Best Car Wash Kit: Spiff Up Your Ride

Best Overall: Chemical Guys 14-Piece Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit

Best Value: Turtle Wax Complete Carnauba Wash & Wax Kit

Honorable Mention: Adam's Arsenal Builder 21 Item Car Wash Kit

Most Versatile: Meguiar's Complete Car Care Kit

Premium Pick: Armor All Premier Car Care Kit

I made sure to pick reputable brands that are well-known in the industry. Most of these companies have been in business for decades and have spent many years perfecting their formulas so consumers have access to the best cleaning supplies. I also looked at the types of items included in each bundle, so you're not paying for products you don't need and are getting products you will actually use. I also understand that car owners have different budgetary requirements. As a result, I chose a wide range of products for those who have the ability to splurge to those who just want a basic kit with traditional car cleaning supplies. I avoided products from unknown manufacturers and kits with smaller bottles and items that don't last very long. 

Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.

My top pick for the best car wash kit is the Chemical Guys 14-Piece Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit because it has top-quality products that deliver show-worthy results. For a more affordable option, try the Turtle Wax Complete Carnauba Wash & Wax Kit, which gives you a simple yet effective wash and wax solution.

The number of products you need in your kit will depend on how detailed of a wash you want to do. A simple wash and wax only may only need maybe two or three products. A more detailed washing could require six or seven different products. Try to avoid products that try to do too many things at once. They do a lot, but none of it well. Instead of a wash and wax combo, look for a kit that has separate wash and wax solutions. In addition, your car has multiple exterior materials, so look for a kit that can address all of these different surfaces. For example, this could include solutions for paint, metal, plastic, glass, and rubber. This will give you the best finish and protection for each material type.

Some kits come with more than just the cleaning products. These kits are nice because you don’t need to purchase anything in addition to the kit. A bucket keeps everything organized in storage and is useful during washing. A foam cannon works with specially designed soap to create a thick layer of suds over your vehicle, eliminating the need for the bucket. Other accessories to consider are a mitt or sponge to wash with, an application pad for wax, a tire brush, tire shine applicator, and microfiber towels. The more products you have in your kit, the more tools you will need. It’s best to use a separate applicator for each product so that you don’t have cross contamination degrading the effectiveness of each product. 

You can buy a simple car wash kit for less than $50. However, it will have a limited number of products and tools. It will also be basic quality formulas that will not provide any specialized cleaning ability or protection for your car. More expensive kits tend to come with more supplies.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.