Common Car & Truck Cleaning Challenges
Professional car and truck owners face cleaning challenges that exceed standard wash-and-wax routines. Road grime, oil splatter, and brake dust accumulate quickly on vehicles used for work or heavy driving, creating stubborn staining that regular car wash soap cannot remove. These contaminants bond to paint at a molecular level, requiring specialized chemistry to break down without damaging clear coats.
Interior fabric and upholstery stains develop from daily use, spills, and environmental exposure—particularly problematic for commercial vehicles where appearance directly affects professional image. Tar spots, bug splatter, and tree sap harden on paint surfaces, becoming increasingly difficult to remove the longer they’re left untreated. These contaminants actually damage paint and clear coat when left unaddressed, accelerating oxidation and corrosion. Engine bay grease buildup and road salt accumulation create rust spots on metal components. Interior grime from muddy boots, coffee spills, and equipment use requires durable cleaning solutions that don’t leave residue or damage interior materials. Commercial truck owners face the added challenge of maintaining professional appearance while managing high-mileage vehicles subject to severe environmental stress.
Road Dirt, Oil & Traffic Film
Road dirt combines dust particles, oil residue, and traffic film that bonds to paint surfaces. Oil-based components require degreasing chemistry to remove safely. Traffic film accumulates from daily driving and becomes increasingly stubborn the longer vehicles remain unclean.
Bug Splatter & Brake Dust
Bug splatter contains acidic compounds that etch paint when left unattended. Brake dust is ferrous (iron-based) and bonds to wheels, brake components, and nearby paint surfaces. Both require specialized removal chemistry to prevent permanent damage.
Interior Fabric & Upholstery Stains
Fabric absorbs stains from coffee, food, and environmental exposure. Interior materials require gentle cleaning chemistry that doesn’t degrade fabric or leave residue that collects dirt. Professional appearance depends on interior cleanliness for commercial vehicles.
Engine Bay Grease Buildup
Engine compartments accumulate grease, oil, and heat-baked residue. Professional-grade degreasing is necessary to remove these stubborn deposits without damaging sensitive engine components or electrical systems.
Wheel & Tire Residue
Wheels and tires accumulate road salt, brake dust, and tar. Regular cleaning prevents brake dust from bonding permanently to wheels and affecting braking performance through heat transfer.
Road dirt combines dust particles, oil residue, and traffic film that bonds to paint surfaces. Oil-based components require degreasing chemistry to remove safely. Traffic film accumulates from daily driving and becomes increasingly stubborn the longer vehicles remain unclean.
Bug splatter contains acidic compounds that etch paint when left unattended. Brake dust is ferrous (iron-based) and bonds to wheels, brake components, and nearby paint surfaces. Both require specialized removal chemistry to prevent permanent damage.
Fabric absorbs stains from coffee, food, and environmental exposure. Interior materials require gentle cleaning chemistry that doesn’t degrade fabric or leave residue that collects dirt. Professional appearance depends on interior cleanliness for commercial vehicles.
Engine compartments accumulate grease, oil, and heat-baked residue. Professional-grade degreasing is necessary to remove these stubborn deposits without damaging sensitive engine components or electrical systems.
Wheels and tires accumulate road salt, brake dust, and tar. Regular cleaning prevents brake dust from bonding permanently to wheels and affecting braking performance through heat transfer.
Recommended Car & Truck Cleaning Products
FAQs: Car & Truck Cleaning
Q; Can Machine Clean help chalkiness?
Q: Can Machine Clean help with Calcium marks?
Q: Will Machine Clean remove oxidation?
Q; Can I Use Machine Clean on Fiberglass?
Q: Are 13Supplies car cleaners safe for clear coat paint?
Yes. Our cleaners are specifically formulated to be safe on clear coat, standard automotive paint, and protective sealants. They break down contaminants without using harsh abrasives or aggressive chemicals that damage or dull clear coats, protecting your vehicle’s finish and resale value.
Q: Can these products be used for fleet vehicles?
Absolutely. 13Supplies cleaners are ideal for both individual vehicle maintenance and commercial fleet cleaning. They deliver professional results efficiently, helping fleet operators maintain appearance standards while protecting expensive vehicle finishes from damage caused by improper cleaning methods.
Q: Do I need separate products for interior and exterior?
Yes. We recommend using specialized interior cleaners for upholstery and leather to protect these materials while removing stains effectively. Our exterior cleaners focus on paint, wheels, and exterior components. Using appropriate products for each surface ensures optimal results and long-term protection.
Why 13Supplies Cleaners Are Ideal for Cars & Trucks
13Supplies car and truck cleaners are engineered for the heavy-duty demands of professional and personal vehicle maintenance. Our formulations understand automotive chemistry—they break down contaminants at the molecular level without damaging paint, clear coats, sealants, or protective finishes that preserve long-term vehicle value.
Our interior detailing cleaner works on both fabric and leather, removing tough stains from daily use, spills, and environmental contamination without leaving residue or fumes. The formula is safe enough for sensitive interior components while powerful enough to tackle commercial-grade soiling from work environments. Our exterior contamination remover targets tar, bug splatter, and tree sap with precision chemistry that dissolves bonded contaminants without requiring dangerous scraping that damages paint.
Our brake dust and road grime cleaner handles the accumulation common on work vehicles, removing oxidation and salt damage while protecting wheels and suspension components. The comprehensive product line addresses every vehicle cleaning need—from engine bay degreasing to upholstery restoration. Whether maintaining a single truck or a commercial fleet, 13Supplies delivers professional results that preserve vehicle appearance and protect long-term paint and interior condition.
Safe for Paint, Chrome, Plastic & Rubber
Our formulations work on diverse vehicle materials without damage. We understand how different materials respond to cleaning chemistry and formulate accordingly to protect all surfaces.
Cuts Through Oil, Grease & Traffic Film
Our specialized degreasers break down hydrocarbon-based contaminants that regular soap can’t address. The chemistry targets grease chemistry specifically, lifting stubborn residue without abrasive action.
Works on Both Interior & Exterior Surfaces
Whether you need exterior restoration or interior detailing, our complete line addresses all vehicle cleaning needs with appropriate formulations for each surface type.
Concentrated Formulas for Professional Use
Our formulations are designed for professional-grade results and can be used on high-mileage vehicles and commercial fleets with consistent, professional outcomes.
Step-by-Step Guide:

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with low-pressure water to remove loose dirt and debris from all surfaces

Apply appropriate exterior cleaner based on specific contaminants (brake dust, tar, tree sap, or general grime)

Allow cleaner to work for 5-10 minutes to chemically break down stubborn bonded contaminants

Gentle agitation with microfiber cloth removes loosened debris without scratching clear coat

Rinse completely with fresh water to remove all cleaner residue and dissolved contaminants

Clean interior using appropriate upholstery or leather cleaner on affected areas

Dry exterior with microfiber towels to prevent water spots and mineral deposits

Apply protective sealant to maintain appearance and protect against future contamination
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with low-pressure water to remove loose dirt and debris from all surfaces
Apply appropriate exterior cleaner based on specific contaminants (brake dust, tar, tree sap, or general grime)
Allow cleaner to work for 5-10 minutes to chemically break down stubborn bonded contaminants
Gentle agitation with microfiber cloth removes loosened debris without scratching clear coat
Rinse completely with fresh water to remove all cleaner residue and dissolved contaminants
Clean interior using appropriate upholstery or leather cleaner on affected areas
Dry exterior with microfiber towels to prevent water spots and mineral deposits
Apply protective sealant to maintain appearance and protect against future contamination























