Chemicals to Start Mobile Detailing for Less Than $200

Starting a mobile detailing business doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With careful planning and smart purchasing, you can get all the essential chemicals you need to deliver professional results for under $200. Below, I’ll outline the key chemicals you’ll need and where you can save money while still maintaining high-quality results.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner (APC)

One of the most versatile products you’ll need is an all-purpose cleaner (APC). This is a must-have for a wide range of cleaning tasks, from interiors to exteriors. The trick is to buy it in bulk, dilute it, and make it last.

• Recommendation: Meguiar’s APC (1 Gallon)
• Price: Around $30
• Why: This will last you a long time, and you can dilute it based on the strength you need for various surfaces like upholstery, carpets, and even wheel wells.

2. Car Shampoo

A good car shampoo is essential for washing cars, but the good news is that most brands do the job just fine. You don’t need to spend too much here, and you can get a gallon that will last multiple washes.

• Recommendation: Meguiar’s D111 Shampoo Plus (1 Gallon)
• Price: Around $25
• Why: Meguiar’s products are reliable, and a gallon of shampoo will give you more than enough to get started, with plenty of washes before you’ll need to restock.

3. Trim Dressing

To make exterior plastic trims and tires pop, you’ll need a quality trim dressing. You can save some money by looking for bulk deals online.

• Recommendation: Nanoskin MULTI DRESS All-Purpose Dressing (1 Gallon)
• Price: Around $25-$30
• Why: Nanoskin offers a great budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. It works well for both trims and tires, and buying in bulk helps keep your costs low.

4. Spray Wax

For that shiny, showroom finish, a good spray wax is essential. Since you still have some room in your budget, it’s worth investing in a premium option that delivers great results.

• Recommendation: Adam’s Polishes Graphene Detail Spray (1 Gallon)
• Price: Around $50
• Why: This graphene spray wax offers fantastic protection and shine for your clients’ cars, and with a gallon, you’ll be set for plenty of details.

5. Wheel & Iron Remover

Cleaning wheels and removing iron contaminants from the paint are important parts of a full detail. Using an iron remover will make wheels shine and help decontaminate the surface before applying any wax or coatings.

• Recommendation: 3D Iron Remover GLW Series (1 Gallon)
• Price: Around $50
• Why: This powerful chemical is a must-have for wheels and paint decontamination, helping you deliver professional results that clients will notice.

Final Budget Breakdown:

• Meguiar’s APC (1 Gallon): $30
• Meguiar’s Shampoo Plus (1 Gallon): $25
• Nanoskin MULTI DRESS (1 Gallon): $25-$30
• Adam’s Polishes Graphene Detail Spray (1 Gallon): $50
• 3D Iron Remover GLW Series (1 Gallon): $50

Total Cost: $180-$185

Conclusion

For under $200, you can buy all the essential chemicals you need to start your mobile detailing business. By purchasing in bulk and selecting versatile products, you’ll be able to keep your costs low while still offering high-quality detailing services. With these essentials in hand, you’re ready to start delivering professional results to your clients! If you go with the items on this list, you will spend less than $200, but to hit that budget – scoop up a small bottle of ONR. Optimum No Rinse can be used for interior and exterior detailing, and it’s incredibly helpful to use during the winter.