Beginner Car Wash Kit | Best Products on a Budget

[@davidboyce6427]

Heather your contribution to the detailing industry makes all of us appreciate your methodical and rational approach to quality automotive detailing. So really thank you for your contributions 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@AutoCareHQ]

Cheers David I appreciate that!

[@danielkennedy9511]

Shut up.

[@peterowen4456]

You won't go far wrong if you follow Heather's advice on detailing your car. So methodical and yet easy to understand.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Peter!

[@DavidHalfordsLane]

Minor point but get a bucket with a ribbed bottom as smooth ones can be slippery to empty. It makes grip easier. I’d also recommend a car blower to dry those pesky areas - grills, around lights, door handles, inside petrol filler flap, insignia etc. particularly if you live in a hard water area where limescale water deposits can form. Great advice, Heather. You are a great ambassador for the car cleaning and detailing world.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks very much David! Great recommendations too!

[@richard73]

Good info 👍 Just my thoughts….Can’t go wrong with Blit Hamer products and A good jet washer,Nisflisk Core 125 👍👍👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Richard 😊

[@DjNikGnashers]

Good advice. The small things I would like to just comment on, are : Do you need 3 buckets ? I have been a valeter, and hobby detailer for a long time, and have never felt the need to use a bucket for wheels. I use wheel woolies to clean behind the 'spokes' and to the rear of the wheel barrels. My wheels are immaculate after I use BH auto wheel, with the wheel woolies, and pressure washed to rinse. If I wash friends/family vehicles and the wheels are really dirty, I use a wheel cleaning brush too. If the baked on brake dust does not come off with those, there isn't a chance it will come off using a wheel mitt and another two buckets one for cleaning product and another for rinsing the mitt. BH Auto wheel is not cheap, but it is a brilliant iron remover AND a cleaning product in one, so you don't have to buy two different products, which actually makes it no more expensive yet the iron remover is just about the best I have ever used, it turns dark red within seconds. I also apply snow foam to the wheels after I have used auto wheel, at the same time as I am applying it to the paint. This removes any remaining dirt left over (usually nothing is left over after using BH auto wheel). I have never used the two bucket method, it is a complete waste of time imo. If you have used (on a dirty car), something like a citrus degreaser (I use virosol, a very cheap industrial strength citrus degreaser, diluted down), then a snow foam, both rinsed off with a K'archer K4, there should be nothing left on the paint which can swirl, when you finally go for a contact wash with a soft mitt and shampoo in one bucket. So as a bare minimum, a K'archer, snow foam lance, BH auto foam, wheel woolies, BH auto wheel, a soft mitt (I prefer lambswool over microfibre), a cheap shampoo, a drying towel, and something like beadmaker as a topper to give beading and a gloss. Beadmaker is very cheap, and lasts ages as you only need a fine misting on each panel, and if you use it after every wash, it builds up and forms a decent protective layer. The only other thing I'd suggest is a cheap glass cleaner, and if you're on a budget, the cheapest white vinegar diluted with de-ionised water (which is also very cheap, £3.49 for 5 litres). Less is more with products, and experience will teach you that for best results, a tiny amount of product works best, making each wash extremely cheap, and you can afford to do it weekly, making keeping your car clean very easy, as you are basically washing an almost clean car every time.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching 😊 I do like having that wheel bucket just to help store the tools and keep them in the wash solution to lubricate them. There’s so many ways to do pretty much every step, I think it’s all about finding out what works best for yourself and getting a solid set of products that fit your routine

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@AutoCareHQ Thank you for reading my comment, I do think your techniques are brilliant, and thorough. I personally don't like spending any more time or money than I need to, and get a result I am happy with. Respect to you, and I hope your channel continues to grow.

[@ericwright1075]

Heather, some nice tips for cleaning a car. I always learn something watching all detail videos. Thanks 🇨🇦👍👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Eric! 😊

[@Rob.Coleman]

Some great products listed in this video, a lot of which I use myself and I am the very epitome of hobbyist, to coin a phrase: good from far, but far from good 😁. One thing I would add is that its hard to discuss detailing on a budget without mentioning the words 'Bilt' and 'Hamber'. They make some phenomenal products and the value for money is up there with the best. They're also (very) slowly making their way to the high street which can only be a good thing for the average consumer.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks very much Rob 😊 agreed, BH are a great brand

[@aran7teen]

I just watched your older video the other day. Planning on getting some kit this weekend, perfect timing for an update.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@mikeoxley6303]

I have learnt so much from you thanks heather

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Mike I appreciate that!

[@jamienevill1768]

Thank you Heather. One thing I once used as a substitute to tyre sponges while waiting for new ones to be delivered was an old shoe shine sponge. It was a type that folded into its own case to stop the shoe cleaning product from drying out. Handy if you don't have a lot of money to spend when starting out. Keep up the good work.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching Jamie and good tip!

[@andrewelley9966]

Euro Car Parts have 20ltr valeters buckets on offer for £4.99 at the moment, worth checking them as do have some big discounts on car care occasionally. Thanks for a great video

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching! Thanks for sharing that too, sounds like a great deal

[@teemu3370]

My personal way is to wash wheels last since as you mentioned, they are the dirtiest and then do not muck up the buckets. Good idea here to give beginners options and especially personal reason to let them decide what is preferred

[@turbasammal]

I find it a good compromise as well - you only need 2 buckets and don't use double the shampoo.

[@the_jnlt_channel]

Thanks for sharing Heather! Some great products and tools listed, with great information on each 🙌

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks very much Jason! 😊

[@barrymatthews2606]

Great video, explaining the do & don't, the only problem I have is we live down a cul-de-sac, and can't get hose pipe down the bottom to wash the car except carry bucket & buckets of water to rinse off. But I tend to do is deep wash the car, then go to my local garage to rince off the car,

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching :) That's a great work around. You could also look at getting a portable pressure washer which runs from a bucket if it's easier. Here's a video on one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn60n5iDgJhjerssi=AThvei8moj3Xs7P-

[@niallodonnell7828]

Fantastic video! The amount of choices of products and chemicals is overwhelming when you first try and get into taking proper care of your car, I'll be able to go and grab everything you've suggested here and know I'm doing a half decent job and save myself scratching up my car at the drive thru! Thanks 👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching! Yep totally agree, it’s tough to narrow it down!

[@granddadmark7639]

Heather thank you for this it will help me no end as I expand my cleaning kit 😊

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@anthonysmiles67]

So glad i found your channel. So detailed yet simple to follow.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Anthony!

[@jamescharlton924]

k3 works well for my car and all I have done is get the autobrite trigger gun this has made a huge difference

[@AutoCareHQ]

Yep the short triggers are a cracking upgrade

[@ivo7597]

Started out with a k2, works great, but still upgraded to a trigger gun and more water flow pressure washer. Makes a big difference

[@johnbrown3951]

A very well explained video that I wish I had watched at the start of this journey. I suppose we don't learn if we don't make mistakes. My Son & I did make a trip South last week and picked up a red Mk1 MX5 South of London and drove it back North without incident and encountered a Mk1 & a Mk2 both in red but not your red. I had never driven a rear wheel car in my 30+ years of driving but I now appreciate two seated convertible sports cars and wonder if I will go down that route when I change my car in a couple of years.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks John 😊 I hope your son is enjoying his new MX5!

[@johnbrown3951]

@@AutoCareHQ Oh he loves it and so do I. He has put 1000 miles on it already in 5 days.

[@grahambell9831]

Good morning, Heather 👋 Sound advice for a set up for someone just starting out. Quality products are shown here with fair prices 👌 👏

[@AutoCareHQ]

Cheers Graham!

[@grahambell9831]

@AutoCareHQ Thanks Heather, Garage still looking clean & tidy there 🙂

[@roboliver9980]

Top tips! Must admit I just love the fun of a snow foam don’t think my neighbours know what it is and just think I either love Xmas or missed out on Ibiza as a kid 🤣🤣🤣

[@AutoCareHQ]

Haha I’m the same! Definitely a must-have if you got more into detailing

[@thesamsquatch5224]

Your voice is very nice to lie to and your accent is very proper. I know the UK does things a little differently from the US mainly the snow foams. Myself, I’m a rinseless wash guy with the sponge. It just works for me. But a good pre spray is essential like you said. You need to emulsify the grime and safely rinse away. Otherwise you’re taking that dirt and driving it into your paint at 1000+ psi. The snow foams work well and you need that lubrication. I like your buckets, the brushes they look awesome! I personally work for DIY Detail so a little biased 😂. But you use excellent products, and once you protect your vehicle it becomes easier to clean. I can’t wait to see the interior video!

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks very much for watching! Yep definitely some different ways to do things, sounds like you’ve got a great system. I really need to try some DIY Detail products, which would you recommend?

[@GrimFandango501]

I picked up a K5 compact from eBay for the price of a new K2, worth keeping an eye out.

[@jamesarmitage8399]

Straight forward advice & a no nonsense approach. Mjjc v2 will give as much foam as you want lol especially with a karcher. 🙂

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching James 😊 yeah the MJJC lances are great for that

[@andyrantshumanphilosopher7571]

Ive got a k2... It works to an extent but i could definitely find myself going for something closer to 2 gal a minute.

[@stephens3749]

Yet another great video Heather, so helpful and informative to those that are just starting out or making the change over to proper safe cleaning away from the old bucket and sponge with fairly liquid shampoo and dried off with a dodgy chamois leather...

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@Mogsy28uk]

cracking and comprehensive starter video Heather. 👍👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thank you!

[@davej5917]

Just bought an IK sprayer - game changer! One thing I can’t do though is buy expensive buckets. Whilst I like yours and those bucket Dollie’s look sick, I’m just too tight to spend the dough. I use two old 15L fence paint tubs which work well although look terrible 😊

[@AutoCareHQ]

Totally get that, they’re not cheap buckets! I got them mainly for filming as they look pretty (as much as a bucket can) 😂😂

[@davej5917]

@@AutoCareHQ 🤣 - one more question, your opinion on the IK foamer. The sprayer is brilliant, never thought it would make such a difference so now, I'm back in "gadget mode" but wondering if I actually need one

[@AutoCareHQ]

Interesting you should mention it as I have a video planned on the second channel comparing the IK sprayers! I think the Multi is more useful, I tend to just use the Foam for applying wheel shampoos

[@davej5917]

@@AutoCareHQ Brill although also my apologies, I’d not realised you had a second channel - I’ll hop over and subscribe 👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

@@davej5917 thanks! It’s called Auto Care HQ Extra, I’ve linked it in my channel description 😊

[@invalice123]

Thank you! Great contribution.

[@kennethkitchen4248]

Brilliant thanks for the information so well explained xxx

[@Quint1975]

Great vid, I use a combination of garage therapy and Bilt Hamber for external (plus citrus pre) with KC greenstar well diluted for an APC, internal it's Topstar, Garage therapy or 303 protectant. I like Gyeon QM snow foam espeically in winter, safe to use with wax, just dilute/use weaker strengths.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks! They’re great products, only one I’ve not tried is Gyeon Foam, reckon it’s worth trying?

[@Quint1975]

@@AutoCareHQ I tend to use it more in winter because it just pulls the dirt off and not so much in summer. If you see it in a sale absolutely :) It is quite thick however that might put some off and I personally think it's better used for winter washes when the roads are gritted and filthy. Summer it's citrus pre or KC GSF for me. Gyeon has some good products if a little bit pricy.. I've wanted to try the QM Interior detailer for ages but a while yet before I need to buy another interior product.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Awesome, thanks for the insight! The Gyeon interior detailer is really, been using it quite a bit on my car recently

[@simonmanning6609]

Fabulous informative video Heather with some great guidance tips for all ❤❤

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Simon 😊

[@marktrower2267]

Once again another fantastic and informative video Heather

[@AutoCareHQ]

Cheers Mark I appreciate it!

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hello Heather,there are some great products,and good for a budget, one I wanna try out is the GT range when I get low.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching, I’d definitely recommend giving some GT products a try

[@thebeastmt-0729]

Just got past your account and Its amazing! Clear video’s and good to Watch!

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thank you very much!

[@davestewart9146]

I really enjoyed your video, thanks Heather 😁👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Dave!

[@jeffryadams3666]

Amazing video so helpful, cant wait for the interior video. Would it be possible to mention clay barring, polishing and ceramic coating?

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thank you! I can definitely make another video addressing those steps 😊

[@stephenjones6902]

Great info Heather, I have a shelf full of car cleaners and waxes, But the results are always worth it 😂

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks very much, haha my collection is excessive to say the least 😂

[@terrorjr.1924]

Your doing a great job! Love your content! I have a question? what do you recommend on getting tar off bottom of the car?

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks! Here's what I use: www.in2detailing.co.uk/products/garage-therapy-zero-tar-glue?ghref=3377%3A53788

[@darylbishop7495]

Hi Heather, great video... have you got round to filming your Interior Detailing Kit video? Can't seem to find one so assuming it's not been done yet?

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thank you! I’ve got it filmed but got a few videos to go first, sorry it’s taking ages! Think it’s due up mid-late September

[@Elfin4]

Just recently found your posts and find them very honest and yet very detailed. In terms of jet Washers, do you not think that Karcher's are overpriced, just paying for the brand? I've been looking at the Stihl jet Washers which are from a premium manufacturer also.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching! I think the Karcher Outlet is good value but potentially the new models do come at a bit of a premium. I haven't tried anything in a similar price range though to compare personally

[@agrrocco]

Another great video, looking forward to the interior one. Will you also do an advanced video covering additional/more expensive items ?

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thank you! Yep I’m thinking of doing an “upgrades” style video with some extra accessories and chemicals 😊

[@brianpurcell9058]

Nice one Heather 👍 👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks! 😊

[@davidboyce6427]

Thank you as always for your recommendations 👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching David 😊

[@shahzad2453]

Great video, some good advice here. Which pressure washer do you use now?

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching :) I use a Kranzle K10

[@richardwilson9130]

Heather what would be your go to pre wax cleanser ?. Looking to purchase one but unsure of which to go for. By the was brillant video. Keep up the awesome work 👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thank you! I have only ever tried R222 Pre-Wax cleanser but that is really good. It will leave some gloss enhancers behind but most waxes should play nicely with it

[@richardwilson9130]

@@AutoCareHQ thank you heather. Looking forward to the next video 👍

[@MikesAutoDetailing]

Fantastic video, great ideas 🍻

[@AutoCareHQ]

Cheers Mike!

[@drumtracksdirect]

Can I ask, instead of snowfoaming, can repeating citrus pre-wash > rinse > citrus pre-wash > rinse etc get you to the same level of "OK, time to wash now" readiness as citrus pre-wash > rinse > snowfoam > rinse?

[@AutoCareHQ]

Yep if you use a good citrus wash and apply it over the full car then it will do the same job as the snow foam. There shouldn’t really be any need to repeat the citrus either, so I’d just go Citrus > rinse > contact wash

[@teemu3370]

Very nice roundup

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@DaveBaldwin-jj2kb]

Great video Heather have you ever used buff and shine microfiber cutting pad when you remove swirls and scratches

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks Dave 😊 I haven’t tried those, have use used them before?

[@mikefellows3901]

Fantastic overview ! Many thanks !

[@AutoCareHQ]

Cheers Mike!

[@ASTMA193]

Really useful. Thank you so much.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@ThisOldDetailingDude]

Great essential starter kit!!! Great content!

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thank you!

[@osiris152868]

非常好的影片 希望可以更多一點的介紹 謝謝

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@JR-rr7mx]

What is the tip you have on your stubby gun in your videos? Looks good. Thanks these are decent tips as over spending can easily be done.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching 😊 it’s one of these from Carscope carscope.co.uk/products/colour-coded-premium-40-25-spray-nozzle-assembly I usually just use the 25 degree one

[@jimbob6290]

Hi Heather. How many washmits do you use for a medium sized car? Thank you in advance

[@AutoCareHQ]

If you go for a two bucket method, I’d say just two mitts would be fine. The pre-wash should be shifting pretty much everything so there shouldn’t really be need for extra mitts 😊

[@pillred5974]

Heather never mind telling us about your car shampoos, what hair shampoo do you use? it's looking very soft and shiny lol.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Haha just whatever is cheapest, I prefer to spend the extra on car shampoo 😂😂

[@mungo101666]

Hello, another great video. How have you connected the two buckets together, thanks

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks! It’s using this from Carbon collective www.carboncollective.com/bucket-handle-kit/ The bucket dollies are also needed which are sold separately www.carboncollective.com/heavy-duty-bucket-dolly/

[@mungo101666]

@@AutoCareHQ thank you

[@michael_houghton]

Great video 👍

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks!

[@RolyTravelwell]

The Range have the same grit guards for around £4.

[@06kellyjac]

During the video I was curious which pressure washer was your more professional option. Looks like it's the Kranzel K10/122 TS Auto. That video was helpful. What kind of discount did you see on black Friday? Thanks in advance.

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks for watching 😊 Yep it’s that model. I got 10% off on Black Friday a couple of years ago so I think with the 20m hose I went for it was about £700 inc VAT

[@06kellyjac]

@@AutoCareHQ It looks like a nice piece of kit. I think I'll have to wait for my K3 to die first. Unless I spot a good deal it'll be hard to argue against a k4 classic/compact off the outlet. I've heard some durability concerns for the Active 2.0 but I still wish it was available in the UK.

[@jack4553]

What about just spraying a snow foam over and just doing a contact clean with that? After doing a touch less snow foam and rinse

[@AutoCareHQ]

I’m not a fan of using snow foam for the contact wash as it doesn’t have any lubrication. I do use shampoo through the lance though sometimes for the contact wash stage

[@jack4553]

@@AutoCareHQmaybe I have been wash my car wrong then it seems, I’ve been using only the snow foam by pro keen ph naturel

[@aaronobrien7821]

Surfex hd for everything lol

[@paulstaniford8622]

What I have found is the hose and trigger gun you get with the pressure washers are too stiff and need replacement. What recommendations do you have for a replacement 8-10m hose along with quick trigger gun ?

[@AutoCareHQ]

Yeah that’s very true, here’s a link to the ones I got for my Karcher www.in2detailing.co.uk/products/in2detailing-standard-swivel-quick-release-short-trigger-gun-with-quick-release-nozzles?variant=32830964760655&ghref=3377%3A53788 www.in2detailing.co.uk/products/karcher-k-series-c-clip-to-c-clip-reinforced-heavy-duty-rubber-replacement-hose?variant=32368465313871&ghref=3377%3A53788

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Also another tool not to use on a vehicle exterior would be the California duster.😜

[@AutoCareHQ]

Very true!

[@geedub2019]

Are you still using the DI vessel? I'm tempted

[@AutoCareHQ]

Yep I use it loads on my car I just rinse and then don’t bother drying it most of the time

[@geedub2019]

@AutoCareHQ I like your thinking 👍 cheers

[@andyrantshumanphilosopher7571]

Problem with grit guards is they are a certain size, and design to fit specific buckets. I need a bigger one.

[@Dias-v]

How many times Heather said the word stress? Me :yes😂

[@AutoCareHQ]

😂😂

[@DjKayD]

Informative vid ! Though you have some kind of white noise coming from your mic or maybe someone is just watering the garden ? 🤷🏻‍♂

[@AutoCareHQ]

Thanks! The sound quality is always a bit tougher to get right with the clip on mic, I did some editing to it afterwards but still getting used to it

[@thomasmcsheffrey99]

Would you recommend anything to prevent white marks on the soft leather door cards possibly from skin contact

[@AutoCareHQ]

I’m not sure what you mean to be honest. Could it be sun cream?

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

​@@AutoCareHQthat's exactly what I was going to mention. Normally, any skin cream may leave that white residue on leather since lots of them now have a sun protectant.

[@buckgb]

Does in2detailing ever have any stock :D

[@thedetailinghobbyist]

👍

[@bigaljack56]

Ooooh.

[@adissa8934]

Video 👍👍👏👏👌👌

[@ajackson-ross7295]

Can you send me the link for the two buckets with the connector plz I can’t find them

[@AutoCareHQ]

www.carboncollective.com/bucket-handle-kit/ www.carboncollective.com/heavy-duty-bucket-dolly/ You need to get the dollies and handle separately

[@ajackson-ross7295]

@@AutoCareHQ thank you

[@ajackson-ross7295]

@@AutoCareHQ yours hasn’t got handle on it has it

[@AutoCareHQ]

I just hadn’t attached it yet as I lost the bolts haha, got it set up now though

[@ajackson-ross7295]

@@AutoCareHQ can u send pick plz so I can see if u have time

[@rob2020-wz6ru]

Today I said to my wife, that she has the largest collection of candles in private ownership. Her vengeance wasn't far away and she brought up my car care products 🙄

[@AutoCareHQ]

😂😂

[@silverfoxairsoft8000]

Well i live in a flat and have no access to a tap outside cause i live on the 2nd floor so pressure washer is out of the question.....

[@AutoCareHQ]

There are battery powered pressure washers available where you can feed the water from a bucket rather than the mains

[@clintonhewitt3454]

👍👍👏😊

[@Jon77777]

I got my buckets from Homebase. £1.75 each 😂

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

Why is it always the same? Beginner video, step 1 drop a ton of cash on a pressure washer. A beginner might not have a ton of cash or they might not want to spend it before they gain some experience. 2 buckets and a lambswool mitt will see them right and not break the bank. The pressure washer is something they can work towards once they have some experience.

[@AutoCareHQ]

I get what you mean, if the pressure washer is unaffordable then the rest of the advice in the video can still be taken. I think it’s pretty much impossible to avoid swirl marks though without a good pre-wash using a chemical and pressure washer hence my advice to get one if you’re looking for a swirl-free wash which most of the audience here will be otherwise they probably wouldn’t be watching a video on it and will just use a bucket and sponge

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First!!!!