Essential Equipment, Tools, and Products for Interior Detailing

Written By Malik Green

Getting Started: Tools and Products You’ll Need

The right tools and products are essential for effective interior detailing. While beginners may find local stores more convenient, professionals often benefit from online or specialty stores that offer higher quality and better bulk savings over time.

Although quality products are available locally, in my experience as a full-time professional detailer, online suppliers and specialized detail shops offer the best options. Local stores often have limited quality and quantity.

Whether you're just starting and buying locally, or a seasoned pro with a detailing supplier, here’s a breakdown of the essential tools and products every detailer—beginner or expert—should consider for achieving exceptional results:

1. Shop Vac

A reliable shop vac is vital for cleaning interiors. Budget or used models work just as well for most tasks.

  • Used Shop Vac: Facebook Marketplace ($25–$65).

  • HART Wet/Dry Vacuum: Walmart.

  • BAUER Wet/Dry Vacuum: Harbor Freight.

  • RIDGID Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum (Preferred): Home Depot.

2. Dedicated Interior Cleaner

Interior cleaners handle surfaces like dashboards, fabrics, and plastics effectively.

  • Local Options:

    • Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner: AutoZone.

    • Meguiar’s Quick Interior Detailer: Walmart.

  • Online Options:

    • P&S Xpress Interior Cleaner (Preferred).

    • Koch Chemie Pol Star (Pro Option).

3. Microfiber Towels

Using separate towels for cleaning, stains, and glass prevents cross-contamination.

  • General Cleaning Towels:

    • Platinum Series Heavy Duty Microfiber Towels: Walmart.

    • Harbor Freight Microfiber Cloths: Affordable and effective.

    • The Rag Company - Creature Edgeless Towels (Pro Option): Online.

  • Glass Towels:

    • GRANT’S Streak-Free Towels: Harbor Freight.

    • The Rag Company - Diamond Weave (Preferred): Online.

4. Detail Brushes, Scrub Pads & Applicator Pads

Essential for reaching crevices, scrubbing tough spots, and applying protective dressings.

  • Brush Options:

    • Soft-bristle paint brushes (DIY Option): Available locally.

    • Maxshine Ultra Soft Detailing Brush Set: Online, detail supply store (Pro-grade).

    • Work Stuff Detailing Brush (Preferred Pro Option): Online, detail supply store.

  • Scrub Pads:

    • Autofiber Scrub Ninja: Online.

    • Scrub Ninja Max Finger Mitt (Preferred): Online.

  • Applicator Pads (Optional):

    • ProElite Microfiber Applicator Pads: AutoZone.

    • AutoCraft Microfiber Applicator Pads: Advance Auto.

    • Auto Drive Microfiber Car Wax Applicator Pads: Walmart.

    • Mothers Microfiber Polishing Pads: Online.

5. Stain Treatments

Light stains may only need basic cleaners, but tougher stains require specialized treatments:

  • FOLEX Spot Remover Spray: Lowe’s or Home Depot.

  • P&S Terminator Enzyme Spot Remover: Online or detail supply store (Preferred).

  • Superior Products Zap-It: Online, detail supply store, or O’Reilly Auto Parts.

6. Interior Dressing/Protectant & Leather Care

Protect and enhance surfaces like vinyl, plastic, and leather.

  • 303 Aerospace Protectant: Walmart/Target.

  • Koch-Chemie Top Star (Preferred): Online or detail supply store.

  • Lexol Leather Conditioner: AutoZone or online.

7. Glass Cleaner

Streak-free glass is essential for a polished interior. Combine the right towels with these options:

  • Distilled water or a 1:1 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water.

  • Sprayway Glass Cleaner (Preferred): Available locally.

  • Any reputable ammonia-free glass cleaner for tinted windows.

Advanced Tools and Products for Professionals

If you’re a professional seeking advanced tools for greater effectiveness and efficiency (at a higher cost), consider these:

8. Steamer

Steamers are invaluable for cleaning without chemicals, neutralizing odors, and sanitizing surfaces.

  • McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner: Online, budget-friendly.

  • Wagner Spraytech AutoRight SteamMachine: Affordable and effective (Preferred).

  • Central Machinery 1500 Watt Steam Cleaner Kit: Harbor Freight.

  • Vapor Systems VX5000 (High-end): Online.

9. Air Compressor & Tools

Air compressors streamline detailing by clearing debris from crevices and loosening dirt particles. Advanced air tools like the Tornador require higher SCFM air compressor options.

  • Lower SCFM Options:

    • FORTRESS 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor: Harbor Freight.

    • CRAFTSMAN 6-Gallon Air Compressor: Lowe’s.

    • RIDGID 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor: Home Depot.

  • Higher SCFM Options:

    • FORTRESS 5-Gallon Wheeled Jobsite Air Compressor (Preferred): Harbor Freight.

    • RIDGID 4.5-Gallon Portable Air Compressor: Home Depot.

  • Air Tools:

    • Pistol Grip Air Blow Gun (with rubber nozzles to avoid scratches): Available locally.

    • Z-014 Tornador Air Blow Out Tool: Online or detail supply shop (Pro-grade).

    • Tornador Mini Air Blow Out Tool Z-007 (Preferred): Online or detail supply shop.

10. Shampoo Machine & Shampoo Solution

A shampoo machine paired with the right solution is critical for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery.

  • Shampoo Machines:

    • BISSELL Little Green Pro Portable: Walmart.

    • Mytee S-300H Tempo Heated Spotter: Online or professional suppliers (Pro-grade).

    • MYTEE LITE III 8070 Heated Carpet Extractor (Preferred Pro-grade): Online or professional suppliers.

  • Shampoo Solutions:

    • Zep Concentrated Premium Carpet Shampoo: Home Depot, Lowe’s.

    • P&S Carpet Bomber (Preferred): Online.

    • Bridgepoint Systems - Bio Break & Flex Ice Neutralizing Rinse (Preferred Pro Option): Online or professional carpet cleaning suppliers.


Please note that the equipment, tools, and products listed here are what I consider essential for interior detailing, based on my experience. These are intended to help you get started in the world of detailing. However, there are additional tools and products that may be necessary for specific use cases, such as an ozone machine for odor removal, fans for efficient drying, and pet hair removal tools like a Lilly Brush, Analan dog hair triangle, or Pumice Stone. Other products, like Encapsulation Carpet Spot Remover or air fresheners, may also be useful but aren't required for every detail, so I haven’t mentioned them here.

If you’re a professional, you likely already understand the advantages of investing in advanced equipment. However, as a DIY enthusiast, by equipping yourself with these essential tools and products, you can elevate your detailing skills. This will not only help you achieve exceptional results but also allow you to improve your abilities. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to earn extra income with a part-time detailing gig or considering pursuing detailing full-time as a business, these essentials will help you take the next step in your detailing journey.

Malik Green
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