We’re all familiar with the concept of steam cleaning, but what about vapor steam cleaning? It’s a term that many people may not fully understand. To appreciate the true superiority of vapor steam cleaning, it’s essential to grasp what it is and how it differs from traditional steam cleaning.

Understanding Vapor Steam: A Modern Evolution

At first glance, one might assume that steam is steam, but that’s not entirely accurate. Vapor steam cleaning represents the modern evolution of standard steam cleaning. These cleaning appliances, known as vapor steam cleaners or steam vapor systems, produce low moisture content steam with quick drying times. To be classified as such, a machine must generate steam with a moisture content of less than 6%.

Vapor steamers are widely used to clean and sanitize surfaces in various settings, including care homes, hospitals, and restaurants. This cleaning process is so effective that it can even disinfect or sterilize surfaces. The steam is produced in a boiler that heats tap water to high temperatures, typically ranging from 240-310°F (115-155°C). The equipment is equipped with insulated tools and accessories, enabling it to safely break down soil bonds and release contaminants. Once contaminants are loosened, they can be easily removed by wiping or vacuuming. Importantly, vapor steam cleaning is considered a form of green cleaning because it eliminates the need for chemical cleaning solutions. It has gained popularity due to its ability to kill germs and, in some cases, disinfect surfaces without relying on chemical disinfectants. Vapor steam has also been proven effective in eliminating dust mites in carpets, bedding, and upholstery.

Vapor Steam Cleaning: Versatile and Superior

Vapor steam cleaning machines find application in a wide range of cleaning requirements. Professional vapor steam machines come equipped with specialized cleaning tools and attachments, allowing cleaning technicians to seamlessly switch between tasks. These machines can deliver high-pressure bursts of steam for covering large areas quickly or forceful jets of hot steam to dislodge soil from surfaces in detail work.

The combination of high pressure, low moisture, and high temperature allows the steam to penetrate deep into surfaces, resulting in superior cleaning and sanitization compared to traditional cleaning methods.

Why Vapor Steam Cleaning Excels Over Traditional Methods

Vapor steam cleaning offers several advantages that make it superior to traditional cleaning methods:

Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free Cleaning: Vapor steam alone can effectively remove ground-in dirt and soil without the need for harsh cleaning chemicals. Professional machines are designed for durability and consume minimal power to generate the necessary steam. A mere 1-liter of water can keep a cleaner operating for 4-5 hours. This eliminates the need for plastic bottles, reducing the environmental impact associated with their production and disposal.

Detailed Cleaning: Utilizing a detail tool, vapor steam machines can effortlessly clear dirt from even the tightest spaces, eliminating the need for tedious scrubbing with toothbrushes. The steam’s deep penetration into porous surfaces achieves more thorough cleaning and revitalizes colors to a higher standard.

Cleaning and Sanitization in One Sweep: There’s no need to switch between different cleaning solutions. Vapor steam enables you to clean and sanitize in a single pass, achieving the highest possible cleaning standards.

Faster and More Efficient Cleaning: Vapor steam cleaning reduces the need for intensive scrubbing and eliminates the hassle of switching between various cleaning products. With only two actions—pushing away dirt with the steamer and wiping off any excess with a cloth—cleaning becomes significantly quicker and more efficient.

In summary, vapor steam cleaning is a modern, innovative cleaning method originally developed for specialist commercial sectors, such as healthcare. However, it has made its way into various settings, enabling cleaning professionals to work more efficiently and achieve higher cleaning standards. This efficiency alone is reason enough to consider vapor steam cleaning as a superior cleaning method.

DIY Vapor Steam Cleaners vs. Professional Cleaners

It’s important to note that the market often features imitation cleaning equipment, which may not deliver professional-grade results. For the best outcomes, professional cleaners should use professional cleaning equipment. While using vapor steam machines in your home is a great idea, it’s essential to understand that they may not achieve the same level of performance as professional-grade equipment. These consumer-grade machines are often designed to be more affordable, resulting in reduced power, steam output, and effectiveness.
To experience the full potential of vapor steam cleaning, especially in a professional setting, it’s recommended to invest in high-quality equipment. For exceptional results and a superior cleaning experience, consider utilizing the expertise of Big’s Mobile, where we recommend the best vapor steam cleaners for your auto detailing and cleaning needs.

Owning a car has its pros and cons, and one of the most common issues car owners face is the regular scratches, dents, bumps and grazes from objects and other cars.

In all honesty, it is almost impossible to avoid this. Your vehicle will be hit by car doors, bumped by shopping carts and pelted with little pebbles from the road. The result: scratches and chips in your paint.

When this happens, applying touch up paint to the affected area is our recommended solution. Touch up paint will help maintain your car’s beauty and save you expensive trips to the auto body shop.

Worried about applying touch up paint incorrectly? Worry no more, we’ve got you! This article will guide you through a detailed, step by step process to apply touch up paint like a pro.

Paint Correction vs. Touch Up Paint Pen vs. Full Touch Up Paint

Let’s start by saying that touch up paint is only necessary when the scratch goes deeper than the clear coat of your vehicle. You can determine the depth by running your finger over the body of the car. If your finger doesn’t get caught on the paint, the damage is shallow and only on the clear coat. If this is the case, you will want to refer to our paint correction article in order to remove these light scratches from the clear coat.

If the scratch goes deeper than the clear coat, then there are two different processes that you will want to follow, depending on how much surface area you need to fix.

If it’s a couple of scratches and just a small surface area (2 square inches or less), then using a touch up paint pen will do the trick. If it’s larger than that, then you may need to go through a full touch up paint process and essentially re-paint that portion of the vehicle.

Let’s dive into these two different touch up paint processes below.

Applying Touch Up Paint With A Touch Up Paint Pen

If you’re looking to quickly apply touch up paint for a small scratch, it won’t be too difficult and you can likely accomplish this by yourself. To begin, you’ll need:

• Touch-up paint pen: The touch up paint pen reduces the impact of a scratch on the surface.
  
• Car wash soap : This is a cleaning agent used to clean your car of any dirt.
  
• Microfiber towels: This is a soft textured cloth used to clean your car without leaving scratches.
  
• Claybar: The claybar is used to lift contaminants off the vehicle surface to provide a smooth surface for applying touch up paint.
  
• 3,000 grit paper: The grit paper is used to clear out any dirt in the scratches.
  
• Clear coat : The clear coat is a transparent, glossy coating that enhances the look of your paint and protects it from the environment

Now that you know what tools you’ll need, let’s hop into the simple steps to use a touch up paint pen.

1. Clean the area

Before doing any work on the car’s exterior, wash the affected area. Use quality car wash soap and clean microfiber towels to ensure you don’t damage the car.

2. Clear out the dirt

Use the abrasive tip of your pen or the grit paper to clean out the chip until you have a clean surface area to work with. Don’t scratch up the paint area or you’ll have more work to deal with.

3. Apply The Paint Starting at the Top of the Scratch

Take out your paint correction pen, and carefully start applying the paint to the scratch. Be sure to start from the top so the paint drips into the rest of the chip. It’s best to start with a small amount, you can always apply more later; but if you add too much, it will be hard to remove the excess.

4. Let the paint dry

Once you’ve applied the first coat of paint to the scratch, let it dry for the amount of time listed on the pen’s instructions. A thin paint coat will dry faster but the weather and temperature will also play a factor in the drying time.

5. Apply Clear Coat

It’s possible your pen comes with its own clear coat. If it doesn’t, you can always buy a clear coat separately. Apply a thin layer of clear coat to this freshly painted area in order to protect it from sun exposure and future weather damage. Once you’ve done this, you can kick back and admire your masterpiece!

Applying Touch Up Paint To Large Surface Areas

If you have a large surface area to touch up, using a paint correction pen is likely not the most efficient and effective option for you. In this section, we will walk you through how to do a more in-depth touch up paint procedure to a larger surface area.

To begin, you’ll need:

• Touch up paint: This is the paint used to fix damage on large surface areas on your vehicle.
  
• Spray gun: A spray gun uses air pressure to apply paint on your car surface.
  
• Clear coat: The clear coat is a protective layer that protects the base coat from weather elements, reducing the chances of scratches and hazing.
  
• Standard needle and syringe: The plunger and small tip allows you to precisely apply paint to small areas.
  
• Clay bar: A clay bar is used to remove foreign material from your vehicle’s surface.
  
• Orbital sander: An orbital sander is used to remove paint on the car surface to create a smooth surface.
  
• Polish: This gives your car a longer shine and cleaner finish.
  
• Primer: This prepares the car for painting by smoothing rough surfaces on your car. It also stops the top coat from peeling.
  
• Car wash soap: This is a cleaning agent used to clean your car of any dirt.
  
• Microfiber towels: This is a soft textured cloth used to clean your car without leaving scratches.

Now that you have your essentials, you’re ready to walk through the step by step process. Applying touch up paint can be tricky, so be sure to pay close attention. Improper application could easily result in a botched paint job.

1. Wash the car and sand the area

When preparing to apply touch-up paint to your car, start by cleaning and sanding the affected surface.

Cleaning and sanding your car highlights the affected area and makes it visible for a thorough repair. It also helps you find other hard to notice areas that also require touch-up painting and lowers the possibility of having grit and dirt in the fresh coat of paint.

To clean the car effectively:

• The affected area should be cleaned with water, car-cleaning soap, and a soft microfiber towel
  
• After washing the affected area, make sure to dry it with a microfiber drying towel and even let it air dry for a bit just to make sure it is 100% bone dry

To sand the car effectively:

• Thoroughly wash the car with soap and water
  
• Use 80-grit sandpaper to remove old paint around the affected car surface area
  
• Use 180-grit sandpaper to remove rust or surface damage
  
• Finally, use 320-grit paper to remove your previous 180-grit scratches

2. Check for and remove rust

Next up is to check for and remove rust. This step is important because it ensures that you don’t apply touch up paint to a rusted surface. Applying touch up paint to a rusted surface will result in a poor paint finish and leave your car continuing to rust under a fresh coat of paint.

To avoid this, check if the metal is faded in the scratched area. If it’s dark red or brown, then the area is rusting. Any discolouration should be removed using sandpaper. Alternatively, you can use pumice if sandpaper isn’t available.

Using a clay bar will also help you get rid of any foreign materials on the car. Start by shaping the bar into a flat oval that fits your fingers. Next, spray lubricant onto the clay and the car area that you want to treat. Then, gently wipe the clay back and forth across the affected area.

3. Use rubbing alcohol to remove grease and wax from affected areas

We want to remove grease and wax because it ensures the protectant bonds properly with the body and makes paint durable. To do this, wipe down the section of the paint that you are working on with some rubbing alcohol and a microfiber towel. To test if your car is wax-free, pour some water on the surface you just cleaned. If the water doesn’t doesn’t flow off the paint easily, the wax has been successfully removed!

To complete this step, clean the de-waxed area with water and soap using a microfiber towel. By doing so, you will rid the dewaxed surface of any rubbing alcohol that you used (we don’t want this to affect the touch up paint finish).

4. Find out your exact car paint

Before you purchase any new paint for your vehicle, you’ll want to find your car’s “paint code”. To do this, look in the door jam, close to the VIN number. If you still can’t find the paint code, you can search for the car color, model, and phrase “paint code” on google. This should provide you with helpful information to find your exact car paint.

5. Purchase matching touch-up paint color

Over time, excess exposure to sunlight makes the car paint fade or look washed. Your car’s factory paint might no longer be an exact match in terms of hue.

With your paint color or paint code in hand, visit your neighborhood auto parts shop for some touch-up paint. If you’re unable to find a matching color at an auto parts shop, you can get in touch with the car dealership.

While it is important to get the exact paint match for your vehicle because it ensures the paint looks uniform when the job is done, it can be challenging to find an ideal color match for light-colored cars. If you are having trouble selecting the right color, speak with an auto paint expert.

6. Test the paint

Testing the paint is a simple trick that will help you know if the paint you bought still matches the hue and shade of your car.

To test the paint, you can use a standard needle and syringe to apply a little touch-up paint to a hidden part on your automobile to see if the paint matches. If it doesn’t match, you might need to go to an auto-body shop to get recommendations on the right paint to use.

Shake the paint canister properly before testing it. This will guarantee that the consistency and true color are original.

7. Apply primer

It’s important to clean the affected area properly before applying the primer. For best effect, cover up the areas you’re not painting and tape down any edges with tape.

Use a paint sprayer to apply two to three coats of primer to the bare metal until it’s completely covered. Hold the nozzle of the sprayer 6 – 8 inches away from the surface of the vehicle and pull the trigger to begin releasing the primer. Move the sprayer back and forth slowly over the area you’re painting. Once this is done, you can apply the touch up paint.

8. Apply the touch-up paint to the affected areas

Use the needle and syringe to apply two to three coats of touch-up paint on the affected surface. Once you do this, the retouched area will seem more pushed out than the surrounding paint.

It is best practice to wait until the first coat of touch-up paint has completely dried before applying the next, ensuring that the applied paint doesn’t run down the sides of the car to stain unaffected areas.

9. Apply the clear coat

Once the touch-up paint has dried, apply the clear coat using the attached nozzle. The clear coat should be applied in light, thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely in between.

If you want to apply it more efficiently use a paint spray gun. The paint spray gun has a high and low setting. For the best clear coating result, set the paint spray gun to low pressure and apply. You need to avoid the high pressure because this can blast off the touch up paint and force you to repeat the previous step.

10. Polish the entire car

Polishing your car helps integrate the touched-up area with the rest of your car’s painted surface by removing heavy scratches from the entire vehicle and restoring fading paint.

Give the touchup paint and clear coatings a few days to harden. After that, apply polish to the whole area. Once you complete the process, your car is guaranteed to shine brighter than ever!

Conclusion

When your car paint gets chipped, it’s important to get it fixed with touch up paint. To do this correctly, you’ll need to find the right paint color and get the essential materials. Once you have the necessary tools, start by applying the primer followed by the base coat. Next, use touch up paint to fix the affected area before applying a clear coat. You can complete the process by polishing the entire car surface.

If you ever need a professional touch, you can give us a call at 425-243-9155, send an email
or simply schedule online and we will come to you and have your car’s touch-up professionally handled!

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for the perfect gift for your car-loving friend or family member? Look no further! In this article, we’ve rounded up 36 of the best gifts for car lovers in 2023, expertly curated by Big’s Mobile. We’ve divided the gifts into 12 categories, including gifts for the car wash addict, the detailing specialist, the tech enthusiast, and much more! Whether you’re shopping for a family member, friend, or a romantic partner, you’re sure to find something they’ll love in this comprehensive guide to buying gifts for car lovers. Enjoy!

1.) Gifts for DIY Mechanics

For the gearhead in your life, a gift that helps them with their automotive projects can be a perfect choice. Whether they enjoy tinkering with their car’s engine or personalizing the paint job of the car, these gifts will provide them with the tools they need to tackle any project. 

• A car lift for the garage: This is a great gift for those with a big garage and multiple cars. It allows them to lift their car into the air and work on the underside with ease. It will cost a pretty penny, but it is a long-term investment that your at-home mechanic will surely make use of.
• A set of jack stands: Jack stands are an essential safety tool for any DIY mechanic. They are used to connect to the strong metal frame of the vehicle and support it when it is raised off the ground and will help prevent the car from falling or shifting while your loved one is working on it. Think of it as the “little brother” to the car lift and a much more affordable gift option. 
• A creeper: for working under the car: A creeper is a handy tool that will help the average gearhead get underneath their car and turn a few wrenches. It is a low, flat platform on wheels that the mechanic can lie on and roll under the car, making it easier and more comfortable to access hard-to-reach areas. This gift will definitely save someone some frustration as they work on the underbody of their vehicle.

2.) Gifts for Luxury Car Lovers

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who owns a luxury car, you’ll want to choose something that is equally luxurious and special. Car owners with high-end vehicles tend to be discerning and have extreme standards when it comes to their vehicles, so it’s important to choose a gift that matches the quality of their car. 

• A set of luxury car floor mats: Luxury car floor mats are a practical and stylish gift for car lovers. Look for floor mats that are made from high-quality materials, such as leather or plush carpet, and are designed to fit the make and model of the gift recipient’s car.
• A comprehensive car washing kit with premium car care products: A car owner takes pride in keeping their car looking clean and shiny, and a car washing kit with premium car care products is a great gift to help them do it. Look for a kit that includes a variety of products, such as car wash soap, wax, tire shine, and glass cleaner, and make sure they are specifically designed for use on luxury cars.
• A remote start system for a car: A remote start system is a gift that provides convenience and a bit of social status to the recipient. With this gift, they can be out with their friends on a cold night, walk back to the car, and have it on and warmed up by the time they get there. Quite a flex if you ask me!

3.) Gifts for Hybrid or EV Owners

If you know someone who owns a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV), a gift that helps them with their eco-friendly transportation can be a perfect choice. Hybrid and EV owners tend to be environmentally conscious and value efficiency and sustainability, so it’s important to choose a gift that aligns with their values and interests. 

• A set of electric vehicle (EV) charging cables: EV charging cables are a practical and essential gift for someone who owns or is considering buying an electric car. Look for a set of charging cables that include both Level 1 and Level 2 cables, so the recipient can charge their EV at home or at a public charging station.
• A portable solar panel and power station that can charge EVs: A portable solar panel charger is a useful and eco-friendly gift for car owners that want to charge their EVs on the go. You will want to find a charger that is compact, lightweight, and easy to use and that can provide a sufficient amount of power to charge an EV battery.
• A bicycle rack for a car: A bicycle rack is a price-conscious, versatile, and practical gift for many environmentally-conscious people. If they drive an EV, it is likely they will want to reduce their carbon footprint as a whole, and this gift will help them do just that. Make sure that the bike rack you give them is easy to install and use and that it can securely hold one or more bicycles on the back of the recipient’s car.

4.) Gifts for the Car Wash Addict

If you have a friend or family member who loves washing and detailing their car, then these gifts are sure to be a hit. Whether it’s a birthday, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day, these are a few good gifts for your loved one that washes their car as a hobby:

• A wheel cleaning brush set: For the car wash enthusiast who loves to keep their wheels sparkling, a wheel cleaning brush set can be a great gift. This type of brush set is specifically designed to clean the wheels and tires, and it has stiff bristles that can remove dirt and grime effectively while also having soft towels and brushes to ensure that the rims aren’t scratched. Many wheel-cleaning brushes are also equipped with a long handle, which can make it easier to clean the wheels without having to bend or stoop. This can be a useful and appreciated gift for the car wash addict who takes pride in their wheels.
• A car wax and sealant kit: A car wax and/or sealant is a protective and durable gift for car wash enthusiasts who want to preserve and enhance the shine of their car’s paint. You can learn more about waxes and polishing compounds in our article here, but in a nutshell, the loved one that you give this to can use the wax or sealant to protect their car’s paint from contaminants and weather damage and to enhance its shine and depth of color.
• A high-quality microfiber drying towel: Everyone who washes their car also needs to dry it, so a high-quality microfiber drying towel is a very practical and affordable gift for the weekly car washer. Look for a towel that is made from plush and absorbent microfiber material, not a thin microfiber towel, so that it doesn’t scratch the car’s paint or windows. You will also want the towel to be large enough to cover a large area of the car and to be easy to wring out and reuse. 

5.) Gifts for the Car Detailing Enthusiast

From waxes and polishes to tire shine and tire cleaners, these car detailing products run out on a regular basis. It will be very convenient for your loved one to have extra products on hand, making these gifts perfect for the car lover who is always outside in the heat detailing their car or motorcycle.

• A car polish and buffer kit: A car polish and buffer kit is on the pricier side, but it is a high-quality gift for loved ones who really love to detail their cars and correct their paint. This kit will help them get out swirl marks and all sorts of paint defects as long as they know how to use it properly. Make sure to get a quality one because a poorly built buffer can lead to errors and potentially damaged paint. 
• A clay bar treatment set: A clay bar treatment set is essential for anyone who actually wants to detail their car. It is arguably the determining factor between a “car wash” and a “car detailing”. So if you want a gift for someone who loves to “detail,” then they will know exactly how to use a clay bar to get all of the microscopic contaminants out of their paint. 
• A set of applicator pads: Detailing applicator pads always get dirty and worn down, making them a perfect gift! If your person is always in the garage detailing their car, then you can be certain that they could always use more applicator pads. 

6.) Gifts for the DIY Scratch Repair Car Owner

If you know someone who is always fixing up their car, these gifts will help them fix scratches and dings with ease. No more bringing it into a business that will charge them an arm and a leg; they can fix their paint with the gifts below:

• Touch-up paint: People who love their cars love their paint. If a rock flies up from the road or someone door dings their car in the parking lot, they will immediately want to fix the issue. Touch-up paint is perfect for this. It is an easy way to fill in these blemishes and keep the paint-oriented car owner happy. 
• A car scratch or swirl remover: If there are large areas of minor scratches or swirl marks in the paint, your friend or family member will love a gift that can remove them. You can learn more about removing swirl marks in our article here.
• A comprehensive paint correction kit: this gift might be on the higher end when it comes to price, but it covers all of the bases if your person loves to correct their paint! It will give them everything they need in order to bring their paint back to life and keep it protected through the winter seasons. 

7.) Gifts for the Car-Loving Dad, Uncle, or Brother

From tools and gadgets to books and magazines, these gifts are perfect for the car lover who is also a dad, uncle, or brother.

• A diagnostic tool kit: (similar to an OBD2 Scanner): This versatile gift will allow your loved one to plug into their car’s computer system and read the error codes that it is giving. This lets them know what is wrong with the car so they can either fix it themselves or go to the mechanic with knowledge about what might be wrong. If the diagnostic tool kit is too pricey, you can always choose the OBD2 scanner, which is much more budget-friendly. Many of these tools can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, making them even more user-friendly!
• A car jump starter and portable power bank: We all know that dads love safety, so what better than to get them a portable power source? It is a few hundred dollars, but if the car battery dies unexpectedly, it is well worth it! 
• Roadside emergency set for your car: Speaking of safety, another option that is a bit more budget-friendly than a portable power bank is a comprehensive roadside emergency kit! This will help your loved one if they are stuck in a pinch and need to air up their tires, jump their vehicle, and many other common issues! 

8.) Gifts for the Everyday Car Owner

From car cleaning and maintenance kits to car safety and emergency kits, these gifts are perfect for the car lover who wants to keep their car running smoothly and safely. These gifts are relatively inexpensive and are focused on adding to your loved one’s lifestyle.

• A car seat organizer: Everyone wants to keep their car clutter-free, but how many of us actually do (especially if you have kids)? Instead of having your child’s socks, shoes, and toys all over the car’s interior, you might as well have them organized and off of the ground! If you know someone who struggles to keep their interior tidy, they might appreciate a gift like this, and I’m sure anyone sitting in their back seats would appreciate it too. 
• A portable car vacuum: These handheld vacuum cleaners are about twenty or thirty dollars, and they can really make someone’s life a lot easier. It takes away the excuse of “oh, I’ll vacuum it later” when your child throws their cheerios on the ground. Get this gift for someone, and they will always have a vacuum with them!
• A set of car floor mats: Whether you live in a rainy climate or a dry climate, your floors are bound to get dirty. Instead of the actual carpeting of the vehicle getting ruined, it’s worth spending fifty bucks or so in order to protect them with a weather-proof floor mat. This is a budget-friendly gift, and it will definitely be used from the day it is opened!

9.) Gifts for the Exotic Car Owner

From car covers and storage solutions to car care and detailing products, these gifts are perfect for the car lover who has a luxury or exotic car. They might be more expensive, but that is what any exotic car owner would expect.

• A car detailing gift card: Every owner of an exotic car wants to keep it clean, but very few of them want to clean it themselves. That’s when the professionals come in! A gift card is an easy way to give a loved one something they will use, but allow them to use it on their own time. 
• A car alarm or security system: If you’re spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on an exotic car, you want to be sure that it’s safe. Even if your loved one has a security system for their vehicle, adding another one won’t hurt! And if the security system is ever actually needed, they will greatly appreciate that you gave it to them. 
• Tickets to a local car show: Exotic car owners love to look at other exotics! Tickets to a local car show would put a smile on their face when they open the gift, as well as when they experience the show in real life. 

10.) Gifts for the Car Tech Enthusiast

From infotainment systems to dashboard displays, these gifts are perfect for the car lover who loves staying connected and informed while driving.

• A navigation system: Many cars come with navigation nowadays, but if your loved one doesn’t have a navigation system built in, they will surely appreciate this gift! Using your smartphone for navigation is not a safe or convenient option, so giving this gift will really change someone’s daily life.
• A heads-up display: You may not have ever heard of a “heads-up display” before, but I guarantee your techy friend has! Heads-up displays allow the driver to see their speed and various other vehicle metrics on their windshield so that they don’t need to look down for them. Making it not only a unique and fun gift but a safety gift as well!
• A front and rear dash cam system: Many cars have rearview cameras, but barely any have a front camera! Giving the gift of this front & rear camera combo is not only a cool gift for tech folks, but it also provides safety and security for the vehicle from both sides. 

11.) Gifts for the Car Interior Enthusiast

From seat and steering wheel covers to organizers and storage solutions, these gifts are perfect for the car lover who wants to add comfort, style, and protection to their car.

• A steering wheel cover: A budget-friendly gift that everyone will love, especially if you’re in a cold climate! This will keep your loved one’s steering wheel from getting dirty and the leather wearing out, and even keep their hands from getting too cold in the mornings. 
• A trunk liner: Many car owners have floor mats, but what about the trunk? That is often an area that is forgotten about, but it is definitely needed! Since the trunk’s carpet fibers are different from the rest of the vehicle, if it gets dirty, it is much harder to clean. Getting a trunk liner will save your loved one a lot of headaches. 
• A car storage solution: If your person loves their interior, then they will want to avoid getting it cluttered. That said, we are all human, and without a convenient way to avoid clutter, it is bound to happen! Providing them with a storage solution is an affordable way to help them avoid interior car clutter. 

12.) Gifts for Road Trippers and Long Commuters

Know someone who spends hours in their car? Let’s make life a bit easier for them. The gifts below are focused on practicality and convenience, helping your loved one make longer road trips and comfortable commutes.

• A car rooftop cargo box: Any road tripper will value having extra storage on their car’s roof! Instead of hooking up a trailer for extra storage, and rooftop cargo box is a quick and easy way to add storage to a vehicle, and it makes a wonderful gift. 
• A portable car refrigerator: Anyone traveling long distances, or even just spending a lot of time in the car, will want to have food and drinks handy at all times. But who likes a warm drink? Gifting your loved one a fridge for their car will level up their comfort when driving. 
• Cup holder extenders: If your loved one is spending hours in the car, there is a good chance they will have a large drink container with them. But we all know that not every cup holder can fit every drink container. A cup holder extender is a very cost-effective gift that can fix this issue. 

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post on the 36 best gifts for car lovers in 2023. In conclusion, it really comes down to your person. Think about who they are, what they enjoy doing, and what their relationship with their vehicle is. That will guide your gift purchasing decisions, and if you ever need to brainstorm some ideas, you can always review our gift suggestions above. 

Since you’ve made it to the end, we want to give one bonus gift idea: a car detailing gift card! These make great stocking stuffers, birthday presents, anniversary gifts, and much more! Since auto detailing is a luxury service, some people may not splurge on themselves and give themselves this gift, so it is up to you to spoil them. 

Best of luck finding the perfect present, and if you ever need us we are always a phone call away!

Cars are an integral part of the American way of life. Driving kids to school, picking up groceries, shopping, weekend family trips, going to work, and so on. Americans sure spend a lot of time behind the wheel. As a result, cars often have to brave harsh weather elements like dirt, dust, and road salt, not to mention a cocktail of air pollutants. This makes it necessary to keep your vehicle squeaky clean, both inside and out.

A clean car not only looks stunning but also lasts longer. A regularly cleaned car interior and exterior comes with other benefits, including:

• Less wear and tear, which lowers maintenance costs.
• Reduced friction, which improves fuel efficiency.
• Prevention of corrosion and rust.
• Protection of the paint and finishes.
• Removal of allergens from the ventilation system.

Yet, buying individual car cleaning supplies can be time-consuming and expensive for most car owners.

That’s where a car cleaning kit comes in.

These cleaning kits have everything you need to clean your car (inside and out) in one convenient package – saving both your time and money. Let’s understand how to find the best 2022 car cleaning kits.

What to Look for When Choosing a Car Cleaning Kit 

You will see different car cleaning supplies, with new ones entering the stores every month. It’s no surprise car owners have difficulties choosing a car cleaning kit. 

There are simply too many options!

If you keep the following factors in mind, choosing a cleaning kit will feel less daunting.

The Type of Vehicle You Have

One of the first considerations you will have is what type of vehicle you drive. Although you can get a general car cleaning kit, it’s better to go for model-specific cleaning kits because different types of cars will require different levels of care.

For example, luxury cars usually come with seats made from high-quality pure leather. Even though high-quality leather lasts long, it still requires maintenance. Your car cleaning kit should have the necessary leather cleaner and tools (car vacuum and soft bristle brushes) to keep the seats from getting damaged. Think about this before ordering your car cleaning supplies online.

How You Use Your Vehicle

How you use your vehicle will largely determine what type of car washing supplies you’ll need. For example, your vehicle will need deeper cleanses if you frequently go off-roading.

Off-roading will attract water, sand, and mud. Mud and grime often put all parts of your vehicle with rubber seals or lubricants like grease at risk. Moreover, some types of mud, like red mud, can be very corrosive. You will need to pressure wash your vehicle, scrub the tires carefully, and clean under the hood to prevent damage. In other words, you will need a car cleaning kit designed for a thorough job.

On the other hand, cars used for driving around town may require relatively less frequent cleaning. The company policy will dictate your cleaning routine if you use it for companies like Uber. Do take these factors into account when ordering your car care kit.

How Clean Do You Like to Keep Your Car 

This is more of a personal choice, but it does influence which car cleaning kit you buy. For instance, some car owners would want to keep their vehicles tidy, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be spotless.

On the contrary, a perfectionist would want nothing but flawless car detailing, interior, and paint. This means you will need a kit that supports complete car care. It should be as good as professional cleaning and detailing.

Your Budget and Time 

Another important consideration is your budget and time. The cost of a car cleaning kit depends on the products and tools included in it. The options are far and wide, ranging from basic wash and wax bundles to complete interior and exterior detailing kits.

That said, quality car cleaning kits are the best way to ensure a thorough cleaning. But these kits will cost you a pretty penny. Depending on your needs, you may have to spend up to a few hundred dollars on a kit. Still, such bundles will be more cost-effective than buying individual car cleaning supplies. 

Also, a thorough car cleaning job is time-consuming. You would probably spend your entire Sunday morning cleaning your car. Unless you are a car buff, this isn’t going to be a pleasant chore you look forward to on a lazy Sunday morning. Instead, you can always go for a professional car cleaning and detailing service.

Our Top Car Cleaning Kit Picks for 2022

Now that you know what to consider when selecting a car cleaning kit, let’s check out a few top picks for 2022. Based on the research by our car cleaning and detailing experts, here are our top three cleaning kits per category:

Comprehensive Car Cleaning Kits w/ Tools Provided

These car cleaning kits are the most comprehensive bundles you can find out there. The top three kits in this category include: 

Best Overall

Chemical Guys HOL169

This is one of the most popular comprehensive car cleaning kits. It includes 16 pieces of car cleaning supplies, ranging from products like Butter Wet Wax and Honeydew to Detailing Bucket and Short handle brush. This complete package makes car cleaning easy, fast, and efficient.

Chemical Guys HOL148

This is another comprehensive car cleaning kit by Chemical Guys that includes high-quality cleaning and detailing products. You can choose up to 16 pieces of supplies in this bundle. It is ideal for beginners and pros alike. 

Bang for Your Buck

Chemical Guys HOL126

This car cleaning kit includes up to 14 products. It comes with a foam gun that works with any standard garden hose. In short, you don’t need any other tools to make your car spotless.

Basic Wash & Wax Car Cleaning Kits

These car cleaning kits include entry-level wash and wax supplies. They are certainly cheaper than comprehensive kits but may not offer complete car cleaning. If your cleaning and waxing needs are more basic, try one of the following kits. 

Best Overall

Meguiar’s G55012 Classic Wash & Wax Kit

Meguiar’s is one of the leading car care brands in the world. This 8-piece car cleaning kit from Meguiar’s comes with high-quality products. It will help you keep everything – interior, exterior, rims, and wheels spotless.

Premium Car Care Kit by Armor All

This car cleaning kit is suited for cleaning the interior and exterior of your vehicle. From a car wash pad and Armor All Ultra Shine wash and wax – to a multi-purpose car interior cleaner and car air freshener spray, it comes with all the baseline car wash and care products.

Bang for Your Buck

Car Wash Kit by Armor All

This is another good-quality car cleaning kit by Armor All. However, this is suitable only for cleaning the exterior of your vehicle. It comes with an Armor All Ultra Shine Wash and Wax car wash soap, a Noodle Tech car wash mitt, and a microfiber drying towel.

Full Paint Treatment Kits

As the name suggests, these kits will help you keep the exterior clean. Our top three picks for this category include:

Meguiar’s G55032SP Complete Car Care Kit

It includes 12 premium-quality products. This car cleaning kit allows you to keep everything spotless, from the interior to the wheels. But most importantly, it comes with clay bars and a quick detailer that helps remove swirls from the paint.

Best Overall

Chemical Guys HOL203 Black Car Care Kit

This car cleaning kit is perfect for keeping the paintwork intact, especially black and dark-colored paintwork. It will protect and enhance the appearance of your car. It comes with premium soap, glaze, and wax.

Bang for Your Buck

Car Wash and Car Cleaner Kit by Armor All

This is a comprehensive cleaning kit. It comes with 16 fl. oz. Ultra Shine Wash & Wax. This will do a lot to help you keep the paintwork free of debris.

Small Tire, Leather, and Plastic Conditioning Kits 

These kits include cleaning supplies for small tires, leather, and plastic conditioning. Our top three picks in this category are: 

Best Overall

Chemical Guys HOL303MAX

This car cleaning kit helps you clean all things leather, whether seats or interiors. It comes with a pH-balanced leather cleaner, which adds durability and shine to all leather interiors.

Bang for Your Buck

Armor All Car Cleaning Kit for Car Interior and Exterior

This 5-piece kit includes tire foam, glass spray, protectant spray, cleaning spray, and a drying towel. Apart from cleaning interiors and exteriors, this kit is best suited for cleaning tires. 

Armor All – 18782

This car cleaning kit provides original protectant wipes that can make the vinyl, rubber, and plastic interior shine. It’s also equipped with tools that can quickly remove ground-in dirt, dust, and grime, leaving your car spotless. With lint-free cleaning products, you won’t leave a greasy residue on your hands after a wash.

Cleaning Tool Only Kits

Bang for Your Buck

Titeney 21 Pieces Car Cleaning Tools Kit

This is one of the most comprehensive car cleaning kits. It includes a car detailing brush set, drill brush set, wire brush set, and wash brush set for cleaning wheels, interior, exterior, leather, air vents, emblems, and more.

Best Overall

LIANXIN Car Wash Cleaning Tools Kit

This car cleaning kit comes with a vacuum, which allows you to get a professional deep clean. You also get soft microfiber cloth towels, red car wash sponges, and a tire brush. That’s complete car care in one package!

CYECTTR Car Cleaning Tools Kit

This car cleaning kit comes with 19 cleaning tools. These tools include a set of drill brushes, wire brushes, detailing brushes, and supplies for thorough car detailing. If you love DIY car cleaning and detailing, this is a tool kit you must have.

How to Use a Car Cleaning Kit

Once you choose a suitable car cleaning kit for your needs, it’s time to put it to use. Let’s understand how you can do so. This is a three-step process.

Step 1: Prepping Your Vehicle for a Wash 

Preparing your car for a wash is as important as the cleaning itself. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start cleaning your vehicle. 

• First, move your vehicle to a shaded area, preferably your driveway.  
• Position the hose before you start cleaning. Make sure there are no kinks.  
• Prepare your wheel/tire cleaning bucket. It should have a grit guard, soap, water, and all your tire cleaning brushes. 
• You will also need to keep your wash bucket ready. It includes water, soap, and a grit guard. Similarly, prepare a rinse bucket – but only with plain water and a grit guard. 
• Make sure to declutter your car before the wash. 
• Use a cart or a bucket to keep all your necessary car cleaning supplies. This should include tools, cleaning products, and towels.

Step 2: Washing the Exterior 

The next step is to wash the exterior of your car. 

• Pre-soak your vehicle. It will help you remove heavy contaminants and grime quickly and efficiently. 
• Always wash your car one section at a time. Start at the top and move to the lower areas. 
• Remember, the lower areas of your car will have extra grime and contaminants. Make sure to wash it thoroughly. You may also want to pre-soak these areas a little longer. 
• Make sure to rinse your mitt/sponge after each pass. You can hose off the mitt/sponge if it gets too dirty. Clean the mitt/sponge before putting it back into the wash bucket – or you’ll end up applying the grime right back onto your vehicle. 
• Use a different mitt/sponge to clean your tires and wheels. 
• Once you have washed your car’s exterior, dry it using a towel. Immediate drying is necessary to avoid water spots. 

Step 3: Cleaning the Interior

Once the exterior is clean and dried, you can start cleaning the interior. If you haven’t already, clear all the trash from your vehicle. Check every nook and corner thoroughly. 

• Pull out the floor mats. Shake them before vacuuming. This will help clear the dirt quickly. After vacuuming, wash the floor mats with soap and water or use a foaming floor mat cleaner from your kit. Let them air dry completely. 
• Vacuum front and back seats, floors, dashboard, and the trunk. Vacuum thoroughly, including the area under the pedals and side door panels. 
• Use cleaning wipes or a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away all the dust and grime. You can use a car interior cleaner if necessary. Wipe everything clean, including cup holders, glove compartment, dashboard, steering wheel, interior windows, cup holders, and seats. 
• Use a leather cleaner to clean leather seats. 
• After you have wiped the interior clean, spray it with a car freshener. The scent should linger, making your vehicle smell fresh and clean.

Wrap Up  

Keeping your car clean not only improves its appearance – but also improves its longevity. Regular car cleaning will protect your vehicle from dirt, grime, road salt, and other harmful contaminants. The good news is a comprehensive kit can help you clean everything, from wheels and tires to dashboard and cup holders. And this post will help you find the best car cleaning kits, depending on your needs and budget.

Although a car cleaning kit can keep your car tidy, your vehicle will need a professional wash and detailing periodically. Detailing and cleaning experts at Big’s Mobile will help clean your vehicle inside out. We offer different car detailing services, including a 12-point health inspection. Call (425) 243-9155 or reach out online for details.