Detailing sprayers come in two main kinds. Trigger spray bottles put a diluted product exactly where you want it, on interiors, glass, wheels and small areas. Pump-up pressure sprayers such as the DTLR Spray Cannon hold more and spray a wide, steady mist, so they cover a whole car with pre-wash without tiring your hand. Both are in our pressure sprayer and trigger head ranges.
Trigger bottle or pump sprayer?
Use a trigger bottle for small, precise jobs and a pump sprayer to cover large areas.
| Sprayer | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger spray bottle | Interiors, glass, wheels, quick detailers and spot cleaning | IK Multi TR Mini 360, 600ml |
| Pump-up pressure sprayer | Pre-wash, citrus cleaners and large areas | DTLR Spray Cannon, 2 litres |
Most people end up with both: a pump sprayer for the pre-wash and a few labelled trigger bottles for everything else.
What makes a good pump sprayer for detailing?
Look at the seals, the nozzle and the build. Viton seals are chosen for use with chemicals, which matters when you fill a sprayer with citrus pre-wash and degreasers week after week.
Holds 2 litres, made from heavy-duty plastic and brass, with Viton seals and an adjustable nozzle that goes from a wide fan to a jet.
£21.95In stock
What does 28/410 mean on a trigger head?
It is the neck size. The 28 is the diameter of the bottle neck in millimetres and 410 is the style of the thread. A trigger head only fits a bottle with the same neck finish, so check it before you buy a spare.
Better Detailing Trigger Spray Head 28/410
A black head with a spray and off nozzle that gives about 1.2ml per pull.
Replacement Plastic Trigger Spray Head
Fits 28mm necks, with stream and spray settings.
Which products can go in a pump sprayer?
Pump sprayers suit thin, watery products used over big areas, such as citrus pre-wash, traffic film remover, all purpose cleaner and wheel cleaner at their working dilution. Thick gels are better applied with a trigger or a brush, and thick snow foam needs a foaming sprayer or a foam lance. Check the product label says it can go in a pressure sprayer.
What size spray bottle is best?
A 500ml to 1 litre trigger bottle is easy to hold for a whole session. Smaller bottles suit a kit bag or the door pocket of the car, and a bigger pump sprayer saves refilling halfway round the car.
How do you dilute and fill a spray bottle?
Measure the product and the water, add the water first and label the bottle.
- Read the label: find the dilution for the job, such as 1:10 for a general clean.
- Measure properly: use a Maxshine 1 litre measuring cup rather than guessing by eye.
- Water first: add the water, then the product, so concentrated cleaner does not foam up and overflow. A wash bucket is the opposite, as there you want the suds.
- Use a funnel: a long stem funnel stops spills down the side of the bottle.
- Label it: write the product and the dilution on the bottle so nobody sprays the wrong thing on the wrong surface.
Our guide to dilution ratios explains how to work out any ratio.
How do you stop a trigger sprayer leaking?
Make sure the head is screwed down fully and matches the neck, as a head on the wrong neck will weep at the thread. If it still leaks, the seal or the pump inside the head has worn, so fit a new head.
How do you look after a sprayer?
Rinse it after every use and store it out of frost and sun.
- Rinse it and spray clean water through the nozzle after use, so product does not dry in it.
- Release the pressure on a pump sprayer before you open it.
- Store sprayers out of frost and direct sunlight, as both are hard on plastic and seals.
- Replace a trigger head when it starts to dribble instead of spraying, which is cheaper than a new bottle.
Common questions
Can a pump sprayer make snow foam?
A standard pressure sprayer like the DTLR Spray Cannon sprays liquid rather than thick foam. For foam you need a pump sprayer made for foaming or a snow foam lance on a pressure washer, which our guide to the best snow foam covers.
Why has my trigger spray stopped working?
Usually dried product in the nozzle, a split dip tube or a worn pump. Run warm water through it, and if it still dribbles, fit a new head with the same neck size.
Is it safe to put solvents in a plastic sprayer?
Only if the sprayer is made for it. Check the product label and the seals, as some solvents attack standard seals. Viton seals are chosen for use with chemicals.
Can I reuse an old product bottle?
Yes, if you rinse it well and relabel it. Never put a different product in a bottle still labelled as something else.
Should I use different bottles for different products?
Yes. Keep one labelled bottle per product so cleaners, dressings and glass products never mix.
Need help choosing?
Ask our team which sprayer suits the products you use, or browse our empty detailing bottles range.
