
Car Detailing – What It Is and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
22-Feb-2020
People looking to book a car detail commonly mistake car detailing with car washing. While both involve cleaning a vehicle, the difference between the two is pretty important.
With a car wash, the main goal is to remove the dirt, dust, salt, and grime that collects on the outside of your vehicle. This includes underneath your vehicle, but rarely, if ever, inside.
With a car detail, the goal is to make a vehicle look as brand new as possible from the inside out. So, if you are asking yourself, “what is car detailing, really?” then the answer involves a trained and talented professional applying a proven system to restore your vehicle to factory freshness. Detailers use special equipment and cleaning agents to make your vehicle look good as new.
Every car detailer does things a little differently. Each has their own approach and includes and excludes different services. That being said, most car details are essentially the same. The goal of a car detail is to clean every nook and cranny of your vehicle, and that never changes.
With a car wash, the main goal is to remove the dirt, dust, salt, and grime that collects on the outside of your vehicle. This includes underneath your vehicle, but rarely, if ever, inside.
With a car detail, the goal is to make a vehicle look as brand new as possible from the inside out. So, if you are asking yourself, “what is car detailing, really?” then the answer involves a trained and talented professional applying a proven system to restore your vehicle to factory freshness. Detailers use special equipment and cleaning agents to make your vehicle look good as new.
Every car detailer does things a little differently. Each has their own approach and includes and excludes different services. That being said, most car details are essentially the same. The goal of a car detail is to clean every nook and cranny of your vehicle, and that never changes.
Interior Clean
Your detailer will spend a lot more time cleaning the interior of your car. Why? Because it’s the more neglected part of the cleaning process and it’s the much, much more important of the two. Even if you’re someone who prides themselves on your car looking nice from the outside, it’s better you clean the inside than the outside.
Your detailer will spend a lot more time cleaning the interior of your car. Why? Because it’s the more neglected part of the cleaning process and it’s the much, much more important of the two. Even if you’re someone who prides themselves on your car looking nice from the outside, it’s better you clean the inside than the outside.
A detailing team will use a combination of tools—steam cleaners, brushes, vacuums, and more—to give your car that deep clean it needs. A clean so deep that you probably won’t be able to do this yourself.
What Gets Cleaned Inside
Your carpets, seats, and trunk will receive a thorough vacuum. This is typically the first step in the process. Pretty much everywhere that can be vacuumed will be. Including your glove compartment.
Your carpets, seats, and trunk will receive a thorough vacuum. This is typically the first step in the process. Pretty much everywhere that can be vacuumed will be. Including your glove compartment.
The mats, carpets, and upholstery will receive a deep brushing and scrubbing. This is where the elbow grease comes in, and why you probably aren’t doing this by yourself. It’s time consuming and exhausting. The goal here is to remove all stains, marks, and imperfections that a regular wash just can’t.
Next, every surface in the vehicle will receive a thorough wipe-down. This includes windows, door panels, your dashboard, etc. Your detailer will use a special cleaning agent to give your car a shine like you’re rarely (if ever) seen.
Finally, a spray will be applied to your vehicle to make sure it smells as good as can be. If you have dogs, this is the best part. Usually, you get to choose the scent. If you don’t want a scent at all, your detailer can accommodate that, too. So, remember to ask!
Exterior Clean
While the inside of your car should be your priority (again, more on why that is below) the outside is definitely still important. It’s your vehicle’s first impression.
While the inside of your car should be your priority (again, more on why that is below) the outside is definitely still important. It’s your vehicle’s first impression.
While a new coat of paint is the best way to bring back that factory shine, a detail can do just fine. Detailers will work on your windows, wheels, tires, and rims to make sure they look their best. They’ll get rid of as much dirt and grease and grime as possible thanks to degreasers and special detergents.