The mobile detailing chemicals you need to start are an all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, wheel cleaner, tire shine, car soap and leather conditioner. That covers cleaning the inside and outside of a car, which is where most new detailers begin. Paint correction needs polishes and pads, so it is not on this list. We cover that separately in DA polisher vs rotary polisher.
What to buy before your first mobile detail
Six products is enough to do a full interior and exterior clean. Each one below has a job, and you can add to the list once you know what your customers ask for. If you are still sorting out the equipment side, our guide to the best generator for mobile detailing is a good place to start.
All-purpose cleaner (APC)
An APC is the general cleaner you will use most. It comes in two types: alkaline and pH neutral.
For beginners, we recommend pH neutral, especially if you work mobile in the heat. It is more beginner-friendly, and you do not have to worry about chemical drip lines. Even diluted chemicals leave drip lines, so a pH-neutral product gives you more room for error when the car is sitting in the sun.
Window cleaner
There are many window cleaners to choose from, and many ways to use them. Some detailers even use their own rinseless wash as a window cleaner. We would suggest picking one method, learning it, and using it on every job until it is quick.
Wheel cleaner
Wheels collect brake dust and road grime, so they get their own cleaner instead of the APC. It is worth checking the label for the wheel finishes it is safe on before you use it on a customer’s car.
Tire shine
Tire shine is the finishing touch on the exterior. Finishes range from matte to high gloss, so we would choose one that matches the look your customers expect.
Car soap
We would suggest a pH-neutral automotive soap for the exterior wash. It is the product you will use the most of on every job, so it is worth buying it in a size that suits your volume.
Leather conditioner
Leather conditioner is the one interior product on this list that is not a general cleaner. It goes on leather seats and trim, and it is worth checking that the surface is real leather before you start.
How to mix and handle chemicals
Most of these products are concentrates, and you dilute them to the strength on the label. Our chemical dilution calculator works out how much concentrate and water you need for the size of bottle you are filling.
A few safety rules apply to every product:
- Read the label and the safety data sheet (SDS) before first use.
- Add chemical to water, not water to chemical.
- Never mix different chemicals together.
- Label every bottle you fill.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when mixing.
Overall
Overall, the mobile detailing chemicals we would suggest starting with are an all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, wheel cleaner, tire shine, car soap and leather conditioner. Those six are enough for a full interior and exterior clean. For the APC, we recommend pH neutral for beginners, especially if you work mobile in the heat. Whichever products you choose, it is worth reading the label and the SDS before first use, and diluting to the strength on the label.