Car detailing requires a range of tools, products, and materials to properly clean, restore, and protect both the interior and exterior of a vehicle. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essential items:

1. Exterior Detailing Supplies

• Car Wash Soap: A pH-balanced soap specifically formulated for vehicles to avoid damaging paint or protective coatings.
• Wash Mitts and Sponges: Soft, non-abrasive mitts or sponges to prevent scratching the paint.
• Buckets (2-bucket method): One for soapy water and one for rinsing to reduce the chance of transferring dirt back onto the vehicle.
• Clay Bar or Clay Mitt: Used to remove bonded surface contaminants like dirt, brake dust, or tar from the car's paint.
• Detailing Brushes: For cleaning hard-to-reach areas like grilles, emblems, and intricate wheels.
• Microfiber Towels: Soft, lint-free towels for drying and buffing surfaces to avoid swirl marks or scratches.
• Wheel Cleaner and Tire Brush: Specialized cleaners and brushes to remove brake dust and grime from wheels and tires.
• Car Polish: Used after washing to restore paint clarity and remove minor surface scratches or oxidation.
• Wax or Sealant: For protection and to add a glossy finish to the car’s paint. Wax offers a short-term shine, while sealants offer long-lasting protection.
• Ceramic Coating (Optional): Provides longer-lasting protection compared to wax or sealant.

2. Interior Detailing Supplies

• Vacuum Cleaner: For removing dirt and debris from carpets, upholstery, and crevices.
• All-Purpose Cleaner: For cleaning various interior surfaces such as dashboards, door panels, and trim.
• Upholstery Cleaner: Specifically for fabric seats or carpeted areas, to remove stains and deep clean.
• Leather Cleaner and Conditioner: For cleaning and preserving leather seats and other leather surfaces.
• Interior Brushes: Soft-bristle brushes to clean vents, seams, and small crevices.
• Glass Cleaner: Streak-free cleaner for windows and mirrors, both inside and outside the vehicle.
• Microfiber Towels: For wiping down surfaces, cleaning glass, and drying without leaving streaks.

3. Specialized Tools and Equipment

• Dual Action Polisher: For applying polish and wax, making the process faster and more even.
• Pressure Washer (Optional): For a deep clean of the exterior, especially when dealing with tough grime.
• Steam Cleaner (Optional): Effective for deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces without using chemicals.
• Foam Cannon (Optional): Attaches to a pressure washer and applies foam to the car for a deep, even clean.
• Carpet Extractor (Optional): Helps to remove deep-seated dirt and stains from upholstery and carpets.

4. Additional Items

• Trim Restorer: To restore the color and shine of plastic and rubber trims.
• Detailing Spray: For quick touch-ups and adding extra shine between washes.
• Odor Eliminator: To remove unpleasant smells from the car's interior.
• Tire Shine: For a glossy, finished look on the tires.

5. Optional Services

• Paint Correction Kit: For removing deeper scratches, swirls, and oxidation.
• Window Tint Tools: If tinting is part of the service.
• Ceramic Coating Application Kit: For advanced protection of the car’s exterior surfaces.

This list can be tailored depending on the level of detailing and the specific needs of the car.