Is your car crying out for a wash? If it’s got all assortment of stains, streaks, and marks, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” If you want to give your car the ultimate at-home wash—one that breathes new life into it—you’ll need to pick up some useful car wash accessories. Buying high-quality car wash accessories will make all the difference when it comes to washing your car at home. They’ll not only make the process quicker and easier, but also ensure your car looks absolutely stunning afterward.
We reviewed dozens of car wash accessories to identify the best of the best. We took into account a range of factors when analyzing these products, such as usefulness, effectiveness, and ease of use, and customer reviews.
Keep your car looking sparkling clean with this well-made car wash kit, which features a 100% microfibers duster, wash mitts, and cloths.
Check PriceAfter careful evaluation, we selected the Platinum Dusting Kit as our top pick. This kit includes a total of nine premium quality, 100% microfiber car wash accessories that are designed to ensure your car ends up sparkling clean. To learn more about this product, as well as the other car wash accessories we recommend, keep reading.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Car Wash Accessories
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Car Wash Accessory Overall | Platinum Dusting Kit | 4.8 |
| Best Car Wash Cleaning Wipes | Armor All Car Wash and Cleaner Kit | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Car Wash Accessory | Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo | 4.7 |
| Best Car Wash Foam Gun | Chemical Guys Foam Wash Gun | 4.7 |
| Best Car Wash Sponges | Aopobo Car Wash Sponges | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from the time of publication and can change
Best Car Wash Accessories Overall: Platinum Dusting Kit
If you want to keep your car looking brand new, you’ll need the right car wash accessories on hand. If you want to do the job right, we can’t recommend the Platinum Dusting Kit enough. Manufactured by CarCovers.com, this kit comes complete with three different types of 100% microfiber car wash accessories. You’ll get one 25″ long car duster, two wash mitts, and six microfiber cloths.
Using these items, you can wash, dust, and polish both the outside and inside of your car until it’s shiny and clean. Microfiber is an ideal fabric to use when washing your car because it’s super absorbent and durable. It’s also considered to be considerably more eco-friendly than using cotton or paper towels.
While there is a range of different microfiber car washing accessories on the market, we think the Platinum Dusting Kit is the best of the best because of the high quality of the microfiber used, the versatility of the items included, and the fact that you can get a total of nine items for only $25. Plus, when you buy this handy kit from CarCovers.com, you’ll get free and fast shipping. In fact, your order will ship the next business day after you place your order!
Platinum Dusting Kit Key Features:
- 1x 100% microfiber car duster
- 2x 100% microfiber wash mitts
- 6x 100% microfiber cloths
Best Car Wash Cleaning Wipes: Armor All Car Wash and Cleaner Kit
The Armor All Car Wash and Cleaner Kit is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to make washing their car as quick and painless as possible. In this waterless car cleanup kit, you’ll find a total of seven different types of wipes, including Armor All’s Ultra Shine Wash Wipes, Ultra Shine Wax Wipes, Original Protectant Wipes, Cleaning Wipes, Glass Wipes, Heavy Duty Cleaning Wipes, and Ultra Shine Headlight Restoration Wipes. You can use them whenever your car is in need of a wash but you’re short on time, or whenever you want to spot clean your car.
Each of these wipes is formulated to address a different component of the car washing and cleaning process. So used in combination, you can do everything from removing unwanted deposits (including dirt, dust, and bird droppings), to cleaning up messes (such as oil and grease buildup), to waxing your car. As if that wasn’t enough, the kit additionally includes Armor All’s FRESHfx Vent & Duct Cleaner Odor Neutralizer and FRESHfx Rapid Odor Eliminator. These odor-reducing products will help keep your car smelling fresh.
Armor All Car Wash and Cleaner Kit Key Features:
- Waterless car clean up kit
- 7 types of wipes
- 2 types of odor-reducing products
Best Budget Car Wash Accessory: Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo
Looking for a budget buy that works just as effectively, if not better than more expensive options? Meet Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo. It’s made with advanced foaming technology to offer a high foam and extra slick car washing experience. This pH-neutral car wash soap and shampoo boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8600+ customers, so you can rest assured that it lives up to the hype.
It’s formulated to maintain your vehicle’s wax or sealant layer while washing away dirt, grime, and debris. If you’re not too car savvy, you may be wondering why this is notable. Well, your vehicle’s wax or sealant layer helps to keep your car looking its best by shielding it from contamination, as well as UV rays and water spots. In fact, it’s so gentle on your car that you can even use it for a weekly wash. Conveniently, it rinses clean without a hint of residue.
Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo Key Features:
- Advanced foaming technology
- pH-neutral
- Comes in 4 sizes
Best Car Wash Foam Gun: Chemical Guys Foam Wash Gun
If you want to give your at-home car wash a professional feel, the Chemical Guys Foam Wash Gun is a must-buy. This foam wash gun makes car washing a breeze (and also loads of fun!). All you need to do to use it is hook it up to any standard hose, and voilà, you’ll be able to give your car a next-level car wash in the comfort of your own home. The fact that you don’t need to buy any other parts or machines to use it is no doubt a huge drawcard! Our favorite features of this product include its easy-to-use trigger handle and adjustable foam concentration.
So why is it even worth using a foam wash gun to wash your car? Unlike more abrasive car washing products that may scratch your car or strip away its protective layers, a well-made foam wash gun like this one will provide your car with a powerful, but scratch-free clean. As an added bonus, this foam wash gun can be used to wash other vehicles including motorcycles, RVs, trucks, and boats. Nearly 5500 customers have given it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 77% of those customers giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating, so you can trust that this product is the real deal.
Chemical Guys Foam Wash Gun Key Features:
- Adjustable foam concentration
- 32 oz. capacity
- Easy-to-use trigger handle
Best Car Wash Sponges: Aopobo Car Wash Sponges
If you’re on the hunt for car-safe sponges for your car wash, Aopobo Car Wash Sponges set the standard. As these sponges are specifically designed for car washing, you can rest assured that they won’t wreak havoc on your car. Featuring a dirt-catching coral pore design, these sponges are super soft and thick, with no sharp surfaces or edges that could potentially scratch your car. They’re also highly-absorbent and foam easily, so you can get the job done quicker.
Another feature that makes these sponges better than other options on the market is its innovative packaging. Aopobo’s sponges come to you individually wrapped and vacuum packed, so they won’t take up precious room in your house or garage. When you’re ready to use one, just add water and watch it expand. Who knew that a humble sponge could be so feature-packed?
Aopobo Car Wash Sponges Key Features:
- Pack of 6 sponges
- Highly absorbent
- Won’t scratch your car
- Coral pore design
Who Should Buy Car Wash Accessories
Anyone who drives a car should buy high-quality car wash accessories. The reason car wash accessories are so useful is that they allow you to maintain the appearance of your car year-round. By giving your car a wash at home, you’ll be able to ensure your car always looks like a million dollars.
If you’re not too fussed about the appearance of your car, it’s worth keeping in mind that regularly cleaning your car will help to keep your overall costs down. How so? Well, it may seem innocuous enough to leave deposits and other messes on your car, but they can ruin your car’s paintwork. Needless to say, fixing it may involve a costly trip to the mechanic…which will no doubt cost more than picking up a handful of car wash accessories!
Wondering why you can’t just take your car to an automatic car wash instead? Not only is doing so far more expensive than going the DIY route, but they can also be downright terrible for your car. Surprised? It’s a little known fact that many car washes use abrasive products that may compromise the exterior and/or interior of your car. This makes cleaning your car at home a far safer and cost-effective alternative.
Keep your car looking sparkling clean with this well-made car wash kit, which features a 100% microfibers duster, wash mitts, and cloths.
Check PriceImportant Features to Consider
Car wash accessories should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting car wash accessories:
- Quality of materials/ingredients. When you’re comparing different car wash accessories, don’t dismiss the importance of checking the quality of a given product. Some key things to look for include whether or not a product is: car-safe, durable, and eco-friendly.
- Effectiveness. At the end of the day, the car wash accessories you purchase should effectively clean your car. While it should be a given that a product works effectively, sadly, this isn’t always the case. The best way to determine if a product you’re considering is actually worth spending money on is to a) buy from a trusted brand and b) read customer reviews.
- Ease of use. You’ll no doubt want to buy car wash accessories that are as easy to use as possible. After all, you don’t want to give yourself a headache using the product… let alone trying to figure out how to get started with it in the first place! It’s therefore a wise idea to opt for products that are designed to be as quick and easy to use as possible.
- Price. The benefit of having many so many car wash accessories on the market is that you will have no trouble finding a product that suits your budget. As our guide highlights, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to buy a high-quality car wash accessory. That being said, in most cases it’s best to steer clear of anything too cheap. While it may be tempting to buy a product for pocket change, it could end up costing you hundreds to thousands of dollars in car repairs. Instead, aim to strike a balance between price and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car with just water?
If you want your car to look and smell clean, washing your car with just water won’t be enough. Water may be able to remove some superficial dirt and grime on the outside of your car, but it won’t be able to effectively remove any caked-on imperfections. What’s more, using water only won’t give your car a nice shine, nor will it allow you to add a protective barrier to it (like a car wax will).
Can you use laundry detergent to wash a car?
You may have read a ‘hot tip’ that you can use laundry detergent to wash your car. Unfortunately, this is a myth that has somehow perpetuated. Just ask any car fanatic, and they’ll look at you wide-eyed in horror at the suggestion! The reason you should avoid using a laundry detergent is that it could damage your car’s paint and strip off its protective wax. In short, if you want to keep your car looking pristine, always use a car-safe soap and/or shampoo to wash your car.
What do I need to buy to wash my car?
In order to prepare for your DIY car wash, you’ll need to be a handful of items. Typically, you’ll need: a car wash soap/shampoo, a car wax, sponges, towels, and a car-friendly brush. If you also wish to clean the inside of your car while you’re at it, you’ll need items such as a handheld car vacuum, leather conditioner (if you have leather seats) and to clean the inside of your car too.
How do I keep my new car looking new?
There are a number of things you can do to keep your new car looking new. In fact, these tips also apply to older cars, too. The most obvious tip is to regularly wash your car. The car wash accessories mentioned in this article will arm you with the right tools to give your car a great DIY wash. You should also make sure to regularly polish your car. It’s also best practice to remove any deposits on your car, such as bird poo, as soon as possible.
Other Car Wash Accessories We Reviewed
Keep your car looking sparkling clean with this well-made car wash kit, which features a 100% microfibers duster, wash mitts, and cloths.
Check PriceWe looked at 20 other car wash accessories. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best car wash accessories list, they’re the best of the rest, and are still great options. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Car Wash Shampoos, Soaps, and Waxes
If it’s suds you’re after, Milwaukee Muscle Car Shampoo’s pH-neutral, high sudsing formula will do the trick. You’ll get around 50 washes from this bottle, making it great value for money too.
Key Features:
- High sudsing formula
- pH-neutral
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $16
Safe to use on all vehicle surfaces—from paint, to windows, to rubber—this pH-neutral car shampoo won’t leave any spots on your car. It’s designed to lubricate all of your car’s paint surfaces while safely removing dirt and grime.
Key Features:
- Safe to use on all vehicle surfaces
- Spot-free formula
- Wildberry fragrance
Cost: $36
This ultra-rich foaming car wash from Meguiar’s promises to eliminate dirt and grime and leave a streak-free finish. Over 3000 customers have given it an incredibly high average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, so it clearly delivers on its promise.
Key Features:
- Ultra-rich foaming formula
- Leaves a streak-free finish
- 1 gallon
Cost: $22
Sonax Car Wash Shampoo Concentrate
Safe for the environment as well as your car, this biodegradable, thick lathering formula is designed to give your car a deep clean. The anionic surfactants in the formula work to eliminate dirt particles and dissolve oil droplets.
Key Features:
- Biodegradable formula
- Anionic surfactants
- Thick lathering foam
Cost: $14
SHINE ARMOR Ultra Concentrated Car Wash Soap
Each bottle of SHINE ARMOR Ultra Concentrated Car Wash Soap makes an eye-boggling 256 gallons of car washing soap. Customers love that “a little goes a long way” and how easy it is to use.
Key Features:
- Highly-concentrated formula
- Produces a thick, soapy coat
- Makes 256 gallons of car washing soap
Cost: $31
Formulated to prepare your car for polishing and waxing, this car soap from 3D thoroughly washes your car without dulling the paint surface or compromising its wax job.
Key Features:
- Washes without removing wax
- Prepares your car for polishing and waxing
- Rinses off easily
Cost: $25
Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax
There’s little wonder why Turtle Wax is such a trusted car wax. It offers up to 12 months of protection and will leave your car with a mirror shine.
Key Features:
- Up to 12 months of protection
- Creates a mirror shine
- 12 oz.
Cost: $17
Want to give your car an incredible shine, without exerting too much energy doing so? CarGuys Liquid Wax is the answer. The patented ingredients in the formula are not only designed to not only give your car a shine like no other but also to be easy to apply and wipe off.
Key Features:
- Made in the USA
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Easy to apply and wipe off
Cost: $25
Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax
Thanks to its highly-effective blend of carnauba wax and polymers, this wax will reflective shine that will be the envy of all other drivers. You can buy it in a wax form (as pictured) or liquid formula.
Key Features:
- Carnauba wax
- Available in wax or liquid form
- Comes with a high-quality soft foam applicator
Cost: $13
Car Wash Sponges/Scrubbers
Airpro Extra Large Car Wash Sponges
A variety pack of eight sponges featuring four extra-large sponges and four UFO-shaped sponges. These sponges are machine-washable and super absorbent.
Key Features:
- 8-pack
- 2 types of sponges included
- Machine-washable
Cost: $14
Ergonomically-shaped to be easy to hold, this five-pack of highly-absorbent, durable sponges can be used to clean your car as well as any other surfaces.
Key Features:
- Easy to hold
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
- Highly-absorbent
Cost: $9
This isn’t just any old car washing brush. The CARCAREZ Car Wash Brush features soft but durable bristles that hold water/soap like no other. The unique multi-side bristle head means you can easily maneuver it to catch every last bit of debris on your car.
Key Features:
- 10″ long
- Universal handle attachment
- Durable bristles
Cost: $20
Drillbrush Automotive Drill Brushes
Want to polish your car’s hub caps, clean your tires, and clear out all of the dust and crumbs from in between your car seats? These four car brushes, which attach onto your cordless drill, make all of these tasks quick and easy to do.
Key Features:
- 4 brush heads included
- Attach onto your cordless drill
- Easy to use
Cost: $20
Car Wash Towels
Chemical Guys Microfiber Towels
This six-pack of microfiber towels offer three important ‘free’ features: they’re scratch-free, lint-free, and swirl-free. Silk-banded edges add a touch of luxury.
Key Features:
- Machine-washable
- Silk-banded edges
- Scratch-free
Cost: $19
SHSCLY Microfiber Super-Absorbent Towel
Woven with long loop twisted microfibers, this pair of super-absorbent towels are manufactured for durability. They are amply sized at 9.7″ × 23.6″.
Key Features:
- 2-pack
- Long loop twisted microfibers
- Silk-banded edges
Cost: $19
SINLAND Microfiber Car Drying Towel
Not only do these double-sided microfiber towels look great, but they also leave a lint-free and spot-free finish.
Key Features:
- Double-sided design
- Highly-absorbent
- Machine-washable
Car Wash Kits
Chemical Guys Arsenal Builder Wash Kit (16 Pieces)
While this car wash kit from Chemical Guys is on the pricier end, keep in mind that it includes sixteen products that in total are valued at $200+. So if you want to stock up on a number of high-quality car wash products, we can’t recommend this kit enough. Some stand out products included in this set are the company’s signature wax, gel, cleaners, and foam gun (which is featured in our top 5).
Key Features:
- 16-piece kit
- Over $200 in value
- 4.6 out of 5 star rating from 5400+ customers
Cost: $100
Meguiar’s Classic Wash & Wax Kit
This wash and wax kit from Meguiar’s features a total of eight handy products, making it an excellent starter kit. You’ll find car wash cleaning sprays, shampoo, wax, a sponge, and a towel.
Key Features:
- 8-item kit
- Includes interior and exterior car cleaning products
- Meguiar’s Soft Foam Applicator Pad
Cost: $30
Armor All Car Wash and Cleaner Kit (8 Pieces)
Variety is the name of the game with this Armor All car wash kit. Along with three of their lauded wipes, you’ll get a car wash formula, wash mitt, drying towel, foam cleaner, and odor eliminator.
Key Features:
- 8-item kit
- Includes cleaning products and tools
- Includes interior and exterior car cleaning products
Cost: $32
Snow Eagle Car Cleaning Tools Kit (10 Pieces)
Looking for car wash cleaning tools rather than products? This 10-piece tool kit not only includes an assortment of brushes, dusters, and towels, but it also includes a toobox to store them all in.
Key Features:
- 10-piece kit
- Assortment of cleaning tools
- Toolbox included
Cost: $29
