The Best Car Cleaners
Every car could use a reliable car cleaner. After all, who doesn't want their car to look, smell, and feel fresh? The best types of cleaners will thoroughly cleanse your car of harmful and unpleasant substances without damaging the material of your seats, windows, exterior, or dashboard. But not every car cleaner can be considered totally road-ready, which is why we've compiled this list of the best in class. Read on and get ready for a smooth ride.
What to Look For
We took a few things into account when considering the best car cleaner to put on this list: Does it clean thoroughly and efficiently? Is it safe to use on a variety of materials and surfaces? Finally, can it be stored easily and used for a good number of cleaning sessions? Every car cleaner on this list was chosen using these guiding principles. Our favorite car cleaner was the Ticarve putty, a unique gelatinous cleaner that proved stunningly effective at removing messes. Likewise, we found the familiar spray bottle format of the Chemical Guys cleaner to be a reliable way to spruce up a variety of car surfaces. Keep reading to find out which car cleaner you’ll want for your own glovebox.
Ticarve Gel Car Cleaner
Gooey goodness
You don’t have to be a fan of colorful game shows to appreciate some good slime when you see it. This distinctive putty can pick up an astonishing amount of detritus and mess simply by rubbing it over whatever car surface you wish to clean. And because of its shapeless nature, it’s easy to use for sprucing up hard-to-reach spaces that would otherwise go uncleaned. It’s one of the most unusual examples of car cleaners we came across, but also one of the best.
Pros
- It has a nice ocean scent that does a good job of disguising odors.
- The rarity of finding a car cleaner that’s actively fun to use makes this an instant recommendation.
- It’s very affordable and has a long shelf life.
Cons
- For whatever reason, the pink variantendscy to dry out faster than the blue or yellow options.
Armor All Interior Car Cleaner
Stock up for the long run
You’ll have no shortage of car cleaner at your disposal when you get this pack from Armor All. A whopping 360 sheets give you enough cleaning material to keep your interior spruced up for almost every day of the year if need be. Each wipe is usable on all interior surfaces as well, so just one will do the job of many. This is a great car cleaner for car owners who always want an on-hand option for keeping their cars nice.
Pros
- You get a pretty incredible volume of car cleaner for a relatively low price with this package.
- They leave an appealing sheen on surfaces after a thorough cleaning.
Cons
- The container needs to be tightly resealed to keep the wipes from drying out.
Chemical Guys Interior Quick Detailer Car Cleaner
Let your seats sparkle
This car cleaner will work well on almost any interior material you can think of. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle that lets you clean everything from glass to leather without leaving so much as a smudge. The formula also does long-term good for your surfaces, keeping them from cracking or wearing out over time. If you need a go-to pick for various surfaces, this is the car cleaner for you.
Pros
- It’s available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the smaller volume for one-time jobs and the large volume for long-term maintenance.
- This car cleaner not only preserves the color and texture of many surfaces but can even restore it in some cases.
- The pineapple scent is pleasant without being overbearing.
Cons
- It doesn’t produce the same shine that some other varieties of car cleaners do.
Relentless Drive Ultimate Car Cleaner Kit
Everything you need in one set
If slogging through your routine car wash fills you with dread, give this car cleaner a shot. This all-encompassing kit includes a window squeegee, a tire brush, and even its own collapsible bucket, among many other tools and accessories. Each item is designed with comfort in mind to make sprucing up your exterior easy and fun. This car cleaner allows you to not only thoroughly wash your car but do so hassle-free as well.
Pros
- It’s an inexpensive package considering all the materials you receive.
- The kit this car cleaner comes in is highly portable and a great help for keeping everything organized.
Cons
- The provided soap isn’t especially powerful, so you need to use a decent amount.
Vioview 14-Piece Deep Cleaning Car Cleaner
Years of grime, gone
For those who want a stunning car both inside and out, this car cleaning kit is a must. This kit comes with 14 tools, including everything from an interior vacuum cleaner to five sizes of detailing brush. Each tool is also designed to be handled with ease, and to not leave any marks on the surface they’re tasked with cleaning. Even the staunchest perfectionist won’t have much to complain about if they take a chance on this car cleaner package.
Pros
- The kit has a lovely design which adds a bit of pizzazz to the sometimes-humdrum look of your typical car cleaner.
- Considering the variety and quality of cleaning tools, this set offers a fantastic value for the price.
Cons
- There’s very little instruction included, so you may have to do a web search to learn how to use some components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m overwhelmed by the amount of car cleaner options available to me?
One of the best ways to narrow down which car cleaner product will be right for you is to think about which part of your car needs cleaning the most. People who like a clean dashboard might do best with a set of wipes; on the other hand, people who have to touch up their exterior frequently might do better with a car washing kit.
Do I need car cleaner even if my car isn’t messy?
Car cleaner isn’t just good for tidying up your car; it can also reduce harmful bacteria and pathogens that may be lurking in your vehicle. You never know what might be lurking in the microscopic crevices of your car, which makes car cleaners not just an aesthetic boost but a hygienic one as well.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.