Looking for that perfect Christmas gift or holiday gift idea for the car cover in your life? Not to worry. Today I’m going to break down a few of my favorite products ideal for washing and detailing vehicles.
Over the years, I’ve encountered a handful of car cleaning products that stand out, so decided to compile a short list if you’re currently shopping. Most of these make washing vehicles more efficient, and easier; they are also reasonably priced :)
Let me know in the comments if you have any other gift ideas to consider!
1. Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer
Features I like
- Lightweight, ideal for washing cars
- Under $200
- Includes accessories you need like a detergent tank
Where to Buy
If you’re looking for the perfect car cleaning gift idea for anyone who washes SUVs, campers, boats, and larger vehicles I highly recommend an electric pressure washer like this highly-related unit by Sunjoy.
This pressure washer less than $200, and includes everything you need to wash your vehicle more efficiently. This one has a detergent tank unlike similar models, ideal for routine washing.
Keep in mind, many foam cannons require a GPM (gallons per minute) rating of about 1.75, and a PSI rating of around 2,000. For daily washing and kicking off mud, dirt, you can’t go wrong with one of these.
2. Chemical Guys Rolling Car Wash Stool
Features I like
- Contains room for a car wash bucket
- Well-built and highly reviewed
- Designed by a detailing supplies company
Where to Buy
If you know the person you are gifting to spends a ton of time washing, waxing, and cleaning wheels…this is the ultimate back saver.
These car wash detailing carts are perfect because they include seats, a spot for spray bottles, and even a bucket.
Chemical Guys released this model not too long ago, and is the best rolling cart (with a seat) for washing and detailing in my opinion. Knee pads are one thing, sitting down is another!
3. Giantex Non-slip Platform
Features I like
- Safety features (non-slip surface and safety locks)
- Ultra-portable
- Made of lightweight and high-quality aluminum
Where to Buy
A good non-slip platform makes a great gift idea for anyone who washes large vehicles; truth be told: it’s really annoying to wash the roof of a car by hand.
I don’t like using extendable brushes (due to scratching) which is why I highly recommend a simple collapsable and lightweight platform like this one.
Giantex makes great products in this category, and I especially like the non-slip surface for washing vehicles. Many other ladders or stepstools don’t give you much room to work whereas this unit is a bit wider (great for setting a bucket full of suds).
4. C.R. Spotless Water Deionizer
Features I like
- Portable design, created for washing cars
- Replacement filters are widely available
- Single filter model also available
Where to Buy
If you’ve had any experience washing cars whatsoever, you know how important good quality water is. Unfortunately in many areas of the United States hard water spots are pretty common…leaving vehicles spotty looking whenever water dries.
For this reason, you may want to consider a portable water deionizer this holiday season. No matter where you live, this little device ensures water is filtered before it touches a vehicle.
Hard water spots can be difficult to remove from any vehicle, so any serious car lover who deals with this common problem will appreciate the gesture.
5. Linkable Hanging Shop Lights
Features I like
- Very bright, ideal for auto detailing
- Very affordable
- Easy to hang and replace if needed
Where to Buy
Many outdoor man-caves, shops, and garages simply aren’t bright enough. Most people don’t spend that much time in a garage (for example), but for any car lover, bright lights matter a lot.
I like these LED shop lights because they are super-bright, don’t require hard-wiring, and are ideal for waxing, detailing, or simply cleaning out a vehicle inside.
You can actually find a ton of different lights designed for auto detailing (some super portable).
Check out my post here where I cover 5 different lighting setups for auto detailing.
6. Adam’s Portable Detailing Cart
Features I like
- Collapsable
- Purpose-built for detailing with bottle holders and compartments
- Lightweight and high-quality casters for maneuverability
Where to Buy
In addition to a rolling cart (which can certainly help you wax and wash more comfortably), a rolling cart is an excellent choice for storage.
All the sprays, soaps, microfiber towels, and accessories someone needs to wash their vehicle can be conveniently wheeled outside.
This cart by Adam’s is ideal because it’s collapsable and doesn’t take up much space, but they do make larger carts as well that can hold a 5-gallon bucket.
Check out these 7 awesome carts for auto detailing if you’re considering this gift and need more ideas!
7. Flexilla Garden Hose
Features I like
- One of the highest-rated hoses for detailing
- Made with aircraft aluminum ends
- Won’t kink under pressure
Where to Buy
This model by Flexilla is not your grandparent’s water hose! Hoses have come a long way, and many detailers love this model by Flexilla. It’s made of a hybrid polymer that’s safe for drinking water.
Best of all, this hose won’t kink and will hold up if left outside. Anyone can use a high-quality water hose, which is why I think this is one of the most practical gifts you can give to a car lover.
8. SPTA Portable Orbital Car Polisher
Features I like
- A complete kit
- Inexpensive, ideal for beginners
- Variable speed (6 speeds!)
Where to Buy
If you’re gifting to someone just getting into washing/detailing, I highly recommend a polisher set like this one. Dual action polishers are quite expensive, but for less than $100 you can definitely learn some basic techniques with this thing
This kit comes with everything someone needs to get started polishing a vehicle, like:
- A polisher
- Wool pads and foam polishing pads
- A carrying case
- A bottle of compound and polish
- Towels and a cleaning tool
Commercial-grade polishers cost several hundred dollars, but a kit like this is hard to find in stores considering all the extras.
9. Chemical Guys 14-piece Car Wash Kit
Features I like
- All-in-one package from an established brand
- Contains products + a bucket and accessories
- Includes a foam gun ($30-$50 alone)
Where to Buy
As someone who has received several of these ‘car cleaning’ gifts for Christmas over the years, I will say this 14-piece set by Chemical Guys is the one I wish I would have received!
All the products are high quality, and it comes with everything from a bucket (and grit guard) to a tire brush, to waxes, shampoos, and even a foam gun.
I have one of these foam guns at home, and this thing is my go-to device for spreading a layer of suds on my vehicle.
10. Chemical Guys Car Wash Bucket Dolly
Features I like
- All-in-one package from an established brand
- Contains products + a bucket and accessories
- Includes a foam gun ($30-$50 alone)
Where to Buy
As someone who has received several of these ‘car cleaning’ gifts for Christmas over the years, I will say this 14-piece set by Chemical Guys is the one I wish I would have received!
All the products are high quality, and it comes with everything from a bucket (and grit guard) to a tire brush, to waxes, shampoos, and even a foam gun.
I have one of these foam guns at home, and this thing is my go-to device for spreading a layer of suds on my vehicle. When it’s cold outside and you don’t want to dip a wash mitt in a cold bucket of water, spraying soap and water on a vehicle is much more comfortable.
I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift this holiday season. If you still need a few more ideas, check out my Recommended Gear section where you can find a ton of my favorite detailing items by category.