The “Clean Car” Checklist – What Every Driver Should Keep in the Boot

Keep Your Car Clean, Ready, and Roadtrip-Safe

You don’t need a detailing van to keep your car clean.

Just a few basic tools in your boot can go a long way in keeping your vehicle looking sharp and road-ready — without the weekly trip to the car wash.

Whether you're a busy parent doing weekend errands or a Grab driver clocking hours on the road, having the right cleaning gear on standby helps you maintain a polished look without depending on professional detailing.

Here’s our top 3 cleaning tools every driver in Singapore should keep in the boot at all times. (And yes, they actually fit in a single washing pail.)

1. Microfiber Car Wash Mitt

This soft, plush coral fleece mitt makes exterior washing easy and streak-free. 

The glove design gives you control when wiping curves and panels.

And the dual-sided yellow/grey colours help you clean different parts of your car without cross-contamination.

Why it matters:
Use the yellow side for the upper body and windows, and the grey side for lower panels or wheel areas. 

That way, you're not dragging grime onto your paint.

Singapore's humid weather and sudden rain mean dust, grime, and water stains collect quickly. 

A simple rinse is often not enough. 

This wash mitt allows you to give your vehicle a thorough wipe-down anytime you notice it getting grubby.

• Comfortable glove fit for tight spots (e.g., door handles, front grilles)
• Non-abrasive, scratch-free material
• Also works dry for interior dusting
• Washable and reusable, making it a cost-efficient option

Bonus Tip: Keep a small collapsible pail in your boot. 

That way, you can pour water from a water bottle and get cleaning wherever you park.

2. Microfiber Rim Brush

Your car rims pick up the most brake dust and road grime — yet many people skip them during a quick rinse. 

This soft rim brush gets between tight spokes and edges with ease.

Why it matters:
Using your main cloth or sponge on rims is a no-go. 

You’ll risk scratching your car paint if those particles transfer.

Brake dust is one of the most corrosive forms of buildup on a vehicle. 

Left unchecked, it can dull the look of your rims and even pit the surface over time. 

That’s why dedicated tools like a rim brush are so important. 

And no, an old toothbrush won’t do the job here — it’s too stiff and too small to be effective.

• Long handle helps reach deep inside the rim
• Internal sponge absorbs soap and water effectively
• Reusable and gentle on all types of rims
• Works dry or wet depending on the cleaning job

Driver Insight: Most Singapore carparks are near greenery or drains, which means sand and plant debris easily get kicked up into your wheel wells. 

A rim brush makes weekly clean-ups easier and faster.

3. 600GSM Premium Microfiber Cloth

Yes, thickness matters. 

This double-layer, 600gsm microfiber towel is your go-to for drying and finishing. 

Use the absorbent microfiber side to wipe your car dry in minutes, and the non-abrasive side to clean your windows without leaving lint or streaks.

Why it matters:
Always keep two cloths — one for your windows/dashboard, one for the lower body or wheels. Never mix them.

Cross-contamination is one of the biggest causes of micro-scratches. 

Using a cloth that’s picked up brake dust or road grime on your dashboard or windows is a big no-no.

• One side for glass, one for all surfaces
• Strong absorption, soft touch
• Hang loop for drying after use
• Lint-free, streak-free finish every time

Extra Use: These thick microfiber cloths are not just for cars. 

Use them around the house too — especially for wiping mirrors, glass, or even your kitchen countertops.

How to Store Your Cleaning Kit in the Boot

All three items can fit easily in a plastic caddy or pail with a handle. 

Choose a ventilated container so damp cloths can breathe — and avoid mould. 

You can also toss in a small garbage bag roll, rubber gloves, and a travel-sized car shampoo bottle if you want to be extra prepared.

Storing your car cleaning essentials in one spot means you’ll never forget them.

And you’ll always be ready for quick clean-ups whether you’re parked at a HDB lot or heading for a road trip to JB.

Who Is This Kit For?

• Family Drivers: You’ve got kids, car snacks, and school drop-offs. Having clean windows and a fresh interior makes the daily commute more pleasant.

• Grab/Private Hire Drivers: Cleanliness is part of customer experience. These 3 tools help you stay ready without depending on expensive detailing services.

• New Car Owners: Learn the habit early. A simple clean-up every few days keeps your car looking new for longer.

• Car Enthusiasts: You already know the joy of cleaning your ride. This is your grab-and-go set for quick touch-ups.

😃 SHARING CORNER 😃

✅ 600gsm cloths absorb better than thin ones. You’ll notice the difference immediately when drying after a wash.

✅ Never use the same cloth for tyres and dashboard. Label your cloths with a marker or use colour coding.

✅ Rims need their own brush to avoid scratching your paint later. Brake dust is abrasive and easily transferred if you’re not careful.

✅ Interior wipes vs. exterior cloths: Keep your interior looking fresh by using a dedicated dry microfiber mitt or cloth for dashboards and screens. 

Avoid any product that leaves a greasy residue, especially in our climate.