Tips, Tricks, and Know-How: Get the Most Out of Your Cleaning Solutions

At SOCAR, we don’t just make handcrafted cleaning solutions - we put them to use! Our team has put in the hours in the garage, at the boat dock, and in the detail studio fine-tuning the way we clean. Over the years, we've learned a lot about what works - and what just wastes your time (or your tools).

If you've ever found yourself asking, "Where do I even start?" then this guide is for you. Read on for some field tested tips straight from our own team.

🚗 Car Detailing Tips: Make your Tools Last

“I went through so many brushes when I first started years ago because I used the same one on my wheels and the rest of the car. If you keep 1 brush that is just for wheels and tires, you’ll avoid cross-contamination and scratches, and get more life out of your tools. Learned that one the hard way!” Bobby Route Sales Lead

The Breakdown:

• Brake dust, grease, and road grime are harmful and abrasive to your paint & bodywork. Using the same brush across your wheels and your paint can lead to swirl marks and scratches.
• Designate one brush for wheels/tires/undercarriage only. Use a separate brush, mitt, or sponge for your paint and trim.
• Want to reduce scrubbing? Use the right chemistry for the job.

It’s a fact. Your brush is going to get nasty when you’re scrubbing off grease, grime, and brake dust from your wheels. But in addition to that, you’ll ruin a brush prematurely if you’re scrubbing too hard.

Our Pit Crew Wheel Cleaner was designed to break down stubborn brake dust and road grime without damaging the wheel's finish. It's 100% safe for chrome, clear coat, powder coat & more. Unlike acid-based wheel cleaners which etch or remove finishes, Pit Crew is gentle on your wheels, but tough on grease and grime.

🛥️ Tips for Your Boat

“If you’re cleaning your pontoon boat with Toonshine, my #1 tip is to spray from the bottom up. If you go top-down, you’re going to get streaks and use twice as much chemical. If you do a light even coat starting from the bottom, you’ll get great results every time!” Dawn Showroom Manager

The Breakdown:

• When you apply an aluminum brightener like Toonshine, it chemically reacts with oxidation and buildup to bring back the raw, bright aluminum finish.
• Applying from top-down allows runoff to over react on the surface, causing uneven streaks and wasting product.
• Instead, spray from bottom-up in light, overlapping passes. Once the foam begins to develop (usually in 3-5 minutes) rinse it off. No scrubbing required.

Free Gifts to Help You Get Started

We believe that the right knowledge, paired with the right tools, equals great results. That's why for a limited time, we're giving you some of our best tools, on the house.

• Spend $15 or more → Get a FREE Auto Care Pint (like Pit Crew Wheel Cleaner)
• Buy 2 or more gallons of Toonshine → Get a FREE Marine Detail Kit

Simply add the items to your cart, and the discount is automatically applied at checkout.
Offer ends July 14, 2025 @ Midnight

Choose 1 of These Great Products Free When You Spend $15 or More

Blue Suede Tire Shine $15.99 Shop Now Finishing Touch Interior Protectant $15.99 Shop Now Mint Condition Interior Cleaner $12.99 Shop Now Pinky's Foaming Car Wash $12.99 Shop Now Pit Crew Wheel Cleaner $12.99 Shop Now

Whether you're caring for your daily driver or your weekend lake cruiser, the SOCAR crew is here to help

All our cleaning solutions are handcrafted here in the Upstate of South Carolina, built to perform, and trusted by folks who take pride in what they drive - or float.