Skip advert
Advertisement

Clean your car for under £100

With the cleaning and protecting basics covered, it’s time to go a bit further and improve the cleansing. And the first job after washing, rinsing and drying is to clay the paintwork.

This BluTack-like substance removes contaminants left after washing. You can check if it is required by slipping a finger in a plastic bag and running it over a horizontal panel. If it feels like sandpaper, it needs claying. The one to buy is Bilt Hamber auto-clay regular (£9.95).

Advertisement - Article continues below

Even after claying, the paint may still need treating to remove light scratches and swirls that can affect the shine. A colour restorer or scratch remover can revive the top coat. Our choice is Farecla G3 Professional Scratch Remover (£9.99). While some upholstery cleaners can also tackle leather, a specialist product is best, and our favourite is Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Cleaner (£9.95).

What you'll need:

Items from under £15, £35 and £70 plus...

  • • Bilt Hamber auto-clay regular (£9.95)
  • • Farecla G3 Professional Scratch Remover (£9.99)
  • • Dodo Juice Leather Cleaner (£9.95)

Click the links below for other budgets

Skip advert
Advertisement
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. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia
Citroen 2CV exclusive image 2026

New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia

A 2CV-inspired small car is in the works, designed to bridge the gap between the Ami quadricycle and e-C3 supermini
News
24 Apr 2026
Car Deal of the Day: VW's Passat is a slick SUV alternative for £240 a month
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: VW's Passat is a slick SUV alternative for £240 a month

The VW Passat has been a classy choice for decades – and it’s shockingly affordable right now. It’s our Deal of the Day for 23 April.
News
23 Apr 2026
New Omoda 4 on its way to take on the Nissan Juke
Omoda 4 - front angled

New Omoda 4 on its way to take on the Nissan Juke

Sharply styled small SUV is ready to expand Omoda’s range and steal sales from the likes of Nissan Juke
News
24 Apr 2026

Find a car with the experts