The Auto Detailing Podcast

Hosted by Jimbo Balaam interviews guest like Barry Meguiar, Jason Rose, Yvan Lacroix,

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974

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Auto Detailing Podcast is a show dedicated to all things auto detailing. Whether you are a weekend warrior, drive way detailer, just starting your detail business, or you have been detailing for many years there is something we can all learn. This show gives you valuable tips, tricks and interviews with todays top detailers across the world. We focus heavily on efficiency and award winning results - We keep it real and make sure every episode gives you multiple take aways to make you a better auto detailer.

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60 recent

June 10, 202634 min

You Really Only Need 7 Products To Fully Detail A Car

Detailing has gotten way too complicated. A lot of people think they need 25 or 30 different products just to properly detail one car. Wheel cleaner, tire cleaner, bug remover, foam soap, contact wash soap, drying aid, glass cleaner, trim dressing, interior cleaner, leather cleaner, polish, ceramic spray, water spot remover, and the list keeps going. But do you really need all of that? In this podcast-style video, I break down the 7 products I would use to fully detail most cars. This includes washing, heavy cleaning, decontamination, polishing, protection, interior cleaning, tires, trim, and final finishing. The goal is not to say specialty products are useless. They absolutely have their place. But most people do not need every specialty product every single time. Most people need a better system. The 7 products: The Super Soaper — safe washing, pre-soaking, foaming, and contact washing Pure Magic Cleaner — wheels, tires, grime, lower panels, and hard water spot help Clay bar or clay mitt — bonded contamination removal Picture Perfect Polish — gloss, clarity, and paint enhancement Tough As Shell — ceramic spray protection Complete Cabin Cleaner — interior cleaning All Dressed Up — tires, trim, rubber, plastics, and final finish PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car detailing,auto detailing,detailing products,best car detailing products,car detailing products for beginners,how to detail a car,full car detail,car wash products,ceramic spray,paint correction,clay bar car,clay mitt,interior car cleaning,tire dressing,wheel cleaner,Jimbo's Detailing,The Super Soaper,Tough As Shell,Picture Perfect Polish,Pure Magic Cleaner,Complete Cabin Cleaner,All Dressed Up

June 7, 202615 min

The TRUTH About Low pH - High pH Wash Systems

Recently, acid-alkaline wash systems (sometimes called "exothermic washes") have become one of the hottest topics in the detailing industry. These systems can deliver incredible cleaning power by combining acidic and alkaline chemistry, but are they really the best solution for long-term vehicle maintenance? In this video, I break down: ✅ What acid-alkaline wash systems are ✅ Why they work so well ✅ The science behind traffic film removal ✅ The risks nobody talks about ✅ Contact washing vs chemical washing ✅ Why I believe smarter chemistry beats stronger chemistry I'll also explain my philosophy behind developing The Super Soaper and why I believe chemistry should simplify the method—not force you into a more complicated process. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

June 3, 202615 min

Is a Ceramic Coating Spray Worth It If You Use a Car Wash?

A customer recently asked me a great question: "Is Tough As Shell still worth using if I take my car through a soft-touch automatic car wash?" He had just bought a brand new dark jade green Kia Telluride, parks outside, does not have a garage or carport, and uses a commercial soft-touch car wash two or three times a month. So in this video, I'm answering that question honestly. Does a car wash remove ceramic spray? Is ceramic spray still worth it if you use automatic car washes? How often should you reapply protection if your car sits outside? And what is the best way to protect a new car when real life gets in the way? The truth is, products like Tough As Shell are not force fields. They will not make your paint scratch-proof or maintenance-free. But they do add a real layer of protection that helps with water beading, easier cleaning, UV exposure, gloss, and keeping your paint looking better over time. If you use a soft-touch car wash regularly, you may need to refresh your protection more often. But that does not make ceramic spray pointless. In fact, for many people, an easy-to-use ceramic spray is one of the most realistic ways to keep a daily driver protected. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE ceramic spray, ceramic spray coating, automatic car wash, soft touch car wash, touchless car wash, car wash scratches, car paint protection, new car paint protection, Tough As Shell, Jimbo's Detailing, ceramic spray vs car wash, best ceramic spray, how to protect car paint, car detailing tips, ceramic coating maintenance, spray ceramic coating

May 31, 202630 min

Car Detailing Tools You Actually Need — And What You're Wasting Money On

Most beginner detailers buy way too many tools because the detailing industry makes everything feel more complicated than it needs to be. In this video, I'm breaking down the car detailing tools you actually need, the tools that are nice to have, and the ones I think most people waste money on. We'll cover exterior washing, wheels and tires, interior cleaning, paint correction, ceramic protection, drying tools, microfiber towels, polishers, brushes, foam cannons, pressure washers, and more. The goal is simple: build a detailing setup that actually works without overcomplicating the process. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car detailing tools, auto detailing tools, beginner car detailing, essential detailing tools, detailing setup, car wash tools, foam cannon, pressure washer detailing, microfiber towels, paint correction tools, car detailing for beginners, detailing products, Jimbo's Detailing, best detailing tools, tools you actually need, detailing tips

May 27, 202618 min

9 Car Detailing Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Paint

Most swirl marks and scratches don't come from bad products… they come from outdated detailing habits. In this video, I break down 9 common car detailing mistakes that are slowly ruining your paint — and what modern detailing methods you should use instead. We'll cover mistakes like: Pre-rinsing instead of pre-soaking Using the outdated 2 bucket wash method Washing in direct sunlight incorrectly Using traditional glass cleaners Weak wheel cleaners that waste time Drying your paint the wrong way Using APCs on everything Skipping paint protection Overcomplicating detailing These simple changes can make washing your car safer, faster, and way more enjoyable. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car detailing mistakes,car wash mistakes,detailing mistakes ruining paint,how to wash a car properly,car detailing tips,paint swirl marks,avoid scratching paint,two bucket wash method,foam cannon wash,modern detailing methods,car paint scratches,how to avoid swirl marks,car detailing guide,auto detailing tips,paint safe wash method,best car wash soap,detailing tips and tricks,jimbos detailing,paint correction tips,car washing tips

May 24, 202623 min

10 Tips To Polish Paint Faster & Get Better Results

Most people make paint polishing way harder than it needs to be. In this video, I break down why polishing your car takes too long, what mistakes slow people down, and how to get better results with a simpler system. We'll talk about test spots, pad choice, product amount, cleaning your pad, realistic expectations, and why a one-step polish can be the smarter option for most daily drivers. The goal is not always 100% paint correction. A lot of the time, the goal is to make the paint cleaner, glossier, clearer, and easier to maintain without spending an entire weekend chasing every last scratch. In this video, you'll learn: Why polishing takes too long Why chasing perfection wastes time How to do a proper test spot Why pad choice matters so much How to use a one-step polish correctly Why cleaning your pad speeds up correction How to protect the paint after polishing How to make paint correction simpler and more enjoyable If you want a simpler way to polish paint and get great real-world results, this video will help. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car polishing, paint correction, how to polish a car, one step polish, car detailing tips, polishing car paint, remove swirl marks, car polish for beginners, paint correction tips, polishing mistakes, detailing business tips, best car polish, Jimbo's Detailing, Picture Perfect Polish, ceramic spray, car detailing for beginners, DIY car detailing

May 20, 202617 min

The Best Glass Cleaner Isn't a Glass Cleaner - Here's The Secret To Streak Free Glass

I keep getting asked why I don't offer a dedicated glass cleaner… or what my favorite glass cleaner is. The truth is simple: most of the time, the best glass cleaner is not a glass cleaner at all. In this episode, I'm breaking down my simple method for getting streak-free car glass using DI water or distilled water in a spray bottle. No foaming glass cleaner. No overcomplicated system. No heavy residue left behind. Just the right process, the right towel, and a simple approach that works. I'll also cover why so many glass cleaners streak, why foaming glass cleaners can make the problem worse, how I handle smoker cars or heavy buildup on interior glass, and the towel trick I use when cleaning hot glass in direct sunlight. In this video, I cover: Why I don't currently sell a glass cleaner Why DI water or distilled water works so well on car glass Why foaming glass cleaners can cause streaking How to clean interior windshield haze What to do on smoker cars or heavy buildup When I use Complete Cabin Cleaner first Why the final wipe matters more than the cleaner My hot-glass towel trick for direct sunlight How to get simple, streak-free glass without overthinking it Most people don't have a glass cleaner problem. They have a towel problem, a residue problem, or a process problem. Keep it simple. Clean the glass. Don't leave anything behind. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car glass cleaner, best glass cleaner, clean car windows, streak free glass, windshield cleaning, interior windshield haze, car detailing glass tips, DI water glass cleaner, distilled water glass cleaner, foaming glass cleaner, how to clean car glass, car detailing podcast, auto detailing podcast, Jimbo's Detailing, Complete Cabin Cleaner, Tough As Shell, detailing tips, streak free windshield, glass cleaning hack

May 13, 202622 min

The TRUTH About Detailing Cars Outside...

Can you detail a car in direct sun? Years ago, the answer was almost always no. Soaps would dry too fast, waxes would streak, polishes would dust, and water spots could bake into the paint before you even had a chance to wipe them off. But detailing products have changed. In this video, I break down why detailing in direct sunlight used to be such a problem, what has changed with modern car detailing technology, and how better soaps, ceramic sprays, microfiber towels, and polishing products make it possible to safely detail in real-world conditions. This doesn't mean you should be careless. Heat, hard water, black paint, and wind still matter. But with the right products and the right process, detailing in the sun is no longer the automatic disaster it used to be. In this video, I cover: Why old-school soaps, waxes, and polishes struggled in direct sun How modern car wash soaps changed the game Why pre-soaking before contact washing is safer How ceramic sprays are easier to use than old waxes Why microfiber towel technology matters The difference between outdated detailing methods and modern detailing chemistry How to detail smarter when shade is not available PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car detailing in direct sun, can you detail a car in the sun, washing car in sunlight, direct sun car wash, car detailing tips, modern detailing products, ceramic spray coating, car wash soap, pre soak car wash, mobile detailing tips, Jimbo Balaam, Jimbo's Detailing, The Super Soaper, Tough As Shell, auto detailing, driveway detailing

May 6, 202616 min

If I Could Only Use 3 Detailing Products… This Is What I'd Pick

What if you could only use 3 detailing products for every car you work on? No shelves full of chemicals. No 20-step process. Just 3 products to handle almost everything. In this video, I break down the exact 3 products I would choose—and more importantly, WHY—based on versatility, efficiency, and real-world results. This isn't about the "perfect" setup… it's about the smartest setup. Because the truth is… most detailers are overcomplicating things. If you understand how to choose products that can do multiple jobs, you can simplify your process, save time, and still get incredible results. 👇 In this video, we cover: The mindset behind choosing versatile detailing products Why most specialty products don't make the cut How to clean, protect, and finish a car with just 3 products The limitations of this setup (and where it falls short) Who this minimalist approach actually works best for Whether you're a beginner, weekend warrior, or pro detailer looking to simplify your setup… this will change how you think about detailing. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car detailing, auto detailing, car detailing tips, detailing products, best detailing products, car wash products, how to detail a car, detailing for beginners, mobile detailing, detailing setup, minimal detailing setup, car cleaning tips, ceramic spray coating, tire dressing, trim dressing, car wash soap, foam cannon soap, detailing business, professional detailer, detailing hacks, simple detailing setup, 3 detailing products, must have detailing products, beginner detailing kit

April 29, 202630 min

8 Detailing Mistakes Everyone Is Still Making (Stop Doing This)

Most detailers think they're doing things the "right" way… but what if the industry has been teaching it wrong this whole time? In this episode, I break down 8 common detailing mistakes that are holding people back—from outdated wash methods to overcomplicated systems that take the fun out of detailing. This isn't about calling people out… it's about showing you a better, simpler, more effective way to get pro-level results. Here's what we're getting into: • Why pre-rinsing with water is actually less effective than pre-soaking • How DI water can completely change your results (especially in the sun) • Why the 2-bucket method is outdated (and what to do instead) • The truth about pH neutral soaps vs functional cleaning power • Why APCs don't belong on most interiors • How to simplify paint correction with ONE polish and pad choice • The reality of ceramic coating durability (and what actually works long-term) • Why most detailing brands overcomplicate everything—and how to simplify your process At the end of the day, detailing should be fun, simple, and effective. If your process feels complicated… you're probably doing too much. If you want better results in less time—and actually enjoy the process again—this episode is for you. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69 Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE car detailing mistakes, detailing tips, how to detail a car, car washing mistakes, two bucket method outdated, pre soak car wash, car wash soap explained, ph neutral car soap, best car wash method, auto detailing tips, ceramic coating truth, paint correction tips, one step polish, interior detailing mistakes, detailing for beginners, professional detailing tips, foam cannon wash method, how to avoid swirl marks, detailing process simplified, car cleaning tips