The Exterior Car Cleaning Products Editors Tested (And Actually Kept Using)

If you read enough car coverage, you start to notice a difference between products that get mentioned once and products that keep showing up after testing.
In 2025, several Chemical Guys exterior products fell into the second category — not because of hype, but because editors at major automotive and DIY publications kept returning to the same strengths: control, paint safety, and ease of use.
Here’s what stood out.

ProFlow PM2000: The Pressure Washer Editors Trust for Cars
Pressure washers are one of the easiest ways to damage paint if you use too much pressure. That’s why multiple outlets focused less on raw power and more on usable pressure.
According to testing from Bob Vila, Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Pro Tool Reviews, the ProFlow PM2000 hit a sweet spot:

Around 2030 PSI, which reviewers repeatedly noted as strong enough for grime but safer for automotive finishes
Compact design that’s easier to move while washing
Four rolling caster wheels for smooth maneuvering
Noticeable improvements over the first version (including leak fixes and better hose organization)

Bob Vila testers specifically called out how easily the unit followed them during washes, while Car and Driver appreciated quality‑of‑life upgrades that made daily use simpler.
Who it’s best for:
Car owners who only want to wash vehicles, not strip paint or clean driveways.

TORQ Foam Blaster 6: Foam Without a Pressure Washer
Foam cannons usually require extra equipment. The TORQ Foam Blaster 6 stood out to editors because it skips that entirely.
Both Car and Driver and Road & Track highlighted it as an accessible option for:

Beginners
Apartment or townhouse owners
Families

It connects to a standard garden hose and still delivers thick, even foam, which reviewers described as making washing faster, safer, and more fun.
Why this mattered in testing:
You get the pre‑wash lubrication benefits of foam without upgrading your entire setup.

Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon: Best When You Do Use a Pressure Washer
For readers who already own pressure washers, the Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon received praise from MotorTrend and USA Today for:

Even soap coverage across large panels
Adjustable foam density
Better dirt encapsulation, which helps reduce swirl marks

Editors specifically mentioned how consistent foam distribution helps protect paint during contact washes.

Megalodon Towel: Drying Without Swirls
Drying is when many swirl marks happen — something reviewers called out directly.
According to editors at The Drive and other automotive outlets, the Megalodon Towel stood out for:

High absorbency right out of the package
Streak‑free results
A shape and size that reduced accidental ground contact

Small design decisions made a noticeable difference during use.

The Chemical Guys Bottom Line:
No gimmicks, no chest-beating—just products that make washing easier, safer, and consistently on point.