Purpose
Body shampoo, wheel cleaner, glass cleaner and interior cleaner do different jobs. All-purpose products are convenient, but specialised ones are better for delicate surfaces.
Choosing products
Choosing and buying: care products and car washes
Shelves of car care products all look equally colourful, and the advertising promises miracles from every bottle. In reality, a small set of products matched to your materials and tasks is enough. Below are the signs that help you choose calmly, and the questions worth asking yourself if you prefer to have your car washed at a car wash.
Read the small print on the back of the bottle, not the slogan on the front: purpose, directions for use and warnings.
We don't name manufacturers, shops or car washes and we don't compile rankings. Here you will only find signs you can check yourself on the label and on site.
How to choose products
Six questions that help you make sense of any bottle on the shelf.
Ingredients and warnings
Look for hazard symbols and directions about gloves and ventilation. The harsher the product, the more important it is to follow the instructions strictly and not leave it on the surface longer than stated.
Compatibility with your finish
Look for a clear statement of which materials the product can be used on: clear coat, matte surfaces, plastic, rubber, leather. If your material isn't mentioned, choose something else.
Concentrate or ready to use
A concentrate goes further, but it has to be diluted correctly. Too strong a solution leaves streaks and can damage seals, while too weak a solution simply won't shift the dirt.
Labelling and packaging
The packaging should show the manufacturer's details, directions for use and a shelf life. A bottle without clear instructions in a language you can read is a reason not to buy it.
How much you really need
Start with a shampoo, soft cloths, a separate sponge for the wheels and an interior cleaner. Buy anything else when a specific need arises, not just in case.
Car washes: what to look for
- Preparation: do they rinse the dirt off with water before touching the body with a sponge or brushes?
- Clean equipment: do they use the same sponge for the wheels and the bonnet?
- Drying: do they dry the body with a soft cloth, or leave the drops to dry on their own?
- Products: are the staff willing to tell you what they wash with and take your finish into account, for example a matte wrap?
- Interior cleaning: do they ask what the upholstery is made of before applying any chemicals?
- Drainage: does the car wash operate in a properly equipped place rather than an open area next to a body of water?
- Result: inspect the car in good light before you drive off, and point out any issues straight away.
Read next
- Materials
What the body and interior are made of: paint, matte finishes, exterior plastic, fabric and leather, and why it matters for care.
- Reviews
Brand-free looks at care methods: hand and touchless washing, wax and polishes, dry and wet interior cleaning, plus a catalogue of articles.
- Problems
Streaks, fine scratches after washing, misted windows, unpleasant smells and orange specks on the paint: what you can do yourself and when to see a professional.
Sources
- Instructions from car and car care product manufacturers
Legal information reflects the rules in force when the page was prepared and may change over time. Every manufacturer has its own formulations and directions for car care products, so the product label and your car's owner's manual remain the main points of reference.