As the old proverb goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. The cleaner and purer you are, the closer you get to the Lord Almighty. We feel, however, that if your car isn't also in check with the best cleaning products, you aren't even fit to be rapping on the old man's door. Why scupper the prestige of a spotless home by rolling around in a motorised wheely bin of feculent footwells and weary old paint? Not on our watch. Luckily, there is plenty of literature out there – scripture, if you like – bustling with all the tips and pointers you need to carry out a thorough cleaning job at home.
You might, however, be wondering where you can find some guidance on car cleaning. We've put together several articles on the subject, but for a comprehensive deep dive into the practice, we recommend picking up a solid car cleaning book.
It may seem like an old-fashioned way of extracting information, but a great book on car cleaning will provide you with all the information you need from one source. We've included some of the best car shampoos and the best car cleaning kits in our articles on car cleaning, but for the best practice, we recommend paper form. To help you find the right car cleaning book for you, we've put together a list of our favourites.
Best for beginners
For anyone looking to get into hardcore detailing or just up their car cleaning game, this book would make a great place to start. Author Bert Youell covers all bases in Hand Wash Only – from paint correction advice, including thickness and type, to decontamination tricks and cleaning chemistry. Youell also takes a deep dive into the washing process, explaining what to use and why. Books may be old-fashioned sources of information, but this one has most of everything you'll ever need to know.
Pros
- Great beginners guide
Cons
- Other titles may provide more detail
Best for advice on saving money
For any car owner looking to spruce up their life on a budget, this handy guide from S. L Lucas is packed full of money-saving DIY detailing solutions coupled with a few tear-jerking stories. We especially like the money-saving agenda of this read, as so many detailing guides display little regard for the bank. Refreshingly composed in a light-hearted, entertaining style, this book would make a great read even if you didn't own a car, but for those who do, it's a must-have.
Pros
- Tips to improve overall driving experience
Cons
- Other titles may feature more cleaning-specific information
Best for improving your car
This title from Craig Stewart takes a more comprehensive approach to car care, from cleaning to fuel economy. Car Hacks: All you need to know in one concise manual supplements all the motoring shortcuts, tips and tricks that your instructor never taught you to improve your driving experience. This light-hearted book could change your life, but at the very least, it's a great read.
Pros
- Covers many bases of car care
Cons
- Better options for detailing advice
Best for detailing advice
If you're already an experienced car cleaner, but you'd like to take your work to the next level, this might be the title for you. Throughout his book_, The Art of Detailing_, author David Brinkley channels 23 years' worth of experience into a how-to guide for anyone looking to go pro in the field. Packed with advice and tricks one could only learn on the job, this book might just be the tool you need to advance your car care.
Pros
- Great for wannabe detailers
Cons
- More to car care than cleaning
Best for comprehensive car care
Like the other titles on this list, Automotive Detailing in Detail takes a deep dive into some of the more intricate best practices of car detailing. While you may be able to find such information on the internet, this book provides everything you'll ever need to know from a single source, saving you time and improving your end results. From pre-washing through to polishing and paint protection, this book is the only guide to car detailing you'll ever need.
Pros
- Great option for a comprehensive look at car care
Cons
- Hard to find at this price
FAQs
Why do I need to keep my car clean?
By keeping your car clean, you'll help preserve the life of several materials used both inside and out. Over time, if left unwashed, grit and grime may start to corrode your car's exterior, at least without a proper protective layer like a ceramic shampoo. On the inside, built-up of sweat on the steering wheel or spilt drinks on the back seat may cause the trim to deteriorate, eventually to the point of no return. So long as everything is kept clean, neat and tidy, you will prevent such decay from taking place. Clean cabins are also far nicer environments to sit in for long periods of time, meaning you can keep your mind on the road. Need more kit for the job? We've ranked our favourite insect remover and favourite barrel brushes.
Which car cleaning book should I go for?
There are plenty of car cleaning books out there covering a plethora of bases. We recommend considering which area of cleaning process you feel requires the most development and then buying the right book accordingly. If it's a general best practice title you're after, why not opt for an all-encompassing tips and tricks book to improve your drive?