Less expensive products that have REALLY made a difference?

We can rattle off pretty much any detailing product since most costs under $40. I wouldn't consider Werkstatt or Zaino to be cheap, especially when you factor in shipping costs. Duragloss isn't necessarily cheap either, but because the products perform well and it can be had OTC some times, it's more economical compared to some of the boutique brands.



I'll give my vote to the grout sponge at $2 a pop. My mitts have just bit sitting in my bin and although sea sponges were really nice, I wouldn't want to pay full price for them and I find them to be a bit too gentle. The grout sponge is gentle enough not to mar, but has enough cleaning power for washing, without applying a lot of pressure.
 
I'd say Red Max or Green Stuff from Majestic Solutions in Raleigh, there stuff is only $9 a gal, and its a super cleaner! :)



I agree $40 is on the high side. going with the Majestic Solutions theme here, there MF are decent, I like them (no linting) and the come in 4 colors. The Target MF are alright for grunt work like engines! :)



I like the sonus Clay Bar myself and that little rubber sponge clay thing....
 
WilliamHBonney said:
Not sure again why people are still afraid of it but good old fashioned armor all still worked great for me in many situations.
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agreed, good ole' AA tire foam and tire gel work excellent! :2thumbs:



also... DG AW i could not be without, inexpensive and works very well!
 
1) Plain-jane Armor All (very versatile)

2) Duragloss Aquawax

3) Meguiar's Glass Concentrate (from the Detailer's Line) - 11 gallons of great glass cleaner for ~$15

4) Meguiar's ColorX

5) Mother's FX/Synwax sealants

6) The venerable S100
 
Folex

Mr Clean Magic Eraser

Duragloss Fast Clean & Shine

Duragloss Car Wash

Duragloss AW

Zaino Sealants (Z5Pro, Z2Pro)

Z8 is an incredible product also but kinda pricey in my opinion
 
Least expensive product with the greatest result: Aqua Wax without a doubt.



Other good ones: Natty's Blue, S100, FK425.
 
Great thread. I'll add Meg's Hyperdressing. :2thumbs: Can't beat the price, exceptionally versatile. I use it on my tires, engine, undercarriage and interior. Leaves a "just right" sheen which is non-oily and holds up rather well. One bottle of concentrate has lasted me all summer thus far.
 
Danforz said:
COSTCO bulk (yellow) MFs :)
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unfortuntaley, ime these have been poor quality even if they're inexpensive. the stitching/seams came apart on most all the ones i washed the first time...
 
BigAl3 said:
unfortuntaley, ime these have been poor quality even if they're inexpensive. the stitching/seams came apart on most all the ones i washed the first time...
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Odd, I've never had this problem and I use/wash them all the time?
 
Danforz said:
Odd, I've never had this problem and I use/wash them all the time?
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yeah it figures it would happen to me. on the corners is where they came apart (also some white thread pulled out from the ends) and i called the company who makes them and they wouldn't stand behind them. i won't be buying these again...
 
wannafbody said:
Target grey MF towells- can't be beat for the price vs quality ratio
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The Vroom line? I second that. The grey ones are very plush, terrific for use on paint. I bought my first 3-pack just a few weeks ago and until then, didn't believe truly plush MFs could ever be OTC.
 
For tires and interiors, I really like NXT Generation Tech Protect. It gives tires a fresh, natural look and interiors (plastics, vinyls) a fresher, richer look. Its a bit shiny on the interiors, so I buff it well with a terry towel to reduce that. A very unique look though that only NxtTP produces.



**Forgot to add, for cleaning tires & wheels *before* a dressing like NxtTP, I use Eagle One All-Wheel & Tire Cleaner for about $6-7 at auto parts stores. My method is to spray EO on the tires and wheels and let sit for 30 sec-1 min, then dip tire & wheel brushes in a wash solution and scrub both thoroughly. The EO/wash solution foams up nicely and tires & wheels come out cleaned VERY well and looking great. Rinse well, let dry and you're ready to apply tire & wheel dressings.
 
OCW. It's like $15 and not only super easy to work with, it gives a nice look AND it takes so little to apply it. I maintain my finish with it after washes. It's lasting a few months for me on it's own with nothing under it.
 
1st I like to thank AL-53 for always recommending me OTC supplies:



Vroom:

orange mf I have used them on paint sometime they are great. only grip it bleeds when I wash them in Hot water.



grey: very soft and plush ...



yellow: very big and plush and good for dying and wiping off polish.



I really enjoy the DG line. Next would be Chemical guys (PB engineering). I do not know why but I like meguiars M80..?
 
I'd have to say the whole line up from Auto Magic is very cost effective. I haven't seen anything else compare in terms of price & quality. Here's what I pay when bought in bulk:

Tire Dressing = $8 per gallon

APC = $5 per gallon

Polishes/Waxes = $23 per gallon

Towels = $1 each

Wool(LC)/Foam Pads(EDGE) = $8 each

Glass Cleaner Mix = $15 (makes 55 gallons)

Sprayers = $1.25 each

Solvent = $15 per gallon

Soap = $5 per gallon

etc.....
 
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