Products you will need before you start your own detailing service.

[NY detailer]

I got a few emails on what people should buy to start a detailing service. Below is a list of things that i could think of off the top of my head.

EXTERIOR DETAILING SUPPLIES
1. Buckets
2. Wash mitts
3. Soap
4. Tire & Wheel brushes
5. Clay
6. Water blades
7. Wheel dressing
8. Micro fiber drying towels
9. Window cleaner
10. Compound
11. Swirl mark remover
12. Polish
13. Wax
14. Paint sealant
15. Chrome & metal polish
16. Molding restorer
17. Bug & tar remover
18. Degreaser
19. Dual action polisher (porter cable)
20. Rotary machine (Makita)
21. Pads for all machines and products
22. Extension cords
23. Q-tips
24. Tooth picks

INTERIOR DETAILING SUPPLIES
1. All purpose cleaner plus
2. Carpet brushes
3. Wet/Dry vacuum
4. Leather cleaner & conditioner
5. Vinyl cleaner & dressing
6. Plastic cleaner & dressing
7. Q-tips
8. Tooth picks
9. Detailing brushes
10. Window cleaner
11. Micro fiber towels
12. Air freshener

[4DSC]

Yikes! The scary part is, most of us probably have 90% of all that stuff... just in smaller amounts.

[Nitrous115]

What is the all purpose cleaner used for?

[NY detailer]

the all purpose cleaner plus is a cleaner that cleans just about anything.
carpets, vinyl, wheels, tires, wax remover, etc....

[FNG]

Things I dont have...yet.

Exterior
10. Compound
11. Swirl mark remover
17. Bug & tar remover
18. Degreaser
20. Rotary machine (Makita)

Interior
4. Leather cleaner & conditioner
6. Plastic cleaner & dressing
12. Air freshener


I finished doing my friends Toyota truck yesterday and 2 other people came up and asked how much I would charge to do their car. Im kicking myself really really hard because I didnt take pictures. I would say it was a dramatic change and the shine was great. Some of the carpet stains are still there because I dont have the right vacuum attachment for sucking up water.

I used almost everything you listed but my question is can DACP be used for the compound/SMR and APC+ for a degreaser/bug and tar remover? For leather, im trying Lexol products. I dont know anyone close to me with a leather interior so I have no experience doing it. What are you using for plastic cleaner/conditioner? Can Meguiars #40 substitute it? Where do you get your air fresheners? A place I used to work at ordered it from Auto Magic and it came in gallons. I think you had to mix them with water. Thanks.

[TurboCat]

NY Detailer,

I just want to compliment you on your posts. They are very thorough and extremely helpful!

Thanks for sharing!

[Kyle K.]

Sweeet, that's a very helpful post. You're the man.

I've got almost all of that stuff now except for the rotary and tar/bug remover... oh well

FNG, on the CMA page for EFHI (http://www.properautocare.com/hi-c32.html ) it says it can be used full strength for tar & asphalt, tree sap, and adhesive residues. I guess that means I've got a bug/tar remover too then. I need more of this stuff... its good for everything!

[NY detailer]

Originally posted by FNG

I used almost everything you listed but my question is can DACP be used for the compound/SMR and APC+ for a degreaser/bug and tar remover? For leather, im trying Lexol products. I dont know anyone close to me with a leather interior so I have no experience doing it. What are you using for plastic cleaner/conditioner? Can Meguiars #40 substitute it? Where do you get your air fresheners? A place I used to work at ordered it from Auto Magic and it came in gallons. I think you had to mix them with water. Thanks.

I have used DACP a few times but I really dont remember the results I got with it. All i remember is that it is a pain in the butt to remove.

APC+ would be a great degreaser for you. I have never used it for bug & tar but I think it might work.
This could also be used to clean plastic and then i would top of with #40.

Hope this helps you out.
NYD

[Veri]

Toothpicks. Hmm, what for...?

[Scottwax]

Originally posted by Polaris
Toothpicks. Hmm, what for...?

I use them to get the grime that builds up around the screws on the door sills of Suburbans and GM trucks, as well as the screws inside the door handles of the same vehicles.

Brian-next time you use DACP, make sure you work it until nearly clear and dry, then it will wipe off with no effort.

[Bumpers Plus]

I use a little swirl free with my dacp for help with removal. May I add a air compressor for the list of equipment needed. I use mine to get the water out of crevices,moldings,etc. Also, for cleaning vents, in between seats, seat tracks, tracks in minivans, etc.

[Nitrous115]

I don't really understand the difference between DACP and any swirl remover. When do you use DACP and when do you use a different product?