The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (2023)

As a professional automotive detailer, you need the best tools at your disposal to provide your customers the cleanliness they expect, that's why you will want to have a carpet extractor. A carpet extractor is used to extract dirt, chemicals, stains, oil, grease, food, or anything else out of the carpets, seats, and upholstery.

Having a carpet extractor will save you time, it's a lot faster and physically easier for you, as a professional auto detailer, to use an extractor to clean your customers cars. It is possible to achieve similar results if you use a carpet drill brush, a steamer and some cotton terry towels or compressed air, but the carpet extractor saves a lot of the time and physical energy exerted as compared to using the other methods.

Starting out as a professional auto detailer, you do not need the top of the line extractors that are available, you should focus on what you can afford at this point in your business without going into debt. If you feel like you are ready for the higher tiered models then you can upgrade later. I recommend you stay with a lower priced extractor until you are financially ready and feel it worth purchasing the higher priced extractor.

As long as you are able to deliver high quality results to your customers in a quick and efficient manner, you can continue to run a profitable and successful auto detailing business.

Some professional detailers don't even feel the need to upgrade their extractor because they have an efficient system with an affordable extractor in place to detail the interiors of their customers cars. No matter which extractor you get, it is recommended to vacuum loose dirt and particles prior to extracting. Also, pretreating with an APC and pre-scrubbing with a drill brush is definitely recommended for the best results.

Types of extractors

There are two different types of extractors on the market, cold water extractors and hot water extractors. Cold water extractors will be inherently cheaper than hot water extractors because complexity in adding a heating element to the mix.

If just starting out, you will still find use with a cold water extractor, it might not get the exact results as the hot water counterpart, but you will still be able to pull the nasty build up in your customers carpets and seats. If you also have a steamer, you can use it in conjunction with your cold water extractor to still achieve great results.

Every extractor comes with a water input reservoir and a waste/output reservoir. It is important to pay attention to the sizes of these on each model, it will let you know how long of working time you will get before having to refill new water or dump out the old water. If you have reservoirs that are too small, you will spend extra time having to empty and refill multiple times for a single vehicle.

Most affordable Auto Detailing Extractors under $200

Bissell Little Green Machine

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (1)

The Bissell little green machine is a compact and portable cold water extractor. This little machine doesn't look like much, but when you need to have your extractor for a tough spot or stain, it is surprising that this little guy can still get it out.

Since the input and output reservoirs are not large, it is not practical to use this for a full interior extraction, you might find it useful to just use on carpet floor mats, or just on the driver's side seat where the most dirt and grime can build up within the fabric.

The bissell little green machine has a tank capacity of 3/8 gallon, the hose length is 4 feet long and the cord length is 15 feet long. It comes with a 3 inch extractor head.

The MSRP for the Bissell Little Green Machine is $109.99.

Bissell 3624 spot clean professional carpet extractor

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (2)

The next step up in the Bissell line is the Bissell 3624. This machine is still a portable machine but does offer more tank size than it's little green counterpart. It also has the highest suction rating of the Bissell portable machines.

The tank size is more than twice the size than the little green. This will give you a much longer run time between having to empty and refill. However, you still won't be able to do an entire car interior without having to do this multiple times at this tank size.

This Bissell machine, has the largest tank capacity out of the starter extractors.

Starting out, this extractor is a great option for the price point for you to be able to use to get a feel for an extractor and the process of using it for professional detailing.

The Bissell 3624 spot clean professional has a tank capacity of 3/4 gallon. It has a cord length of 20 feet and a hose length of 5 feet. It does come with two extractor heads, one at 3 inches and another at 6 inches.

The MSRP for the Bissell 3624 spot clean professional carpet extractor is $159.99.

Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (3)

The Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner is another great budget option as an auto detailing extractor.

The Rug Doctor Extractor head is 4.25 inches and has scrubbing bristles that can be used to scrub dirt and grime out of the carpets. If you pretreat and pre-scrub the carpets before extraction, which I highly recommend, then you will not need these bristles. The bristles can also make it harder to move the head back and forth over a larger area.

(Video) The BEST Extractor For Interior Car Cleaning | $100 Bissell ProHeat vs $2,000 Prospector 500

The Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner has wheels and a retractable handle to wheel it around like a suitcase which can be useful. Be careful while extracting though that you don't pull the unit over and it fall into the side of the car on the paint.

The Rug Doctor has a hose length of 5 feet. The tank capacity is 1/2 gallon which is the largest out of these first 3 affordable extractors.

The Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner MSRP price is $149.99.

Bissell
Little Green
Rug Doctor Bissell
3624
Price $109.99 $149.99 $159.99
Tank Size 0.375 gal 0.5 gal 0.75 gal
Extractor
Head
3" 4.25" 3" and 6"
Heat No No No
Weight 9.6 lbs 19 lbs 13 lbs
Hose Length 4 ft 5 ft 5 ft
Cord Length 15 ft 15 ft 20 ft
Made in USA No No No

Best Starter Commercial Auto Detailing Extractors under $1,000

With commercial extractors you get better maneuverability, better suction, a longer hose and larger tank capacity. The water lift ratings and CFM are important to pay attention to.

The water lift is the more important number to compare, this will basically tell how much suction and power the unit has and how well it will pull and extract the carpets and upholstery.

Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is how much air flow Per minute is moved. It takes into account the size of the extractor head and translates to how much work is being done.

Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) is how much pressure the spray nozzle will put out on the upholstery tool. The higher the PSI, the less you will have to work to get the deeper grime out of the carpets and upholstery.

Aquapro Vac Extractor

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (4)

The Aquapro Vac Extractor is our first of the starter extractors to go through. This machine is a great cold water extractor. It has four castor wheels to easily navigate while you are extracting.

The Aquapro Vac Extractor has a clean water tank of 1.5 gallons and a 2 gallon recovery/waste tank. The power cord length is 17 feet and weighs 31 pounds empty.

The Aquapro Vac hose length is 9 feet long. The water lift rating is 79" and the CFM is 63.

The MSRP for the AquaPro Vac extractor is $475.

Sandia Spotter 50-1000 Carpet Extractor

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (5)

The Sandia Spotter 50-1000 Carpet Extractor is another great machine. The Sandia brand is made in the USA for those who would like to know and if it makes a difference in your purchasing decision.

The Sandia Spotter 50-1000 carpet extractor is a solid extractor and has a good water lift of 76" and a CFM of 100. The Sandia does have two rear wheels for moving it around as you work around the car.

The tank size of the Sandia Spotter 50-1000 is 3 gallons which is the largest of the starter commercial detailing extractors. The hose length is 7 feet long with a 4 inch upholstery tool.

The Sandia Spotter 50-1000 has a 20 foot cord and weighs 19 pounds empty, which may seem surprising because the tank size is the largest.

The MSRP for the Sandia Spotter 50-1000 Extractor is $540.

Mytee’s S-300 Tempo Extractor

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (6)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (7)

(Video) Best Extractor & Steamer For 99% of Beginner Detailers... GIVEAWAY!

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (8)

The Mytee brand is the top brand in the extractor business. You won't go wrong investing into a Mytee extractor because they really are that good! All Mytee extractors are manufactured in the Mytee California, USA warehouse.

There are a few different models of extractors they offer, the Mytee S-300 Tempo Upholstery Spotter is a great cold water extractor for those who are starting out. You won't have to worry about this wearing out for many years to come.

The Mytee S-300 comes on 4 caster wheels like the Aquapro Vac so it is easy to maneuver. The Mytee S-300 Tempo has a cord length of 25 feet and weighs 25 pounds empty.

The Mytee S-300 has a clean water tank size of 1 gallon and a recovery tank of 1 gallon. The hose length is 8 feet long and the upholstery tool is 4 inches.

The water lift on the Mytee S-300 is an incredible 85" and the CFM is 97. As you can see, these numbers are quite a step up from the AquaPro Vac, which is why there is the higher price point for the Mytee S-300.

This Mytee is definitely a great option and my recommendation for a starter auto detailing business extractor.

The MSRP for the Mytee S-300 Tempo Extractor is $575.

Mytee S-300H Tempo Heated Extractor

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (9)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (10)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (11)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (12)

The next step up in the commercial auto detailing extractors is the heated version of the Mytee S-300. This is the Mytee S-300H Tempo Heated Extractor.

The Mytee S-300H Tempo is very similar to the cold water version with the same specs as it's counterpart, but it does have the heated element which makes cleaning carpets and upholstery quicker than with just cold water.

The Mytee S-300H has a clean water tank size of 1 gallon and a recovery tank of 1 gallon. The hose length is 8 feet long and the upholstery tool is 4 inches. It does weigh an extra 3 pounds compared to the non-heated version coming in at 28 lbs empty. The cord length is 25 feet long.

The Mytee S-300H Tempo has a 600 Watt heating element which will heat the water to roughly 140 degrees Fahrenheit. With a heated extractor, it is recommended to do one pass with water and two passes without water to allow time for the heating element to keep up.

This is definitely the best hot water extractor for auto detailers who are starting out, the price point and reliability of this Mytee Extractor is the best.

The MSRP for the Mytee S-300H Tempo Heated Extractor is $825.

(Video) Never Buy An Expensive Extractor Again

AquaProVac Sandia Spotter Mytee S-300 Mytee S-300-H
Price $475 $540 $575 $825
Tank Size 1.5 gal 3 gal 1 gal 1 gal
CFM 63 100 97 97
Water Lift 79" 76" 85" 85"
Heat No No No Yes
Max Temp - - - 210
PSI 58 55 55 55
Weight 31 lbs 19 lbs 25 lbs 28 lbs
Hose Length 9 ft 7 ft 7 ft 7 ft
Cord Length 17 ft 20 ft 25 ft 25 ft
Made in USA No Yes Yes Yes

Best High End Commercial Auto Detailing Extractors

Mytee Lite 8070 Heated Carpet Extractor

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (13)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (14)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (15)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (16)

The Mytee Lite 8070 extractor is a very popular extractor for auto detailers. This machine is definitely a step up in power and capacity than the Mytee S-300H we mentioned above.

The Mytee Lite has an impressive 100 CFM and a 130" water lift. The water lift is a big step up from the starter extractors above.

The Mytee Lite has a 4 gallon solution tank and a 4 gallon recovery tank which will really help speed up your detailing time with not having to empty and refill as often.

The heating element is an inline 1000 Watt heater which can get up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This extra heat will make tough jobs easier and require less scrubbing and less passes.

With the Mytee Lite, you get a 25 foot power cord, a 15 foot long hose, and a 4" upholstery tool.

You also get the mobility benefit with 2 fixed wheels and 2 caster wheels for easy maneuvering but also stability while detailing.

The MSRP for the Mytee Lite 8070 is $1208.

Mytee Grand Prix HP120 Heated Detail Extractor

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (17)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (18)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (19)

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (20)

Moving up to the Mytee Grand Prix HP120 will give you a much larger tank size.

The tank size on the grand prix is 10 gallons for the solution tank and 9 gallon recovery tank. This size will definitely help speed up your interior detail time.

(Video) BISSELL SPOTCLEAN PRO THE DIRTIEST SEAT I HAVE EVER CLEANED!!

With the Grand Prix HP 120, you will also get larger (10") and more durable wheels compared to the Mytee Lite 8070.

The Grand Prix comes with the 100 CFM and 130" water lift which will really help when extracting deeply matted dirt and grease.

The heating element is a little higher wattage at 1200 Watts which produces a 210 degree Fahrenheit maximum.

The Mytee Grand Prix HP120 power cord is 25 feet, the hose length is 15 feet and the upholstery tool is 4 inches.

The MSRP for the Mytee Grand Prix HP120 is $1869.

Sandia 6 Gallon Indy Automotive Extractor with Heat

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (21)

Moving onto the Sandia brand, we have the first of the two high end Sandia automotive extractors. The first one is the Sandia 86-4000-H 6 gallon Indy Extractor with heat.

This machine is a great option and is made in America like all Sandia products. With the Sandia 86-4000-H, you get 99 CFM and water lift of 117".

You get 6 gallon solution and recovery tank, as well as a 15 foot hose and a 25 foot power cord. The weight empty is 82 pounds.

The inline heater is 1200 Watts which will heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The MSRP of the Sandia 86-4000-H 6 Gallon is $1900.

Sandia 12 Gallon Indy Automotive Extractor with Heat

The Best Extractor for Professional Auto Detailing (22)

The next step up in the Sandia automotive line of extractors is the Sandia 80-4000-H Indy Heated Extractor.

This model has similar specs to the 6-gallon counterpart with 99 CFM and 117" water lift. The solution tank and recovery tank are 12 gallons which will reduce the amount of refills needed.

The inline heater is also 1200 Watts which brings the water to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for easier extraction.

The hose length is 15 feet and the power cord is 25 feet just like the 86-4000-H. The weight of the unit empty is 110 pounds.

The MSRP 80-4000-H Indy extractor is $2400.

Mytee
8070
Mytee
HP120
Sandia
86-4000-H
Sandia
80-4000-H
Price $1208 $1869 $1900 $2400
Tank Size 4 gal 10 gal 6 gal 12 gal
CFM 100 100 99 99
Water Lift 130" 130" 117" 117"
Heat Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max Temp 210 210 200 200
PSI 120 120 100 100
Weight 45 lbs 109 lbs 82 lbs 110 lbs
Hose Length 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft
Cord Length 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft
Made in USA Yes Yes Yes Yes

Conclusion

Some detailers might say that having an extractor is of great use to save time when detailing an interior, others do disagree with this statement. This is why I would recommend you first invest in a steamer and then one of the cheaper extractors listed above. Once you get your routine down, you will know whether or not you need to invest in a commercial extractor.

When using an automotive extractor for professional use, always pre-treat and pre-scrub the carpet, this will ensure the best results.

As always, I recommend not going into debt in your auto detailing business. Purchasing an extractor for your auto detailing business shouldn't be a first purchase unless you have the funds available. Save up a few weeks of detailing and invest back into your business by getting an extractor if you need one.

Below is a table which includes all of best extractors for professional auto detailing we walked through for a side by side comparison.

(Video) BISSEL SPOTCLEAN PRO UNBOXING AND DEMONSTRATION | Best Extractor For Car Detailing?

Bissell
Little Green
Rug Doctor Bissell
3624
AquaPro
Vac
Sandia Spotter Mytee S-300 Mytee S-300H Mytee
8070
Mytee
HP120
Sandia
86-4000-H
Sandia
80-4000-H
Price $109.99 $149.99 $159.99 $475 $540 $575 $825 $1208 $1869 $1900 $2400
Tank Size 0.375 gal 0.5 gal 0.75 gal 1.5 gal 3 gal 1 gal 1 gal 4 gal 10 gal 6 gal 12 gal
CFM - - - 63 100 97 97 100 100 99 99
Water Lift - - - 79" 76" 85" 85" 130" 130" 117" 117"
Heat No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max Temp - - - - - - 210 210 210 200 200
PSI - - - 58 55 55 55 120 120 100 100
Weight 9.6 lbs 19 lbs 13 lbs 31 lbs 19 lbs 25 lbs 28 lbs 45 lbs 109 lbs 82 lbs 110 lbs
Hose Length 4 ft 5 ft 5 ft 9 ft 7 ft 7 ft 7 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft
Cord Length 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 17 ft 20 ft 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft
Made in USA No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

As always, keep serving, keep learning, and keep growing your automotive business!

Full Disclosure, some of the links contained in this article are affiliate links, I do get a commission when you purchase at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to deliver great content for you, thank you for your support!

FAQs

What do professional car detailers use? ›

Professional detailers use microfiber towels to wash, dry and even apply wax to your car. This ultra-soft, microfiber material consists of thousands of tiny, highly absorbent fibers that encapsulate dirt and soils to protect your clear coat from scratches and swirls, drawing them away from your car's painted finish.

Does Auto Detailing need an extractor? ›

Extractors are essential pieces of equipment for detailers dealing with carpet and upholstery stains. People can be messy, and detailers know it. Vehicles are many people's homes away from home, so little messes are inevitable.

What is the best steam extractor? ›

  • Best Overall Steam Cleaner: Ewbank Steam Dynamo Steam Cleaner at Amazon. ...
  • Most Versatile Steam Cleaner: Black+Decker 7-in-1 Steam-Mop at Amazon. ...
  • Best Steam Cleaner for Hard Floors: Steamfast Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner at Amazon. ...
  • Best Lightweight Steam Cleaner: Karcher SC3 EasyFix Multipurpose Steam Cleaner at Amazon.
Oct 11, 2022

How do I make my car detail like a pro? ›

Interior car detailing pro tips
  1. Remove loose items. ...
  2. Start from the top. ...
  3. Look for the dust. ...
  4. Slide the seats forward. ...
  5. Brush and vacuum carpet and upholstery. ...
  6. Deep clean carpets and upholstery. ...
  7. Clean hard-to-reach places. ...
  8. Wipe and wash plastic surfaces.
Feb 8, 2022

Who is the best car detailer in the world? ›

'He' is Keith Richardson of Keith's Touch Paint Correction, and if you are currently involved in a love affair with a four-wheeled partner you need to know him, because the word going around amongst Los Angeles' car collectors and fanatics is that he is very likely the best auto detailer in the world.

How do detailers get cars so clean? ›

Dishwashing detergent is simply too harsh. It sucks important oils out of your car's finish and can actually shorten the life of your paint. A car detailer will use car wash soap for professional car detailing, like Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash.

What is the difference between a car detailing steamer and extractor? ›

With a steamer, you can clean leather and cloth seats, carpet mats, vinyl, plastic, headliner, engine, etc.. An extractor you can only clean carpet flooring, carpet mats, and cloth seats.

What do car detailers use to make your car smell good? ›

The most popular car deodorizer sprays are Vanilla Bean, New Car Scent, and Free Breezy. These car deodorizer sprays will not only leave a vehicle with a fresh scent, but will also deodorize and eliminate mal odors within the vehicle stemming…

What do professional car detailers use to clean windows? ›

Microfiber offers maximum results

However, microfiber towels are often the most commonly preferred cloth at professional carwashes when tackling glass cleaning. “Another way to [effectively clean glass] is by using a high-quality microfiber towel.

Is a steamer good for car detailing? ›

Steam is safe to use on every vehicle surface and is the perfect all-around tool for car detailing. Use it for a wide variety of auto detailing applications including: Cleaning car interiors, which includes leather or fabric seats, door jams, cup holders, dashboards, headliners, vents and central consoles.

Is a steam cleaner worth it for car detailing? ›

Yes. A steam cleaner is an excellent way to detail your car. It can destroy mold and allergens, as well as quickly remove caked-on gunk and grime. Using a steam cleaner can cut back on chemical use.

How do I choose an extractor fan? ›

The most important things to consider when purchasing an bathroom extractor fan:
  1. Learn about bathroom zones. ...
  2. Consider when you want your fan to operate. ...
  3. Think about noise levels. ...
  4. Research different designs. ...
  5. Decide on your air exchange rate. ...
  6. Think about exterior grilles. ...
  7. Consider a heat recovery option.
Feb 12, 2019

What products do professional car valeters use? ›

  • Car Paint Preparation. Metal. Paint.
  • Car Paint Sealant. Glass. Paint.
  • Car Panel Wiping.
  • Car Pre-Wash (Non-Traffic Film Remover)
  • Car Shampoo.
  • Miscellaneous.
  • Personalised Air Freshener.
  • Traffic Film Remover (TFR)
Dec 8, 2021

What do car detailers use to clean leather seats? ›

Professional car detailers use a specially formulated leather cleaner to clean and condition leather. A leather cleaner will remove even the toughest dirt and stains, while a leather conditioner will keep the leather protected for longer.

Do detailers make a lot of money? ›

Your gross earnings could be between $1000 per weekend or up to $4,000 per month. Talk about some extra income! Keep in mind that the average cost for supplies per car is about $5-10.

Do you tip a professional car detailer? ›

The standard tip for a car detailing service is 15%. If you're not sure how much to give, best practice is 10-15% of the total cost. For example if an auto detail costs $100 then leave a dollar or two as thanks (and because it's still technically called "tipping").

How do detailers remove scratches? ›

Car detailing can hide minor scratches through polishing, waxing, and sealing, but it cannot help with deep scratches. For repairing such a car scratch, you need to get professional services for your car's paint.

What do car detailers use to remove stains? ›

Detailers do not use ordinary soap. They will instead use a specific extractor soap. It is a unique soap designed for automobile interiors for those unfamiliar with extractor soap. The soap penetrates the fabric of the seats and carpet and begins to dissolve stains.

What do detailers clean dashes with? ›

Use a small detailer's brush and shop vacuum to remove dust and dirt from all the nooks and crannies on your dash and console. Hold the shop vacuum wand near your brush to suck up all the crud as you work your way down to the floor.

Why do detailers use a steamer? ›

Car Exterior

Steam cleaning is not only a safe and effective method of cleaning the exterior of a car, it also helps to keep its original shine and lustre. Hot steam breaks down dirt and dust without the need for harsh chemicals that could damage the paint.

Do car detailers remove mold? ›

This is a lot of work, which is why you may want to hire a professional car detailing service. Besides cleaning and disinfecting your car, they can also tackle any worrying signs of mold growth before it escalates into a full infestation.

Does steam remove car wax? ›

Steam doesn't damage the clear coat of the car, on the contrary, it rejuvenates the wax. The car body may be caked with tree sap, tiny grease spots from the road and brake dust. Steam cleaning the exterior surfaces of a vehicle helps remove even the most stubborn materials.

How do you deep clean car air vents? ›

Spray a can of compressed air (aka electonics duster) into the duct to get the dust out. Next, vacuum each of the vents as well as possible. Then, turn your air on full blast and vacuum them again. Finish up by spraying a clean microfiber cloth with car cleaner and wiping away any remaining dust from the vent slats.

Can car detailing remove smell? ›

Detailers will remove the interior panels of the vehicle, and apply fabric cleaner to all seats. With the interior stripped out, they'll also be able to find the cause of the odor and get rid of it.

Can I spray Lysol in my car vents? ›

On the outside of your vehicle at the bottom of the windshield, you'll see air intake vents. With the AC fan running at full power, you should be able to feel air being sucked in. Take the can of Lysol and spray into this vent thoroughly and on both the driver's and passenger's side.

How can I make my car smell luxurious? ›

5 Simple Ways To Make Your Car Smell Better
  1. Use Dryer Sheets. Everyone loves the smell of clean laundry, and now you can smell it even when it's not laundry day in your household. ...
  2. Try Coffee Beans. ...
  3. Essential Oil + Cotton Balls. ...
  4. Essential Oil + Clay Disk. ...
  5. Essential Oil + Baking Soda.
Jun 29, 2020

How can I make my car smell luxury? ›

A much more effective solution is to use a luxury car perfume diffuser.
...
If you're wondering how to use car perfume diffuser, it couldn't be easier:
  1. Unscrew the lid and remove the inner stopper.
  2. Screw the lid back on tightly.
  3. Tip the bottle upside down for 3-5 seconds to allow the wooden lid to absorb the fragrance oil.
Sep 22, 2022

What is the secret to the new car smell? ›

The classic new-car smell is a byproduct of a chemical process known as off-gassing—a term that doesn't sound particularly appealing. The root cause is attributable to the many plastics and adhesives used in a modern car's interior.

Is microfiber or chamois better to dry car? ›

Microfiber is the clear winner when it comes to car cleaning. Chamois has its benefits, but microfiber is super absorbent, gentle on surfaces, and easier to use. So if you're looking for the best way to dry your car quickly and safely, microfiber is the way to go.

Can microfiber towels scratch your car? ›

Just to clear one thing up, high-quality microfiber towels will never scratch clear coat. That's because those towels are super soft, far softer than the paint finish, but, even if you use the world's gentlest types of microfiber incorrectly, you may scratch the paint.

What tools do mobile detailers use? ›

Top 10 Auto Detailing Essentials
  • Buckets. ...
  • Car wash hand mitt. ...
  • Applicators and brushes. ...
  • Foam cannon. ...
  • LED auto detailing light. ...
  • Vacuum and blower. ...
  • Plastic razor blades. ...
  • Drying tools.

How do you clean car windows like a pro? ›

Take a microfiber rag and wipe the window from top to bottom. Next, use a microfiber rag and isopropyl alcohol to clean and degrease the window. Spray a generous amount of cleaning solution on microfiber rag. Wipe in an up and down motion and then wipe from right to left.

How do you get greasy film off your windshield? ›

Wipe the windshield down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any dirt. Use another cloth to apply a bit of rubbing alcohol in order to remove any grease from the glass. Spray your glass cleaner on the other side of your microfiber cloth (not on the windshield). Then, wipe the glass in a circular motion.

What do car detailers use for water? ›

Deionized water is superior water to use for detailing because the total dissolved solids in the water are typically at zero. That means this water can be used as a final rinse and left alone to dry, also known as a spot-free rinse.

Does steam damage car paint? ›

For cleaning car exterior with steam you need to understand simple things: Steam is not damaging car paint, but dirty microfiber does, so to avoid any damage we decide to describe all steps in one place.

Can I steam clean the roof of my car? ›

Luckily, you can easily remove stains and grime with detailing brushes and an upholstery cleaner. For more resilient marks, use a steam cleaner or wet vacuum to give your vehicle a deep clean. No matter how you clean it, you can make your vehicle's ceiling look good as new!

Which is better self clean or steam clean? ›

Steam clean ovens clean more quickly than traditional self-cleaning ovens. Another benefit to the steam clean feature is that high temperatures aren't required.

How long does it take for a car to dry after steam cleaning? ›

The drying time after shampooing seats in summer the waiting time can be a matter of 20-30 mins. In winter, the car heater must be turned on to allow the seats to dry and drying time can take up to 1 hour.

How strong an extractor fan do I need? ›

The Building Regulations stipulate that a bathroom extractor fan must extract at least 15L/s in a standard domestic bathroom. Most 4 inch models far exceed this minimum requirement, and nowadays the standard is 85m3/hr.

What is the difference between extractor fan and exhaust fan? ›

Exhaust fans work in the same way as an extractor fan in that they draw air out of a space and vent it to the exterior, however large exhaust fans are not suitable for home use.

What size extractor do I need? ›

To work out the extraction rate, you need to calculate the cubic metres of the room you want the fan to go in. Do this using a measuring tape by noting down the height, width and length of the room in metres. Once you have this information, multiply the three figures together to get the size in cubic metres.

How do professional detailers clean cars? ›

Dishwashing detergent is simply too harsh. It sucks important oils out of your car's finish and can actually shorten the life of your paint. A car detailer will use car wash soap for professional car detailing, like Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash.

What do car detailers use to remove scratches? ›

Car detailers will start by thoroughly cleaning your vehicle. This is done to keep loose dirt from getting caught in the buffer and scratching your car. Following the washing, the detailer will use their rotary buffer to buff off the scratches with a cutting compound.

What is the best brand of car detailing products? ›

  • 1 ADAM'S POLISHES Car Detailing Kit – Best Overall.
  • 2 Chemical Guys Car Detailing Kit – Best High-End Kits.
  • 3 Meguiar's Car Detailing Kit – Most Versatile.
  • 4 THINKWORK Car Detailing Kit – Most Portable.
  • 5 Armor All Car Detailing Kit – Also Consider.
Feb 14, 2023

Why do car detailers use steamers? ›

Steam cleaners removes dirt and odors from the carpet and the bristles will lift the fibers of the carpet to rejuvenate the overall look of the carpet. The carpet only takes a few minutes to dry after cleaning. Vacuum afterwards for perfect lines.

How much do you tip a private car detailer? ›

The 15% Rule: Tipping 15% of the total cost of service is the standard tip amount for full-service detailing, and for any situation in which you aren't sure how much you should tip your auto detailer. For example, if your mobile detailing cost a total of $100, a $15 tip for the auto detailer would be appropriate.

What removes deep scratches from cars? ›

Buff It Out

The simplest way to execute this step is by purchasing a car scratch repair kit. These typically come with a polishing compound and buffing pads. Simply pour the compound onto a microfiber towel or buffing pad and rub the scratch with the polish, working in small, tight circles.

Does Magic Eraser work on scratches on cars? ›

That might not sound very rough, but on car paint the damage could be severe. Worse, if you have a heavy hand and go to town with a bone dry Magic Eraser, it would be similar to using 800 grit sandpaper. In either case, using a Magic Eraser to clean a spot on your car will scratch the paint.

What is the fastest way to buff scratches out of a car? ›

Simply wash and dry the car, apply liquid scratch remover (typically around $10) or another rubbing compound to a clean microfiber towel and rub against the affected section in a back-and-forth motion for about 60 seconds. Let dry and buff off excess with another towel.

What products do professional car cleaners use? ›

  • Car Paint Preparation. Metal. Paint.
  • Car Paint Sealant. Glass. Paint.
  • Car Panel Wiping.
  • Car Pre-Wash (Non-Traffic Film Remover)
  • Car Shampoo.
  • Miscellaneous.
  • Personalised Air Freshener.
  • Traffic Film Remover (TFR)
Dec 8, 2021

What wax do professional detailers use? ›

Our preferred wax is Carnauba wax, which is typically preferred among professional detailers. Waxes applied after vehicle detailing sits on top of the paint and help to create deeper hues in the paint with a liquid-like finish.

Videos

1. EXTRACTOR EVERY THING YOU NEED TO KNOW. BISSELL SPOTCLEAN PRO or DIY SHOP VAC
(Hawaii Detailing)
2. Cheap VS Expensive : Carpet Upholstery Extractors
(Pan The Organizer)
3. Best Detailing Extractor | Mytee Lite 8070 Heat vs Aqua Pro Vac
(Wilson Auto Detailing)
4. Best Budget Carpet Extractor | Vacmaster, Hart, Bissell Spot Clean Pro
(IMJOSHV - Car Detailing and Reconditioning Tips)
5. Comparing a $475 Aqua Pro Vac vs $1700 Mytee HP60 Heated Extractor | Pros and Cons of Each
(Detail Groove)
6. Most affordable extractors for auto detailing! Aqua Pro Vac!
(Attention 2 Details w/ Chelsea)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terrell Hackett

Last Updated: 04/07/2023

Views: 6009

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terrell Hackett

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Suite 453 459 Gibson Squares, East Adriane, AK 71925-5692

Phone: +21811810803470

Job: Chief Representative

Hobby: Board games, Rock climbing, Ghost hunting, Origami, Kabaddi, Mushroom hunting, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.