The 10 Best Car Cleaning Products of 2020

Best Car Vacuum: HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum Cleaner

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When you need to vacuum off your seats, car mats, and in all the nooks and crannies of your vehicle, you need a product like the HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum. While you might think a cordless model would be more convenient, the short runtime of battery-powered vacuums often makes them frustrating to use when you’re cleaning out your car. 

This portable vacuum is one of the best out there thanks to its powerful suction, HEPA filter, various attachments, and LED light, which helps you see into those dark corners under and next to your seats. Plus, it has a 16.4-foot power cord that plugs right into your car’s 12V outlet. The vacuum comes with a tube attachment for reaching into awkward areas, a fabric tool for upholstery, a hose with a taped nozzle, and a storage bag. Reviewers are consistently impressed with the suction power this vacuum delivers, and many note it’s incredibly handy and easy to use.

Best Soap: Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Car Wash

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If you're looking for the best car cleaning products, you need a great soap to start. One of the best car soaps you’ll find today is the Honeydew Snow Foam Wash from Chemical Guys. This soap comes in 16-ounce, half-gallon, and gallon containers, and the pH-neutral formula is gentle on your wax coating, but effective on dirt and grime. 

For heavy-duty jobs, pair this soap with a foam cannon for extra foaming power, which will save you from having to scrub too hard, which can ultimately scratch your car. The concentrated formula will last you for a long time, as you only need one cap full per five gallons of water, so even the smallest bottle will last you plenty of washes. Reviewers love the thick foam this product delivers, and many say it cuts back on the elbow grease needed to get your car squeaky clean.

Best Car Wax: MEGUIAR'S Ultimate Liquid Wax

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If you want to protect your car from environmental damage while making it look sparkly and new, one of the best car waxes on the market is Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax. This liquid wax is easy to apply thanks to its “ThinFilm” technology—you can even wax your car in full sun! The synthetic wax can be applied by hand or with a dual-action polisher, and it doesn’t leave any white residue on the trim or plastic parts of your vehicle. 

This liquid wax contains synthetic polymers that form a long-lasting protective barrier and give your car a mirror-like shine. Additionally, it will increase the surface tension of the paint so water will roll right off. Many reviewers say it’s surprisingly easy to use and lasts much longer than carnauba wax.

Best Car Cleaning Kit: Armor All Complete Car Care Kit

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You could buy all the car cleaning supplies you need one at a time, or you could get them bundled with the popular Armor All Complete Car Care Kit, which includes four essential car cleaning products. 

This affordable car cleaning kit includes Armor All Original Protectant, Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax, Armor All Tire Foam Protectant, and Armor All Glass Wipes—basically, everything you need to clean the outside of your car from top to bottom. The products are designed to clean, shine, and protect your vehicle, and reviewers say this kit delivers the most bang for your buck thanks to its low price and unbeatable performance. 

Best All-in-One Cleaner: SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat

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This top-rated product is an amazing all-in-one car cleaner that will cut through dirt, grease, and grime without any water and deliver a clear protective shield and beautiful gloss in just a few minutes. 

This premium ceramic car coating is gentle yet effective. The three-in-one formula won’t streak or smear, and it can be applied to your whole car in under 15 minutes—your just spray it on, then wipe it off without using any water. Reviewers swear by this product, writing that it “makes the dirt slide away like butter” and leaves their cars looking beautifully clean and polished.

Best Chrome Cleaner: Quickway Brands Quick-Glo Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover

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For a non-toxic chrome cleaner, your best bet is Quick-Glo, a product popularized by its use on the TV show Jay Leno's Garage. This chrome cleaner and rust remover lives up the hype, effectively cleaning and polishing chrome without any need for water, gloves, or face masks. 

Quick-Glo uses a water-based pumice paste to scrub away rust or oxidation, and as you work, the pumice stone breaks down into smaller pieces, effectively polishing the chrome at the same time. Once the rust is gone, the product forms a protective barrier that will last for up to a year, preventing future harm and oxidation. Plus, because it doesn’t require any water, it’s great for quick touch-ups. 

Best Leather Seat Cleaner: Lexol Leather Conditioner and Cleaner Kit

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You can protect your car’s leather seats with the Lexol Leather Conditioner and Cleaner Kit, which includes everything you need to follow their two-step process. First, you go in with the Lexol All-Leather Cleaner, which lifts away dirt and oils. Next, you preserve and protect your car seats with the All Leather Deep Conditioner, which nourishes the material without leaving a gross, greasy residue behind.

Reviewers say it’s one of the best products out there for leather seats—and some even use it on leather furniture in their home. Just a note: It's always best to patch test before your clean all of your seats in case the cleaner reacts with something on your seats.

Best Upholstery Seat Cleaner: Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner

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If your upholstered car seats have seen better days, you can clean them up with the Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner. The aviation-grade product removes all sorts of stains, including food spills, body oils, lotion, makeup, and more. All you have to do is spray the area with the cleaner, then gently rub or blot with a damp towel. Follow up with a dry towel, and just like that the stains are gone. 

Reviewers say this product has an incredibly subtle scent and works better than any other upholstery cleaner. Reviewers say it makes quick work of even the toughest stains, including ones that have been set in for a while.

Best Headlight Cleaner: Turtle Wax 2-in-1 Headlight Cleaner and Sealant

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Hazy headlights don’t stand a chance against the Turtle Wax 2-in-1 Headlight Cleaner and Sealant. This popular product restores clarity and prevents yellowing in one easy step, making it ideal for anyone who wants to touch up their headlights, as well as owners who want to maintain their cars. 

The Turtle 2-in-1 Cleaner uses a combination of OEM cleaner acrylic resins and silicone resins to fill and seal imperfections on your headlights, and it also creates a lasting protective barrier that will prevent future oxidation and cloudiness. It can be used on headlights and tail lights, and it can even be applied to clear plexiglass or other translucent plastics.