Car Care & Auto Detailing Blog

If you want to keep your luxury car looking like it belongs in a showroom and protect its value, you should clean and wax it regularly with products specially designed for your car.

To keep your car sparkling clean, you’ll need an appropriate automotive wash, a wool mitt or a soft sponge, an ammonia-free cleaner for your windows, an acid-free, pH-balanced cleaner for your wheels, a dual-action polisher and polishing compound, and carnauba or polymer wax.

Waxing your car is possibly the most important step, as it seals in all the work you’ve just done washing it, provides a protective layer against dirt and grime, and adds a beautiful, glossy finish.

Here’s how to pick the best high-end wax for your luxury car and the steps to waxing a car.

How to Pick the Right Luxury Car Wax?

Most car wax products consist of carnauba wax, which is derived from Brazilian palm leaves, plus other organic or synthetic compounds. Premium car waxes supplement carnauba wax with other natural waxes and synthetic polymers to give a richer shine than carnauba wax alone.

Additionally, a car wax made of mostly carnauba wax will have a hard texture and be difficult to use. A label that claims car wax is “100% carnauba wax” is deceptive because products usually contain at most 30% carnauba content in order to make the wax usable.

There are multiple forms of wax, including sprays, pastes, and liquids. Paste waxes require a bit of work but offer the longest-lasting results and are well-suited for luxury cars.

According to dealerships, the best wax for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is a polymer wax, which sets more quickly and tends to leave less of a haze on the surface.

Luxury Car Wax Steps

1. Wash, Rinse, and Dry

Depending on how long it’s been since you gave your car some TLC, you may be able to just do a quick wash with a specialized cleaner and add a top coat of wax. If your car has more stuck-on dirt, you’ll want to wash it thoroughly from top to bottom, leaving the dirtiest areas at the bottom for last. When washing a luxury car, you should work carefully to remove all debris that could create scratches if left behind. After washing, completely rinse your car, including the underside, especially if you need to clear away road salt. Finally, dry your car with a soft, absorbent towel. It’s highly likely that you’ll see swirl marks if you let your car air dry.

2. Use a Clay Bar and Polish

Use a clay bar to buff out stubborn, stuck-on residues after washing. Tree sap is an example of a residue that will be hard to remove with soap alone.

If you haven’t washed your car in a while, you’ll want to polish it to buff out tiny scratches and protect your paint from further damage. Apply two to four coats of a dual-action compound and buff it in with a Buffing Ball. Specially designed for polishing chrome, aluminum, and painted surfaces, the Buffing Ball is made of Italian viscose fibers that won’t overheat or get caked up with product like foam buffers can.

3. Wax

Waxing is the step that will seal in all the work you’ve just done and protect your car from UV rays, chemical and environmental agents, and general dirt and grime. Once you’ve selected a super car wax, all you have to do is work it in with a soft towel. Take your time on each area, and watch your car begin to gleam like new. With another clean towel, buff out the remaining product, and repeat if you’d like.

Here’s a tip: Don’t wax your car in direct sunlight or freezing weather. Car wax works best in cool temperatures, so wax your car in the shade on a hot day or in the garage on a cold one.

Keep Your Luxury Car Looking Brand New With CleanTools

Picture this: you come home after getting a car wash and step out to admire your squeaky clean vehicle. But then you notice a long scratch on your driver’s side door. What’s that? Where did it come from?

If you find yourself in this situation, the first thing you’ll want to do is see how deep the scratch is and decide if you can remove it yourself. But how should you go about it? Read on for the best tips to remove scratches from your car.

What Products Do You Need to Remove Scratches from Your Car?

There are generally two products you’ll want to consider when trying to fix scratches and imperfections on your car. One is Scratch and Swirl Remover, and the other is Rubbing and Polishing Compound. 

The formulations and instructions for Scratch and Swirl Remover products are tailored for repairing blemishes on the finish and small areas of scuffs and scratches.

If you want to address oxidation and dull finish instead, you should opt for a Rubbing and Polishing Compound.

The last item you need is a soft, high-quality towel to buff in these products.

How to Remove Light Scratches & Blemishes From Your Car

Examples of minor surface blemishes that can be removed with Scratch and Swirl Remover are light marks from fingernails around door handles, light scuffs, or a finish that has lost its gloss. This product can also remove general road film and swirl marks from automatic car washes.

Removing Light Scratches

1. Wash and dry your car.
2. If you can, mark the scratch with masking tape one inch above and one inch below the scratch to help you apply the product in the right spot.
3. Apply a Scratch and Swirl Remover with a soft towel in a back-and-forth motion for 30 seconds with firm pressure.
4. Wipe dry with a clean towel and inspect the area to see if the scratch has been removed.
5. Reapply the Scratch and Swirl Remover until you achieve your desired results or the scratch becomes clear or invisible
6. Repeat the process up to five times
7. Apply the Scratch and Swirl Remover to the larger surrounding area to blend in the repair

How to Remove Stubborn Scratches & Blemishes?

If you’ve followed the above steps and the scratch is still there, you can use a Rubbing and Polishing Compound and use a heavier grit to buff it in. Paste compounds are more aggressive than liquid ones, so on new, darker paint finishes you should use a liquid compound. On older, oxidized paint finishes you should use paste compounds. 

Removing Deep Scratches

Stone chips, paint transfer, and deeper abrasions may require sanding and polishing or paint repair. For this kind of damage, it is recommended to visit a professional auto repair shop.

How to Buff Car After Removing Scratches?

The process of working a Scratch and Swirl Remover or Rubbing and Polishing Compound into your car removes wax, which is much needed to protect your paint from UV damage, dirt, and more. After polishing or treating scratches, you should clean the area and wait until it’s dry to reapply wax. Gently buff the wax in with a soft towel to restore shine and help protect against future scratches and swirl marks.

Get a Flawless Finish on Your Car

Are you looking into buying a sports or luxury vehicle, but want to make sure you’re making the best choice for your needs and preferences? Maybe you’re not sure what the difference is between the two.

Most car brands offer at least one sports car model, while luxury cars are usually made by luxury brands. The labels “sports” and “luxury” can clue you in on specific features of the cars and help you decide which one is right for you.

Read on to learn about the pros, cons, and differences between sports and luxury cars based on performance, comfort, affordability, and style.

Performance

The focus of sports cars is their engines, and they’re designed to handle well in a variety of road and weather conditions. They’re also known for quick acceleration and speed while maintaining control.

There are luxury sports cars that also provide these features, but luxury cars are usually more focused on offering drivers and passengers a smoother ride so you can’t feel bumps in the road as much.

If you’re looking for high speeds and quick maneuvers, a sports car is the choice for you. If providing a smooth, comfortable ride for all the occupants of your car is more important to you, a luxury car is better suited to these needs.

Comfort

Luxury cars are designed with a focus on comfort. In addition to providing a smooth ride, they can offer more legroom in the front and back seats, heated seats, massaging seats, automatic climate control, computer systems, surround sound, and more.

Since sports cars are focused on performance, they often don’t provide added comfort for passengers, especially for backseat passengers in two-door cars. But this streamlined design is what makes for good pickup and handling.

Affordability

Is a sports car worth it? If you’re wondering, you’ll be glad to know that there is a wide price range for both sports and luxury vehicles, but it’s easier to find a more affordable sports car than it is a luxury car. The average cost of affordable sports cars is about $30,000, while luxury sports cars typically cost more and have a much larger price range between the most affordable and the most expensive cars.

The cost of luxury vehicles also varies widely and depends on what features are most important to you. For example, the MSRP of a 2023 Audi Q7 SUV starts at $59,200 and increases as you add more options or features, while the MSRP of a 2023 Porsche Cayenne GTS SUV starts at $136,360.

It’s also important to consider how expensive a car is to maintain and how well it holds its value. In general, luxury cars are more costly to maintain and depreciate more quickly.

Style

Because of the variety of luxury cars, from sedans to SUVs, luxury cars have more style options than sports cars, but many people buy sports cars specifically for their style.

Sports cars are usually smaller and slimmer, lower to the ground, with less seating capacity, and sleeker trims.

Luxury cars can have more style options inside the vehicle, like leather upholstery, heated seats, and advanced safety features. 

Trading your car in can be a little overwhelming. From making sure you’re getting a good trade-in price to choosing your next ride, there are a lot of steps that go into it—so it’s understandable that cleanliness and detailing are probably the last things on your mind. Still, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on your list at all.

If you’re wondering if it’s worth getting your car detailed before trading it in, keep reading. We’ll explain why it’s probably a good idea to do so. 

What Is the Cost of Detailing a Car?

Car detailing is the process of cleaning and sprucing up your car’s interior and exterior to make it look better. This goes beyond a typical wash. Like most car services, the cost of detailing your car varies based on what type of detailing you are looking for, the model of the car you have, and exactly what you want out of the service. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay about $100-$300 for detailing your car. 

What Goes Into Car Detailing?

There are three main areas of detailing: cleaning, enhancement, and protection. Here is what may go into a car detailing session:

• Shampoo and vacuum mats and seats
• Exterior wash and dry
• Waxing and polishing
• Paint protection 
• Ceramic coating

The Value Detailing Adds to a Car

Imagine going that you’re shopping for a home, and you see a house with a yard full of weeds and paint peeling off the shutters. Even though nothing is fundamentally wrong with the house, you’ll probably be less inclined to buy it because your initial reaction is that it’s run-down. 

The same logic applies to trading in your car. When you go to a dealership, you want to be sure that your car is in a favorable condition. Granted, detailing your car won’t reverse the miles on the odometer, but presenting it to the dealership when it’s clean and taken care of may just help boost your trade-in value.

Additionally, detailing your car at least once a year can help preserve its value. That’s why it’s a good idea to detail your car even if you aren’t planning on trading it in anytime soon. 

Is It Really Worth Detailing Your Car Before Trading It In?

The short answer: yes. Detailing your car can help it look good when you go to trade it in. And this can help boost your trade-in value. If you’re still on the fence about detailing your car, consider at least washing the interior and exterior of your car. A full detailing service isn’t always necessary to improve your car’s appearance.  

Our Trade-In Detailing Checklist

Maybe you want to try detailing your car yourself—many people do! Here’s a checklist of things to take care of when you get to detailing your car before trading it in:

• Remove all trash and accessories, like phone chargers and air fresheners
• Vacuum the entire interior—don’t forget to vacuum under the seats and trunk as well
• Clean upholstery, floors, carpets, dashboard, seatbelts, cupholders, and anything else
• Use an odor eliminator
• Wash your car’s exterior
• Clean the glass of your car—windows, mirrors, etc.
• Scrub down the tires
• Polish and wax your car 

The Absorber®

Vinyl wrapping isn’t anything new. In fact, vinyl wrapping can be traced back to the 1950s when hot rodders sought out custom lettering and logos. It wasn’t until the brink of the 21st century that vinyl wrapping became the new fad on the street. Read on to learn car wraps pros and cons.

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Wrapping

You might be wondering why paint jobs are even a thing anymore ever since vinyl wrapping rose to stardom. The truth is, paint can still hold advantages over vinyl. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of vinyl wrapping.

The Pros

Changing the appearance of your vehicle is exciting. However, if you like to change your mind every year, paint can get expensive. No shame in being indecisive—it just means that a traditional paint job isn’t for you. 

Whether you want prismatic patterns or flame fenders, you can customize your vehicle however you want, whenever you want. Take care of your vinyl properly and it can last you upwards of 10 years. You can also DIY vinyl wrap your car if you are a do-it-yourselfer.

The Cons

There are times when paint prevails. If you’re a classic car collector in the business of selling trailer queens and showroom stoppers, then you definitely don’t want vinyl. In the same vein, a professional paint job can significantly increase the resale value of your vehicle. 

If you’re not trying to boost your resale value and would like a flexible alternative to paint, then vinyl is most likely ideal for you and your lifestyle.

How to Wash Your Vinyl-Wrapped Car?

Just because your car is vinyl-wrapped doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for regular cleanings. Ensure your ride remains nice and shined up all year long with CleanTools.

For the most part, you can wash your vinyl-wrapped car just as you would if it had traditional paint. The only difference is that you should avoid brush car washes. Use a car-friendly soap and dry it off with a gentle, absorbent towel.

Can I Get My Car Detailed After It’s Been Wrapped?

Of course! Pick your favorite wax to protect your glossy vinyl from losing its luster. It will extend the life of your vinyl, too. CleanTools offers a collection of professional detailing products that you can use on your vinyl-wrapped ride. 

Give your car a showroom shine with the Glosser®—a non-woven, three-layer microfiber cloth designed to remove dirt, gunk, and grime. This microfiber cloth contains an inner layer of wax and is safe for all types of finishes, including vinyl.

Don’t Hit The Road Without CleanTools

Hopefully, now you have learned about the pros and cons of car wrap. You’re a proud car owner. Take some pride in the way your vehicle looks with CleanTools.

Let’s be honest; dirty cars don’t get the best reception. Turn heads when you roll up to the next stoplight with a clean, shiny vehicle polished by our products. Whether you need to replace your drying towel or want to get down to the nitty-gritty of detailing, CleanTools has got your car covered from the wheels to the headliner.

If you own a car, chances are you have probably wondered what the difference is between wax and sealants. After all, both work to protect your vehicle’s paint job. The difference boils down to three things: the climate, your lifestyle, and your personal preference. 

Below are the defining characteristics between wax and sealants. Find out which one suits your ride best.

You should always use car soap to wash your vehicle. But sometimes you don’t have access to a bottle of car washing detergent—especially after a romp in the mud or after a bird so rudely decides to liquidate its assets on your hood. So what can you use instead of car soap for washing your car at home? And what shouldn’t you use? 

Continue reading to find out what the best car soap alternatives are—and the worst.

What Soap Should I Not Use?

Dish Soap

Dish soaps are formulated to cut through tough grease and should never be used as car washing soap. Gentle dish soaps can ruin your car’s clear coat and protective wax. Leave your dish soap for the dishes and choose a different, safer car washing method.

Laundry Detergent

Despite laundry detergent not being as abrasive as dish soap, it can still eat away at your car’s coat. Laundry detergent contains chemicals and degreasers meant to clean tough stains out of your clothes, not your car. Using laundry detergent too much on your vehicle will cause it to lose its luster over time.

What Kind of Soap Can I Use to Wash My Car?

There are various types of detergent to wash the car. Let’s take a look at them.

Hand Soap

Contrary to popular belief, hand soap is a fair alternative to car washing soap. Hand soap is safe to use on your vehicle if you’re in a pinch, but you should ensure that you are using a gentle solution over strong hand soap. Otherwise, you could end up with a film or residue on your car.

Shampoo

Yes, you read that right. If you’re on a road trip and your car gets dirty with no car wash in sight, you can reach into your travel bag and use a bottle of hair shampoo. Even though hair shampoo isn’t that great for removing tough and sticky residue, you can still use shampoo to give your car a decent wash. If you’re going to use shampoo to wash your car, use it sparingly and reapply a coat of wax once you’re finished. 

And remember—the best soap for your vehicle is car washing soap specifically designed to handle your car’s paint. You should only be using hand soap or shampoo if you are in a bind and need a clean car fast.

Don’t Wash Your Car Without This Mitt

Sure, your car is made of steel—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a gentle touch. Give your car some TLC, and never wash your car without our Premium Wash Mitt. We designed this Wash Mitt with your and your car’s comfort in mind. That’s why we blended a paint-safe mitt with a knit acrylic cuff stitched to stand the test of time. 

Our Wash Mitt holds soap and water longer, so you don’t have to dip into the soap bucket as much as you would with a regular towel or cloth. Dry your vehicle off with the Absorber®, and you’ll be set for the perfect wash-and-dry combination. Shop our washing and drying collection at CleanTools.

As great as the sun feels on a warm day, its ultraviolet rays can do a number on your vehicle. From paint peeling and discoloration to battery damage, it’s no question that a lot of vitamin D isn’t good for your investment. 

When the heat gets hot, it’s just as important to care for your car as you care for yourself. Below are our seven best tips for protecting your vehicle from the sun.

7 Tips To Protect Your Car From the Sun

Wash & Wax 

You protect your skin with sunscreen. So why not protect your car with wax? Wax helps lock natural oils and acts as a strong barrier between your car’s paint job and the sun. You should also be washing your car often to get it rid of dried bugs and other debris. If you let debris cling to your car in the heat, it can fade and chip. After washing, you should dry your car with an ultra-absorbent towel.

Park Under Shade

Yes, this one seems like a no-brainer. However, oftentimes we ignore it. Let’s be real, it pays to park in the shade. Take a few extra minutes to find a well-shaded area for your car. You can also purchase a window shield to help protect your car’s interior from intense heat.

Check Tire Pressure

Many might not associate tire pressure with heat, but the truth is that heat can impact your tires. Tires are more likely to blow out during the summer because of underinflation and hot asphalt. Make sure your tires are always fully inflated before hitting the road on a hot summer day to avoid any blowouts.

Get Paint Protection Film

The paint protection film is a smart investment for your vehicle. These films act as an added layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Not only will paint protection help protect your car from the heat, but it will also shield your car from scratches, dirt, and debris.

Inspect the Battery

Winter isn’t the only season that causes battery issues. In the summer, your car is susceptible to overheating and overcharging, which can seriously hinder your battery life. Keep your eyes and ears open and make sure you’re getting your battery checked regularly during the summer months.

Check Your Fluids

Checking your coolant is vital, especially in the summer. If you ignore your fluids, you run the risk of overheating. A car that overheats can suffer from engine damage to the melted metal. Get your fluids checked or check them yourself before the blistering heat begins.

Invest in Seat Covers

Finally, seat covers are a great investment. They will protect your seats from dirt, spills, and discoloration from the sun. 

Protect Your Car With CleanTools

Now, you have learned about how to protect your car from the sun. CleanTools has everything you need to safeguard your car this summer. From premium wash mitts to the critically acclaimed Absorber®, you can keep your car looking and feeling its best during the hottest months of the year. Shop our entire collection today.

We’re not here to hound you on your habits—but we will tell you how to get that smoke smell out of your car.

Cigarette smoke is one of the hardest odors to remove from your vehicle. Whether you’re a frequent smoker or just purchased a vehicle from one, we’ll teach you how to get rid of that cigarette smoke once and for all.

Why Is Smoke So Hard To Get Out? 

Small microscopic particles attach to every nook and cranny of your car. From the carpet to the headliner, these particles will settle into upholstery, vents, and virtually any other surface. Removing smoke can get costly, so it pays to practice good habits like:

• Keeping a clean ashtray.
• Wiping away surfaces daily.
• Not smoking in your vehicle. 

If you’re a smoker, then you know how hard that last bullet point can be. Luckily, there’s a way to get smoke out of your car regardless of your smoking habits.

3 Steps To Get Rid of Smoke Smell

There’s a difference between masking a smell and eliminating it. We’re not here to tell you to hang an air freshener or two—instead, we’ll show you how to completely remove that lingering smokey odor in three simple steps.

1. Remove All Particles and Ash

   First things first—get rid of those particles and ash. It doesn’t matter whether you flick your ash out the window or in its designated ashtray. Ash can still end up on carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces. Vacuum all soft surfaces of your car until the particles and ash are fully removed.
   
   

2. Empty Your Ashtray

   If your vehicle has an ashtray and you use it daily, remove it and give it a good wash. The odor from your ashtray can cause smoke smells to linger in your vehicle that you might have gone nose blind to. After you’ve washed your ashtray, leave it out to dry for a full day before bringing it back to your car.
   
   

3. Clean and Deodorize All Surfaces

   Before you start cleaning and deodorizing your car, make sure you ventilate. Open your doors to air out smoke while encouraging fresh air flow. Use your favorite all-surface vehicle cleaner to treat the odor-affected areas, and wipe clean with a powerful microfiber towel.

Once you’ve covered all areas of your vehicle, you’re more than welcome to top your hard work off with an air freshener. 

Keep Your Vehicle Ash-Free With Dash Gear

Cigarette smoke is difficult to get out of your car—but it’s not impossible. If the smoke smell persists after completing each step, you might want to repeat step three for good measure. Keep our strong, effective microfiber towel on hand to wipe up every piece of ash or particle you find in your vehicle. 

Our Dash Gear picks up lint, fibers, and particles like a magnet making it one of the most effective microfiber towels on the market. Enjoy the ride—keep your vehicle smelling fresh and clean with Clean Tools.

Picture this: a glossy paint job, just-shined rims, and a crystal-clear windshield. It’s nice, right? 

Now imagine the next scene. You get into the car, and the seats are dirty. Not a good look.

It’s important for the inside of your car to look just as good as the outside. If you have cloth car seats, it could be a bit of a challenge. Lucky for you, we have all the steps you need to clean your car’s cloth seats and leave them looking like new. 

Protecting your car’s exterior is crucial for maintaining a good-looking vehicle. From scratch protection to maintained resale value, there are plenty of reasons why you should preserve your car’s paint.

There aren’t many smells out there more defining and desirable than absolute accomplishment. We’re talking about that new-car smell—the aroma of success and new-car ownership as you drive out of the car lot. And far, far away from that nagging car salesman. 

But what is it about that new-car smell that’s so alluring? And why does it seem to fade so quickly? In this article, we’ll talk about what makes a car smell so new and how to maintain that fragrance—without relying on sprays and air fresheners.