Reviews

You don’t need to be a car enthusiast to wash your vehicle regularly. By washing it regularly, you’ll preserve the condition of the paint job, which will preserve the value of the car if you ever plan on reselling it. A washed car will also look a lot newer.
The longer that you allow the dirt, dust, tree sap, bird poop, and other contaminants to sit on the surface of your car, the more damage they will cause. Some of these contaminants can actually eat away at the paint. If you’re leasing your car, you might be on the hook for a new paint job if the paint looks scraggly and old.
You don’t need to be a professional to keep your car looking new and clean. You also don’t need to bring your car to a professional detailing service at all if you don’t want to. The cheapest way to clean your car is to do it by yourself with some car wash soap. The process is relatively easy and straightforward, and you’ll see the results immediately.

How to Choose the Best Car Wash Soap
There are so many car wash soaps to choose from, but each bottle and jar will have different features and characteristics from the next. Knowing what you’re getting can really help make your job a lot easier. A good car wash soap will lift away dirt, debris and other contaminants, so you can use less elbow grease to get the job done. The car wash soap may even give your car a temporary seal that’ll protect it from environmental elements.
A car wash soap is so much more than just soap. Let’s take a look at some of the defining features that you should look for when making a purchasing decision.
Product Features
The first thing that you should do when looking at car wash soaps is to figure out the type of features that they have to offer. Car wash soaps do more than just wash your car. The intensity of the wash will differ from one soap to the next. Some of the features that you should look for include:
Foaming Action
Foaming bubbles lift debris and dirt off the paint and away from your car. Car wash soaps that offer a thick and rich lather tend to be gentler on your car and are less likely to cause any scratches.
Waxing Agent
Car wash soaps that contain a waxing agent will save you time and money in the long run. The wax protects the paint and prevents it from oxidizing. It also makes your car look a lot shinier.
pH Level
Car wash soaps that are alkaline are more effective at breaking down dirt and grime; however, you want to avoid any soaps that contain too much alkalinity or acidity as they may end up damaging the exterior of your car. Go for a neutral formula with just a dash of alkalinity for the best results.
Water Spot and Streak Resistance
Quick-drying soaps with water spots and streak resistance will not leave behind any marks that take away from your car’s beautiful paint job.
Eco-Friendly Ingredients
Most car wash soaps end up in the gutter, so look for one that will have the lowest impact on the environment as possible.
These are just some of the product features that you’ll find with car wash soaps. Some car wash soaps may boast the ability to protect and even enhance the color of your car. Others may have a specific scent that you love.
Ease of Application
Those purchasing car wash soap for their personal vehicle likely do not have any special tools or equipment at home, like a pressure washer. Car owners who will be washing by hand should pick a soap that is as easy and straightforward to use as possible. For example, you shouldn’t have to worry about having to learn any special cleaning methods or having to avoid certain paint colors or exterior materials.
Concentration and Volume
A concentrated product will not only last longer but will also be more effective at removing dirt, dust and grime from your car’s exterior. You’ll also notice that you’ll typically get more bang for your buck with a concentrated solution. Just make sure that you read the instructions carefully to better understand the recommended soap to water ratio.
The volume of product that you get will also determine whether you are getting good value for your money. Sixty-four ounces of car wash soap will generally last you up to a year.

Top 10 Best Car Wash Soaps 2020
1. Best Overall Car Wash Soap: Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Shampoo

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Why we like it: It’s affordable, contains no waxes and will leave behind no residue. Its advanced foaming technology easily lifts away dirt, debris and contaminants.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
The Mr. Pink formula is tough on dirt and contaminants but gentle on wax and sealant. It contains super-slick polymers that lubricate abrasive debris and prevents damage resulting from improper washing.  It’s super concentrated and easily recognized by its bright pink color. You can use this car wash soap on a weekly basis.
Product Features
This car wash soap is pH neutral, so it’s gentle on your car, and it has advanced foaming technologies inside that will lift away debris and dirt without scratching or damaging the exterior of your car at all.
This car wash soap doesn’t contain any waxing agents, which can be both a benefit and a drawback. Without any waxing agents, you may need to wax your car after washing it with this soap. This may be too much extra work and effort for some people. If you’re looking for a car wash soap with waxing agents, the Chemical Guys Extreme Bodywash & Wax is a great alternative.
However, since it doesn’t contain any waxing agents, you can safely remove contaminants from the exterior of your car and bring it alive with a premium wax. This car wash soap won’t leave behind any wax or residue on your car that can take hours to remove.
Ease of Application
This car wash soap is super easy to use. You can use it in bucket washes or with a foam gun. All you have to do is mix the soap with some water and use a washing mitt or even some type of towel to lather the soap onto your car.
If you are using a foam gun, choose one that has a psi over 1,700 for the best results. A high-pressure gun will give you a richer lather.
Concentration and Volume
This car wash soap comes in four different sizes: 4 ounces, 15 ounces, 64 ounces and 1 gallon. The 64-ounce bottle will last you an entire year. Best of all, this car wash soap is incredibly concentrated. One ounce of soap is all you need to add to a 5-gallon bucket.

Pros
Neutral pH for a gentle wash
Leaves behind no residue
Compatible with both bucket washes and foam guns
Advanced foaming technology
Concentrated and effective

Cons
Does not contain any waxes

2. Best Budget Car Wash Soap: Chemical Guys Strawberry Margarita Maxi Suds II

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Why we like it: This is a super affordable car wash soap with a decent amount of advanced foaming action. It’ll lift dirt, debris, and other contaminants easily from the surface of your car.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
This is one of the more affordable car wash soaps from the Chemical Guys. It’s super concentrated, so you only need a little bit of soap to wash your entire car. This car wash soap has the same type of foaming technologies as other Chemical Guy options and is super affordable. It’s a great choice for those who are on a budget.
Product Features
This car wash soap smells like strawberry margaritas. It’s high-performing and an all-purpose cleaner that will cut through grime, heavy dirt and road film with ease. The pH neutral formula is safe for all waxes and sealants. This car wash soap is also formulated with water softeners that can reduce water from streaking on the surface of your car.
This soap works by suspending dirt, dust and grime within super polymer bubbles, so they can be effortlessly rinsed away.
While this car wash soap has advanced foaming technology, the suds are a bit weak. This car wash soap doesn’t produce as much lather as the Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Auto Wash, and the suds don’t last as long, so you need to work quickly.
Ease of Application
Before you begin, rinse the vehicle with water to remove as much loose grit and contaminants as possible. Then, wash your car from top to bottom with the soapy water. It’s important to rinse the product frequently for best results. Do not allow any of the soapy water to dry on your paint.
If you find that rinsing your car regularly is too much work, you might want to try a product like the Meguiar’s Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax, which doesn’t require any water at all.
You can use this soap with the bucket method or with a foam cannon.
Concentration and Volume
This car wash soap is quite concentrated, and 1 ounce of the formula should be added to 5 gallons of water. If you’re using a foam gun, add 1 to 3 ounces of soap into the gun, and it should do the trick!

Pros
High performance, all-purpose cleaner
Cuts through road film, grime and heavy dirt
Advanced foaming technology
Safe for waxes and sealants
Formulated with water softeners to reduce water streaking

3. Best Premium Car Wash Soap: Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Auto Wash

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Why we like it: You’ll get a crazy amount of lather and suds from this soap. It smells great and doesn’t leave behind any residues at all.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
This product is so versatile that it can be used on more than just cars. You can use it to clean your truck, SUVs, off-road vehicles and more. It’s safe on all vehicle surfaces, like paint, rubber, vinyl, glass and plastics.
The only real downside about this product is that it’s a bit costlier than many other alternatives on the market. If you’re on a budget, our budget pick will do an equally good job at cleaning your car although it doesn’t produce suds that are as rich as this soap.
Product Features
This car wash soap contains advanced foaming technologies that produce some of the richest suds available. The soap foams up beautifully and a little bit of the product will go a long way into creating mountains of foam that easily lift away dirt, dust and other grime from the surface of your car.
The formula rinses clean with no residue and is safe for waxes and sealants. It’s pH neutral, so it is gentle on all types of paint. The foam is so intense and thick that it will encapsulate airborne dust, dirt and grime, so you can rinse it off your car without much effort.
It also smells like honeydew!
Ease of Application
This is probably one of the easiest soaps to work with. Since it produces so much foam, it’s perfect for touchless washes as well. You can also use the two bucket method or a foam cannon wash. Simply lather up your car and rinse off the dirt. It’s that easy!
Concentration and Volume
Like many other Chemical Guy car wash soaps, this car wash soap is very concentrated. Mix 1 ounce of this with every 5 gallons of water that you use. Each jar contains one gallon of product, so one jar can easily last you several years, depending on how often you wash your car.

Pros
Advanced foaming technology with lots of suds
Highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way
Nicely scented
Rinses clean with no residue
Safe for waxes and sealants

4. Best Waterless Car Wash Soap: Meguiar’s Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax

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Why we like it: If you’re in a water-restricted area, this waterless car wash soap will get the job done. It’s easy to use and highly effective.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
Not everyone may have the luxury of being able to use as much water as they want when washing their car. Some people live in areas with water restrictions. Others, like those who live in apartment buildings, may not have easy access to a water source. This car wash soap doesn’t require any water at all. It’s super convenient and can be used anywhere!
Product Features
This product is so easy to use and great for those who want to wash and wax their car quickly. You can use this product anywhere, as you don’t need any hoses, buckets or rinsing. It’s really convenient.
The formula contains spot-free agents that will clean road grime and dust without scratching your car. It also contains advanced polymer technologies that will leave behind a beautiful, glossy wax layer that lasts weeks.
Ease of Application
This is a waterless car wash soap, but it’s still really easy to use. You’ll need two microfiber towels and just one bottle of this product.
Start by misting the upper surfaces one section at a time. Spread the product with a clean microfiber towel folded into fourths. This should begin to remove some of the dirt and grime. You’ll want to use a second dry microfiber towel to go over the section again in order to wipe it dry. The first towel should be used to remove dirt every time, and the 2nd towel should be used to dry and buff the surface once you’re removed dirt from it.
You may need more than two towels if your car is extremely dirty. Make sure that you expose a clean side to clean and dry each section of the car.
Concentration and Volume
In comparison to liquid car wash soaps that require water, this type of product is not concentrated at all. There is nothing to dilute it with. Instead, you’ll have to spray the product directly onto the car. The spray nozzle does distribute the soap evenly on your car. With that said, you’re going to be using a good amount of each bottle when washing your car.

Pros
Waterless for optimal convenience
Contains waxing agents that protect your car
Safe for all paints and finishes
No equipment needed
Protects surfaces against swirling and scratching

Cons
Not concentrated at all so each wash uses a lot of product

5. Best Conditioning Car Wash Soap: Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash

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Why we like it: Clean and condition your car all at once. The ultra-rich conditioner can make your car look like new again.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
Another popular car wash soap produced by Meguiar is the Gold Class Car Wash soap. It offers a mild scent that’s not offensive at all and leaves your car with a glow thanks to its powerful conditioning abilities.
Product Features
This car wash soap not only cleans your car, but also conditions it at the same time, so your paint looks more vibrant. It cleans your car without stripping any of the existing waxes or sealants, and offers a rich lather that gently removes even some of the toughest dirt, road grime and contaminants.
Ease of Application
This product is fairly easy to use. All you have to do is add some soap to the bucket, and begin washing your car from top to bottom with a wash mitt or a microfiber towel. Once you’re done washing the car, rinse it thoroughly by spraying water from the top of the car down. This will promote sheeting action. Although this product is very easy to use, it is prone to water spots. For best results, you’ll want to immediately dry your car with a 100% cotton terry towel.
If you’re concerned about water spots, the Rain-X Spot Free Car Wash adds a water repellent layer to your car that prevents this problem entirely.
Concentration and Volume
This is a really affordable product, as you get a lot at a fairly low price; however, you need to know that this product isn’t super concentrated, so you will run through a jar fairly quickly depending on how often you wash your car.
If you’re washing your car using the bucket method, you should use one ounce of soap per one gallon of water. If you’re using a foam cannon, dilute the product 5 to 1. If you’re looking for something that is a lot more concentrated, you can’t go wrong with the Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss.

Pros
Cleans and conditions your car at the same time
Produces a rich foaming soap that is gentle on the car
Neutral pH that prevents streaks and scratches
Does not strip away waxes and polishes
Boosts overall polish

Cons
Not super concentrated
Prone to water spotting

6. Best Concentrated Car Wash Soap: Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss

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Why we like it: A little really does go a long way with this product. Add one cap of this to 5 gallons of water!
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
This is a super-concentrated car wash soap that will practically last forever if you’re not in the habit of washing your car regularly. It’s another product by the Chemical Guys, so the quality of it is excellent. It smells like citrus, which is another welcome bonus. It’s also great for use in a pressure washer.
Product Features
The citrus-based formula not only smells great, but lathers up really well. It does a great job at lifting dirt, dust and grime away from the car’s surface and will even enhance the overall gloss for a beautiful finish.
It uses natural citrus cleansers that will wash away easily without leaving behind any streaks or residues, and the powerful formula can easily access hard-to-reach areas to give you a very thorough clean. This formula has an ultra-high foaming capability, which is why it is very popular amongst those who use foam guns. The suds are rich and last a long time. They’ll lift even the most stubborn stains and dirt without creating any scratches or swirl marks.
Ease of Application
You can add a bit of this soap into a bucket of water or into a soap gun. A little goes a long way. As it contains citrus-based cleansers, it doesn’t leave behind any streaks. You also don’t have to use any elbow grease to wash your car, as the ultra-thick foam easily penetrates deep into hard-to-reach areas.
This product produces so much foam that you may need to use a lot of water to rinse everything off. If you’re living in an area with water restrictions at the moment, you might have an easier time working with a waterless car wash soap like the Meguiar’s Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax.
Concentration and Volume
In terms of concentration, this car wash soap is as concentrated as it comes. You only need to add one cap of this soap into a 5 gallon bucket of water. As each jar contains 1 gallon of soap, you’ll get years of use from this one purchase even if you were to wash your car several times a week.

Pros
Highly concentrated formula lasts a long time
Lovely citrus scent
Hyper concentrated gloss enhancer
Biodegradable formula that’s safe for the environment
Rich foam for scratch-free rinsing

Cons
May require a lot of water to rinse off

7. Best for Colors: Chemical Guys Extreme Bodywash & Wax

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Why we like it: This car wash soap enhances the color of your car and adds a beautiful shine to it.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
This car wash soap lathers up very well to remove dirt, grime and debris without getting any swirls or scratches on your car. It gives you that showroom shine that you’ve been looking for, and will offer a slick, scratch-free finish. This soap is able to enhance high gloss shines on practically every paint color out there.
Another plus is that this car wash soap smells like berry, which is great since a lot of other soaps on the market have a pungent, chemical odor to them.
Product Features
This is a very interesting car wash soap from the Chemical Guys. They wanted to recreate that “brand new car sitting in a showroom” look, and this car wash soap is able to do just that. It contains two different types of waxes, carnauba wax and a synthetic wax, that will enhance and brighten the color of the paint.
The carnauba wax is like a sunscreen for your car. It protects the paint from harsh UV rays and also other environmental elements. The synthetic wax, on the other hand, increases the durability of the paint and also enhances the condition of any existing waxes to give your car that beautiful, freshly-waxed look.
The pH-balanced formula will clean your car without leaving behind any spots or stains. The ingredients lather up very well and are gentle on the car and won’t remove any existing waxes or sealants either. Some people have claimed that this soap sometimes leaves behind some residue if they’re not careful. If you find this is a common occurrence for you, consider trying the Rain-X Spot Free Car Wash instead, as the water repellent layer leaves behind no residues at all.
Ease of Application
Once again, the Chemical Guys have hit it out of the park with this car wash soap in terms of simplicity. This product is super easy to use. All you have to do is pour some in a bucket of water and you’re good to go. The formula contains a lot of ingredients that make rinsing it off a breeze. You can also use it in a foam gun if you’d like. In fact, this product works very well in a foam gun.
Concentration and Volume
This car wash soap is super concentrated, so you’ll get a lot of use out of just one bottle. You should mix only 1 to 3 ounces of it per every 5-gallon of water you use. In general, most people will only use one ounce or so every time that they wash their car. As each jar contains 64 fluid ounces, you could easily wash your car once a week and still have a fair amount to spare at the end of the year.

Pros
Synthetic wax protects the car
Enhances color and gloss on every paint color
Does not strip away any existing wax or sealant coatings
Can be used in a foam gun or in bucket
Produces a rich lather and lots of suds

Cons
May leave behind some minor residues

8. Best Water Repellent Coating: Rain-X Spot Free Car Wash

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Why we like it: It’ll leave a water repellent coating that’ll prevent rain from streaking on your car. It’s highly concentrated and easy to use.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
If you’re looking for a spot-free finish every single time, then this is the product for you. It’s a great choice for beginners who may not necessarily have the expertise on how to dry their car properly and are afraid of introducing micro-scratches to the paint.
Product Features
This car wash soap adds a water repellant layer to your car, so you won’t have to worry about the rain for a while. It also means that you won’t have to towel dry your car at all, which will save you a lot of time.
The product produces a lot of suds that easily lift dirt, grime and dust off your car with ease. It’s specially formulated to give you a spot-free shine every time, and it’s safe for all car finishes. It doesn’t strip away any of the existing waxes or sealants on your car either.
The formula is also biodegradable and pH balanced, so you won’t have to worry about it damaging the environment.
Ease of Application
In terms of application, this product is really easy to use. First, you’ll want to rinse your car to remove loose dirt and then wash your car with a sponge or a wash mitt dipped in a bucket of soapy water. Last but not least, rinse the car thoroughly. The water should literally slide off your car and your car should dry before your eyes. No towel drying is necessary at all.
Concentration and Volume
In terms of concentration, you’re not getting a whole lot with this product. It’s recommended to use one ounce of product per gallon of water, so you’ll be using anywhere from 3 to 5 ounces each time you wash your car. This bottle contains 48 fluid ounces, so you’ll only get anywhere from 9 to 16 washes per bottle. If you’re looking for something that’s a lot more concentrated, check out the Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss.

Pros
Specially formulated for a spot-free shine every single time
Safe for all car finishes
Does not strip waxes or sealants
High foaming action
No towel drying necessary

Cons
Not very concentrated at all

9. Best Biodegradable Car Wash Soap: Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax

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Why we like it: This car wash soap is biodegradable and eco-friendly. You don’t have to worry even if this soap gets washed down the gutter.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
If you’re looking for a beautiful waxy finish, this product is definitely something you should pick up. It contains a high concentration of carnauba wax that will protect and seal your car while you’re washing it. You’ll get a beautiful, glossy finish, and you can skip the step of having to wash your car.
Product Features
Car wash soap gets washed down the drain and gutters a lot. Many people are concerned about the environmental impact that may come with washing their cars. This is not a problem at all with Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash and Wax. The formula is powerful, ultra-sudsy, but more important biodegradable and pH balanced. You can wash the soap down the gutter without worrying one bit about the impact that it may have on the environment.
The carnauba wax does a great job at giving your car that beautiful wax finish that you may be looking for. It also protects your car from environmental elements and UV rays. The formula has a neutral pH, so this car wash soap won’t leave behind any watermarks, streaks or swirls.
Ease of Application
Much like with every other car wash soap, this product is fairly easy to use. You can use it in a foam gun or place it in a bucket. Both methods are equally as easy to work with. Simply spray or wash your car with the soap and then rinse off the soap afterward.
This product is great for both beginners and professionals, as it is easy to use. The formula ensures that you don’t have to do anything special with the soap to get the results that you want.
Concentration and Volume
Here’s where things get a little tricky. This product doesn’t come with any clear instructions on how to dilute it; however, most people go with a 1 ounce to 1 gallon ratio, so they’ll use 1 ounce of soap for every gallon of water that they have in the bucket.
This means that this product is definitely not as concentrated as some other alternatives, like the Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss. You may run out of it rather quickly.

Pros
Biodegradable
Ultra-sudsy, powerful formula offers a very clean wash every time
Contains carnauba wax, which will protect the car’s exterior
Gives your car a beautiful, glossy shine
Neutral pH leaves behind no watermarks

Cons
Doesn’t really have instructions on dilution ratio

10. Best No Rinse Car Wash Soap: Optimum No Rinse Wash & Wax

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Why we like it: You don’t have to spend any time drying your car with this car wash soap. It’ll dry on its own.
Editor’s Rating:

Overview
Optimum really hit it out of the park with this no-rinse car wash soap. It saves a lot of time, money and water while still producing incredible results. The extra wax in the formula will protect your car and give it an unsurpassed gloss.
This car wash soap can be used on not only cars, but also trucks, motorcycles, RVs, ORVs, fiberglass or wood boats and airplanes.
Another interesting fact about this product is that it smells like melons, which is a welcome feature considering that many car wash soaps smell very pungent.
Product Features
This car wash soap has a no-rinse formula for optimal efficiency. It does not require any rinsing at all since there are no soapy surfactants that you need to remove from your car. This is great for those who live in areas with water restrictions or for those who want to save the environment by using less water. You can use just one bucket to wash an entire car.
The formula contains polymer technologies that provide UV protection. It also contains carnauba wax, which will not only protect your car from environmental elements but also give it a beautiful glossy shine. There are also substantive polymers that will attach and bond with the paint to prevent it from getting scratched.
This soap cleans, shines and protects your car all at the same time. It offers an unsurpassed gloss and protection that will make your car look fantastic.
Ease of Application
This car wash soap is incredibly easy to use. Add the soap to some water and wash one section of your car at a time until it’s completely clean. As it has a no-rinse formula, you don’t even need to rinse it off or dry it. With that said, if you would like to expedite the process, you can always dry your car with a clean microfiber towel.
Due to the nature of this car wash soap, you’d only use it if you’re washing your car with the bucket method. This car wash soap is not compatible with foam guns, as it doesn’t sud up. If a foam gun is an integral part of your cleaning process, you’ll want to take a look at alternatives like the Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax.
Concentration and Volume
This product is definitely not as concentrated as some other car wash soaps like the Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss. You’ll need to add an entire ounce of this product to just 2-gallons of water. You’ll run through an entire bottle a lot quicker than with other car wash soaps.

Pros
Cleans, shines and protects all in one
No-rinse formula saves money
Contains carnauba wax for a fantastic shine every time
Offers UV protection
Produces a beautiful glossy finish

Cons
Not as concentrated as some other soaps
Not compatible with a foam gun

A Complete Guide to Car Wash Soap

Other than a decent amount of foaming action, there are many other things that you need to look for in a good car wash soap. A large jar of car wash soap will usually last you a good year or two, depending on how often you wash your car. Those who live in sunny climates tend to wash their cars more frequently than those who live in rainy environments.
Washing your car more often can really help preserve its overall condition and look. Once you’ve gotten the hang of washing your car yourself, you’ll find that the process is incredibly straightforward and easy. You can basically wash your car in under 30 minutes if you’re in a rush. Or you can take your time and take several hours. It really depends on how detailed you want to be.
Other Factors to Consider
Other than the factors mentioned above, there are some additional things that you should consider when making a purchase. By taking every factor into account, you’ll be able to easily narrow down your choices and find a car wash soap that meets all of your needs and expectations.
Types of Soaps for Cars
That’s right! There are different types of car wash soaps. They differ in the type of ingredients that they contain, the way that they can be used and the type of finish that they can provide. Let’s take a look at some of the more common types of car wash soaps below.
General Use Car Wash Soap
General use car wash soap is designed for weekly and monthly washes. It usually won’t strip away any sealants or waxes and will only have some type of foaming action to get rid of dirt, dust and other contaminants that have collected on the surface of the car. Most of these soaps tend to have a concentrated formula, so a little will go a long way.
Wash and Wax Car Wash Soap
If you want to save some time and recoat your car with some waxing agents, a wash and wax car wash soap like the Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax will do the job.
The waxing agents protect your car from environmental elements, like dirt and grime. They’re highly recommended for those who live in hotter climates. With that said, do keep in mind that a wash and wax car wash soap cannot compare to a full-strength car wax application. You should wax your car once a year to keep it shiny and scratch-free.
Strip Shampoo
This type of car wash soap will remove sealants and waxing agents from the exterior of your car. They’re quite strong and ideal for situations where you want to reapply wax on your car or to polish away scratches and imperfections.
Waterless
With climate change, more and more cities in America are facing droughts. If you live in a place that’s under water restrictions, a waterless car wash soap may be a better choice. Waterless car wash soaps are similar to regular ones and will do the same job. The only difference is that you usually just spray the product onto your car and wipe off the dirt.
No Rinse
If you’re not a fan of waterless car wash soap, but want something similar, you can also try a no rinse car wash soap that will allow you to leave your car as-is after washing it. You won’t need to dry it at all! These car wash soaps are super convenient, and they’re also a great choice for those who are scared of accidentally micro-scratching their cars when drying them.
Scented
Car wash soaps can have very strong, pungent fragrances. Those who have allergies or respiratory conditions may want to stay away from fragrant soaps, as they can cause them to feel nauseous or sick. Scentless soaps tend to be better options for those who have sensitivities. Sweet-smelling car wash soaps, like strawberry margarita, are also usually a big hit among consumers.
Manufacturer
While the identity of the manufacturer may not necessarily guarantee the car wash soap’s quality, it can tell you a bit about the soap. Choose a manufacturer that has a good reputation amongst the auto community and is known for using high-quality ingredients. Some of the more popular manufacturers include the Chemical Guys, Meguiar and Optimum.
A manufacturer that specializes in producing car wash soap only will usually offer more varieties and specialty soap. The more time that they spend on their products, the better the product usually is.
Common Equipment Needed for Washing Your Car
Washing your car shouldn’t be difficult or hard. It should be as straightforward and simple as possible. Other than the car wash soap, you’ll only need this other equipment:
Two buckets. One of the buckets should be filled with soapy water and the other should be filled with clean water, so you can rinse off the soap.
A hose. Connect a hose to a water source to quickly rinse off the car wash soap from your car.
A microfiber washing mitt or a microfiber towel. Make sure that you choose something that is made from microfiber, as anything coarser than that can result in micro-scratches on your car. These micro-scratches are almost impossible to get out. A microfiber washing mitt will fit your hand like a glove and will expedite the car washing process.
A grit guard. This can prevent loose contaminants and debris from collecting on your mitt or towel every time that you rinse.
A drying cloth. Unless you’re using a no rinse car wash soap, you’ll want to get as much of the soap off of your car as possible.
A foam gun. This is entirely optional. A foam gun can lather up your car quickly and efficiently.
If you already have all of the equipment you’ll need, you can get started right away. Take a look at the video below for a walkthrough on how to wash your car like a pro! Your car will look brand new if you follow the instructions in the video.
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Tips and Tricks for How to Effectively Wash Your Car
[ADD IMAGE: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/man-cleaning-car-microfiber-cloth-detailing-1611573358 Alt text: shiny car after getting washed and waxed]
After washing your car, you want it to look like the one above: glossy, shiny and uniform. The one thing that you definitely want to avoid is getting micro-scratches on your car. These scratches are super small and are basically scratched into the paint. They’re almost impossible to remove. To do so, you’ll need to rewax your car. Depending on the amount of micro-scratches that are present, you may even need to re-polish it.
Washing your car shouldn’t be too difficult if you follow the instructions below:
Add dirt traps to the bottom of two buckets, and fill them with clean water. Add soap into one of the buckets. The dirt trap will prevent dirt from getting back onto your mitts and towels. These small particles are responsible for most of the micro-scratches that you see on cars.
Rinse your car from top to bottom with a hose.
Lather up a microfiber mitt or towel and start washing your car from top to bottom. This way, the dirt and dust will fall downwards.
Wash and rinse your car in quarters to prevent water spots and dried streaks. Make sure you go from top to bottom to get rid of all of the soap.
Wash the wheels with a brush and then rinse off the soap. Make sure that you always do this step last because you don’t want to accidentally transfer brake dust or dirt from the wheels to the paint. This will scratch off the enamel and also cause micro-scratches to form. Some people will even go as far as using a different brush or towel.
Rinse the entire car from top to bottom again.
Use a microfiber towel to dry the car and another one to detail dry.
Unfortunately, even if you follow the instructions perfectly, you may still end up with micro-scratches. We’ve come up with some additional tips and tricks that can help prevent them.
#1. Watch What You Wear
Be mindful of what clothes you’re wearing when washing your car. You want to wear old clothes that are made of soft material, so they don’t scratch up your car if you accidentally lean on it. Jeans, for example, are some of the biggest culprits for micro-scratches because they have metal parts.
#2. Always Use a Microfiber Towel or a Mitt
Don’t use a giant brush or go to a gas station car wash. If you don’t use the right type of brush or towel to wash your car, you’ll end up scratching it. Brushes often collect dirt, rocks and other contaminants that can easily scratch the enamel.
#3. Don’t Forget the Wheel Wells or Underneath the Car
If you’re going to wash your car, do it right from the beginning and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches in the future. Don’t forget the wheel wells and underneath the car. These areas are often forgotten or ignored; however, they actually are the parts that require the most cleaning. These areas are often hit the hardest with dirt, grime and other contaminants.
#4. Wash Your Car in the Shade
This might sound funny, but washing your car in the shade can prevent water spots. If the area that you live in has a lot of hard water, which essentially means that the water contains a lot of minerals, the minerals can stay on your car when the water evaporates. This causes ugly water spots to form. If you wash your car under the shade, the water will be less likely to evaporate before you’re done drying it. This reduces the appearance of water streaks.
#5. Wet Your Microfiber Towel for Drying
Trying to dry your car with a completely dry microfiber towel will drive you insane. It takes a lot of time and effort. It’ll also feel like the towel isn’t really soaking in any water. The trick is to spray it with water first and then wring it dry. Microfiber towels are much more absorbent once they’re wet.
#6. Use Compressed Air to Dry Your Car
If you want to be extra careful and avoid micro-scratches altogether when drying your car, use compressed air to dry it. This will make sure that nothing can rub against the paint at all. You’ll get perfect results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Wash Your Car?
There really isn’t a clear-cut answer to how often you should wash your car.
Most experts recommend washing your car at least every two weeks, although many car owners may wait until their car looks dirty or has a layer of dirt on it. Some car enthusiasts, who are very particular about how their car looks, may wash their vehicles every week or even more frequently.
If you see tree sap, bird poop or bug guts on your car, you should wash it as soon as possible, as these contaminants may corrode the paint.
Why Should You Wash Your Car?
You don’t have to wash your car just because there’s a thick enough layer of dirt on it for drawing an image. You can wash your car to get rid of animal droppings, dead bugs, dirt and mud, pollen, rain, tree sap, tar and other road grime and brake dust. Tree sap, in particular, is a common thing you’ll find on cars that are parked underneath trees. When the sap hardens, it’ll irreparably damage the paint
By washing these contaminants and debris off the exterior of your car, you’ll prolong the life of your paint job. Your car will look newer, and the paint is less likely to fade or stain.
Why Can’t I Wash My Car with Regular Dishwasher Soap or Body Soap?
Different types of soaps do very different jobs. Body soap is gentle on the body and does not aggressively get rid of dirt or grime. As a result, it’s not going to be a good choice for tackling the sap that’s hardened on your car.
Dishwasher soap, on the other hand, is meant to remove food particles. It can actually dry out certain exterior car materials. It may also leave behind a residue on your car.
Do Different Colored Cars Need Different Types of Soap?
The answer to this is both yes and no.
Technically, there is no difference between washing a light-colored car and a dark-colored car. You’ll follow the same routines and basic principles. Dark-colored cars, however, are very vulnerable to scratches. Even the smallest grain of sand can scratch the paint.
Due to this reason, there are some car wash soaps that are technically better for dark-colored cars, as they are gentler and less abrasive.
Final Thoughts
A good car wash soap will get rid of all contaminants on the surfaces and will make your car look like new. It should also be straightforward and easy to use. You should have no trouble washing tree sap and even bird poop off your car without having to take it to a professional. If you wash your car by yourself, you could also save yourself some money.
Once you’ve found the perfect car wash soap, you’ll find that washing your car becomes a breeze. In fact, you might even start to enjoy the process. Many of the car wash soaps on our list have unique features that make them stand out from competitors. They’re worth looking into and could possibly be the answer to your prayers if you have a dirty car. More

Everyone loves a clean car. Most people don’t love the time it takes to clean them, though. You drive through a local car wash, but the brushes are a serious risk to your paint, and brushless ones never do a good job. Also, they are expensive, especially if you like having your car clean for more than one month out of the year.
For those looking for a better option, there’s good news! There are a ton of great brushes that can speed up the car cleaning and detailing process, and most of them cost less than a run through a gas station carwash.

A Quick Guide to Brush Types
Believe it or not, there are many different types of brushes for washing your car. Choosing the right one usually depends on how big your vehicle is and how much you want to spend. We’ll go through the different types so you can find the one that fits your needs. We’ll also list our favorite brushes on the market to help make your shopping as easy as possible.
Why Use a Brush?
The obvious reason is that it makes reaching all parts of your ride easier. Tall truck? A long pole will get right up to the roofline. Deep crevices in the bodywork and wheels? A long brush will get into those tight spaces where a sponge or mitt wouldn’t fit.
The other reason is that it’s safer for paint than most other methods while still being inexpensive and convenient. Pressure washers are great, but they are costly (check out our favorite pressure washers here). Sponges are very cheap, but unless you buy a dedicated soft sponge, they carry a high risk of scratching the clear coat. Brushes are inexpensive and when used properly have very little chance of damaging your paint.
Kinds of Brushes
There are two parts to every brush, the handle and the brush itself. There’s a bit of variety in form and function concerning each component. There’s really no such thing as the best brush, there are only the best brushes for specific purposes. Let’s talk about the types of brushes first.
Bristle
A bristle brush is your standard everyday brush. They look like shop brooms and can either be fixed in place or swiveling. When you are washing cars, you want to make sure to get soft bristles. The softer, the better. It makes it slightly harder to scrub the dirt off, but it lowers the risk to your paint.
Bristle brushes are better for large areas and lots of grime. There’s really no substitute for a good brush if you need to clean grease or mud off.
Mop
Mop-style cleaning brushes look like the mops you use for cleaning hardwood floors. They hold water better but have a more difficult time with curves and complicated geometry. Many people like using cotton mops because you can use them dry as a duster.
Microfiber
Most bristle brushes are synthetic–the days of horsehair are gone, but there are two main styles when it comes to mops. Standard cotton mops retain more water and are less likely to collect debris that can scratch things. Microfiber is softer than cotton but can sometimes pick up debris that will cling to the fabric like Velcro.
Handles
Generally, you will choose a handle based on how far you need to reach. If you have a lifted 4×4, there’s no reason to get a short-handled brush that won’t reach the roof, but there are other attributes to a handle that are worth considering.
Material
The material that the handle is made from is usually a minor consideration. Aluminum handles are the most durable, but plastic is inexpensive. Wood is less durable than either and doesn’t play well with water. It does look good, though.
Length
Short Handle Brushes are perfect for getting into places that a larger brush won’t, getting in between wheel spokes and around mirrors, etc. Even if you already have a long brush, getting a dedicated short handle brush for wheels is a good idea.
Long Handle Brushes are good for general cleaning. They won’t increase your reach much, but you shouldn’t have any issue washing most cars’ entire surface.
Poles are long enough to reach across the roof and up to high places. Most poles are telescoping, so they can adjust to any length you need. A 4ft pole is usually enough to reach across the average vehicle. If you have an RV or big rig, you’ll need at least a 6ft pole.
Flow-Through
Flow-through handles hook up to a garden hose and allow water to pass through them. It can make washing your car faster since you can scrub and rinse away debris simultaneously. Some brushes even have soap reservoirs that automatically add the soap to the water as it passes through the brush.
Other Features
Innovation is the name of the game in the modern world. The companies that make brushes are no different; there are a ton of little features that get added to brushes to do all sorts of things that are supposed to make cleaning easier. Some are mostly a gimmick. For instance, the Fochutech brush on our review list spins when water flows through it. Some features are far more useful, though, like brushes that swivel in every direction, or brushes with novel.

Top 10 Best Car Wash Brushes 2020
1. Best Overall Brush: Carrand Deluxe Car Wash Dip Brush

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Why we like it: Carrand’s Deluxe Brush exemplifies simple done well. It’s a solid brush that works for a wide variety of situations.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Super soft bristles
Handle type: Aluminum pole
Handle length: 36” – 65”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
The 10” brush head and the long pole make it perfect for most situations. The Carrand Deluxe is really just a good general-purpose tool. It’s not quite long enough for RVs, and it’s not small enough for detailed work, but for giving your car a weekend scrub, you can’t go wrong with this product.
Standout Features
Like we said previously, there isn’t anything that really stands out other than this product being a fantastic, general-purpose option. The pole is a great length and made of aluminum, so it’s not likely to break, and the brush head can be unscrewed and replaced if need be. That’s not unique to this brush, but it’s a good feature to have.
Our Thoughts
Sometimes simplicity is a tool’s greatest asset. When you wash a car, a stout brush to clean the dirt off that can reach the entire surface is really all you need. The Carrand is exactly that. It’s inexpensive, it has soft bristles, and extends to 6ft. Take care of it by rinsing and drying the brush immediately after using it, and it will last years.
The only thing you might miss are some of the features found on more fully-featured brushes. A swiveling head, like the one found on DocaPole brushes can help a lot, making it really easy to keep the bristles on the car no matter where you stand. No swiveling isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, and most people will be very happy with the value they get from the Carrand brush.

Pros
Super soft bristles are very unlikely to scratch your car
Aluminum pole is long enough for most situations
Inexpensive

Cons
Low on features
Brush head does not swivel

2. Best Dry Brush: California Car Duster

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Why we like it: The California Duster is the perfect tool for keeping your car clean between washes.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Cotton mop
Handle type: Wood handle
Handle length: 26”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Every car can benefit from dusting from time to time. Most cars and light trucks are small enough that you can reach all the way across them with the California Duster. If you have a big truck, though, you might find the reach lacking. You’d be better off with a long-range duster like the one Matcc offers.
Standout Features
The California Duster doesn’t need any water or cleaner to work. You just drag it over the surface of the car, and it picks up dust. The brush head is big enough, and the fibers are long enough that dusting only takes minutes, so keeping your car clean between washings is best taken care of by another tool.
Our Thoughts
If you already have a Carrand brush and a wheel brush like the Mother’s long-handled one, then the final piece of kit you need for general car care is the California Duster. Dirt and dust collect on your car constantly, and most of the time, you don’t have the time to give it a wash.
This duster only takes minutes to wipe down your entire car, so it’s perfect for maintaining cleanliness. You use it dry, so you don’t even need access to water. Just throw it in your car and keep it around for a touch up at any time.
The only thing that might give you pause is the price. It’s a bit expensive for a bit of wood and some cotton, and you can get other dusters like the Mattcc mop for less. The California Duster quality is unrivaled, though, which is why we rate it so highly.

Pros
High quality
Works dry, and works fast
Long fibers make it perfect for any surface

Cons
A tad on the expensive side
Short handle isn’t suited for large vehicles

3. Best Small Brush: Mother’s Long Handled Brush

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Why we like it: The Mother’s Long Handled Brush is perfect for cleaning the areas a bigger brush can’t reach.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Soft bristle
Handle type: Plastic handle
Handle length: 18”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Every vehicle has nooks and crannies where a large brush can’t fit. For detailing, we have two small brushes in our recommendations list, this one and the Chemical Guy’s short-handled one. The Mother’s has a long handle, which makes it more suited for scrubbing hard to reach places that are up high or deep inside the car.
It also makes a great wheel brush if you have an RV or dually. The bigger wheels found on larger vehicles are easy to clean with the long handle and soft brush.
Standout Features
The long, no-slip handle is what sets this Mother’s product apart. You can use it as a giant toothbrush to clean details. The non-slip rubber is a nice feature for a handle, especially since soap and water tend to make things hard to hold on to.
Our Thoughts
If you already have a large brush, it’s good to have a second smaller brush for details. If you already have a detail brush, it’s good to have a separate brush for wheels and tires so you don’t risk contamination and scratching paint.
The Mother’s brush can easily fill either of those two roles. A smaller brush like the Chemical Guy’s short handle might be better for wheels and tires that are shallow, but you can’t beat the Mother’s brush for general cleaning. The long handle price is a bit steep though, the Mother’s is almost twice as much as its shorter counterpart.

Pros
The long handle makes it perfect for recessed areas
The non-slip handle is easy to hang on to
Soft bristles make it perfect for any surface

Cons
Expensive compared to other detail brushes
Long handle might get in the way

4. Best Premium Brush: DocaPole Car Cleaning Kit

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Why we like it: The DocaPole kit includes everything to clean anything, and the quality is top-notch.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Microfiber bristles, cotton mop, and cotton mitts
Handle type: Aluminum pole
Handle length: 5’ – 12’
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
It’s an entire car care system, but the ultra-long pole makes it perfect for large vehicles. The squeegee attachment can allow you to quickly clean the windows of even the biggest trucks, and the swiveling duster is perfect for general purpose cleaning inside and outside of large RVs. The kit even includes wash mitts for detail work, making this a single purchase and complete cleaning system.
Standout Features
There are many great features that the DocaPole offers, but the two that stand out are the variety of attachments and the high quality, ultra-long pole.
First in line are the attachments. In the kit, you get a soft bristle brush, a squeegee, and a mop that can be spun onto the pole. That gives you the hard scrubbing power of a brush, the dusting and polishing of a mop, and easy window cleaning of a squeegee all in one box.
Second, the high-quality pole. Unlike other telescoping poles, the aluminum DocaPole uses metal locks and has a swiveling head. That makes it durable and great for general cleaning, but what really makes it a standout is the length. The standard pole is 12ft long, and you can get ones up to 30ft. There’s nothing you can’t reach with that kind of height.
Our Thoughts
Let’s start with the bad. First off, it costs a lot. If you don’t need the length, it’s cheaper to source each part separately than buy the entire kit. The second thing that’s a bit of a con is the size. 12ft is actually too long to be useful for detail work and even collapsed, the pole is still 5’ long. That means scrubbing low areas of your vehicle will require you to either take the head off and use it by hand or awkwardly fight with a long pole.
If you are willing to pay the price, though, it’s a really great kit. The quality is top-notch, and the included parts can tackle any job. You get the best parts of the Carrand Brush and the long reach of the Matcc Mop.

Pros
High Quality
Can reach up to 12ft
Has attachments for any job

Cons
Pole is too long to be used on smaller vehicles
Very expensive

5. Best Budget Brush: House Day 2-in-1 Car Wash Mop

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Why we like it: The House Day brush converts from a pole brush to a hand brush, and it’s very reasonably priced.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Microfiber mop
Handle type: Aluminum pole or nylon strap
Handle length: 21” – 44”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
The microfiber mop is great for both dry dusting and cleaning with soap water, and the pole extends to 4ft. That’s great for most cars; you’d have no problem reaching every part of a Civic or small truck like a Ranger.
You will need more reach for taller vehicles, and the shape of the mop head makes it hard to get into detailing. It’s nothing simply adding a small brush like the Mother’s brush can’t fix, but it is hard to get the big mop head around mirrors and other protruding objects.
Standout Features
The microfiber mop head swivels on the pole and can be detached and handheld with the simple nylon strap. Since it can be used dry as a duster or as a wet brush, it’s a great buy if you just want an easy tool for cleaning your car and don’t care too much about getting a perfect shine.
Our Thoughts
The House Day Brush is the microfiber mop equivalent of the simple Carrand brush. It does have a few advantages over the Carrand. The mop head swivels, and it can be detached easily to scrub things down by hand. The soft microfiber mop can be used as a duster too, so if you think you will be doing a lot of dry dusting, this one is a better buy.
The plastic parts are not as durable as the more sturdy spin on heads, so they might wear out if you use it a lot. It’s so cheap that it’s easy to replace in case it does break, though. Just be sure to avoid rocks and twigs. They will stick to the microfiber strands and can scratch your clearcoat if you drag them across the paint.

Pros
Inexpensive
Mop head swivels for easy out of position scrubbing
Converts into a handheld pad

Cons
Mop head has trouble getting into details
Not as sturdy as other brushes

6. Best Inexpensive Flow-Through: Camco RV Flow-Through

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Why we like it: The Camco Flow-Through works great and is about half the price of competitors.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Soft bristle
Handle type: Flow-through aluminum pole
Handle length: 43”-78”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
As the name suggests, this is perfect for RVs and large trucks. The 6ft handle makes it easy to reach up high on the larger vehicles, and the flow-through design means you don’t have to awkwardly dance with the long pole to dip it into a bucket.
The flow-through design can be convenient for any application, but the 4ft minimum length can get in the way if you are washing smaller vehicles. Take a look at the Carrand flow-through instead if you have a small car.
Standout Features
Like other flow-through brushes, the biggest feature is the flow-through design of the brush and handle. You hook it up to a garden hose and turn the water on. You can adjust the pressure in the handle, and the water will flow through the brush head, making it easy to scrub and rinse at the same time.
Our Thoughts
The Camco’s length is convenient if you have a large vehicle, and the soft bristle is great for general purpose cleaning, even without the water flowing. It’s with the flowing water that the real benefits of this brush reveal themselves. You can easily scrub and rinse simultaneously, making the entire cleaning process fast and effortless.
Quality is the Achilles heel of the Camco. It’s inexpensive, which is good, but the lower cost compared to other flow-through designs comes from slightly weaker materials. The Carrand flow-through is more durable and extends nearly as long, but it’s more expensive.

Pros
Inexpensive for a flow-through
Good length for large vehicles
The flow-through design makes washing faster

Cons
Some plastic parts are weak compared to other brands
Handle does not collapse far enough to be convenient for small cars

7. Best Wet or Dry Brush: Matcc 62” Car Wash Mop

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Why we like it: The Matcc Car Mop can be used as a wet brush or as a duster, making it perfect for just throwing into your main travel rig and keeping clean on the open road.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Microfiber mop
Handle type: Aluminum pole
Handle length: 20” – 62”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
The Matcc has all the benefits of the House Day mop we mention but extends to a full 5-foot length, meaning you can reach to the top of larger vehicles. Since they are otherwise identical, it’s fair to say that the Matcc is for larger cars and trucks, and the House Day is for smaller ones. Simple.
Unfortunately, it suffers from the same drawbacks as its sibling product. It’s not good for detailed work, as the mop head covers a large area that cant contour to curves or tight spaces.
Standout Features
As a microfiber mop, so you can use it dry as a duster or as a wet mop, which is always handy. The mop head can be detached and used as a hand sponge, so it’s easy to get up close and personal with things. The thing that sets the Matcc apart is the long pole it’s attached to.
Our Thoughts
A microfiber mop is still the best thing to buy if you just want some general-purpose cleaning from time to time. The Matcc has everything else you could want too. The head swivels to conform to any angle, and the long handle can get the mop anywhere.
It is a bit on the expensive side. If you don’t need the extra length, there’s not much reason to buy the Matcc over others.

Pros
Length is good for large vehicles
Good for dry dusting or soap and water
The mop can be detached for easier work on small surfaces

Cons
A little expensive for a simple mop
Not good for detail work

8. Best Wheel Brush: Chemical Guy’s Body and Wheel Flagged Tip

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Why we like it: Having a dedicated wheel brush is a good way to avoid scratching your paint. The Chemical Guys Wheel brush is inexpensive and works great.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Soft bristle
Handle type: Plastic
Handle length: 6”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Anything with wheels benefits from a good short handle brush. The size makes it perfect for touching up and scrubbing detailed areas. You won’t want to wash an entire car with it, just get the Carrand brush for that, but this is for everywhere that bigger brushes can’t reach.
Standout Features
The small size and brush head shape make it perfect for getting into small areas. There’s not much more to it. The plastic handle isn’t likely to break down, and the soft bristles won’t scratch even the shiniest metal.
Our Thoughts
Unlike the Mother’s brush, the Chemical Guys brush is small enough to really get anywhere with its short handle. That makes it a perfect second brush. It’s still soft enough for paint, and it’s durable enough to last a long time. Plus, it costs less than $10, so there’s practically no reason not to grab one.
The short reach can almost be too short for a lot of scenarios, though. You’ll have to really reach in to clean deep-set wheels, and there are other cheaper products that can serve ‘dirty job’ purposes.

Pros
Compact and perfect for cleaning wheels
Inexpensive
Soft bristles are perfect for any surface

Cons
Might be too short to stay dry during car wash day
Not good for large areas

9. Best High-Quality Flow-Through Brush: Carrand Flow-Thru

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Why we like it: The Carrand Flow-Thru is really well designed and easy to use.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: 3-sided soft bristle
Handle type: Flow-through aluminum
Handle length: 48” – 71”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Like the other Carrand product on our list, the Carrand Flow-Thru is a great general-purpose tool that is good for a wide range of vehicles. The near 6ft reach can get just about anywhere, and the tri-head brush makes it easy to attack a problem from any angle.
Like with other long poled brushes, though, it does not collapse far enough to be good if you do a lot of detailed work. You can take the head off and awkwardly scrub at things by hand, but at that point, save yourself the embarrassment and just by the Mother’s brush we listed.
Standout Features
In addition to all the benefits a flow-through handle can bring, the Carrand Flow-Thru has one of the most versatile bristle brushes on our list. It has bristles on 4 sides, so even though it doesn’t swivel, you can still brush from any angle. You can also scrub multiple surfaces at once, like between the spoiler and the car’s body. Washing a car with this brush will allow you to be about as fast as is possible without going through a giant mechanical wash.
Our Thoughts
Carrand makes great cleaning products, which is why they have the honor of appearing twice on our list. Their Flow-Thru brush here is likely the fastest and most versatile car wash tool here. You can scrub in any direction, and the water flow will keep the surface clean as you go. The length is great too. It’s nearly as long as the other flow-through product on our list made by Camco.
It’s just a lot more expensive than the Camco, and even though it does collapse a little shorter, it’s still too long for detailed work. The quality is quite a bit higher, though, and that shows in the finishings. The plastic parts are made of higher quality material than similar products. If you are having trouble deciding between this Carrand flow-through and the Camco brush, choose the Camco if you plan on doing a lot of detail work. With the money saved, you can buy a small brush to go with it. Choose the Carrand if you need something that can withstand abuse.

Pros
High-quality
One of the most versatile brushes out there
Makes cleaning fast

Cons
Expensive
Still not great for detail work

10. Best High Tech Brush: Fochutech Car Wash Brush

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Why we like it: The Fochutech has its own soap reservoir, automatically dispenses water and spins. It’s a neat car wash gadget that feels futuristic.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Spinning soft bristles
Handle type: Plastic flow-through
Handle length: 47”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Even though it works really quickly, the small size makes it annoying for large vehicles. The brush head itself is only about six inches in diameter, making it smaller than even the tiny Chemical Guy’s detail brush, so it takes ages to clean large areas.
It can be faster than a larger brush just because of the power washing feature, but the truth is you are probably better off just buying a larger standard brush like the Carrand bristle brush if you need to wash large surfaces. Carrand even makes a flow-through brush if you want the hose hookup.
Standout Features
There are so many components to this thing that it is hard to know where to start. First, you can attach it to a hose to let water flow through the brush head, or you can take the brush head off and just spray soapy water at your car. It has a detergent bottle so you can automatically add soap to your wash, and it has a reach of nearly 4ft. But all of that pales in comparison to the coolest feature: the brush head will spin as water passes through it. It’s like a giant electric toothbrush for your car.
Our Thoughts
The Fochutech Car Wash Kit is gimmicky and those just looking for a single solution will have a hard time justifying the high price. At the end of the day, the spinning brush really doesn’t add anything to the washing experience. The bristles are too soft to really scrub hard, so anything that isn’t washed away with a simpler brush won’t be persuaded by more scrubbing. Which is good, don’t get us wrong. You don’t want to scrub off the clear coat.
It’s a really cool tech gadget, though. If you love crazy gadgets and funky tools and already have some workhorse products, you might really enjoy having a big automatic toothbrush for your car.

Pros
The detergent bottle makes adding soap to your car easy
The brush spins while water flows through it
4ft reach is adequate for most applications

Cons
Expensive
The high-tech features aren’t really worth it unless you like high-tech gadgets

Tips, Tricks, and Accessories
Now that you’ve chosen a great tool for keeping your car sparkling, check out some of our favorite tips and tricks for getting the most out of your brush.
Brush Tips
Like any tool in a garage, there are things you should do to make sure your brush stays in good working condition. If you’d like tips on actually cleaning your car, The Mighty Car Mods put out a great video on the topic here. Otherwise, follow these tips.
Keep an eye out for debris: Brushes that pick up sticks, leaves, and rocks become a hazard for your paint, getting stuck and scratching pristinely maintained clear coats.
Let brushes dry after use: Water will break down bristles over time. They are great for use in the short term, but if you let them sit in water for long periods, they will tangle and become useless.
Use a separate brush for tires and wheels: Tires and wheels pick up a lot of chunks and grease. That grease contaminates the brush and can be harmful to paint.
Rinse the brush before and after using: Rinsing it prior to use will make sure you aren’t adding dirt to your wash, and rinsing after will make sure the soap doesn’t dry and harm the bristles.
Store it upright out of the sun: Don’t let the bristles get smashed by storing with the weight on top of them. If you can, store it out of the sun to avoid damage caused by UV rays
When using a brush, be aware of the handle: It’s easy to get lost in the moment and accidentally hit an antenna with the handle. Don’t do that, they will bend.
Don’t overdo it: If you are having an issue getting a dirty spot clean, the answer isn’t more scrubbing. A gentle scrub across the entire vehicle is the best method to wash a car. If it needs deeper cleaning, it’s better to let it soak and wipe it down. Too much scrubbing can lead to micro-abrasions.
Brush Alternatives
Brushes aren’t the only way to clean a car, but they might be the most convenient. Still, it’s good to know the alternatives and why you might keep them around as well.
Wool Pad
A wool pad is great because it carries very little risk of scratching if it’s new. The problem with a wool pad is the very thing that makes it great at cleaning also makes it a hazard, it’s very good at picking up debris. Sharp debris can scratch paint, and that’s bad, although there are products that help fix scratches.
Cleaning Mitts
Cleaning mitts are usually either microfiber or wool and offer a great way to get very close and personal with your car. The DocaPole kit we recommend even comes with them, and many microfiber mops like the House Day Car Mop can be used as a sort of pseudo-mitt. You will get wet, though, and lots of people prefer to avoid that whenever possible.
Sponge
Sponges make a great cleaning tool, especially large ones like grout sponges. They do carry a slightly higher risk of contamination because they can absorb dirt and mud, but they are much easier to maintain than a brush. Just like with a cleaning mitt, you will get messy.
Dish Rag
It’s the tried and true tool of the average driveway car wash. There’s nothing wrong with using a rag to clean a car. It’s just that there are a ton of better options. A rag has all the downsides of a sponge and none of the upsides.
Great Brush Accessories
Great car care doesn’t just stop at a quick scrub. There are some great accessories to make your car wash experience great.
A good tray: Some brushes won’t fit into a standard 5-gallon paint bucket, so getting a washing tray like this one can speed up the process greatly.
Microfiber rags: A good lint-free rag is perfect for drying, detailing, and applying wax. Getting a pack of them like these are great to just have on hand.
A good car wash soap: If you’re in a pinch, dish soap works great at removing mud and grease. A dedicated car wash soap like this will work better and be safer for the plastics and paint.
A chamois or drying towel: You should always dry your car after washing to avoid spots. A chamois like this one can last the lifetime of your car.
A spray wax for that ultimate shine: We wrote all about them here, so take your pick. A good spray wax will complete the washing process and make your car’s shine the envy of your neighborhood.
A step stool: Even if you have the gigantic DocaPole brushes we talk about, there are times where having a ladder will come in handy.
Have Fun, Stay Clean
Cleaning your own car can be a zen experience, and it leads to a sense of accomplishment. No one likes a dirty car, so add fun convenience to the experience with a good brush. Unless you hate cleaning your car, then it’s probably not a zen experience. But even then, a good brush will still help; the extra speed will let you get it over with faster. It’s a win-win, so get scrubbing. More