Unless you’re a motoring enthusiast, car cleaning is probably more of a chore than a pleasure. Either way, this list of car cleaning accessories provides you with plenty of options to make it easier to keep your vehicle spick and span.
We’ve made a point of paying attention to the inside of your car as well as the outside. If you do have a tendency to let your car become cluttered and grubby (and some of the team here at PetrolPrices.com are occasionally guilty of that!) a thorough internal clean can make it feel like you’re sitting in a brand new vehicle. As such, we’ve included a few items to help you give the interior a decent overhaul.
With a bit of effort, and the help of some of these car cleaning accessories, you can make your car feel like it’s just had a professional valet. Do this before a long road trip, and you’ll enjoy the journey in far more comfort.
1. One for the interior
Black and Decker Auto Flexi Car Vacuum
If you’ve ever tried to drag your household vacuum cleaner outside to clean the car, you’ll know it can prove to be an awkward exercise!
This Black and Decker car vacuum plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, and comes with an upholstery brush and various other attachments to help you get down into all the cracks and crevices that are always a magnet for crumbs.
While there are cheaper car vacuums available, this is powerful and well-reviewed and comes with a two-year warranty.
Positives:
- Powerful.
- 12V powered.
- Several accessories included.
Negatives:
- Cheaper options are available.
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2. One for the exterior
Kärcher K2 Pressure Washer
When we looked at car pressure washers for an earlier feature, this Kärcher model came out as the best all-rounder.
It comes with all the accessories you need to give the outside of your car a thorough clean, and isn’t too unwieldy to use comfortably.
It’s important to note that this pressure washer does require you to have access to a mains plug and a water source.
Finally, we should add that after our previous feature, some members commented that they’ve had issues with seals and delicate parts when using pressure washers to clean their vehicles. While we’ve had no personal experience of these problems (and such gadgets are marketed specifically for car cleaning) – we should say that if you’re concerned about this you may wish to proceed with caution.
Positives:
- Powerful despite its diminutive size.
- Full car cleaning kit included.
Negatives:
- Needs a tap and a mains power source.
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3. One with a bit of everything!
Kent Car Valet Pack and Bucket
If you fancy spending a Sunday morning giving your car a really thorough external clean, this is the perfect package to invest in. It’s complete and inexpensive, and even comes with a bucket!
The kit includes an all-in-one wash and wax solution, various sponges, pads and cloths, and a “bug shifter” for stubborn insect marks.
At this price, it’s also a perfect small gift for any car enthusiast in your life – or you could buy it for the children or grandchildren and bribe them to do the hard work!
Positives:
- Plenty of car cleaning products included.
- Great value.
Negatives:
- Better individual products out there for those willing to spend a little more.
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4. One for a perfect finish
Auto Glym products are much-loved among car enthusiasts, and this pack, “The Collection,” contains an extensive selection for those who wish to get their car up to a “showroom shine.”
The products included are for both the inside and outside of the car and include shampoo, polish and tyre dressing. or the interior, you’ll find interior shampoo and glass polish. Sponges and cloths are included too.
Reviews are overwhelmingly great – and once again this would make a perfect (albeit more expensive) gift!
Positives:
- A huge selection of products.
- Fabulous reviews.
Negatives:
- Pricey.
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5. The Professional Option!
Vax Car Cleaning Kit
We end on a slightly more obscure option – but if you happen to have a Vax vacuum cleaner already, this can be a really cheap way to convert it into a fully fledged car interior cleaner.
Compatible with any Vax model, this kit contains multiple attachments specifically for car cleaning. If you’ve ever tried to use a conventional vacuum for car cleaning, you’ll probably appreciate the need for these. Particularly handy is the “flexi-crevice tool” – something absolutely essential for removing crumbs and debris.
If you have a Vax, this is well worth a look – it’s far less expensive than a dedicated car vacuum, and does the job just as well.
Positives:
- A great way to turn your home vacuum into a car cleaner.
- Inexpensive.
Negatives:
- Vax vacuum essential.
The only problem I’ve come across with pressure washers with the older cars is that it takes off some of the paint , more so at these hand car washes dotted around the town, has anybody found out this problem with their car?.
The operaters are probably standing too close to your car, the are mostly immigrants who have not much experience of these devices.
dont hold the jet too close to the bodywork except for the underneath.
Yes, Jackie. I have also realised that those Car Washes, seem to use such a strong dilution of chemical, as they seem to think that it will work quicker. All Products designed to Clean your Car, have an optimum time needed to dissolve and break down the particular element which they are cleaning off. To increases the dosage of Chemical, will not make the job quicker, but may cause particular damage to your car. Next time you are passing through your local car wash, ask them if they can provide a Safety Data Sheet, regarding the chemicals which they use on your car.
I have a K2 that i use to clean my car – I bought a foam spray for the lance and a variable head so as the (foam , soak , soft brush , spray rince ) I then use a spray shine attached to my hose . 10 – 15 min work inc cup of tea during soak
The only problem I’ve come across with pressure washers with the older cars is that it takes off some of the paint , more so at these hand car washes dotted around the town, has anybody found out this problem with their car?.
The operaters are probably standing too close to your car, the are mostly immigrants who have not much experience of these devices.
dont hold the jet too close to the bodywork except for the underneath.
Yes, Jackie. I have also realised that those Car Washes, seem to use such a strong dilution of chemical, as they seem to think that it will work quicker. All Products designed to Clean your Car, have an optimum time needed to dissolve and break down the particular element which they are cleaning off. To increases the dosage of Chemical, will not make the job quicker, but may cause particular damage to your car. Next time you are passing through your local car wash, ask them if they can provide a Safety Data Sheet, regarding the chemicals which they use on your car.
I have a K2 that i use to clean my car – I bought a foam spray for the lance and a variable head so as the (foam , soak , soft brush , spray rince ) I then use a spray shine attached to my hose . 10 – 15 min work inc cup of tea during soak