Starting an auto detailing business is exciting, but it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items—pressure washers, extractors, polishers—while overlooking the small but crucial tools that make the job easier and more efficient. If you want to work faster, improve your results, and reduce frustration, here are some often-overlooked items you should add to your setup.
1. Long Pressure Washer Hose (50ft or More)
A standard pressure washer hose is usually too short, which means constantly moving your machine around the vehicle. A 50ft or longer pressure washer hose allows you to reach around most vehicles without repositioning your equipment. This saves time and prevents unnecessary wear and tear on your machine.
Pro Tip: Choose a high-quality, kink-resistant hose with durable fittings to prevent leaks and improve water flow. We recommend the Flexzilla Pressure Washer Hose, it’s easy to work with and durable enough for professional use.
2. Long Garden Hose (50ft or More)
Just like your pressure washer hose, your garden hose should be long enough to reach your water source without having to move your setup. Many detailers underestimate how much time they waste adjusting hoses during jobs.
Pro Tip: Opt for a commercial-grade, non-kinking garden hose with brass fittings for longevity and reliability.
3. Long Extension Cords
If you’re using an electric polisher, vacuum, or steamer, a 50ft or longer heavy-duty extension cord is a must. Short cords force you to move your power source constantly, which is a hassle when detailing on-site or at a client’s home.
Pro Tip: Get a 12-gauge extension cord to handle high-power tools without voltage drop, which can affect performance.
4. The Right Brushes for Every Job
Brushes are critical for deep cleaning, but many new detailers don’t realize how many they actually need. Some essential brushes include:
- Soft detailing brushes for interiors, vents, and badges
- Stiff tire brushes for scrubbing rubber
- Wheel woolies for safe wheel cleaning
- Drill brush attachments for tough stains in carpets and seats
- Leather and upholstery brushes for delicate materials
Pro Tip: Buy a set of high-quality brushes and dedicate them to specific tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
5. More Microfiber Towels Than You Think
New detailers often buy too few microfiber towels and end up reusing dirty ones, which can scratch paint and reduce efficiency. You should have at least 30-50 quality microfiber towels on hand, separated by task:
- Drying towels
- Glass towels
- Interior towels
- Wheel and engine bay towels
Pro Tip: Use a color-coded system to prevent cross-contamination between different areas of the vehicle. For quality microfibers, we recommend going with The Rag Company’s Edgeless towels. You can buy them in blue or yellow.
6. A Cordless Drill for Drill Brush Attachments
If you’re using drill brushes for carpet and upholstery cleaning, a good cordless drill is essential. Many new detailers use a weak drill or one with a short battery life, which slows down efficiency.
Pro Tip: Invest in an 18V+ cordless drill with at least two batteries so you can swap them out during long jobs.
Harbor Freight has some decent cheap drills, but the best on a budget is probably going to be the Ryobi One+ drill – as you can get the drill, battery, and charger for a good price.
If you already have a Milkwaukee battery and charger, then get a Milwaukee drill. Most drills can handle using a brush, it’s a matter of having a backup battery!
7. Nitrile Gloves
Detailing chemicals can be harsh on your skin. Wearing nitrile gloves protects your hands from chemicals, prevents drying and cracking, and keeps your hands clean throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Choose heavy-duty, chemical-resistant nitrile gloves for maximum durability and comfort.
8. Knee Pads or a Rolling Creeper Seat
Detailing requires a lot of bending and kneeling, which can take a toll on your knees and back. A pair of comfortable knee pads or a rolling creeper seat makes working on wheels, lower panels, and interiors much more comfortable.
Pro Tip: A creeper seat with built-in storage is great for keeping brushes, towels, and chemicals within reach.
Final Thoughts
When starting an auto detailing business, most people focus on the big-ticket items—polishers, steam cleaners, and pressure washers. But it’s the overlooked essentials that can make or break your efficiency, professionalism, and profit margins.
Think about it: A short hose or tangled extension cord wastes time and energy. Running out of microfibers mid-job forces you to use dirty towels, which risks leaving streaks or scratches. A simple detail like a comfortable pair of gloves might not seem like a big deal—until you’ve spent an entire day scrubbing interiors with raw, cracked hands.
The difference between a struggling detailer and a professional isn’t just skill—it’s preparation. The right tools make your workflow smoother, reduce unnecessary frustration, and ultimately allow you to take on more jobs with confidence.
If you’re just getting started, take the time to stock up on these overlooked essentials now. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re knocking out details faster, getting better results, and not having to run to the store in the middle of a job. Efficiency = More Jobs = More Money.
