We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.

The Best Car Cleaning Kits

Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated February 2023

While the convenience of a drive-thru car wash can be tempting, the cost can add up. Cleaning your car with your own hands is more thorough and budget-friendly. To make the process easier, here are some quality car cleaning kits.

Scroll Table to Left
  Best Overall Best Premium Best for Interior Best Cleaning Tool Kit Also Great
 
  Armor All
Premier Car Care Kit
Chemical Guys
Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit
Armor All
Car Wash and Cleaner Kit
AUTODECO
Microfibre Car Wash Cleaning Set
THINKWORK
Car Wash Kit
 
Our SummaryClean and protect your car inside and out with the complete solution for a showroom shine.Avoid harsh scratches and visible swirls on your car's paint with the help of the foam sprayer, wax, and silk shine dressing.Clean your car without cleaning out your bank account with this inclusive kit.A car cleaning kit with 25 pieces and a convenient carrying case, so you can clean on the go.A car cleaning kit that gets the job done and makes it a little more fun.
Pros✓ Includes eight products ✓ Works well for detailing
✓ Odor-eliminating spray
✓ Includes a foam sprayer
✓ Removes dirt quickly
✓ Comes with 16 pieces
✓ Comes with shampoo and wax
✓ Cleans tires well
✓ Wipes glass clean
✓ Complete cleaning set
✓ Made from quality material
✓ Comes with a storage box
✓ Features a cool pink color
✓ Cleans interior and exterior
✓ Makes a good gift
Cons✗ Products may leak
✗ Doesn't produce a long-lasting shine for tires
✗ Cumbersome
✗ Somewhat pricey
✗ Products are small and won't last long✗ Towels leave lint behind✗ The box is hard to repack
Scroll Table to Right
Who is LifeSavvy?
LifeSavvy is an independent publication focused on a single goal: helping you make the best purchase possible. We don’t just recommend the best Dutch oven for your needs, we show you how to take care of it so it lasts a lifetime and we recommend delicious recipes to help you get the most out of owning it too! Read More »
How Did We Research?

15 Models Evaluated

6 Hours Researched

28 Reviews Analyzed

The Best Car Cleaning Kits

Cropped image of a person washing the exterior of a red car with a brush
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Car Cleaning Kits

A hand sprays a cleaner on the dash of a car and wipes it clean.
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a car cleaning kit?

It feels good to drive a clean car around, but car washes aren’t always the best way to do that. You can get a more complete, affordable, and personalized clean when you skip the car wash and clean it yourself. Car cleaning kits come with the tools to get your car shining and free of splattered bugs.

What should you consider in a car cleaning kit?

  • Full Clean: When you clean your car, leaving out the windows, tires, or interior can make the chore feel incomplete. Make sure you don’t leave out those areas and that your kit comes with products to help you target them.
  • Finishing Touches: As most cars have a shiny finish, car cleaning kits that include wax, polisher, or dressing are ideal for maintaining that high-gloss look. These products can help reduce the appearance of scratches and remove discoloration from paint. They can also help reduce the number of washes your car needs and maintain the shine for longer.
  • Uses: Car cleaning and maintenance require consistent upkeep, so your car cleaning kit should last you through several washing sessions. Look for car cleaners that prioritize foaming and suds or bulk bottles so that you can wash your car multiple times with one bottle.

Which tools and products should you look for in a car cleaning kit?

Look for a car cleaning kit that includes special products such as glass wipes or cleaners, microfiber cloths, and tire brushes. These additional items help you target the often-forgotten areas of your car and keep things looking their best. Tools such as foam sprayers, washing mitts, and sponges help to create more suds out of less cleaning solution, making it last for more washes. For your car’s interior, a multipurpose cleaning spray or wipe is best to wipe down the dashboard, and a leather conditioner can gently treat the leather upholstery.

Our Picks for the Best Car Cleaning Kits

Best Overall

Armor All Premier Car Care Kit

Clean and protect your car inside and out with the complete solution for a showroom shine.

Pros: The Armor All Premier Car Care Kit is an eight-piece car cleaning set to keep your car looking great. The kit has everything needed to clean your vehicle’s interior and exterior, making it a great value for the price, as well as a convenient and comprehensive solution. Customers appreciate the quality and reputation of the Armor All brand and feel confident in using the products.

Cons: Some of the products could be sealed better, as they tend to leak, and some of the products provided may not work as advertised. The washing pad can create scratches on your vehicle,  and the tire shine is not long-lasting.

Bottom Line: This set comes with a nice selection of products to clean your car inside and out. Overall, this product is great for maintaining the appearance of a vehicle, and it is a good buy for the price.

 

Best Premium

Chemical Guys Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit

Avoid harsh scratches and visible swirls on your car's paint with the help of the foam sprayer, wax, and silk shine dressing.

Pros: The Chemical Guys 16-piece Car Wash Kit is a comprehensive set of products that includes everything you need to keep your car looking its best. This kit lets you have a little fun while washing your car, thanks to the extensive reach and effectiveness of the Chemical Guys foam blaster. It easily attaches to your hose, so you can get all the benefits of the foam soap right at home. The Honeydew Snow foam soap and Butter Wet Wax have been particularly praised for their effectiveness in leaving a scratch-free, glossy finish. The kit also comes with professional-grade tools, such as microfiber towels, a wheel brush, and applicator pads, to make cleaning easier.

Cons: Some customers have found the kit too large or cumbersome to handle easily. The cost of the kit has been a point of contention for some, who feel that the price is not justified based on the quality of the products.

Bottom Line: Overall, this kit is an effective and comprehensive solution for detailing your vehicle. The kit includes various products and tools, and many customers have reported that their cars look and smell better after using the kit. Additionally, you will appreciate the convenience of having everything you need in one package.

 

Best for Interior

Armor All Car Wash and Cleaner Kit

Clean your car without cleaning out your bank account with this inclusive kit.

Pros: The Armor All Car Wash and Cleaner Kit helps maintain your car’s beautiful shine and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Armor All combines the foaming cleaning agents of car shampoo and the shine of car wax to give you an all-in-one product. Melt away the dirt and grime on your tires with the tire foam that cleans and nourishes the rubber. Finish it by wiping down your windows and car interior with glass wipes and original protectants to revitalize your vehicle.

Cons: Some have complained about how tiny the products are in this car cleaning kit. This also means the products won’t last for that many car washes.

Bottom Line: While you won’t get large bottles full of cleaning supplies, this is still a nice option, especially at this price. It’s made to give your interior an excellent shine, so you’ll love sitting in your car right after a car wash.

 

Best Cleaning Tool Kit

AUTODECO Microfiber Car Wash Cleaning Set

A car cleaning kit with 25 pieces and a convenient carrying case, so you can clean on the go.

Pros: The AUTODECO 25 Piece Microfiber Car Wash Cleaning Set comes with 25 different options for making your car sparkle. It helps you clean everything from the tires to the roof. Each item is made from quality material to hold up to plenty of car wash sessions. As an added perk, it includes a convenient box for storage and travel.

Cons: The towels tend to shed and leave lint behind, which can be annoying.

Bottom Line: You can get this cleaning kit at a great price for how many items it comes with. Clean every inch of your car efficiently with this kit.

 

Also Great

THINKPINK Car Wash Kit

A car cleaning kit that gets the job done and makes it a little more fun.

Pros: The THINKPINK Car Wash Kit is a fun option that will stand out in your garage, thanks to the pink color. There’s a cleaning gel that efficiently gets rid of the dust in your car. With the mitt, you can get your whole car clean. As a bonus, it comes in a cool box that makes this option a great gift.

Cons: The box is small, so putting the products back inside for storage can be tedious and tricky.

Bottom Line: This cleaning kit will give your car a fresh look and be easy to keep track of with the fun pink color.

Final Thoughts

Car cleaning kits are excellent options for getting customized and thorough cleans on your car. Our top picks are solid options to help you care for your set of wheels and keep your ride as new as the day you bought it.

LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. Want to know more?