What Tools And Products Do We Use To Detail?

You’ll find a complete list of everything we use to get the detail done.
Many of the tools and products that we use are interchangeable between applications. This means something that we use for the engine cleaning can also be used for the wheels and tires.
So even though the list is broken down into sections, that doesn’t mean it’s not used in another part of the detail.
Lastly, it does help to have the right tools and products, but even more, it’s important to know how to use those items to get the best results possible. It’s not just about buying XYZ tool and calling it a day.
(DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below are affiliate links. The prices never change, I just get a small commission if you make a purchase):

Equipment

  • 1

    Griot’s Garage 6” polisher

    Used for interior cleaning with a brush attachment and polishing paint.

  • 2

    Griot’s Garage G15

    Used for polishing paint. This is considered a “long throw” machine as it has a 15mm throw.

  • 3

    McCulloch 1385 steamer

    Used primarily for interior cleaning of all surfaces and a few applications on the exterior. Not strong enough (imo) for engine or wheel cleaning.

  • 4

    Metro Vac n Blo

    It’s both a vacuum and blower. Strong suction, but you cannot vacuum water. Good for blowing water out of pockets but not strong enough to dry car. I just use it for vacuuming.

  • 5

    Aqua Pro Vac Carpet Extractor

    Used on cloth material like carpets, floor mats, and seats.

  • 6

    Metro Sidekick Blaster

    Used to blow standing water out of tight areas or blowing debris from interior.

  • 7

    Aluminum platform

    Use to reach roofs or as a work bench. I bought mine locally at Home Depot.

Paint Correction

  • 1

    Griot’s Garage Fast Correcting Cream

    This is there most aggressive compound in their Best of Show System line. Used for removing heavy to medium imperfections in paint.

  • 2

    Griot’s Garage Perfecting Cream

    This is their polishing cream in their Best of Show System. Used to polish light imperfections in paint. Also great as the second step in a two-step paint correction.

  • 3

    Griot’s Garage Finishing Sealant

    This is their final last product in their Best of Show System line. Used to remove really light imperfections in paint while laying down a layer of protection.

  • 4

    Meguiar’s 5″ Microfiber Cutting Disc

    One of the most popular microfiber cutting discs on the market. Used for aggressive compounding on paint to remove medium to heavy imperfections.

  • 5

    Griot’s Garage 5.5” Fast Correcting Pads

    This is their most aggressive cutting pad within their Best of Show System line. Used during the compounding phase to remove medium to heavy imperfections.

  • 6

    Griot’s Garage 5.5” Correcting Pads

    This one step down in aggressiveness from the Fast Correcting pads. Used to remove medium to heavy imperfections.

  • 7

    Griot’s Garage 5.5” Perfecting Pads

    Their polishing pad in their Best of Show System line. Used to refine the compounding phase or to remove light imperfections with a one-step.

  • 8

    CarPro Eraser

    Used to remove any polishes or oils before applying a wax/sealant or to make sure you’re looking at the “true” condition of the paint.

  • 9

    3M Tape

    Used to tape off sensitive items before polishing.

  • 10

    Light bulbs

    Used while correcting paint to give you consistent light for inspection.

  • 11

    Light stands

    Used to hold the light bulbs.

  • 12

    The Rag Company polishing towels

    Used to wipe off polish or wax during paint correction.

  • 13

    Meguiar’s M105

    Used for compounding to remove the heavier defects on paint.

  • 14

    Meguiar’s M205

    Used for polishing and removing light defects or refining the haze left by M105.

Brushes

  • 1

    Gray brush attachment

    Brush I attach to the Griot’s Garage 6″ polisher for interior cleaning.

  • 2

    Chemical Guys leather brush

    Soft bristle brush used to clean leather seats, door panels, and plastic surfaces.

  • 3

    Detail Buddy Boar Hair Brushes

    Used to clean door panels, dashboards, and center consoles.

  • 4

    Carpet and upholstery brush

    Used to agitate leather seats, cloth seats, headliners, door panels, and rubber floor mats.

  • 5

    Lilly pet hair brush bundle

    One brush is used to remove pet hair from hard to reach areas and the other is used for flat surfaces.

  • 6

    Lilly pet hair brush

    Used to remove pet hair from interior. Great for smaller and intricate areas of interior.

  • 7

    Black nylon brush

    Used for just about every part of the interior, big or small. You only need the nylon brush. You can buy one locally.

  • 8

    TUF SHINE tire brush

    By far one of the best tire brushes I’ve ever used. Stiffness of the brushes and ergonomics of the handle are great.

  • 9

    EZ Detail brush

    Used to clean the inner barrel of wheels and hard to reach areas in the engine bay (can also be used to clean inside exhaust tip).

  • 10

    Montana wheel brush

    Used to clean the face of the wheels and engine bay cleaning.

  • 11

    Chemical Guys long handle brush

    Used to clean parts of the engine bay and the fenders.

Interior

  • 1

    Chemspec fabric rinse

    Used after you clean carpet or fabric to lower the PH and reduce browning. You can buy locally.

  • 2

    Microfiber applicator pad

    Used for applying dressing or leather conditioner. You can also just use a towel.

  • 3

    Wolfgang Leather Conditioner

    Used to condition leather material (primarily seats).

  • 4

    Red Zone Ready

    Used to remove red stains from interior.

  • 5

    McGuire-Nicholas tool bag

    Used to carry and organize all my interior brushes. Very helpful!

Exterior

  • 1

    Chenille wash mitt (favorite)

    Primary choice of wash mitt for exterior.

  • 2

    Meguiars microfiber wash mitt (second favorite)

    Wash mitt for exterior.

  • 3

    Platinum Pluffle Microfiber Drying Towel

    Large drying towel. One of my favorites.

  • 4

    Adam’s tire applicator pad

    My favorite tire dressing applicator so far.

  • 5

    Nanoskin clay mitt (Fine)

    Clay mitt I use to clay vehicles. I also have a clay bar I bought locally from Mother’s.

  • 6

    Meguair’s X-Press Spray Wax

    Used during the drying process (or as a final touch up) to make the paint feel slick while adding shine and protection.