The Best Car Wash Kit

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray
Published on
February 25th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the ASD (Advanced Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician),
WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), and bio hazard cleanup, as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning dates all the way back to keeping his rugby gear tidy while a young lad. Ben holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a mountain of hands on experience at the school of hard knocks.

The Cleaning Institute

One of the easiest ways to keep a vehicle looking newer longer is to make regular car washes part of your routine. And while a bucket of soapy water and a rag might get the job done, in order for it to look really good, you need to use the right tools. We spent a weekend testing some of the most popular car wash kits to see how they really performed against the grime and grit our cars pick up, and we recommend Chemical Guys HOL 132 Best Car Wash Bucket Kit. It has everything you need for a thorough cleaning that won’t break your back or leave your car with soapy or waxy residue. We also think Turtle Wax 50754 Ultimate Car Care Kit deserves an honorable mention, and Chemical Guys HOL401 Eco Friendly Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash & Wax Kit is the best environmentally friendly choice.

Testing Categories

Application – Each of these car wash kits is outfitted a little differently, with application methods ranging from the old fashioned bucket full of water with washing solution added, to wash-and-wax spray, to a waterless-spray formula. For all three products, application is the first step. Some require a rinse and then dry while others allow users to go from washing to drying. Two of the kits included specialty products like tire care spray or gel, which we also tested. All three products include specialty towels for drying. We tried out all of the car wash kits according to product directions under ordinary conditions. Our criteria for rating each product’s application was how easy the car wash kit was to use according to their instructions.

Effectiveness – Anyone who washes their car wants to see a noticeable difference, and that’s how we evaluated the effectiveness of these three car wash kits. We looked for any dirt or grime left behind, as well as swirls, scratches, blemishes, or other marks that didn’t get cleaned away. We also tried out all of the accompanying products—like waxes and tire sprays—to see if they also cleaned according to package claims.

Packaging – According to our consumer research, the greatest complaint that customers had about car wash kits was when the packaging failed and caused the product to leak. A car wash kit is great but not if it leaks car wash solution all over the place. We reviewed the packaging of the shipment itself, as well as the packaging of the individual items. We looked to see if anything was damaged during shipping, and we also inspected the condition of each item to see how well it held up to ordinary usage and storage. Product packaging ranged from unscrew-and-pour, to spray bottles where the nozzle needed to be turned to open or close it, to squeeze bottles.

Usage – We used each car wash kit according to package instructions and evaluated how well they performed by how many car washes they provided. We found that even though instructions provided guideance on how much product to use, some variables might influence the number of washes possible per kit; for example, someone washing a large SUV will naturally use more product than someone washing a compact car simply because of the larger square footage that needs to be cleaned.

Top Pick

Chemical Guys
Best Car Wash Bucket Kit,
with Dirt Trap by Chemical Guys

Make washing your car a breeze with this car wash kit that includes everything needed for a clean, lint-free finish. From the bucket to the soap, everything was designed for a solid DIY job.

Price Check

We loved that this car wash kit really did include everything needed to give our cars a thorough cleaning, right down providing the bucket. With this kit, all we had to do was just add water. Having the choice of two kinds of soap (Mr. Pink for light wash, Citrus Wash & Gloss for deeper cleaning) allows for custom treatment depending on need. Gentle cleansers are effective in removing dirt while preserving the glossy exterior paint. And the dirt trap that fits into the bucket really does hold back the grit that was just removed from being rubbed back into the paint and possibly scratching it. The bucket is sturdy and withstood energetic washing activity. The chenille microfiber wash mitt is gentle on the car’s finish, and the absorbent Miracle Dryer microfiber towel leaves behind virtually no lint, especially when used with the kit’s After Wash Spray for improved shine. Go the extra mile with the Diablo Wheel Gel for the most well-rounded cleaning; the bucket lid even does double duty by providing a compact seat for easily reaching all parts of the wheel.

Most notable upside: In addition to being a highly effective car wash kit, the products have a pleasant scent.

Biggest downsides: Folks who’d like to use the two-bucket method for washing the car will still need to invest in an additional bucket. And the kit lacks a wheel brush even though it includes a wheel cleaner. Some packaging defects were also noted, where product leaked during shipping.

5/5
Application
5/5
Effectiveness
4/5
Packaging
5/5
Usage

Bottom Line: By including everything you need for a good car wash except tire brushes, this a smart choice in car wash kits. Two kinds of soap, a sturdy bucket, and a dirt trap help this set stand out from the crowd.

Honorable Mention

Turtle Wax
Ultimate Car Care
Kit by Turtle Wax

Save time and money by washing & waxing your car with this kit. Its carnauba wax, interior products, and microfiber towels will make your car look great inside and out.

Price Check

This car wash kit goes the extra mile by including interior and glass cleaning products. Start with the Zip Wax Wash to wash and wax the exterior, followed by the Wet\\\'N Black Tire Shine, which only needs to be sprayed on the tires. Take care of the interior with the Odor-X Travel Spray, Dash & Glass, and Inside & Out Protectant. The Scratch & Swirl Remover and Wax & Dry Spray Wax ensure a perfect finish when used with the accompanying microfiber towels, buffing out blemishes and minor scratches. The special formula ensures that the paint is protected against the damaging effects of UV rays. Having a variety of products to choose from allows for a total custom car wash and saves money.

Most notable upside: Enjoy the cost savings of multiple products and product types sold as part of a single kit.

Biggest downsides: This car wash kit does not include a bucket. According to our testing, the interior and the tires could be shinier. And like our top pick, there are packaging issues where products leaked during shipping.

4/5
Application
4/5
Effectiveness
4/5
Packaging
3/5
Usage

Bottom Line: An effective and time-saving car wash kit, this Turtle Wax product includes the natural carnauba wax the brand is known for, although you’d expect the packaging to be better from this brand.

Green Pick

Chemical Guys Eco Friendly
Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash
& Wax Kit by Chemical Guys

Take care of keeping your car clean while taking it easy on the environment with this unique waterless car wash kit that includes several towels and a multipurpose cleaning solution.

Price Check

We were skeptical that any car wash kit that called itself waterless could get the job done but we were wrong; this environmentally friendly kit requires no more water than what’s needed to prep the cleaning solution—no rinse necessary. And it’s so easy to use, according to our testers: just spray down the car with the atomizer, buff, and wipe; no additional water needed. The kit comes with several towels; there’s one type to apply the cleaning solution and one type to buff it away. Our testers felt the towels were pretty high quality. Some folks described how much time they thought they’d save compared to traditional car washing methods. Natural carnauba wax, one of the cleanser’s ingredients, even provides better shine and protection of the car’s paint while gently removing dirt and grime. None of our testers noted any product leakage during shipping.

Most notable upside: This multipurpose washing product effectively cleans the wheels and windows, too.

Biggest downsides: This kit works best on light to moderately dirty vehicles. For very dirty cars and trucks, you might need a different product.

5/5
Application
3/5
Effectiveness
5/5
Packaging
3/5
Usage

Bottom Line: For a product that cleans without additional water, this set is effective yet environmentally friendly when it comes to water usage. While not for the dirtiest vehicles, it’s effective on light dirt.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Car Washing

It’s a good idea to have a plan of action for washing your car. While some folks are satisfied with the one-bucket method, other drivers swear by the two-bucket method where one bucket is just for soapy water and one bucket is just for clean water. Also, block out enough time to do the job well. Make sure you’re not rushed because working hastily can leave swirl marks, water marks, and/or missed spots on the surface of the vehicle. Finally, have a strategy for taking care of the interior, too. Some of these car wash kits include products designed for cleaning and improving the shine of vehicle interiors; have a plan B if you’ve chosen a different kit.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Car wash kits generally have few safety and storage warnings. People with sensitive skin may want to wear gloves to prevent skin irritation, or don protective eyewear to keep from splashing soapy water into their eyes, although these incidents are uncommon. Storing products sealed and upright is preferred to avoid accidental spillage or leaking. Some people store their car wash supplies in a bucket and this can reduce the possibility of needing to clean up after a product leak.

The Best Car Wash Kit

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Chemical Guys
Best Car Wash Bucket Kit,
with Dirt Trap by Chemical Guys

Application

Effectiveness

Packaging

Usage

Turtle Wax
Ultimate Car Care
Kit by Turtle Wax

Application

Effectiveness

Packaging

Usage

Chemical Guys Eco Friendly
Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash
& Wax Kit by Chemical Guys

Application

Effectiveness

Packaging

Usage

All Our Picks

Chemical Guys
Best Car Wash Bucket Kit,
with Dirt Trap by Chemical Guys

Turtle Wax
Ultimate Car Care
Kit by Turtle Wax

Chemical Guys Eco Friendly
Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash
& Wax Kit by Chemical Guys

Tips for Effective Car Washing

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Car Wash Kit

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Chemical Guys Best Car Wash Bucket Kit,with Dirt Trap by Chemical Guys

Application

Effectiveness

Packaging

Usage

Turtle Wax Ultimate Car Care Kit by Turtle Wax

Application

Effectiveness

Packaging

Usage

Chemical Guys Eco Friendly Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash& Wax Kit by Chemical Guys

Application

Effectiveness

Packaging

Usage

All Our Picks

Chemical Guys Best Car Wash Bucket Kit,with Dirt Trap by Chemical Guys

Turtle Wax Ultimate Car Care Kit by Turtle Wax

Chemical Guys Eco Friendly Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash& Wax Kit by Chemical Guys

Tips for Effective Car Washing

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Chemical Guys
Best Car Wash Bucket Kit,
with Dirt Trap by Chemical Guys

Turtle Wax
Ultimate Car Care
Kit by Turtle Wax

Chemical Guys Eco Friendly
Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash
& Wax Kit by Chemical Guys

Chemical Guys
Best Car Wash Bucket Kit,
with Dirt Trap by Chemical Guys

Turtle Wax
Ultimate Car Care
Kit by Turtle Wax

Chemical Guys Eco Friendly
Drought-Buster Waterless Car Wash
& Wax Kit by Chemical Guys