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Clean your car on any budget

Want your car to look great? Whatever your budget, here’s everything that you’ll need to clean your car

Whether you’ve just bought your first car or have simply decided to dedicate more attention to your motor, cleaning your car doesn’t need to be daunting. Although it can be an expensive process, we’re to help as we’ve rounded up the best ways to clean your car on any budget.

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Whatever the weather, it’s always a good time to clean your car and remove the dirt and grime that builds up on salted roads, and restore your car's protection against rust and rot.

• Best car cleaning and car care tips

You’ll need to get started with your own kit of cleaners and protectants, but walk through the accessory shop or search online and you’ll find there’s a huge variety on offer. 

There are car shampooswaterless washeswheel cleanerstyre shinersmicroficre clothsglass cleanersbumper restorersclay barswaxesleather cleaners and even pressure washers to name just a few, but where do you begin?

This is our guide to getting started in valeting, from just getting your car clean to adding protection and deeper cleansing. Almost all of our recommendations are previous test winners, with best prices coming from a range of sources.

So click the links in the menu to the left, or below, for our guide on the best ways to clean your car for a variety of budgets.

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Products editor

Kim has worked for Auto Express for more than three decades and all but a year of that time in the Products section. His current role as products editor involves managing the section’s content and team of testers plus doing some of the tests himself. 

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Renault Clio

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RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Dacia Spring

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RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
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