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Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers. car body fender
An all-around detailing kit for big and small jobs.
A versatile kit that includes more than basic tools.
A starter kit for those getting into car detailing.
A detailing kit for hardcore auto enthusiasts.
A useful brush kit for dusting and light touch-ups.
While car wash stations can charge an extra dime for a lesser wash, car detailing kits let you clean your vehicle exactly to your liking. These kits are packed with essential tools to wash and wax your vehicle and can include extra accessories that really make your car shine.
Our review team has tested the best car detailing kits on the market. Below, we break down the essential components of each kit, what their most outstanding features are, and how they can rejuvenate your car’s appearance.
For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each car detailing kit based on each kit’s accessories, cleaning, and quantity. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
We named the Chemical Guys, Adam’s Polishes, Armor All, Meguiar’s, and HMPLL as the best-rated car detailing kits on the market in 2023.
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
After looking at factors such as brand reputation, kit size, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the car detailing kits that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a 2014 Honda Civic and a 2016 Audi Allroad, taking note of each kit’s accessories, cleaning, and quantity. Each kit was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
Learn more about how we tested car detailing kits here.
Loaded with some of its best-selling cleaning products, the Chemical Guys Arsenal is our top choice for the best car detailing kit. It comes with not only the famous Honeydew Snow Foam soap but also best-sellers like the Butter Wet Wax and Diablo wheel cleaner.
You can see how the Chemical Guys performed in each of our testing categories below:
To make the cleaning process more enjoyable, this kit includes a foam gun that you can use to spray lathery suds on your vehicle. This kit’s wash mitt and microfiber towels help enhance the detailing process, as well.
Below are the pros and cons of Chemical Guys:
Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran of automotive detailing, the Chemical Guys Arsenal is a superb choice for restoring your car’s exterior to its full glory. We recommend it for anyone who needs a versatile kit for major cleanings and minor touch-ups alike.
Accessories: The Chemical Guys Arsenal included every accessory we needed to do a full detailing of our testing vehicle. We especially enjoyed using the foam gun for its power, reach, and quantity of suds it produced on a single load.
Cleaning: After using each product according to its specified instructions, our testing vehicle looked rejuvenated. A nice shine was left behind when our vehicle’s exterior dried, making us ever more pleased with the results.
Quantity: We found that our kit had enough materials left over to complete at least three more washes and multiple waxes after its first use. While higher in price, this made it more worth our purchase since you’ll be able to get multiple cleanings in.
Customers who enjoy using this kit to clean their cars find the foam gun to be the most useful tool for expediting their detailing process. Some negative reviews claim that the wash mitt doesn’t dry well after use.
If you want to be prepared for any car cleaning situation, one of the Adam’s Arsenal Builder’s various items can do the trick. Not only does this kit come included with soap and wax but it’s also equipped with miscellaneous drying and detailing tools, too.
You can see how the Adam’s performed in each of our testing categories below:
Unlike other detailing kits, the Arsenal Builder includes an interior cleaning spray suitable for dashboards, upholstery, and more. To keep your car smelling fresh long after a wash, this kit offers pre-wrapped air fresheners.
Below are the pros and cons of Adam’s:
If you prefer to be prepared for all detailing situations, the Adam’s Arsenal Builder is the detailing kit for you. It also makes for a great gift to any gearhead in your life.
Accessories: During testing, we were able to find a cleaning product suited for every piece of our vehicle’s exterior. We had to reload the foam gun with soap and water to entirely coat our testing vehicle, which was a slight hassle.
Cleaning: After our initial cleaning, our vehicle was spotless. We especially liked using the brushes for scrubbing our tires and thought the air fresheners produced a nice scent.
Quantity: Because the foam gun ran through suds more quickly than anticipated, the soap quantity depleted quicker than expected.
A common praise from customers is this kit’s sponges and towels hold up well after multiple washes. They also say the cleaning instructions for each item are clear. One complaint we found was that some customers thought the foam gun didn’t have enough spraying power.
The Armor All Ultimate Detailing Kit is equipped with the basics for both an interior and exterior wash. Its Extra-Shield glass, wheel, and tire cleaners are formulated with protective sealants that block dirt and grime buildup.
You can see how the Armor All performed in each of our testing categories below:
Despite not including a foam gun, this auto detailing kit has a wash mitt and a few microfiber towels to aid with washing and drying. The interior detailing spray can be used on plastic, vinyl, and rubber.
Below are the pros and cons of Armor All:
Our review team recommends the Armor All Ultimate Detailing Kit for anyone who wants to complete a basic wash of their vehicle. It’s also well-suited for those who are new to auto care.
Accessories: Because of its limited size, the Ultimate Detailing Kit is equipped with the bare essentials for car care. This means our team was limited to a basic wash but could not perform a wax or other exterior cleaning.
Cleaning: Our testing vehicle was still noticeably cleaned after using this kit. We were impressed with this cleaning kit’s tire care products, which were tough on built-up brake dust.
Quantity: After a single use of this kit, there was only enough soap and other materials left for one or two cleanings.
Reviewers say this kit is ideal for traditional car washes, noting how well the wheel cleaning sprays work on tough grime. Many customers recommend giving this kit as a gift to brand-new car owners, while others pair it with wax kits for a complete cleaning package.
Should you want to fine-tune your detailing process, Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit may be the best step forward. Not only does it come with shampoos and conditioners, but a wide variety of exterior and interior detailers as well.
You can see how the Meguiar’s performed in each of our testing categories below:
This kit includes items such as a clay bar and quick detailer that can eliminate dust and debris from your vehicle’s interior. For even application, the soft applicator pads can help you swirl in polishes, waxes, dressings, and more with ease.
Below are the pros and cons of Meguiar’s:
If you’re looking for a lasting protective coat for your vehicle’s exterior and enjoy putting extra time and effort into your wash, we recommend using Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit.
Accessories: Given this kit’s extensive wash and wax tools, we were impressed with the level of detailing we could achieve. Buffing out light scratches was easy with the ScratchX 2.0 gel and applicator pad. The soap did not create many suds and required more swirling than anticipated.
Cleaning: Cleaning our testing vehicle was a straightforward process using this kit. The interior tools had to be handled with care not to stain our upholstery, so we advise being cautious while using them.
Quantity: There was enough of all of this kit’s materials left over afterward for another wash and wax. At a fair price, this made us ever more pleased that there was a good amount of product left over for another wash.
One frequent comment that we noticed from customers noted how absorbent the microfiber towel was, even after multiple uses. Many customers found this to work better as a polishing kit only, using other car wash soaps to clean their vehicle before applying this kit’s wax.
The HMPLL Car Detailing Brushes Kit is for fine interior detailing between seat crevices, cup holders, and more. While the polyethylene dusters are suited for picking up dust, you can also use the steel wire brushes for polishing metal engine parts.
You can see how the HMPLL performed in each of our testing categories below:
Each brush is equipped with a chemical-resistant plastic handle for a sturdy grip at all times. Because of their dense bristles, the boar hair brushes can be used wet or dry and don’t fall out after excessive use.
Below are the pros and cons of HMPLL:
For interior detailing and dust removal, the HMPLL Car Detailing Brushes Kit is our recommended go-to option. These brushes are a great addition to any car wash kit for those who like a spot-free dashboard.
Accessories: Our review team used this brush kit in our testing vehicle and found that there were plenty of uses for each brush. The air vent brush was ideal for picking up loose debris while the hair-tipped brushes were able to comfortably reach into tight spaces.
Cleaning: After using the brushes, we found our vehicle to be mostly clean. The hair-tipped brushes did not do very well with picking up dust but instead kicked it into the air. Each brush became dirty enough to require cleaning after a few minutes of use.
Quantity: This category did not apply as much since the kit didn’t come with any cleaning solution. However, there was some brustle breakage among the brushes so it may cause these brushes to become less durable over time.
Many customers like how easy these brushes were to use in their vehicles and appreciated that they didn’t scratch plastic or vinyl surfaces. Some reviewers claim these brushes do not remove any dust but merely displace it.
Before your next purchase, consider the following information to help you make an informed decision.
What Comes In A Car Detailing Kit?
Car detailing kits generally contain the following items:
Depending on the brand, some kits will come with extra accessories such as interior detailing brushes. A popular addition that has become more common among kits is foam cannons, which attach to a garden hose to spray soapy suds and take the elbow grease out of washing.
Not every kit we tested came with car interior cleaners . Other than things like microfiber towels and brushes, common items include carpet cleaner , leather conditioner , and sprays to clean areas such as the dashboard or steering wheel .
Customers should review what products are included with the car detailing kit before making a purchase to best fit their needs. That said, if you’re a fan of a certain brand or product, you can create the best interior car detailing kit by shopping piecemeal.
Whether you’re getting your vehicle showroom ready or just performing a basic cleaning, make sure the detailing products work for your vehicle. If your car has luxury appointments like leather upholstery or chrome accents, buy cleaners that are suitable for those surfaces.
The finish of the car is also important, as black cars are usually more susceptible to water spots than other vehicles. A liquid wax or ceramic coating can also help restore the sheen to the vehicle.
Another consideration for car detailing kits is the type of mess you’ll be cleaning. If scraping mud off the sides of door panels is in your future, choose a cleaner that can tackle baked-on dirt. For motorists that stick to highway driving, a more forgiving cleaner will be suitable.
Detailing your vehicle may seem like a daunting task at first, but it can be an easy process if you follow these simple steps:
Of course, time and budget are also a factor. Mike Pennington, the Sr. Manager of Global Training at Meguiar’s, has been in the car detailing industry for over 30 years. He says the first things a car owner should consider are the following:
“All that is going to dictate what is the right must-have detailing product,” Pennington explains. “Whether that’s liquid, machine, sandpaper, brush… if you don’t have time to scrub your carpets, you don’t need a brush to scrub your carpets, because you’re not going to do it.”
In this article, along with sharing helpful purchasing tips for those interested in purchasing a car detailing kit, we reviewed the top five detailing kits in 2023:
Below are some common frequently asked questions about car detailing kits:
Most car detailing kits are designed for exterior detailing , so vacuum cleaners are sold separately. Consider checking out our top picks for the best car vacuums if you want to spruce up your car’s interior .
Yes, it is cheaper to do a DIY wash and detail on your car. You do not need to pay extra service fees, plus washing your car yourself allows you to fine-detail areas of your vehicle you may find need extra care.
A foam wash sprayer, also known as a snow foam, acts as a layer of suds that lifts dirt, grime , and other contaminants from your car’s surface. Using a foam wash on your vehicle is a necessary first step before waxing your car and can make a major difference in its appearance.
Foam guns are designed to fit directly onto a garden hose for reliable use. Simply load it with soap and water, attach, and spray away.
Good car soaps and the best car interior detailers are usually separate items. Look for specialized, high-quality products that cleaner a variety of surfaces like vinyl, leather, cloth, and the car’s paint.
The best interior cleaners involve products suited for the interiors of your vehicle. Think a leather conditioner for upholstery, but also a nimble car vacuum to clean out nooks and crannies where trash might fall. Microfiber cloths are another mainstay in a car detailer’s arsenal.
To test each detailing kit, we wanted to consider accessories, cleaning, and quantity to ensure you get a full detailing experience and a kit that’s worth your value to last multiple cleans.
Accessories: When buying a detailing kit, you want a product that’s not only affordable and effective, but has all the items you need to get the cleaning job done. We compared accessories in each kit to see which detailing kit had the most high-quality accessories and cleaning products. The kits that had the most accessories scored highest in this category.
Cleaning: The main purpose of a detailing kit is to remove stains and grime from your car’s exterior. We tested each kit on different areas of our testing vehicles to show the comparison of each kit before and after detailing. The kits that showed the best before and after results scored highest in this category.
Quantity: Detailing kits are not always a small purchase, so you want a product that will last more than just one wash. We assessed this by seeing how much product was left and how well the brushes and accessories held up after one cleaning. The kits that had more than enough product for another cleaning scored high in this category.
Star ratings help us differentiate between the top-rated car detailing kits. These ratings also help us to provide you with an honest evaluation of each product in our review. For the auto detailing kits in this review, we calculated an average of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars.
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.
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