DFB5.0's Obsessive Car Detailing Flow Chart

For me personally, I get a kick out of discovering new products and brands. That's why my go-to products that I use and recommend are from sourced from different brands and different suppliers. Some brands come close to providing a winning product in every category, but none truly nail it. To me, that's an important factor and the reason why I my cabinet isn't filled with one brand. But....................that me, an obsessive-car-detailer. Having said that, I do realize some would like to simplify the buying process.

My Detailing Adress Book covers a comprehensive list of products and tools, but that follows my eclectic style. So, the below flow charts will focus on a quick reference product-towel-tool-quantity guide to make shopping and usage easier. In this case, I've tried to keep the product selection to a smaller group of brands and suppliers, again to simplify the buying process. I won't link all products and tools mentioned here, but with the exception of the Bilt Hamber, you can get these products from a few key suppliers -

The Rag Company
Sky's The Limit Car Care
Car Supplies Warehouse
















The following is a towel shopping list. Use this as a guide to get started or to bolster your lineup. Take note some items you only need one of no matter how many cars you have. But for something like wash mitts, I think you need one per car, similar concept with drying towels. I used to ration my towels, but with how cost effective they are now, its always better to have more towels than not enough. Just remember, towels are consumables, demote and replace as needed.




I really hope this is of use. I think the biggest problem a novice detailer faces is the massive amount of choice out there now. Once upon a time, you went to the auto store, picked up a few Meguiar's products and called it good. But with countless brands now at our fingertips, it can be hard to know where to start. I guess with this guide, you can bypass the trial-and-error stage and skip right to the main event. This means you can buy with confidence and save some money in the process. Naturally, some of it will be subjective, but by and large, you won't be disappointed with any of the towels or products listed above.

Happy detailing!!

Wow! I'm still in the Meguiars mode.

Illini4 said:

Wow! I'm still in the Meguiars mode.

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First time reading one of DFB's posts? With my 2021 GT I was a 2 bucket, 1 soap kinda guy. Then DFB kidnapped me and turned me into this.



I've still got another $1k worth of products to get prior to spring time (the bucket system being the most expensive, spray bottles are cheap etc).

HOWEVER, that being said... click the link in my sig for my build page where I've got pics from a photoshoot I had done after my first time using a psuedo DFB + Obessessed Garage style wash.

Another great post Deyon. Funny I just got an early holiday gift from The Rag Company.

I like reading through these posts and looking up some products to try out. I don’t think I have seen any noticeable difference with more pricey products but I do love detailing my vehicles. Except the Silverado. There is no saving that one.

MCS said:

First time reading one of DFB's posts? With my 2021 GT I was a 2 bucket, 1 soap kinda guy. Then DFB kidnapped me and turned me into this.

I've still got another $1k worth of products to get prior to spring time (the bucket system being the most expensive, spray bottles are cheap etc).

HOWEVER, that being said... click the link in my sig for my build page where I've got pics from a photoshoot I had done after my first time using a psuedo DFB + Obessessed Garage style wash.

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Proud of you!!

Bikeman315 said:

Another great post Deyon. Funny I just got an early holiday gift from The Rag Company.

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Not a dud on show there!

It's funny, now that ADS are gaining traction, the knives come out and people start labeling them as the latest hype train. Which is total bullsh.t! I hate that mentality, just because something is getting talked about, doesn't mean its all talk and no substance. ADS have the runs on the board, the products are class leading, they have the branding on point and are positively engaging with customers. That's not hype, that's a business driven by passion and quality.

I even spent $60 on a recommended by DFB tyre shine product!

Only used it once so far, but love it
Plus all the other ones hes recommended

The title says it all. As for me, all I want is to be your retailer!

D, another great post. Thankyou, and glad to see the few products I use are following your recommendations.

I am not perfect and have a few character flaws. Two are minimalism and prudent buying. After graduating from supermarket Armorall I drank the Bowdens kool aid. Until I read your posts.

My stock of Bowdens grew and grew; had to wait for 40% discount sales. Similarly my detailing kit became overloaded with products that seemed to literally “rinse and repeat”. I’ve now disposed or used most of this stuff to others.

Despite being a minimalist - I own two Mustangs/don’t even need one - I like products that are cross purpose.

As you know I’m mostly away OS and my two garage queens remain safely secured in Melbourne.

When unleashed from their stable, they occasionally get dirty. I don’t have access to pressure washer. A light pre wash rinse is ok as they only ever superficially dirty.

Consequently I’m washing with CarPro Reset, drying with PS Beadmaker/ Boost V2 and dressing tyres with Carper PERL.

I’m not trying any ADS until I run out of current drying aids!

I’m also not trying any P S Express until I’ve tried PERL inside. I like how you still recommend PERL under the hood.

I’m using up my Bowdens Naked Glass on windows.

As my cars never get seriously dirty I’m hopeful I can limit my entire detailing store to

CarPro reset
DFB recommended Drying Aid
CarPro PERL

Of course I’m using 2 TRC gauntlets and a Waxit mitt.

This satisfies both my minimalism and expenditure. I really do have too much time on my hands here in Philippines.

FYI found the CarPro Reset removed all bugs after my recent Canberra trip.

Thankyou for another great write up. You deserve to monetize your knowledge and expertise.

radar said:

I’m also not trying any P S Express until I’ve tried PERL inside. I like how you still recommend PERL under the hood.

CarPro reset
DFB recommended Drying Aid
CarPro PERL

Of course I’m using 2 TRC gauntlets and a Waxit mitt.

Thankyou for another great write up. You deserve to monetize your knowledge and expertise.

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To clarify, Xpress is a pure cleaner and leaves nothing behind, while Perl is a pure dressing and has no ability to clean. In other words, both complement one another. As you describe your usage patterns, you probably don't need an interior cleaner, just wipe with a damp towel and apply Perl.

Reminder that it is the start of "summer" in Australia.

20ducks said:

Reminder that it is the start of "summer" in Australia.

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Thanks for the reminder?

DFB5.0 said:

Thanks for the reminder?

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Many in North America may not be aware of the season differences between those counties in south of the equator. My comment was meant as an FYI.

20ducks said:

Many in North America may not be aware of the season differences between those counties in south of the equator. My comment was meant as an FYI.

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Surely not? Are Americans that insular to not know that? Or is geography only taught within American boarders?