Car detailers use a wide range of specialized products to clean, protect, and enhance the appearance of vehicles. These products are designed to address various aspects of car care, from exterior cleaning to interior detailing. Below is a comprehensive list of products commonly used by car detailers:

1. Car Wash Products

• Car Shampoo: High-quality, pH-balanced car shampoos are formulated to clean the car’s exterior without stripping wax or damaging the paint. Look for shampoos with added lubricants to prevent scratching.
• Foam Cannon/ Foam Gun: These tools are used to apply thick, soapy foam over the car. They help loosen dirt and grime, reducing the risk of scratching during washing.

2. Decontamination Products

• Clay Bar: A clay bar or clay mitt is used to remove embedded contaminants (like tree sap, rail dust, or brake dust) from the paint that washing alone can’t get rid of.
• Iron Remover: This is a chemical product designed to break down and dissolve iron particles (like brake dust and industrial fallout) embedded in the paint.
• Tar Remover: Specialized products are used to break down sticky contaminants like tar, road grime, or adhesive residue from the vehicle’s surface.

3. Polishing and Buffing Products

• Polish: Polishes are used to remove light scratches, swirl marks, and imperfections on the paint. They work by refining the surface and improving the clarity and shine of the paint.
• Compound: Compounds are used for more severe imperfections like heavy swirl marks, deep scratches, or oxidation. Compounds are more abrasive than polishes.
• Dual-Action (DA) Polisher: A DA polisher is a machine used to apply compound or polish to the vehicle’s paint. It’s a key tool for professionals, as it provides consistent pressure and motion to remove imperfections without damaging the paint.
• Polishing Pads: Different types of pads (foam, microfiber, or wool) are used in conjunction with polish or compound. They come in varying levels of aggressiveness to suit different tasks.

4. Waxing and Sealing Products

• Car Wax: Car wax adds a layer of protection to the paint while enhancing its shine. It’s usually made from carnauba wax or synthetic polymers.
• Paint Sealant: A synthetic polymer sealant that provides longer-lasting protection than wax. It’s designed to protect the paint from UV rays, water, and contaminants.
• Ceramic Coating: A more advanced form of paint protection, ceramic coatings create a strong, durable layer that bonds to the paint and provides hydrophobic properties, protection against environmental contaminants, and a glossy finish.

5. Tire and Wheel Products

• Tire Cleaner: Specialized tire cleaners are used to remove dirt, grease, and rubber residues from tires.
• Tire Shine: After cleaning the tires, detailers often use a tire shine or dressing product to give the tires a deep, glossy black finish.
• Wheel Cleaner: Wheel cleaners are designed to break down brake dust and dirt on alloy, chrome, or painted wheels. Some wheel cleaners are specifically formulated for certain types of finishes.
• Wheel Brushes: Brushes with soft bristles are used to clean the wheels without scratching them. There are various sizes and shapes for cleaning spokes, rims, and hard-to-reach areas.

6. Interior Detailing Products

• Upholstery Cleaner: These are designed for cleaning fabric or leather seats and removing stains or dirt. They may be spray-on or foam-based, and some may be suitable for both fabric and leather.
• Leather Cleaner & Conditioner: Specially formulated to clean, condition, and protect leather surfaces. Leather cleaners help remove oils and dirt, while conditioners keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.
• Glass Cleaner: A high-quality glass cleaner is used to clean the interior and exterior windows, mirrors, and any other glass surfaces. It helps remove smudges, water spots, and fingerprints.
• All-Purpose Cleaner (APC): Used for cleaning a wide variety of surfaces inside the car, such as plastic, vinyl, and carpet. It’s effective on dashboard, door panels, and other hard surfaces.
• Fabric & Carpet Cleaner: These cleaners are formulated to lift stains, odors, and dirt from fabric seats and carpets. They often include foam-based products that lift the dirt for easier vacuuming.

7. Glass and Trim Products

• Glass Polishing Compound: Used to remove scratches or water spots on windows, windshields, and mirrors.
• Trim Restorer: A product specifically designed to restore the color and appearance of faded trim and plastic parts, such as bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds.
• Plastic Cleaner: A cleaner designed to remove grime and dirt from plastic interior or exterior surfaces. It often includes a UV protectant to prevent fading or cracking.

8. Odor Removal Products

• Odor Eliminator: These products neutralize odors inside the vehicle, such as from pets, food, or smoke. Some are sprays, while others are odor-neutralizing gels.
• Ozone Machine: Ozone generators can be used to remove deep-set odors inside the car, including smoke and mold, by generating ozone (O3) that breaks down odor-causing particles.

9. Paint Protection and Detailing Sprays

• Quick Detailer: Quick detailers are used for light cleaning or refreshing the car's shine between washes. They can also be used to lubricate the surface during claying.
• Spray Sealant: A spray-on sealant is a convenient way to add a layer of protection to the paint in between more thorough detailing processes.
• Waterless Wash: A product designed for cleaning the car without the use of water. It’s a great option for light cleaning in between washes.

10. Miscellaneous Tools and Accessories

• Microfiber Towels: High-quality microfiber towels are essential for wiping off excess product, drying the vehicle, and buffing it to a shine. They are soft, absorbent, and won’t scratch the paint.
• Detailing Brushes: Brushes with soft bristles are used for cleaning tight spaces, vents, stitching on seats, and intricate parts without damaging surfaces.
• Pressure Washer: Many professionals use a pressure washer to pre-rinse the vehicle and remove large debris quickly. It’s also used to clean wheels and undercarriages more effectively.
• Polishing Machine: While not all detailers use machines, a dual-action or rotary polisher helps achieve a high-quality finish when correcting paint imperfections.
• Microfiber Drying Towels: These towels are extra-absorbent and are ideal for drying cars quickly after a wash without leaving streaks or water spots.

Conclusion:

Car detailers use a mix of specialized products and tools to clean, restore, and protect every surface of a vehicle. The key to a great detailing job is using high-quality products that are designed for the specific materials and areas of the car. If you’re detailing your car yourself, investing in these products can help you achieve professional results and keep your car looking its best.