What should I use to clean a small area on the exterior of my truck? Say I get a spot of bird poop or something... what would be the best cleaner, preferably in a spray bottle, that I can keep in the cab?

 

I use a detail spray. My preferred brand is Adams. Since my truck is ceramic coated, I use their grapheme detail spray.

 

Pick your poison, lots of great options out there. I’m a life-long Griots Garage user, their speed shine or Best of Show detailer is my go-to for small spots. If you’re ceramic coated, they also have a ceramic detailer.

 

I would keep several things. First, maybe some diluted car wash in a spray bottle to do the initial cleaning. I would spray, then wipe with a clean cloth. Then I would use a quick detailer to wipe over the area just cleaned, with another clean towel.

List:

1.) 2 clean towels
2.) mister with diluted car wash
3.) mister with quick detailer

 

I use a product called Optimum No Rinse. You can use it as a rinse less wash or as a quick detailer/ spot cleaner. Terrific stuff and very slick so it won’t damage your paint.

 

Mothers Waterless Wash
Griots makes an instant detailers, as well as Adams, etc

 

Instant detailer suffices for a tiny spot. If you're doing larger wipe down details and it's not just a post wash/post dry wipe down to completely get rid of water spots after most dirt is gone you should use waterless wash type products, which have more lubricity. Waterless wash is becoming more popular and common than it used to be and is starting to pop up on auto parts store shelves where you used to only see detail spray.

 

What I use.