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10 Must-Have Products to Start a Mobile Detailing Business
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Time to read 7 min
Starting a mobile detailing business is exciting but also stressful. From choosing a company name and researching the market to setting prices and purchasing insurance, there is a lot to manage.
Another key step is getting the right equipment and supplies. With so many detailing products on the market, like pre-wash, shampoo, clay bars, and tyre dressing, it can quickly become overwhelming.
In this guide, I will simplify the process by sharing 10 must-have mobile detailing products for starting a mobile detailing business. These are the essential items you need to get up and running without breaking the bank.
10 Mobile Detailing Products
1. Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is the first essential product for launching a mobile detailing business. It should be portable, high-quality, and reliable. To minimise the risk of damaging paintwork, look for a model with 1500-2500 PSI pressure and a 1.5-2.5 GPM flow rate. Additionally, ensure it comes with a long 50-100 ft hose and essential attachments such as a foam lance, nozzle set, and brushes.
If you do not plan to use the customer’s water supply, you will also need a water tank. Alternatively, you could consider a cordless pressure washer with a decent battery life, but only if you can provide your own power source.
Where to Buy a Pressure Washer
There are many places to buy a brand-new pressure washer, such as Amazon or eBay. You can also find second-hand models on sites like Gumtree. Some companies specialise in supplying high-end pressure washers specifically for mobile detailing businesses, though these are usually more expensive. The best choice ultimately depends on your budget.
2. Pre-wash or Snow Foam
The next essential product is pre-wash or snow foam. Pre-washing a vehicle before hand washing is important because it loosens dirt and grime, reducing the risk of scratches and swirl marks. It also improves the final finish by ensuring the surface is cleaner before shampooing.
For a mobile detailing business, pre-wash is especially important because it delivers a safer, more professional clean on every vehicle, even in tight timeframes.
Recommended Product: Nitty Gritty - Pre Wash & Degreaser
4.95 stars (100+ reviews)
There are many pre-wash and snow foam products on the market, but not all are created equal. Our Nitty Gritty - Pre Wash & Degreaser is specifically designed to eliminate road grime and bug splatters.
Its strong, non-caustic surfactants break down the bonds that hold dirt and contaminants together, making your pre-wash routine faster and more efficient.
Features
Non-corrosive formulation
Lifts stubborn dirt and grime
Removes oil and grease
Easily applied with foam lance
3. Car Shampoo
Car shampoo is another essential product for your mobile detailing business. After pre-washing, use car shampoo with the recommended two-bucket method to hand wash vehicles. In most cases, you only need to add a small amount of shampoo to a bucket and fill it with water.
Recommended Product: Bahama Blue - High Concentrated Shampoo
4.97 stars (100+ reviews)
Bahama Blue car shampoo is the ultimate solution for car detailers who demand results. It’s a highly concentrated, pure shampoo designed with a rich, foaming formula for maximum cleaning efficiency, while pH neutral and anti-marring ingredients ensure a flawless and safe clean every time.
Only 15ml of product is required for a 20L bucket, allowing for around 30 washes from a single 500ml bottle. This makes it a cost-effective solution for a mobile valeting business, costing pennies for each job.
Plus, you won’t need separate products for different customers, as Bahama Blue is safe for all surfaces including vinyl wraps, whether Chrome, Gloss, or Matt finishes.
Features
Highly concentrated solution
30 washes from a 500ml bottle
Large 5 litre bottle available
pH neutral and anti-marring
Safe for all types of surfaces
4. Microfiber Wash Mitt
A microfiber wash mitt is essential for handwashing cars because it provides a gentle yet effective way to remove dirt and grime without causing scratches. The soft, plush fibers lift and trap contaminants safely away from the paintwork, reducing the risk of swirl marks.
For your mobile detailing business, it’s recommended to use one mitt for the upper areas of the car like the hood, roof, and windows, and a separate mitt for the wheels and types. If you get a lot of customers, you’ll also need a fresh mitt every 1-2 months for best results.
Recommended Product: Duel Microfiber Wash Mitt
4.94 stars (35+ reviews)
Here at Duel, our wash mitt is made of premium quality microfiber, making it gentle on paintwork yet tough on dirt and grime. Plus, it’s machine washable and reusable, making it ideal for a mobile detailing business. It also comes with a resealable poly bag for safe and fast storage. Combined with Bahama Blue car shampoo, it will offer superior cleaning results for your customers.
Features
Premium quality microfiber mitt
Machine washable and reusable
Comes with poly storage bag
Environmentally friendly design
5. Wheel Cleaner
To make tyres look like new, a specialist wheel cleaning solution is a must. These products are specifically formulated to break down stubborn brake dust, road grim, and dust that regular soap can’t remove. They help restore the natural shine of wheels and tyres, without damaging the finish, ensuring a professional result that truly impresses your customers.
Recommended Product: Axis - Acid Free Wheel Cleaner
4.99 stars (85+ reviews)
Axis Acid Free Wheel Cleaner combines high-performance surfactants, foaming agents, and chemical binders to bind and dissolve brake dust and road contaminants with ease. The formula is safe for all clear-coated wheel finishes and can be diluted 1:20 depending on soil level.
“At the strongest suggested 1:3 ratio, Axis cleaned almost as well as the Bilt-Hamber and also has a pleasant smell.”
It’s available in a 500ml, 1 litre, or 5 litre bottle, giving you the flexibility to stock up according to the needs of your mobile detailing business.
Features
Acid free formulation
Foams on contact
Optimal dilution ratio
Lifts break dust easily
Award winning product
6. Drying towel
Next on the list is a drying towel. Not just any towel, but one specifically designed for mobile valeting or detailing. This means thick, plush, and highly absorbent. Using a towel made for detailing also reduces the risk of damaging the car’s paintwork, as it is gentle, safe, and suitable for delicate surfaces.
Recommended Product: Duel Triple Twisted Loop Towel
4.93 stars (55+ reviews)
Super absorbent and ultra-safe with incredible drying speeds, the Duel Triple Twister Loop Towel is a game-changer for mobile detailers. Engineered with soft triple twister fibres, it allows for a scratch-free drying process on all types of vehicles. Plus, the double-sided design holds twice the amount of water and it comes with a handy storage bag for safekeeping between uses.
Features
Serious absorption rate
Double-sided design
Ultra-safe on paintwork
Available in 2 sizes
Handy storage bag
7. Glass cleaner
Glass cleaner is another essential product for a mobile detailing business. It can be used on both exterior and interior windows, as well as mirrors to leave a streak-free shine.
Recommended Product: Duel Optical - Window & Glass Cleaner
4.93 stars (45+ reviews)
Duel optical window and glass cleaner is unmatched when it comes to streak-free windows. The high alcohol formulation effortlessly tackles dirt and grime from all glass surfaces, leaving crystal-clear windows and mirrors. It’s also fast-drying with quick evaporation, which is perfect for mobile detailers.
As with most Duel products, it’s available in a 500ml, 1 litre, or 5 litre bottle, with the 5 litre option offering the best value for mobile detailing businesses.
Features
High alcohol formulation
Tackles residue and grime
Spotless and smear-free finish
Suitable for windows and mirrors
8. Portable vacuum
If you plan to offer interior valeting services, you’ll need a portable vacuum. While cordless vacuums offer convenience for DIY car valets, the battery life is not suitable for a detailing business. It’s recommended to get a corded vacuum that is powerful and reliable, and comes with the necessary attachments to reach difficult areas like between and under seats.
www.diy.com
9. All-purpose cleaner
All-purpose cleaner is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a versatile cleaning solution for all types of surfaces and material. Quite simply, it’s a must-have for interior valeting as it can be used to wipe down virtually any surface including the dashboard, console, and steering wheel.
Recommended Product: Logic - All Purpose Interior Cleaner
4.97 stars (35+ reviews)
Suitable for a wide range of interior cleaning tasks, including fabric surfaces, Logic All Purpose Cleaner should be part of every mobile detailer's kit. It’s gentle foaming action removes general dirt and stains, restoring a fresh factory-finish appearance.
Features
Cleans all interior surfaces
Removes grime and stains
500ml makes 5L of solution
Lemon sherbet fragrance
“It creates a slight foam and a nice citrus smell, but it left no unwanted residue. Just a hint of the lipstick smear remained.”
10. Air Freshener
The final product in your start-up mobile detailing kit is air freshener. After completing an interior valet, a car can often retain lingering smells from cleaning chemicals. Using a strong, long-lasting air freshener with a pleasant scent is the best way to eliminate these odours, leaving the interior smelling fresh and making the car feel like new again.
Recommended Product: Duel New Car Smell Air Freshener
4.43 stars (40+ reviews)
New Car Air Freshener is perfect for mobile detailing businesses because it delivers an instant ‘’wow’’ factor for customers. It’s signature fresh car scent leaves interiors smelling like new, enhancing the overall cleaning experience. Using New Car ensures that every car you valet not only looks good but also smells showroom-fresh, helping build satisfaction and repeat business.
Features
Smells like a new car
Instant wow factor
Quick and easy to use
Boosts customer satisfaction
Conclusion
Whether you have a large or small budget, these are the essential products you need to launch a mobile detailing or valeting business. Investing in the right tools and supplies not only helps you deliver professional results but also builds your reputation and efficiency from day one.
With quality products and a reliable supplier with reasonable prices, you’ll be well on your way to growing a profitable mobile detailing operation.
