Detail your car like a pro at home
Independent, research-based buying guides for home car detailing. We rank the tools and products that get pro results in your driveway.
- 1
Wash
Foam pre-wash, then a two-bucket hand wash to avoid dragging grit.
Wash & Foam → - 2
Decon
Iron remover and a clay bar or mitt pull bonded contamination off the paint.
Wash & Foam → - 3
Polish
Machine polish out swirls, starting with the least aggressive combo.
Paint Correction → - 4
Protect
Seal the paint with wax, sealant or a ceramic coating.
Protect & Shine →
Top picks right now
Pad and product pairings
- Heavy defects cutting compound with a microfiber or wool pad
- Moderate swirls medium polish with a foam cutting pad
- Finishing fine polish with a soft foam finishing pad
General pairings. Always test a small spot first, since paint hardness varies by car.
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Start Here: Car Detailing for Beginners
8 short steps in the order a beginner needs them, with the guides and tools for each one.
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Wash & Foam
Pressure washers, foam cannons, soaps, and wash media for a safe contact wash.
Browse 10 guides →Wheels & Tires
Wheel cleaners, iron removers, and tire dressings for factory-fresh corners.
Browse 7 guides →Paint Correction
Polishers, pads, compounds, and clay to erase swirls and restore gloss.
Browse 12 guides →Protect & Shine
Coatings, waxes, and sealants that lock in gloss and repel water.
Browse 8 guides →Interior Detailing
Vacuums, leather care, and glass cleaners for a fresh, spotless cabin.
Browse 14 guides →Tools & Accessories
Towels, brushes, and blowers that make every detailing job faster and safer.
Browse 11 guides →Best buying guides
Best Wheel and Tire Cleaners
Compare the best wheel and tire cleaners for cutting brake dust, road grime, and old dressing so your rims and rubber look factory-fresh.
Best Car Dusters
Compare the best car dusters for quickly lifting dust off paint and interiors between washes without scratching or spreading grime around.
Best Leather Repair Kits
Find the best leather repair kits for fixing cracks, scuffs, and worn seats so your car interior looks restored without a costly reupholster.
Best Cordless Car Polishers
Compare the best cordless car polishers for swirl removal and paint correction with battery freedom and no cords getting in your way.
Best Clay Mitts
Best clay mitts for car detailing: compare mitts and towels that decontaminate paint faster than a clay bar, with grade, size and reuse notes for each pick.
Best Car Scratch Removers
Compare the best car scratch removers for erasing light scratches and swirls to restore a smooth, glossy finish without a full respray.
Detailing tips
All tips →What Is a Waterless Car Wash, and When Does It Work?
A waterless car wash is a spray-on, wipe-off cleaner that lifts light dirt without a hose. Learn how it works, when it is safe, and when to use a rinseless wash.
How to Choose a Car Odor Eliminator That Works Past the First Week
Pick a car odor eliminator by the cause of the smell: enzyme, oxidizer or ozone, and when a fragrance only masks it. Match the product to the source.
How to Remove Tree Sap and Leaf Stains in Fall
Fall leaves, sap and berries stain paint when left to sit. How to safely remove sap and tannin stains and protect paint before leaf season.
Why Car Windows Streak After Cleaning
Streaky car glass comes from dirty towels, residue and cleaning in the sun. A simple two-towel method for streak-free windows inside and out.