All the professional auto detailers and mobile car wash operators realize that every dollar they save on auto detailing products is a dollar earned. Most professional auto detailing products are not over costly, but the costs do add up. Efficiency in the use of these products will definitely help your bottom line.

Wash & wax soap is the most commonly abused product by your auto detailing crews as they end up wasting it. The secret is to use only one cap full per five gallon bucket, it depends on how dirty the cars are however if you are soaping the whole car figure two or three cars per cap full, so it can last a month in a mobile detail operation.

Degreaser and cleaner; well you will want to use it fairly strong for whitewall figure a pint will last about 10 cars. You can cut it for rims and other uses but not more than 3/4. Heavy-duty degreaser; This works better for rims etc, I would use this instead and the other for more mild issues. Otherwise you will use too much and not get the desired results

Glass cleaner; You can buy distilled water and mix it with RTU or ready to use glass cleaner 50% / 50%. If you use window cleaner concentrate then mix it 75% distilled and 25% product.

Leather cleaner & conditioner; I recommend using Lexol and I would say you will spend about $15.00 per month cost on products. It will last a long time with a gallon, so unless you waste it and use too much further you should have a gallon for a couple of months anyway.

Clay bars; they last a long time, but you have to keep them moist and not allow them to dry out. If you are doing a lot of fall-out type removal then you need two Clay Bars, use AutoMagic products if they are available. Always keep them in a small container with moisture inside.

New car scent; A gallon of new car scent will last a few months, never spray on dashboard plastic always two squirts under each seat to conserve product, as any more is a waste.

Please be smart and efficient with your products, it will save you money and it is also better for the environment as well. Remember every dollar saved is a dollar earned. Consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/