Process of Auto Detailing

 How long does it take?

The time needed to detail your vehicle varies based on the service required. An essential interior package can take as little as two hours, while a more intensive interior package can take as long as 6 hours. A full exterior package usually takes less time than an interior package which leads to the exterior being priced cheaper. An exterior package should take between 2 and 4 hours to complete depending on the service chosen and the size of the vehicle. 

The time also varies based on the detailer you choose. An experienced detailer has knowledge of tips and tricks that allows them to thoroughly detail your vehicle in less time than an inexperienced detailer. Choosing your detailer based on the time they spent is not always the best but sometimes it does play a factor in the quality of your service. Someone new to the business is unlikely to complete a thorough detail in 2 hours. This is when it is important to use your best judgment and look at reviews before choosing your detailer. 

The basics of exterior detailing:

Step 1: The wash.

 The purpose of a wash is to loosen and remove dirt and grime from the car without scratching or damaging the vehicle. It is important to use high-quality wash mitts and soap to ensure the vehicle is never damaged. After wiping down the vehicle with soap, the car should be completely rinsed free of soap. 

Step 2: Clean Wheels and Tires.

Wheels and tires are the dirtiest part of any vehicle which means they should have their own brushes and sponges that are not used on anything else. When cleaning the wheels and tires, spray them with a specific cleaner and then use your dedicated sponges to rub off dirt and grime. various different tools may be needed to reach every area of the wheels. Lastly, rinse off the wheels and tires leaving no residue behind. 

Step 3: Dry the vehicle.

Drying a vehicle can be done in different ways. You can use a microfiber drying towel and wipe the vehicle dry, you can also use an air compressor and blow dry the vehicle, or for best results use an air cannon that is designed for auto detailing. Drying the vehicle is important to ensure water spots don't appear and to ensure that the entire vehicle is dry before applying a wax or sealant. 

Step 4: Clean the glass.

The glass on a car is arguably the most important. Having crystal clear windows provides a great look to a detailed car. When cleaning any glass it is important to use a tint-safe glass cleaner paired with a glass towel. Using a glass-designed towel helps eliminate streaks and prevents scratching the glass. 

Step 5: Apply protective coatings and dressings. 

The final step is to apply car wax or sealant. Wax and sealants provide a vehicle with a long-lasting shine and protection. This last step is also when trim protection and tire shine are added. 

The basics of interior detailing:

Step 1: Remove clutter and trash.

When cleaning the interior, start by removing all personal items and big pieces of trash. It is important to treat all personal items respectfully and carefully when detailing someone else's vehicle. 

Step 2: Clean the carpets and floor mats.

Remove any mats in the car whether they are rubber or carpet while being careful not to spill any dirt or debris into the car. Rubber mats, can be rinsed off with water and then cleaned using a specific mat cleaner and brush. After that rinse and dry them completely. For carpet mats, you first vacuum them completely then use a soft brush and carpet cleaning product to gently scrub the carpet. Lastly, rinse them well with water being sure to rinse all the cleaning products away. They can then be set out in the sun to dry or blown with compressed air to reduce drying time. 

Step 3: Vacuum the vehicle.

Vacuum the footwell to pick up dirt and debris that may have collected under or around the floor mats. Also vacuum under the seats, in the door pockets, storage trays, cargo area, top and sides of seats, and any other part of the vehicle that holds dirt and debris. 

Step 5: Clean the doors, dashboard, and center console.

Take a fresh microfiber and spray it with your cleaner of choice and begin to wipe down the interior of the car. Including the doors, steering wheel, center console, dashboard, shifter, etc. When your microfiber becomes dirty always grab a fresh one to continue the work. Once down use a clean and dry microfiber and go back over all those areas again to ensure that all the products are wiped off. 

Step 6: Clean the windows.

Windows should be cleaned last because other products may find there was onto the windows when cleaning the carpets, doors, dashboard, etc. When cleaning windows use a tint-safe glass cleaner paired with a glass towel to have a streak-free finish. 

Extra steps:

Other steps may be involved basic on the package you choose. This may include carpet shampoo, seat shampoo, protective coatings for interior trim, anti-fog window coating, etc.