Detailing your car is about more than just a quick wash. Proper care, inside and out, keeps your vehicle looking fresh, protects it from long-term damage, and even helps maintain its resale value. With the right products, you can achieve that professional finish without leaving your driveway.
At Salty Captain, we’ve put together a guide to the essential car detailing products you need for both interior and exterior care, plus tips on how to use them for the best results.
Exterior Car Detailing Products
Your car’s exterior faces harsh elements daily, UV rays, road grime, brake dust, and rain. Protecting and cleaning it regularly is key to preventing damage.
1. Car Wash Detergent
Every detailing routine starts with a high-quality wash. Forget dish soap; it strips away wax and damages paint. Instead, use a dedicated Car Wash Detergent that’s pH-balanced and safe on paintwork, glass, and coatings.
Salty Captain’s Car Wash Detergent delivers a high-foaming clean, lifting dirt and grime without scratching your car’s surface.
2. Wheel Wash
Wheels are often the dirtiest part of a car, collecting brake dust, mud, and road grime. Leaving them untreated not only looks bad but can cause corrosion.
With Wheel Wash, you’ll cut through contaminants effortlessly, restoring your rims to a like-new shine. Pair it with detailing brushes for hard-to-reach areas.
3. Microfibre Towels and Applicators
Drying your car with old rags or chamois can leave streaks and scratches. Invest in quality microfibre towels designed for streak-free drying.
For waxing or polishing, a Wax On Applicator Pad ensures even application and a professional finish.
4. Protection Sprays and Waxes
Washing alone isn’t enough, you need to protect your paint. Using products like Salty Captain’s Final Touch Ceramic Detailer Spray or wax sprays creates a hydrophobic barrier that repels dirt and water.
Not only does this make your car look glossy, but it also makes future washes quicker and easier.
5. Clay Bars for Decontamination
Sometimes washing isn’t enough to remove contaminants like tar, sap, and industrial fallout. A clay bar safely lifts embedded debris, restoring a smooth finish.
Salty Captain offers soft, medium, and hard clay bars for different levels of contamination.
Interior Car Detailing Products
While a shiny exterior turns heads, a clean interior makes every drive more enjoyable. Dust, spills, and odours can build up quickly without the right products.
1. Interior Cleaner
A good Interior Cleaner should be versatile enough to clean dashboards, door panels, seats, and carpets without leaving residue.
Salty Captain’s formula is safe on plastics, vinyl, and fabric, making it a true all-in-one interior detailing product.
2. Glass Cleaner
Streaky windows are not only frustrating but also dangerous by reducing visibility. A Glass Cleaner is essential for spotless, streak-free windows and mirrors.
3. Leather Protection
If your car has leather seats, they need extra attention to prevent drying, cracking, or fading. The Premium Leather Protection Kit nourishes and protects leather surfaces, keeping them soft and supple.
4. Carpet and Upholstery Care
Fabric seats and carpets easily trap dirt and stains. Pair Salty Captain’s Interior Cleaner with microfibre cloths for routine maintenance, and consider an all-purpose cleaner for stubborn marks.
5. Odour Neutralisers
A clean interior should smell as good as it looks. Interior sprays or neutralisers help eliminate odours caused by food, pets, or moisture.
Detailing Tools You Shouldn’t Skip
Great products work even better with the right tools. For both interior and exterior care, consider:
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Detailing Brushes – like the Triple Threat 3pk Detail Brush Set for vents, badges, and tight spaces.
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Buckets & Grit Guards – using a two-bucket method prevents swirl marks.
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Foam Guns – the Captain’s Musket makes washing faster and more effective.
Why Invest in Proper Car Detailing Products?
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Long-term Protection – Prevent rust, fading, and surface damage.
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Resale Value – A well-maintained car sells for more.
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Driving Comfort – A clean interior makes every journey more enjoyable.
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Professional Results at Home – Save money on detailing services.
Final Thoughts
Detailing your car doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right car cleaning and detailing products, you can keep your vehicle spotless, protected, and looking new inside and out.
At Salty Captain, we’ve built a range designed for Australian conditions from detergents to protection sprays, microfibre towels, and interior cleaners. Whether you’re a weekend enthusiast or someone who just loves a clean ride, our products make it simple.
Ready to start your detailing journey? Explore Salty Captain’s full range of car care products today.
