Best Heavy Duty Car Cleaners of 2025

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Heavy Duty Car Cleaners are specially formulated cleaning solutions designed to tackle tough grime, dirt, and stains found on cars. These products are ideal for removing grease, oil, and other stubborn substances that regular car cleaning products can't handle. Heavy Duty Car Cleaners come in different forms such as sprays, foams, and gels, and can be used on various surfaces including wheels, tires, and engines. They are highly effective in restoring the shine and cleanliness of a car, making it look brand new again. These products are a must-have for car enthusiasts and anyone looking to maintain the appearance of their vehicle.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Armor All Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Cleaner Cover #TOP 1
Armor All Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Cleaner
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Auto Magic Red Hot Cleaner Cover #TOP 2
Auto Magic Red Hot Cleaner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fast Orange Pumice Lotion Hand Cleaner Cover #TOP 3
Fast Orange Pumice Lotion Hand Cleaner
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Heavy Duty Car Cleaners

Armor All Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Cleaner

19137
Armor All Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Cleaner Cover
Armor All Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Cleaner, All Purpose Car Cleaner for All Auto Surfaces, 24 Fl Oz

Armor All Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Cleaner is a versatile all-purpose car cleaner that can be used on both interior and exterior automotive surfaces. The 24 fl oz bottle is powerful enough to cut through dirt, grease, oil, and other spills, while also safely cleaning plastics, vinyl, and metals. Its cleaning action loosens difficult soils and spills, making it great for use under the hood and on tools, small engine parts, and lawn equipment.

What We Like
Can be used on both interior and exterior automotive surfaces
Cuts through dirt, grease, oil, and other spills
Safely cleans plastics, vinyl, and metals
#TOP 2

Auto Magic Red Hot Cleaner

Auto Magic Red Hot Cleaner Cover
Auto Magic Red Hot All-Purpose Cleaner - Heavy-Duty Cleaner for Exterior - 128 Fl Oz

The Auto Magic Cleaner is a versatile solution for tackling tough exterior cleaning tasks. This all-purpose cleaner is effective on various surfaces, including plastic, engines, wheels, and tires, making it a handy choice for your cleaning needs. It excels at removing stubborn stains and spots, ensuring your vehicle looks its best. The VOC-compliant formula means you can safely use it on boats, RVs, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles without worry. With Auto Magic recognized as a premium supplier, you can trust that you are using a top-quality product for professional car care.

What We Like
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Effective on stubborn stains
Safe for various vehicles
Premium quality assurance
#TOP 3

Fast Orange Pumice Lotion Hand Cleaner

25-217
Orange
Fast Orange Pumice Lotion Hand Cleaner Cover
Fast Orange Permatex 25217 Pumice Lotion, Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner, Natural Citrus Scent, Waterless Cleaner For Mechanics, Strong Grease Fighter, 1/2 Gallon, Orange, 64 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Fast Orange 25217 Pumice Lotion is a heavy-duty hand cleaner that doesn't require water to clean hands. With advanced pumice formula, it contains no harsh chemicals, petroleum solvents, mineral oils, or ammonia. The natural citrus power eliminates odor and lifts grease and grime effectively. The microgel technology clings to hands without running down the drain, allowing for optimal performance. It is fortified with aloe, lanolin, glycerin, and other skin conditioners to prevent hands from drying out and cracking.

What We Like
Doesn't require water to clean hands
Contains advanced pumice formula and no harsh chemicals
Eliminates odor and lifts grease and grime effectively
#TOP 4

Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover

SPI10816SW
No color
Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover Cover
Chemical Guys SPI10816 Heavy Duty Water Spot Remover, Safe for Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RVs & More, 16 fl oz

Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover is a highly effective solution for instantly removing water spots from your car, truck, motorcycle, RV, and more. This specialty gel is designed to neutralize alkaline stains with a mild acid, effortlessly eliminating stuck-on water stains or hard water spots. It works on various surfaces including paint, glass, and polished metal, making it a versatile and convenient option for all your cleaning needs. Additionally, this water spot remover prepares the surface for waxing, helping to prevent further damage and maintain a glossy finish. With Chemical Guys as the go-to brand in car care, you can trust their products to deliver outstanding results and enjoy the support of a worldwide following.

What We Like
Instantly removes water spots
Works on paint, glass, and metal
Prepares surface for waxing
#TOP 5

Chem-X Heavy Duty Cleaner

Chem-X
L-CX-HD-1G
Purple
Chem-X Heavy Duty Cleaner Cover
Chem-X Heavy Duty: Super Concentrated Truck Wash + Degreaser + All Purpose Cleaner (1 gallon)

Chem-X Truck Wash is a versatile cleaning solution designed to tackle tough jobs. This powerful product works as a truck wash, efficiently removing dirt and grime from your vehicle's surface. With its heavy-duty degreasing capabilities, it effectively breaks down stubborn grease and oil, making your cleaning tasks easier. Additionally, it serves as an excellent wheel and rim cleaner, ensuring your wheels shine bright. Finally, as an all-purpose cleaner, it simplifies your cleaning routine by providing a single solution for various surfaces, saving you time and effort on maintenance.

What We Like
Effective dirt removal
Strong grease cutting
Shines wheels and rims
Multipurpose cleaning solution

Couth Clean All-Purpose Cleaner

Couth Car Care
CL1610
Couth Clean All-Purpose Cleaner Cover
Couth Clean - Powerful All Purpose APC Surface Cleaner & Degreaser Spray for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Home | Interior & Exterior Use | Heavy Duty and Safe pH - 16oz

Couth Clean APC is designed to give your vehicle a thorough clean, both inside and out. Its versatile formula effectively tackles various surfaces, making it easy for you to remove dirt, grime, and stains from dashboards, upholstery, and even wheels. With the cleaner coming pre-diluted, you can skip the mixing hassle and start cleaning right away. The gentle formula is safe for use on plastics, fabrics, and leathers, ensuring your car's interior stays fresh and inviting. Additionally, it excels at tackling tough outdoor grime, restoring the shine to your vehicle's exterior with minimal effort.

What We Like
Versatile for interior and exterior
Pre-diluted for easy use
Safe on multiple surfaces
Effective against tough grime
#TOP 7

Malco Red Thunder - Automotive Cleaner and Degreaser

102301
Malco Red Thunder - Automotive Cleaner and Degreaser Cover
Malco Red Thunder - Automotive Cleaner and Degreaser - Breaks Down Grease & Grime on Engines, Wheels and Tires/Biodegradable, Heavy Duty and Multi-Purpose / 1 Gallon (102301)

Malco Red Thunder is a heavy-duty and multi-purpose cleaner that effectively breaks down grease and grime on engines, wheels, and tires. It can also be diluted to use on most vehicle surfaces, including carpet and upholstery. The highly concentrated formula rinses clean, leaving no residue, and is biodegradable and phosphate-free, making it environmentally friendly. Malco has been providing powerful cleaning and detailing products for cars since 1953.

What We Like
Effectively breaks down dirt and grime on engines, wheels, and tires in a matter of minutes
Can be diluted and safely used on most vehicle surfaces
Rinses clean, leaving no residue
Biodegradable and phosphate-free, making it environmentally friendly
From a trusted brand that has been providing powerful cleaning and detailing products for cars since 1953
#TOP 8

Mercury Detailing Nova Degreaser 16 oz

Mercury Detailing
N8054
Mercury Detailing Nova Degreaser 16 oz Cover
Mercury Detailing Nova Heavy Duty Automotive Degreaser 16 oz.| Concentrated | Fast Acting | Removes Dirt | Removes Brake Dust | Removes Grime

The Mercury Nova Degreaser is a powerful cleaning solution designed to tackle tough automotive grime. Its concentrated formula effectively breaks down stubborn deposits such as grease, oil, and brake fluid, ensuring your engine and brake components remain in excellent condition. With one spray, you can clean various surfaces, including the engine hood and tires, making your car maintenance easier. This degreaser is tough on dirt while being safe for surfaces, leaving them spotless and residue-free. Regular use can help enhance your vehicle's performance and appearance.

What We Like
Effective on tough stains
Multi-surface cleaning ability
Safe for all surfaces
Enhances vehicle performance
#TOP 9

Mothers Back-to-Black Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner Kit

06141
Regular
Mothers Back-to-Black Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner Kit Cover
Mothers 06141 Back-to-Black Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner Kit, 12 fl. oz.

Mothers Back-to-Black Trim Cleaner is a highly effective kit that restores the color and appearance of your exterior trim and textured plastics. With its unmatched cleaning ability, this kit can erase years of neglect and environmental abuse, such as oxidation, dirt, road grime, and even stubborn embedded wax. The unique drip-free gel formula ensures a long-lasting and naturally clean surface. The kit includes a 12 oz. Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner and a Trim Brush for easy application. With Mothers Back-to-Black Trim Cleaner, you can effortlessly bring back the original, like-new color of your trim and textured plastics, giving your vehicle a fresh and rejuvenated look.

What We Like
Unmatched cleaning ability
Restores like-new color
Long-lasting, naturally clean surface
#TOP 10

Wash Chems Pro 100 Touchless Car Wash Soap Concentrate

W
PRO_100_1_1
Pink
Wash Chems Pro 100 Touchless Car Wash Soap Concentrate Cover
Wash Chems Pro 100 Touchless Car Wash Detergent Soap Concentrate No Brushing 4L (Heavy-Duty) Commercial Grade Professional Auto Active Foam Cleaner

This Heavy-Duty Commercial Grade Car Wash Detergent with Heavy Degreaser Containing Active Alkaline Concentrate and TFR (Traffic Film Remover) will make your car cleaning effortless. It can safely wash cars, trucks, trailers, engines, DPF filters, ATV's, dirt bikes, wagons, and more! What's more, it is biodegradable and safe on wrapped and ceramic-coated cars and trucks. Wash cars more efficiently with this concentrated car wash product; one gallon is equal to ten gallons of a competing brand.

What We Like
Effortless cleaning
Safely cleans vehicles
Can be used to clean carpets/tiles/walls
Biodegradable and safe on wrapped and ceramic-coated vehicles
Concentrated formula provides more efficient washing
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you detail an extremely dirty car?

Clean Interior Surfaces Starting with the dash, wipe away dust and dirt using a microfiber dust cloth, a cleaning/conditioning wipe, or a microfiber towel and a spray designed to remove dirt from automotive surfaces. Wipe around the steering wheel, gauge cluster, gear shift, and other tight spaces.

2. What do professional car Valeters use?

Professional valeters only use non-caustic, mild citrus degreasers or ph neutral snow foams and only ever on pre-rinsed, wet vehicles. The same scenario applies to wheels, where a good valet will use a specialist ph wheel cleaner which is more kind to the aluminum diamond-cut wheels. The shampoo used is crucial.

3. How do I clean my car in hard to reach places?

Use Air: Vacuum intake and outake are both your friend when cleaning a car's interior. You can use traditional intake vacuums to clean up the worst debris, and reverse the air flow (or even use an air compressor or can of compressed air) to blow out the harder to reach places.

4. Which is the best car cleaner?

Comparison: The best car cleaning kits for 2022Armor All Heavy Duty Car WashChemical Guys CWS_101_16 Maxi-Suds II Super Suds Car Wash ShampooChemical Guys - Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo, 16 oz.Carguys Super Cleaner Effective All Purpose Cleaner Best for Leather Vinyl Carpet Upholstery Plastic Rubber and Much More!Chemical Guys HOL131 Premium Chenille Microfiber Car Wash Mop and Heavy Duty EXTArmor All Car WashMeguiars Detailer All Purpose Cleaner - 1 gal jugMEGUIAR'S Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose CleanerRain-X Heavy Duty Truck/SUV WashRain x Spot Free Car Wash 48 oz.Armor All Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Cleaner 19137Chemical Guys CWS_110 Honeydew Snow Foam Auto Wash (1gal)Gel Gloss RV Cleaner WaxGriots Garage Car Wash 11102Rain-X 5072084 Foaming Car Wash - 100 oz.All American Car Care Products Heavy Duty Interior Cleaner Concentrate (1 Gallon)Armor All Heavy Duty Wheel & Tire CleanerP21S Auto WashArmor All Wheel & Tire Cleaner

Editor's Notes

During our heavy duty car cleaner research, we found 24 heavy duty car cleaner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 99,701 customer reviews through our big data system to write the heavy duty car cleaners list. We found that most customers choose heavy duty car cleaners with an average price of $13.70.

The heavy duty car cleaners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of heavy duty car cleaners, including Armor All, Auto Magic, Fast Orange, Chemical Guys, Chem-X. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 564 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.