In Gear: Car Cleaning Supplies

1. Bucket-free WashesThese two washes are miracles in a bottle. You simply squirt them onto a wet car, rub into a lather with a sponge or mitt, and then rinse. No bucket, no muss, no fuss. Of the two, we'd pick Eagle One's Bucket-Free Car Wash, which will wash sixty cars per 25-ounce bottle, over the superior-foaming Armor All Power Wash Gel, which nets only eight washes per 20 ounces. (Armor All, $4; Eagle One, $5)
2. Mr. Clean Autodry Pro SeriesFor the ultimate in car-cleaning slackerdom, hook this device up to your hose, spray, and forget about a chamois or towel. This update to the original AutoDry adds a jet-rinse setting, a self-draining carrying case, a soft-grip handle, and a swiveling hose connector. ($40)
3. Wheel and Tire CleanersThese products both make quick work of dirty wheels and tires. Just spray and rinse; some scrubbing is still required for stubborn brake dust. Eagle One All Wheel & Tire Cleaner foams more; Michelin's Wheel & Tire Cleaner spray is biodegradable. (Eagle One, $5; Michelin, $5)
4. Wet WaxesAfter you've rinsed the soap, squirt these waxes onto a wet car and rub in while drying. They might put the Karate Kid out of the car-waxing business forever. The thick Armor All Wax-It-Dry Gel inspired more confidence than Eagle One's Wax As-U-Dry, but neither can match the durability of more traditional waxes. (Armor All, $4; Eagle One, $5)