Car Care & Auto Detailing Blog

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.

Vehicles have a lot of moving parts, but one that often gets overlooked is windshield wiper blades. Wiper blades are one of the most important components of your car—especially when you get caught in a snow or rain storm. But many drivers fail to realize that their wiper blades are bad until they’re stuck in bad weather.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, poor visibility causes 38,700 crashes and kills roughly 600 people annually. Whether you’re driving in rain, snow, or sleet, reliable windshield wiper blades can greatly reduce your chance of getting into a serious accident.

How to Choose the Best Wiper Blades

So, you need new wiper blades. But where do you start? With thousands of windshield wiper blades on the market, choosing new ones can be stressful and a little tricky. Maybe you live in a hot, dry climate with little to no rain. Maybe you live in an area with regular monsoons and heavy snowfall.

Luckily, our folks at CleanTools can help narrow your selection down to only the best wiper blades.

When choosing wiper blades, you’ll need the following vehicle information:

• The year
• The make
• The model

Yes, your windshield wiper blades depend on whether or not your car is a two-door or four-door. You can also take a peek at your owner’s manual to find out what style of wiper blades your car can use.

Different Types of Wiper Blades

The right wiper blade for you is the one that will fit your car and your specific needs. If a wiper blade doesn’t fit your car correctly, you’ll notice right away. Wiper blades aren’t universal, so it’s imperative to find one that will comfortably fit your windshield.

When shopping for windshield wiper blades, there are several styles to choose from.

Traditional-Frame Wiper Blades

Also known as conventional-frame blades or bracket-style blades, these basic windshield wipers feature the typical rubber squeegees or halogen-hardened rubber. Even though these are the most affordable wiper blades, they’re not as durable as other choices when withstanding harsh weather.

Hybrid Wiper Blades

Hybrid wiper blades are based on the traditional-frame blade, but with a twist. A set of hybrid blades have a hard outer shell that helps support a lower profile with improved aerodynamics for an easy driving experience during tough weather. The shell also helps keep off pesky ice and snow.

Beam-Style Wiper Blades

No, these wiper blades don’t shine—but they will help keep your windshield shiny and clear. Beam-style wiper blades are the most expensive of the three types, but for a good reason. These beam-style blades are a single-component design made with durable silicone or rubber. Beam-style blades are sleek yet hardy and last a lot longer than conventional wiper blades.

When Should I Change My Wiper Blades?

Drivers tend to use their wiper blades far past their expiration date. This is not a good idea due to the risk of breakages or poor visibility. A good rule of thumb is to replace your wiper blades every six months, regardless of how often you use them.

During those six months, you should regularly check them for any wear and tear. To do this, simply run your fingers along the edges to feel for any chipped or torn rubber. When it’s time to replace them, replace your blades as a pair.

And don’t forget about your rear windshield wiper. It may be a third wheel compared to your front wipers, but it’s still important to use from time to time.

Keep Your Windshield Clear With CleanTools

You’ve searched for the perfect wiper blades and finally found a pair. Now it’s time to wash your windshield. Your windshield is the window to the road—so keep it clean with the Absorber®. Our premium ultra-absorbent towel dries water spots twice as fast as regular chamois or terry clothes. Store it in its handy tube for easy access, no matter where you are.

Hit the road with a clear view and shop the Absorber® today.

5 Tips for Safe After-Dark Driving

Safe driving starts before you hop in the driver’s seat. Here are five tips for night driving to keep you safe and improve your nighttime driving skills.

1. Don’t Drive Distracted

Distracted driving is never safe—but it’s extra dangerous at night. Put your phone down and drive on high alert. Texting your friends can wait. If you’re planning on going out for a night of dancing and drinking, plan to contact a designated driver or set up a ride with your rideshare company of choice.

2. Clean Your Windshield

Are your windshields covered in bugs and debris? Don’t skimp on cleaning your windshield. Dirty windows can scatter light and increase the chances of extreme glare at night. This will create hindrance to you while driving late at night. Do yourself a favor and scrub that bug juice off. For the ultimate shine, use The Absorber®—the ultra-absorbent towel designed to dry your windshield to a crystal clear finish.

3. Use Your High Beams

Driving down a pitch-black road with no street lights can be nerve-wracking. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to blast your high beams. Remember, your vehicle has high beams for a reason. Use them to your advantage. Just make sure you’re turning your high beams off within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle so you don’t blind the other driver.

4. Slow Your Roll

You heard us, Speed Racer. It’s common for deer to jump out into the road at night. Be an attentive and considerate driver by slowing your speed. If wildlife jumps in front of you, slow down instead of swerving. Slowing down also helps increase your reaction time and allows you to see better.

5. Stay Awake (Or Pull Over)

Do you work late nights? Perhaps you’re on an overnight trip and you’ve been driving into the early morning hours. Whatever your reason is, make sure you have had plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is unsafe driving. Also, you should follow all the late-night driving tips to remain safe. If you feel like you’re dosing off, sip on some caffeine or pull over to rest. You can even test your pipes (no, not your vehicle’s) and stay awake by singing your favorite songs.

Clean Your Windshield With The Absorber®

Driving safely at night starts with you. Make sure you take extra precautions to ensure a safe nighttime drive by cleaning your windows with The Absorber®. Bugs will, unfortunately, meet their demise smack dab in the middle of your windshield, which can cause scattered light and poor visibility. Give your windshield a thorough scrub with our premium wash mitt and dry it to a glistening shine with The Absorber®.

Looking for a gift that will satisfy the leadfoot in your life? Whether your loved one is a hot-rodder, drag racer, rat-rodder, or gearhead, there’s one thing they all have in common—and it’s not just a love for speed and gasoline. 

Car enthusiasts want their vehicles to look good. From car shows to cruising, the auto lover in your life loves to fire up a clean car—so start your engines and let’s take a look at the top four gifts for your car enthusiast.

Give the Gift of a Clean Car 

We know a thing or two about cleaning here at CleanTools. We also understand how important it is for a car enthusiast to have a spotless vehicle. Luckily, we have the right tools for your loved one to fall in love with their vehicle all over again. Give your car lover the gift of a car show-ready vehicle with the perfect wash, polish, and dry.

1. Premium Wash Mitt

Your car lover cringes at scratching their four-wheeled baby. The premium Wash Mitt eliminates that fear. Because of its non-abrasive wool, polyester, and nylon blend, the Wash Mitt is designed to hold soap and water longer than your average microfiber towel for an easy, sudsy wash.

2. Buffing Ball

What’s a show-worthy car without a little—or a lot—of shine? CleanTools Buffing Balls are designed to polish chrome, aluminum, and painted surfaces to give your car lover’s vehicle a mirror finish shine. With speeds up to 2500 RPM, Buffing Balls will buff away all dirt, debris, and grime—so your motorhead’s vehicle will be Instagram-worthy in no time.

3. Dash Gear 

It’s no secret that the dashboard is a dust collector. With Dash Gear, your gearhead can remove all of the lint, dirt, and fibers collecting around the dash and vents for a pristine finish. When you use Dash Gear, you and your car enthusiast can also clean off phones and other dust-prone electronics. The best part? Dash Gear comes in a resealable pouch for easy storing in the glove compartment or center console.

4. The Absorber®

There’s a reason why car enthusiasts love The Absorber®. Kick terrycloth towels and chamois to the curb with this water-hungry cloth. Made of PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol), The Absorber® is soft, safe, and lasts for years. Surprise your car lover with their new favorite ultra-absorbent cleaning product—so they can get out of the driveway and onto the blacktop faster than they ever imagined.

Find the Perfect Gift at CleanTools

There’s a reason why car enthusiasts have been shopping at CleanTools for over 40 years. With durable, innovative products like the beloved Absorber®, car lovers have kept their vehicles looking sharp for decades. The better you take care of your car, the longer it will last—so give your car lover the gift of a clean car—no matter where the road takes them. Check out all of our products in our online store.

If you ride a Harley Davidson, then you know how exhilarating it feels to take off on your bike after a long day. You also might know how it feels to get a windshield full of dirt, dust, and bugs. While debris can be a huge annoyance to your daily ride, it can also wreak havoc on your motorcycle if you don’t regularly wash it off.

You paid a lot for your Harley—so make sure it looks as good as it did the day you rode it home by implementing a regular wash schedule. 

Let’s jump into the ins and outs of washing your Harley Davidson.

Cleaning Products You’ll Need

It’s better to be equipped with the right products before you start washing rather than finding out you don’t have everything after it’s too late. To get started, you will need:

• Clean water
• Sponge or wash mitt
• Wheel spoke brushes
• The Absorber®

You will also need a polisher and sealant of your choice to complete the last step in your wash process. 

Got everything? Good. Let’s get washing.

How to Wash A Harley

1. The Cool Down

Don’t do a single thing until your bike cools down. You could burn yourself or damage your bike by pouring cold water over a scorching hot engine. You wouldn’t pour orange juice into your cereal, would you? Just like two things that don’t go together, hot metal and cold water should never meet due to the risk of molecular expansion.

2. The Pre-Wash

Once your Harley has cooled, give it a quick tire-to-handlebar rinse with clean water. This will help loosen up any debris so you won’t have to scrub your Harley that much with your sponge. As a general rule of thumb, you should try to touch your motorcycle as little as possible to decrease the possibility of scratching it.

3. The Wash

Time for that elbow grease. Use two clean buckets for washing and rinsing, so you can keep the clean and soapy water separate. Scrub your Harley down on all surfaces—especially the spots where insects so rudely decided to hitch a ride. Start from the bottom with your wheel spoke brush and work your way up with your sponge or wash mitt. Rinse thoroughly.

4. Drying

Don’t you love it when you can finally dry off those water droplets to reveal that glistening paint job? It’s important to remove all excess water to avoid those annoying hard water spots. For the most efficient dry, use The Absorber®—an ultra-absorbent alternative to terrycloth towels and chamois. The Absorber® keeps your Harley Davidson free of hard water, scratches, and dust and comes in a convenient tube for easy storage.

5. Polishing & Waxing

Nope, you’re not done yet. Polishing and waxing will make your paint job shine as bright as the sun on a long summer ride, but it will also help repel the dust, dirt, and bugs you just worked so hard to remove. Use a motorcycle-approved polish and sealant with a soft cloth to buff your bike, so you can really stand out on the blacktop.

Make Your Harley Shine With the Absorber®

Time is of the essence when it comes to drying your Harley Davidson. Whether you’re washing your motorcycle or stuck in the rain, be equipped at all times with The Absorber®. Need to dry your bike on the go? Never hit the road again without bringing the Absorber® Mini along for the ride.

So your car is dirty—again. Maybe it was the bird that decided to relieve itself on your windshield. Maybe you decided to go offroading over the weekend. Maybe you live in an area where they salt the roads. Regardless of bird droppings, mud, salt, or anything other substance that ends up on your vehicle, one thing is for sure—you have to wash it. 

Luckily, you have options. Read on for five best ways to wash your car and get back on the road.

Mobile Car Washing

Sometimes life gets in the way. Between work, family, and time for yourself, you might not have the time or energy to drive to a car wash. That’s where mobile car washing and detailing comes in.

Albeit the most expensive option out of the group, mobile car washing services are the answer to the best way to wash your car, to a clean vehicle around your hectic schedule. Mobile car washers and detailers come to you—so you don’t even have to leave work or your home. These car washing professionals bring all of the best tools to give your vehicle a roof-to-rim shine and how to wash a car at home.

Pros

• Convenient and time-saving
• High-quality tools and products
• The cleanest results

Cons

• Most expensive
  

Hand Car Washing Service

Want a great car wash without the mobile price tag? Try a hand washing and detailing business—where you can sit back and let the car washing attendants take care of your vehicle.

You do have to drive for this option, so if you are tight on time then a mobile car washing service would be better suited for you. However, hand washing is an excellent option if you have a few hours to spare. Hand washers typically work at detailing service shops, so prices will range depending on the business. You can also choose from various detailing services, so you can leave with your vehicle looking exactly how you want it to look.

Pros

• Relatively affordable
• You don’t have to wash the car
• Many services available

Cons

• Lower-quality products
• Time-consuming

Automatic Car Washes

This is the car wash you can use on your lunch break. Automatic in-bay and tunnel car washes are by far the quickest way to get your car cleaned and back on the road in a snap. 

Aside from washing your car at home, automatic car washes will give you the biggest bang for your buck. They are cheap, convenient, and can be found practically anywhere. In an automatic car wash, you will put your car in neutral and be pulled into the wash by a conveyor. With in-bay washes, the car wash moves around your car. With tunnel washes, your car moves on the conveyor and is pulled through the entire wash. You can opt for a basic soap and water wash up to a premium clean with wax. 

Pros

• The quickest option
• Cheap and affordable
• Convenient and time-saving

Cons

• Relatively basic
• Lower-quality products
• Risk of scratches
  

Self-Service Car Wash

Letting someone else clean your vehicle can be stomach-turning for some. Perhaps you are one of these people, but maybe you live in an apartment building and don’t have the space or tools needed to wash your car.

A self-service car wash is your answer. With self-service, you pay a small fee to use the provided equipment—and that’s it. Use the powerful spray nozzle, soap your car up, and dry. Rinse and repeat when necessary. Now, the only thing you need to know about self-service car washes is that you are timed. Make sure you have thoroughly washed your car before you run out of time. Otherwise, you’ll be driving away with your car looking as dirty as before you arrived.

Pros

• Affordable
• You can wash your car yourself
• No need for space or equipment

Cons

• Basic
• Labor-intensive
• Low-quality product
  

At-Home Car Wash

The best way to wash a car at home is the famous driveway car wash—this is the car was that only requires a driveway, a hose, a bucket, some soap, and you. An at-home car wash is by far the most affordable option on the list. 

That being said, some people don’t have the space or means to wash their cars at home. If that’s the case for you, any of the above options will suffice. However, if you do have the space, then you’ll need a few basic tools to get you going. 

When you wash your car at home, you want to take extra caution to ensure that you do not scratch the paint. To do this, you must use a scratch-resistant washing mitt followed by a soft, absorbent towel like CleanTools’ The Absorber®. The Absorber® is made of a material called PVA (poly-vinyl alcohol) that is soft, absorbent, and widely agreed upon as the best drying tool for vehicles. If you take care of your Absorber®, it will take care of you for many years to come.

Pros

• The most affordable
• Have control over your car
• No need to travel

Cons

• Labor-intensive
• Time-consuming
• Need adequate space
  

Choosing the Right Car Wash for You

When you need your car washed, you have to take a look at your schedule, your budget, and your desired results. Your car is one of your largest investments in life—so you should make sure it’s well taken care of, both inside and out. That’s why your car needs CleanTools The Absorber®. And it’s not just for your car—use this wonder towel for pets, chores, and more.