Best of 2024 End of year wrap-up: All of my favorite products! IG637

[@Thai.H]

This is the detail awards we needed and yes you should do it annually 💪🏻

[@ratton5028]

Hi There! A very solid lineup of products. I use many of the same with great results. I enjoy your videos and have recently been watching everything that you have released. Keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing! 👍 Cheers!!.. 😎

[@improvedgarage]

I appreciate the kind words and the support! I really enjoy making these videos.

[@BreezeMW]

The “Best Of” video I respect the most. Thanks Jeff

[@benkneisley3001]

Spam the Advertiser had the best annual awards video, but yea key word there is HAD. Thanks for the video.

[@jarntzen0317]

Giddy Jeff with the Traceless flamethrower was priceless. More of that in 2025! Can’t wait for the Detail Co Thick video. I bought on Black Friday and haven’t installed and not a lot of KZbin content on that one yet. Thanks for the great content!

[@DiamondDetailingNJ]

A videos with tools you use will be dope too!

[@wescat2]

A great list Jeff. Many products that most don't hear about and kudos for saying a couple Chemical Guys products are decent. You don't hear that much. Explaining why you picked what you did was excellent to hear.

[@improvedgarage]

Thanks! I try to give my honest opinions on what I've used, even if that's not always the most popular.

[@vesselinkerkeniakov5317]

Love the videos. Love the fact I can learn about good products and improve the quality of take care of our cars.

[@jfarm_1311]

I agree with a lot of these products. But not mention Amplify as a drying aid is a travesty 😂

[@improvedgarage]

Nice catch that i should have mentioned. I used the old version of amplify (it was revised in march 2024) and while i have the current one i haven't used it yet. I didn't want to mention an old product and also didn't want to mention one that i haven't used.

[@jfarm_1311]

@ all good. From the products on your list that I’ve tried I agree. Armour products are all pretty good. DIY are good for ease of use. Still wait to find the ultimate shampoo. For rinseless I agree, nemesis is my #1 with hero right up there.

[@armourdetailsupply]

Great picks, Jeff!

[@AdamosGarage]

You mentioned if we had any suggestions for carpet, try Labocosmetica Glico & Ductile. Part of their 2PH carpet system amongst thier other uses.😉

[@catwill2022]

11:54 ouch! Slight swipe at Matt. He is pushing Trace-Less like no one out there.😆

[@improvedgarage]

Wasn’t intended that way! I keep rinseless on my office and in my kitchen right now.

[@snkrteksol86]

I guess every Hero needs a Nemesis after hearing you give the nod. I love Hero and just about the entire ADS line. Good stuff as usual. Keep it coming. Enjoy the new year

[@FrankoDetails]

flamey o hotman! 🔥🐿️💨 … great choices and shoutout to brakebuster users out there ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

[@familiar92]

I was not expecting traceless to actually be flammable i saw the thumbnail but still crazy. All are pretty great products and a few i definitely need to pick up and try out.

[@Sm0k3P]

Great choices IMO and keep the videos coming you do a great job and I find myself going to your channel over a few others these days. Have a great New Year

[@improvedgarage]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I appreciate the support!

[@functionaldoc5054]

I like Labocosmetica NITIDO as my interior glass cleaner and Traceless for outside cleaning do the heavy solvent fumes. Jeff this was a nice review of what you use the most vs the best of the year. Traceless is good if you need to start a fire. I like Mafra Wheel and Tire cleaner as a weekly cleaner diluted 1:5 in IK Pro E foamer.

[@improvedgarage]

Yea i forgot nitido and threw it in at the end, its fantastic. Thank you!

[@piggietruckerjones7545]

Great video man! I am really enjoying your stuff. Thank you.

[@dondelp9439]

Thanks for taking the time to compile a video providing YOUR favorites. When watching similar videos, I’m a bit leery when someone is “pitching” a product that they claim is a favorite, but in reality, they’re perhaps just wanting to “stay in favor” with a certain brand or influencer(s). Your video seems straight forward and honest regardless of the brand. As a retired professional who now enjoys being a detail enthusiast (and lawn care nut) it’s helpful being able to listen and learn from videos such as this in order to provide a comparison to MY favorites. As far as other comparisons, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on rags. They’re a product that, regardless of the level of detailing you’re involved in (professional, beginner, weekend warrior or enthusiast) every detailer must use for each cleaning.😊

[@improvedgarage]

Thank you, i certainly try and remain non-biased, I don't do paid reviews, and would only take a sponsor that was unrelated (something like AG1 or shipstation, etc). The truth is that most of us can affiliate anything through amazon so there isn't really an upside to promote one brand over another at this point, and so many of the products are so good that its really becoming about personal preference, because they all perform well. Ill dig into rags a bit this year, In the past I bought the Obsessed Garage Microfiber Package and then decided i didn't like a few of matts picks and started buying directly from The Rag Company so see what I liked. THOR recently released their own rags and ive been using those lately and I really enjoy many of them. Ive been part of the autofiber rag of the month club for a year or so and have a bunch of those to test too.

[@dondelp9439]

Thanks again, Jeff. I’ll look forward to your next video, along with a possible future review of rags.

[@pigeonpoo1823]

I do hope you get to try some Garage Therapy products soon. You won't be disappointed. As for carpets, KC Pol Star 1:10 cleans my muddy fell shoes. Or for a less foaming option, Rug Doctor/ Bissell carpet cleaner. I use a Vax Spot wash every 6 months and only the drivers seat has any dirt (as I weekly clean).

[@ConwayLStevens]

Great Video Jeff. Lots of stuff I agree with you on. A few things id add or change but all in all fantastic stuff. Appreciate your videos. Fresh AF is my favorite. My wife enjoys the Cherry

[@MikeGDetailing]

Epic thumbnail. Great video sharing your favorite products.

[@chicagomike2111]

New Sub, enjoyed this video and what looks like an honest view on products. I will go back and look at your other Armour videos as you seem to be heavy on those. Coating wise I am a Gyeon guy as well as a few other of their products. Having access to a 600+ car fleet that takes a pounding I really enjoy testing out new products. I don't have the time to do my own channel but enjoy seeing honest not sold-out for free crap reviewers.

[@improvedgarage]

Thank you. Geyon is a brand I need to dig deeper into. They have nearly 40 products and many of them were recently “redefined” I’ve had good luck with prep, tar, wet coat, and I really like leather coat.

[@curtisstevenson3191]

One product line I’ve noticed you’ve never mentioned really is gyeon. Your channel has been a huge help with finding different products. Really like your approach to your channel.

[@improvedgarage]

Geyon has almost 40 products and the full line is around $600 to buy outright, i have used a few of their things like Prep and tar which i like, i have PPF wash on the shelf that I havent tried yet. I really like leather coat as well. Geyon has great bottles and crappy sprayers, but ive liked the products that i have had the opportunity to try. The reason that Geyon wasnt mentioned here is twofold 1. I havent tried most of their products 2. Much of the line was "redefined" this year to a new version and i havent tried the newest (current) version. I would like to get my hands on them and go through the whole line, I could also say exactly the same thing about gtechniq.

[@killsbugsfastreallfast]

Very solid product line for sure. Buying when they are 25-30% off and buying gallons just makes it even easier. Give it a go.

[@ionic89]

great video. ADS is definitely a line i been wanting to try once my current products are used.

[@AdamosGarage]

Awesome video Jeff!! Who knew we’d get a 🔥 show in the middle of it!! Best smelling flame thrower on the market! Lol Most of what you highlighted in this video are on my shelf as well! The complete ARMOUR lineup is awesome! I also think the Detail Co. lineup is fantastic! I have gallons of each of the products in both of those lineups! Labocosmetica is and will be a staple on my shelves for sure. They for me are the “hammer” products you spoke about in your video. I for one appreciate video’s like this because there are soooo many products on the market and it’s hard to try them all…some that aren’t available to me, but there are ways around that, but it gets expensive, especially if they aren’t great or not to my liking. 2024 was an exciting year in the industry, but I have a feeling it’s just the beginning…🔥🔥👊🏼 All the Best in 2025!!

[@brandonnixon7105]

If you want a to try a tire dressing similar to OG dressing, but cheaper, try Carglo Aqua Shine. It’s a local company here in San Diego and JoshV sells it on his site (you can order direct too I think). I think I got a 32oz bottle for like $15 in store with a Tolco sprayer.

[@talkingwithcars]

I'll be trying the Nemesis sponge soon along with Hero....I like the color also. Eager to try it. The ignition of Trace-Less is hilarious....Love it though!!!

[@markboykin2858]

Im picky and versed. Your channel really is one of the best, well done!

[@improvedgarage]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@thatvwgirl]

Nonsense is the only CG product I continue to repurchase. I don’t have to worry about any smell or dye that might color something like a headliner or white/light upholstery. And it’s a powerhouse of a cleaner. I use it in my house too. It’s good at everything.

[@SlowGT3]

Great list!

[@NeilDetails]

Stay strong is a great detailer. You can’t go wrong with Geist, they have been my go to for about a year now. I coated my wife’s outback in CSL topped with exo v5 and the hood and roof failed after 8 months. Not sure what happened but I will be re coating it with Nasiol ZR53. Great video as well.

[@drive2siva]

I agree with a lot of ur product selections. Happy and prosperous new year 2025 Jeff

[@PrinceOfDarkness1975]

Awesome video. You’ve become my go-to. Happy New Year!

[@improvedgarage]

Happy New Year! I appreciate the support!

[@cyclechris6591]

Hey, this was a really good run through of your favorites. I have c6 glass on my vehicle and some of my customers cars. Many glass cleaners, including stoner, cause a strong static charge when cleaning the glass with the c6glass. The one exception is the Traceless. I thought it’s the lubricant properties but I tried the much cheaper Turtlewax “slick glass” on a whim and it causes the static like most. So another win for traceless. Im in Oklahoma, used to live in SanDiego. Man we have dust here. Static is something I strive to avoid here. On my hydrolite coated personal vehicle, Armor Amplify seems to keep it cleaner longer. It’s the only topper that I actually get compliments on from random people. To my eye, gyeon ceramic detailer and DIY’s ceramic gloss give more pop to the gloss but there’s something about Amplify that lets the Mazda 46v soul red crystal metallic come thru. I saw you were in between versions of Amplify, so you couldn’t comment on something you didn’t try. I appreciate that. I was a brake buster user but went to Maniac. It’s better and goes further. My thinking makes me avoid separate wheel and tire cleaners, I generally coat wheels when a sell a coating, and I use Pans tire sealant. It lasts months, and you don’t need to use Maniac every week, maybe once a month. I’ve settled on incredible suds as my weekly soap. It’s a little hard to work with unless you pre dilute but nothing really cleans as well as incredible suds. For decon Armor decon soap and carpro descale do a great job for coating prep. What do you do for water? My city tap has 530ppm, so no deionizer will last. I just spray a few gallons of distilled for spotless rinse. Might get a tank and a service but wonder if a tank would get algae in summer?

[@improvedgarage]

i have maniac but havent tried it yet, coming soon. I store DI water in a sealed tank successfully in my garage, my TDS is 400+ i just run a RO before my DI and my resin lasts forever.

[@GaryH-p5c]

Great video as always Jeff! Many of your favs are mine as well - I really enjoy and have used the ADS product line alot in 2024. Very impressed w ADS! Titan is my go to drying aid. I will be trying some others on your list soon. Appreciate all the work you do to provide these vids to the public. I rate your opinions very highly in comparison to many other testers.

[@btverse]

Interesting info on traceless.... not something I've heard about before. Seems like an important point Matt would mention.

[@improvedgarage]

Yea it’s a pretty potent stuff.

[@edisoncahuana4237]

I love this video!! thank you for the information and input on your go to products!! The labels you have for your pressol bottles are really nice, where did you get the done??

[@improvedgarage]

i made them myself kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpvPkHyoi81rbNE

[@edisoncahuana4237]

@ they look hella awesome!👏🙌 What did you use to make them?

[@improvedgarage]

@@edisoncahuana4237 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpvPkHyoi81rbNE has the instructions and the products are in the description. machine here: amzn.to/3yUb8sJ cutting mat: amzn.to/4g02M3k olfa knife: amzn.to/46WUNQL Vinyl: amzn.to/3MjIzbl (i havent used this one, but its similar to what i used in this video) Transfer tape: amzn.to/3SXNPFl Shape download: kzbin.info?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFU5REQ2dUM2VDdCTk14bVJ3TGxCbGpLMWEtd3xBQ3Jtc0tuTkswRWl6V3FYTmdNWk9uWWhKRV9iWURQMTNTX3pqVVNHVGd4YWdxa2RZYm1Rc0ZNN24zRklJUVAxcWdZbFprOHhBNkQxeDdpaVRvdFpRVGNpNllaQkV1anRSLUVKSG9wY01jZXFxdng5NkI0d1h4TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fimprovedgarage-my.sharepoint.com%2F%3Ai%3A%2Fg%2Fpersonal%2Fjeff_improved-garage_com%2FEezXlgR9rYxLhkrjbdnW7i8BXaBWBxAjeBG_TcmRWCwQrw%3Fe%3DR8njUk&v=tjl_IrVh86o

[@edisoncahuana4237]

@ awesome thank you!! 🙏

[@ZacharyPerezIsZacchuu]

Carbon collective and garage therapy are my favourites. Kl!n has been my only choice for towels and I've tried them all.

[@improvedgarage]

ill try both of those next year. klin makes great towels

[@karlgregory8190]

Great video. i agree some of the ADS products are pretty good. where did you get your stickers for the bottles from?

[@improvedgarage]

i made them with a cricut vinyl cutter kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpvPkHyoi81rbNE

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Nice video

[@improvedgarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WashandShineGarage]

As an experiment, would you try putting your Nemesis sponge through a machine wash cycle with Renaissance or R2R to see if it helps remove the staining? If the machine ruins it, I’ll send you a replacement. (MikeZ - Chicago)

[@improvedgarage]

Ill do it, im guessing it'll go full grey, thats what happened to the baby blue pad when i washed it with renaissance. It still works fine just changed color. you dont need to send me anything,

[@WashandShineGarage]

@ Thanks Jeff. Do you think adding a small amount of APC might increase stain removal?

[@improvedgarage]

@@WashandShineGarage rennaisance is pretty strong, i dont know that ill need it.

[@Mikeey684]

Great review, definitely nice to see an unbiased opinion on detailing products. With armour shampoo+ its great on slickness and dilution, but I find it dry's out too quickly on the car and you have to reform a side which is why I like gsf and reset more. Koch chemie glass cleaner is a sleeper of a product but expensive. I'd recommend to try meguiars non acid wheel and tire cleaner, been out for a long time but I still come back to it. Thanks for sharing your experience using these products, will defiantly try out your top picks.

[@owensamuels-h1r]

Loved your video. Gave some great suggestions- wondering why CarPro products don’t make your line up. Thanks ! Owen

[@timkinley1779]

They did. He mentioned four CarPro products.

[@improvedgarage]

Tar-X made my list, i mentioned eraser and darkside, i have the whole carpro line but havent gone through it thoroughly yet. Its a big line but i plan to get through it all in 2025. Honestly i dont think you can go wrong with a brand like carpro or geyon that has been around for years and years and years. Tar-x for me has stood the test of time.

[@JuanFlores-xb9sy]

Great video keeping it real thanks! Have you tried Carbon collective line?

[@improvedgarage]

I have everything they make besides the new rinseless but I haven’t tried the line yet

[@DiamondDetailingNJ]

When is the foam cannon pir update video coming out

[@improvedgarage]

as soon as i have time to make it, sorry life has been really busy for me lately.

[@chrisbradley3224]

I prefer Labocosmetica Nero to DarkSide by just a bit

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

Awesome conversation about top products. I really enjoyed hearing about your favorites and experiences. Have u tried c6 mist? just curious. I would love a follow up with tools etc. honestly I’ll listen about whatever ur using for the day.

[@improvedgarage]

i have not used mist yet.

[@buddhastl7120]

Hi. I have cleaned carpets for years. It’s an area the auto detailing products lack. Hard to find a one-all solution but if I may I would suggest trying: Encap DS2 or Grime Release Pro for a general pre spray. Spray, agitate, then vacuum or extract. Avoid getting carpet overly wet. Hydrogen Peroxide 12% from Amazon for spot treatment on natural stains urine, coffee, etc. Cheers.

[@timkinley1779]

To my knowledge and experience, actual carpet stains in vehicles doesn't vary as much as you'd think. Unlike home carpets, automotive carpet is molded and has a flame retardant applied during the manufacturing process. The nap on automotive carpet is extremely short and tight. Capture by Milliken absolutely works on any automotive woven fabrics. Milliken makes most higher-end interior fabrics.

[@KiranPatel-fk1pg]

Going off of your comment on liking the Detail Co rinseless sponge since its light colored, I think you should try the YumCars tri-fibre white wash pad for soap wasshes, they also have a 70/30 blend small drying towel which again will let you see all the dirt. I believe Clean Garage stocks them

[@improvedgarage]

i think yum is coming to thor as well

[@SlowGT3]

On the leather piece, I used to be a colourlock user, but after weekly maintenance with ADS Pilot, I found that I no longer need a heavy leather cleaner. If there is something particular dirty, I spot clean with Pol Star at 5:1 to. YMMV-but sold combo for me on a finicky 992 leather interior. Curious to see what you think of the Geist products. Always very thoughtful vids.

[@zdub303]

“I like this sponge because it’s light blue” you say while holding a gray sponge lol.

[@wescat2]

It is a light blue sponge, it gets stained. Nothing a little APC here and there won't fix.

[@improvedgarage]

its light blue when you buy it ;) Mine is just well used

[@zdub303]

I’m mostly just poking fun but I do think it’s a valid point that these lighter color sponges getting so stained is a bummer. Still better than a black sponge though.

[@wescat2]

@@zdub303 I have 2 black TRC USS that are for wheels only when I do a rinse-less

[@tj1470]

Carpet: I like the P&S 3 part carpet cleaner & Kcx MZR. Geist: Ram did work for colourlock for many years, so I wouldn't be surprised if the base of geist is a colourlock formula.

[@owensamuels-h1r]

Forgot to suggest - Ultima guard waterless/rinseless wash- Ultima have great products but are not heavily marketed - can buy from Skys The Limiit. - in Florida. I think it’s incredible. Up there with your top picks

[@improvedgarage]

yea ive heard of ultima but havent tried them yet. will add to the list!

[@rodolfoperez6647]

I would like to ceramic coat my vehicle but i don't have a garage and i live in south florida. i'm thinking doing most of the cleaning in my house and then looking for a shaded public space and do the final panel wipe and ceramic application there. any suggestions? thanks.

[@improvedgarage]

i know its not the same but i did C6 hydro light on a black dodge ram in my driveway because it was too tall to fit in my garage. I just turned it so i was working out of the sunlight and on the shady side of the truck. You could also use something like an EZ UP tent, many mobile detailers use those sucessfully

[@steves4321]

See if you can rent a garage or carport for a Day or some we’re in your area! I live in SW FL 😎

[@Sm0k3P]

I’m in your situation as well so I just go to the car wash with the bays very early and apply there. People usually don’t show up until 10am or so and if you have one with 3 or 4 bays then you won’t cause anyone to wait and you can take your time.

[@cyclechris6591]

On scents, Ive tried platinum potions, bio bars but I keep going back to Mequiars new car aerosol bombs. It’s just addicting. Also there is a scent in a Turtle Wax product, the foaming Interior 1 Carpet and upholstery cleaner that I spray just for the smell. Bio bars needs to duplicate those.

[@BryanRushing]

I remember in the video you mentioned a used detailing equipment exchange website. So I don’t need to watch the entire video again. Will you please let me know what that was? Thank you!

[@improvedgarage]

its "second hand detailing" on facebook

[@BryanRushing]

@@improvedgaragethank you!!

[@hippopotimusstew]

Nice

[@DriveTwistys]

Can you pls give a little more color on the staining comment for the Armour wheel cleaner? Is this permanent or avoidable? Thanks.

[@improvedgarage]

its nor an armour specific issue, sorry if i was unclear. When you use an iron breaker to clean your wheels your brake rotors will often form surface rust really quickly, and i find that if you dont dry them off you can end up with rust drips on your wheels. These wipe right off and its more of a visual thing.

[@BenjaminMum]

Hey you might have gotten a bad batch of the pureest product. I’ve been using it since glovebox sent it out and never had a bad time with it but I am also in a much different climate than Cali

[@improvedgarage]

you may be right, it could also be incompatible with something already on the car like OG drying aid or EXOv5. Thats why im hanging onto it to try it again, the rest of their products i tried were all good

[@TheMobileDetailShop1296]

Have you tried g T e c h n i q perfect glass glass cleaner .it is alcohol based you can smell it .

[@improvedgarage]

i have not, gtechniq has a huge line and its like $600 to buy all of it, them and geyon are both on my list to go through eventually.

[@Bill-Dalton]

bilt hamber and koch chemie - I would have a boring YT channel.

[@timkinley1779]

I'm with you. I have 14 vehicles on rotation of varying degree of dirty. OG drying aide, OG Tire Shine, GSF, Griot's interior cleaner, Stoners Glass and Touchless are all I use for maintenance washes. They all work as well as anything. Correct procedures and equipment are key with the products.

[@carrated]

The Fire was Fire! Also Matt @obsessedgarage is pretty picky about stuff and I wonder why he hasnt tallked about how strong it is. I know he sure loves it and I havent tried it yet