system to wash your car, make sure to insert grid guards in both buckets, i.e. the soap or shampoo solution and water. You can use grid guards to trap any dirt, debris, and particles that make their way into the buckets. This is a great way to prevent the contamination of your wash mitt and avoid paint damage.
6. Spray Bottles
Applying auto detailing products with a spray bottle is much easier than using a cloth to dab the product. With a spray bottle, you can easily isolate the affected area (e.g. stains on the upholstery) and avoid getting the product in other areas.
7. Water Blade
A water blade is designed to squeeze out water from the car interior and exterior. It is a very quick and efficient way to dry your car. The blade is usually made from soft silicone so you don’t have to worry about paint scratches. Most blades can be used on glass and plastic surfaces too. Their flexible designs will also allow you to reach nooks and crannies.
8. Car Dryer
A dryer is essential for quickly getting rid of all moisture and eliminating water spots from your vehicle. Whether it is the paint or the upholstery, it is important to dry any area as soon as possible because water spots start forming very quickly. You can also use a hair dryer to quickly dry smaller areas but a professional car dryer is a must-have for full-scale drying.
9. Steam Cleaner
Steam will give you results like no other method when it comes to auto detailing. Whether it is removing stains, swirl and scratch free paint cleaning, air vent sanitization or streak-free glass cleaning, steam can do a stellar job! Moreover, with using a just a gallon of water, you can clean an entire car! This eco auto detailing system is becoming more and more important in the present where our natural resources are depleting fast. An auto detailing steam cleaner is compact in size and easy to handle. It will also come with attachments that are easy to handle even in the smallest nook.
10. Organizer for Car Cleaning Accessories
You can be very efficient and cut back the hassles of DIY auto detailing if you are organized. There are professional caddies and carts in the market to organize car cleaning accessories, so you have everything you need at hand. Being organized will save you a lot of time and will also allow you to concentrate and do a better job.
Schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts – using our professional detailing services will ensure your vehicle is always in mint condition and when the time comes to sell your car, you can rest assured that it is in impeccable condition.
