Car Care & Auto Detailing Blog

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.

There’s nothing like a clean car. However, a key part of the cleaning process hinges on the type of car soap you use. If you are ready to wash your car but have run out of the proper soap product, no need to worry. There are several car wash soap alternatives out there that you can find in your own home.

Continue reading to learn more about the best car wash soap substitutes for washing and the soaps you should avoid at all costs. 

Why Using the Right Car Soap Matters

It’s a common misconception that soapy water will give your car a clean quality. However, using certain types, such as dish soap, will have the exact opposite effect. What may get you plenty of bubbles and suds to wash the grime can begin tearing away at your car’s beautiful exterior. 

Car Soap vs. Household Detergents

The major difference between car soap and your household detergents is the chemical content inside. Car soaps are formulated specifically to use less abrasion on vehicles' exteriors. In contrast, detergents like dish soap contain chemicals that begin breaking down the car’s finish and even strip away wax when applied enough. 

It should be noted that certain detergents are considered non-abrasive, like select dish soaps. These are considered more suitable for cars, as their chemicals are less likely to harm car exteriors. While these are safer to use, they should never be used as the first alternative to car soap. 

Protecting Paint and Wax with the Right Products

If you are cautious in protecting your car’s wax and paint, then you should be using the right products available. This means ditching household detergents and opting for car soap and a wash mitt, if possible. 

While it may seem easier to grab a towel or sponge for washing, it can actually do more harm than good. These cleaning tools are great for many uses, but not for your car. This is due to the material being too rough for the car exterior, and some of them will drag around dirt and grime rather than pick it up. 

What You Can Use If You Don’t Have Car Soap

We’ve put a lot of focus on using car soap for your next car wash. Realistically, not every car owner will have the appropriate car soap readily available. 

Whatever you do, don’t wash your car without soap. There are plenty of DIY alternatives to car soap that can be used, some just being simple household items.

Here is the breakdown of the common solutions:

Dish Soap: Yes or No?

While dish soap does an excellent job cleaning last night’s pasta dinner, cleaning off your car is not what it was made for.

Your typical dish soap contains harsh chemicals that are mixed to create a potent cleaner for your dishes. The effectiveness of the substances, when used on a car, will break down the exterior’s paint and wax coating. So, if you're considering alternatives to car soap, dish soap is not the best option. 

Shampoo or Body Wash

Shampoo can be used on your car if you’re in a pinch. Unlike dish soap, shampoo and body wash are typically free of abrasive detergents and are a pH-neutral cleaner. This means, unless applied repeatedly, these cleaners won’t strip away the car’s paint or wax.

There is a downside, however, which is that shampoo or body wash lacks the lubricating agents that car soap contains. To effectively and safely clean your car, you’ll need to mix the cleaner with a large amount of water and be very gentle when washing. 

Vinegar and Water for Windows

If you are in a pinch and just need to clear out your car’s dirty windows, using a few items from your kitchen will do the trick. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create an effective window cleaner. 

Vinegar has a higher acidity level, which helps to break down the grime and debris on the car’s exterior. While effective, vinegar can cause streaking to occur if used by itself; however, with water, you have a mixture that spreads evenly and can be swiftly rinsed. 

Baking Soda Paste for Stains

Baking soda is an excellent alternative cleaner for those irritating, stubborn stains on your car's interior. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Mix baking soda and a small amount of water or vinegar to create a paste.

2. Place the paste onto the stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes or longer.

3. Once enough time has passed, gently clean the paste off with a soft brush, going in circular motions.

4. Let the area sit to dry completely.

What to Avoid When Washing Your Car

Now that you have learned about the best alternatives to car soap, you might be ready to get cleaning. Before you go crazy, there are certain things to look out for and avoid when you wash your car. 

This includes:

Abrasive or Acidic Cleaners

As noted before, specific tools and cleaners should be avoided when washing your car. 

Steer away from abrasive and acidic cleaners as the chemicals contained will clear away the dirt and grime on your car, at the expense of your car’s protective coatings and paint. Abrasive cleaners can cause unsightly scratches, while acidic cleaners can begin eating away at any metal and cause discoloration on the paint.  

Dish Soaps That Strip Wax

Just to reiterate, while dish soap works wonders for cleaning dirty plates, the same cannot be said for your car’s paint and wax. 

The chemicals used in these products are not intended for use on sensitive surfaces, such as car exteriors. Consequently, the harshness of the mixture will eliminate any debris but also harm the paint and protective coatings. 

How to Wash a Car Without Car Soap (Step-by-Step)

So you have the right soap alternatives and tools to wash your car. Now, how do you do it properly? It’s pretty simple:

Start With a Rinse to Remove Surface Dirt

Before applying your alternative cleaner, thoroughly rinse your vehicle with a hose. This will remove any loose dirt, grime, and debris from the car's exterior.

Use Soft Tools Like Microfiber Mitts

When cleaning the car, always use a soft material tool, such as microfiber towels or mitts. The soft material of these prevents the risk of scratching your vehicle during the cleaning. When used, these will grab onto dirt and debris without spreading them around. 

Begin washing the tires and work your way around. Section off areas starting higher up, as this allows the dirty water to drop into places you haven't cleaned yet. 

The final step is properly drying off your vehicle. Take microfiber towels or the Absorber towel from CleanTools and gently wipe down all the washed surfaces. Dry thoroughly to eliminate any remaining moisture, as even the slightest spots can lead to rusting. 

Making the Most of What You Have

When it comes time to clean your car, the absence of car soap is not the end of the world. With some safe alternatives and the right tools, you can achieve a quality clean without having to run to the store. Whether you’re in a pinch or trying to be cost-effective, these DIY solutions can keep your car looking its best.

What pairs well with these car wash soap substitutes? The Absorber by CleanTools. 

This towel is crafted with the same porous structure as sponges, providing super absorbency without the risk of scratching associated with real sponges. With a quick use of these towels, drying off your freshly washed car is finished at lightning speed, meaning less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying the ride.

Get the Absorber by CleanTools and enjoy simple, fast, and stress-free drying functionality for years to come. 

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.