Top 5 Quick Detailing Sprays

Anyone who enjoys keeping their car clean and shiny knows how quickly dust, fingerprints, or water spots can take away that freshly washed look. That’s where a quality quick detailer (QD) - an underrated detailing tool in my opinion - can save the day. These versatile sprays keep your car looking showroom fresh with minimal effort when you can’t make time for a proper washing and detailing session.

After testing dozens of products over the years, I've narrowed down the five quick detailers that consistently deliver outstanding results for car owners. Let's dive into what makes these products stand out from the crowd.

What Exactly Is a Quick Detailer?

Before we examine the top contenders, let's clarify what a quick detailer does. These spray-on products are designed to:

• Remove light dust and contaminants without scratching.
• Enhance gloss and shine between regular washes.
• Add a small layer of protection to your existing wax/sealant/ceramic coating.
• Provide lubrication for claying or gentle paint correction.
• Make your car look freshly detailed in minutes.

Now, let's look at the five best quick detailers that have earned a permanent place in my detailing cupboard.

5 Best Quick Detailer Sprays

1. Bilt Hamber Auto-QD

• Price: £16.89 for 500ml
• Size Options: 500ml
• Rating: 5 stars

Bilt Hamber has built a stellar reputation in the detailing community for creating no-nonsense products that simply work, and their Auto-QD is no exception.

What impresses me most is how effectively it cleans without leaving any residue whatsoever. Moreover, the protection element is genuinely noticeable. There’s a visible improvement in water beading after applying this quick detailer spray.

Key Features:

• Water-based formula with no silicones or petroleum distillates.
• Contains genuine protection elements.
• Safe on all exterior surfaces, including plastic trims.
• Very concentrated formulation.

Ideal For:

• Cleanliness.
• Protection.
• Maintaining ceramic coatings and other protective layers.

2. CarPro EliXir Quick Detailer

• Price: £13.29 for 500ml
• Size Options: 500ml, 1L
• Rating: 5 stars

CarPro’s EliXir is perhaps the most technically advanced yet the easiest to use quick detailer spray on this list. It provides a certain level of protection that you mostly only get from dedicated spray sealants.

The slickness after application is just excellent! Water races off the surface in tight beads as you get that coveted "wet look" finish. Moreover, its ceramic nano technology, infused with SiO2, is perfect for enhancing the existing ceramic coating of your car.

Key Features:

• Contains SiO2 (silica) for genuine ceramic protection.
• Works as a standalone protection or ceramic booster.
• Creates a slick, high-gloss finish.
• Spray-on-wipe-off application.

Ideal For:

• Maintaining ceramic coatings.
• Adding a layer of protection on non-coated cars.
• Removing light contaminants between washes.

3. Koch Chemie FSE Quick Detailer Spray

• Price: £10.75 for 1L
• Size Options: 1L
• Rating: 4 stars

When I'm faced with those annoying water spots that appear after rain dries on a hot day, Koch Chemie’s FSE is my go-to quick detailer. It can rid your paintwork, glass, rubber, and any other exterior surface of limescale stains.

What separates FSE from many competitors is how it disappears completely after application. Where other quick detailers may leave streaks and smears, Koch Chemie’s FSE leaves behind clean paint.

Simply put, this is the best quick detailer to remove water stains from your car.

Key Features:

• Contains special polymers for streak-free results.
• Quick detailer with limescale remover.
• The pH-neutral formula is safe for all surfaces.
• Minimal residue.

Ideal For:

• Removing tough water spots.
• Rejuvenating colour depth.

4. Stjärnagloss Silke High Gloss Quick Detailing Spray

• Price: £10.00 for 500ml
• Size Options: 500ml
• Rating: 4 stars

If you’re looking for a versatile detailing spray that takes care of your vehicle’s exterior and interior surfaces, look no further. Stjärnagloss’s Silke High Gloss Detailing Spray works as your paint cleaner, gloss enhancer, interior cleaner, and a decent waterless car wash if need be. Also, it works great as a drying aid. 

Key Features:

• Solvent-free formulation.
• Safe for PPF films and gloss wraps.
• Works on all exterior and interior surfaces of your car.

Ideal For:

• Car detailers on a budget.
• Touch-ups between washes.
• Detailers who want an all-purpose detailing spray.

5. GYEON Q2M Quick Detailer

• Price: £19.00 for 1L
• Size Options: 1L
• Rating: 4 stars

GYEON has established itself as a premium brand in the detailing market, and the Q2M Quick Detailer is only improving that reputation. This is a no-nonsense auto detailing spray that doesn’t worry itself too much with protection. Instead, the focus is on providing the glossiest and slickest finish after every application. 

It’s safe for all coatings, including traditional waxes, but it does wonders for a ceramic-coated surface by enhancing its hydrophobic properties.

Key Features:

• Extremely glossy finish with high reflectivity.
• Exceptional slickness reduces friction.
• Works on all exterior surfaces.

Ideal For:

• Detailers who like glossy finishes and slick exteriors.
• Vehicles with a ceramic coating.

Comparison Table - How The Top 5 Quick Detailers Compare?

Final Thoughts: Which Quick Detailer Should You Choose?

After extensive testing across various vehicles and conditions, here's my verdict on which quick detailer is best for different types of users:

• Best Quick Detailer for Beginners: Stjärnagloss Silke offers the best combination of performance and value. Its ease of use makes it perfect for regular maintenance without breaking the bank.

• Best Quick Detailer for Protection: CarPro EliXir's SiO2 content and outstanding hydrophobic properties make it the clear choice if lasting protection is your priority.

• Best Quick Detailer to Remove Water Spots: Koch Chemie FSE's unmatched ability to remove water spots and finish with zero residue makes it a must-have quick detailer spray tool in every professional's kit.

• Best Quick Detailer for Ceramic Coated Vehicles: GYEON Quick Detailer's compatibility with ceramic coatings and ability to enhance their properties make it the ideal choice for maintaining these premium finishes.

• Best Overall Quick Detailer: Bilt Hamber’s Auto-QD offers the best balance of cleaning power, protection, and ease of use. That’s what makes it my go-to and the best quick detailer overall.

Incorporating a quality quick detailer into your detailing routine will enhance both the appearance and longevity of your car’s finish. The 5 quick detailers listed and reviewed above represent the pinnacle of current quick detailer technology and offer something for every type of detailing enthusiast.

However, if you don’t see the right quick detailing spray for your needs, we suggest you browse our full range of detailing sprays. You’ll definitely find the right one!

FAQs

Q: Can quick detailers replace regular car washes?

A: Not entirely. Quick detailers are great for maintaining a clean appearance, but they can't remove heavy dirt, mud, or grime. Think of them as a way to keep your car looking fresh until you can get it properly washed.

Q: Will a quick detailer damage my car’s paint or wax?

A: No, as long as you use it correctly and on a relatively clean surface. Quick detailers are formulated to be gentle and often contain ingredients that enhance existing wax or sealant layers.

Q: How often should I use a quick detailer spray?

You can use a quick detailer as often as needed. Just be sure the surface isn’t heavily soiled to avoid scratching.

Q: Can I use quick detailers on windows, wheels, or interior surfaces?

A: Some quick detailers are safe for glass and wheels, but always check the label. They’re generally not meant for interior use. For best results, use products designed for specific surfaces.