What is Included in a Full-Detail Car Wash?

A full-detail car wash is a special kind of car cleaning that goes beyond just washing the outside of the car. It involves a deep cleaning of both the inside and outside of the car, making it look as clean and fresh as possible. A full-detail car wash usually takes more time than a regular car wash and requires special tools and products to clean every part of the car. If you want your car to look almost as good as new, a full-detail car wash is the way to go.

Let’s break down what’s included in a full-detail car wash and what you can expect when you get one.

1. Exterior Wash and Wax

The first thing that happens in a full-detail car wash is cleaning the outside of the car. This is different from a regular car wash because it includes more than just soap and water. Here’s what usually happens:

• Hand Wash: The car is washed by hand using special car soap that is gentle on the paint. Hand washing ensures that every spot is cleaned carefully, including areas like the wheels and mirrors.
• Clay Bar Treatment: After the wash, some detailers use a clay bar to remove tiny particles of dirt and grime that regular washing might miss. This treatment helps make the car’s surface smooth and free of any rough spots.
• Polishing: Polishing helps to remove light scratches and makes the car’s paint look shiny and new. The detailer uses a machine to polish the car, which gives it a smooth, glossy finish.
• Waxing: Finally, a layer of wax is applied to protect the car’s paint and make it shine. Wax acts like a shield for the paint, keeping it safe from dirt, water, and even the sun.

2. Wheel and Tire Cleaning

The wheels and tires are an important part of your car, but they can get very dirty from driving on the road. In a full-detail car wash, special attention is given to cleaning the wheels and tires.

• Tire Cleaning: The tires are cleaned to remove dirt, brake dust, and other grime that can build up over time. A special cleaner is used to make the tires look black and new again.
• Wheel Cleaning: The wheels are cleaned with brushes to remove any dirt and grime stuck in the small spaces. Sometimes, a special spray is used to make the wheels shine and look almost like they did when the car was new.
• Tire Dressing: After cleaning, a product called tire dressing is applied. This helps the tires look shiny and also protects them from cracking or drying out.

3. Window Cleaning

Windows are often overlooked in regular car washes, but in a full-detail car wash, they are given special attention. Clean windows not only look good, but they also help you see better when driving.

• Exterior Windows: The outside of the windows is cleaned with special glass cleaner to remove dirt, streaks, and water spots. This leaves the windows sparkling and clear.
• Interior Windows: The inside of the windows is also cleaned. Sometimes, the inside glass can get foggy or dirty from dust and air conditioning, so it’s important to clean both sides.

4. Interior Vacuuming

The inside of the car can collect a lot of dirt, crumbs, and dust over time. In a full-detail car wash, the entire interior is vacuumed to remove all of that. Here’s what happens during the interior vacuuming process:

• Seats: The seats, whether they are fabric or leather, are vacuumed to remove any dirt, crumbs, or pet hair.
• Carpets and Floor Mats: The carpets and floor mats are vacuumed to get rid of dirt, dust, and debris that may have been tracked into the car. If the mats are rubber, they are usually removed and cleaned separately.
• Trunk: Even the trunk gets vacuumed! It’s important to keep the trunk clean, especially if you store things like groceries or sports equipment there.

5. Interior Wipe Down and Cleaning

After vacuuming, the detailer will clean all the surfaces inside the car. This includes wiping down the dashboard, doors, and other surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints. Here’s what is typically cleaned:

• Dashboard and Console: The dashboard and center console are wiped down with a special cleaner that removes dust and grime. This also helps protect the plastic from cracking or fading.
• Door Panels: The door panels are cleaned to remove any dirt or scuff marks. If the car has leather on the doors, special leather cleaner might be used.
• Cup Holders and Storage Areas: These small areas can collect dirt and sticky spills over time, so they are carefully cleaned out.
• Vents: The air vents are cleaned to remove dust and dirt that can build up. This helps keep the air inside the car fresh and clean.

6. Leather Cleaning and Conditioning

If your car has leather seats, a full-detail car wash will usually include leather cleaning and conditioning. Leather seats can wear out over time if they aren’t cared for, so this step is important to keep them looking nice.

• Leather Cleaning: Special leather cleaner is used to remove dirt, stains, and oils from the seats. This helps keep the leather looking clean and new.
• Leather Conditioning: After cleaning, a conditioner is applied to the leather to keep it soft and prevent it from cracking. This step helps protect the leather and makes it last longer.

7. Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo

Sometimes, vacuuming isn’t enough to get the carpets and seats completely clean, especially if there are stains or ground-in dirt. In a full-detail car wash, the carpets and fabric seats may be shampooed.

• Carpet Shampoo: The carpets are shampooed to remove stains and deep dirt. This helps to freshen up the car and make it smell clean again.
• Seat Shampoo: If the seats are made of fabric, they might also be shampooed to remove any stains or dirt.

8. Odor Removal

Over time, the inside of a car can start to smell from things like food, pets, or just everyday use. A full-detail car wash often includes odor removal to get rid of bad smells and leave the car smelling fresh.

• Deodorizing: A special deodorizing spray or treatment is applied to the inside of the car. This helps eliminate odors and makes the car smell clean and fresh.
• Air Fresheners: Some detailers might also add an air freshener to keep the car smelling good for longer.

9. Engine Cleaning

Though not always included, some full-detail car washes offer engine cleaning as an extra service. Cleaning the engine helps remove dirt and grease that can build up and cause problems over time.

• Engine Degreasing: A special cleaner is sprayed on the engine to break down grease and dirt.
• Rinse: The engine is carefully rinsed with water, being cautious not to damage any important parts.

Conclusion

A full-detail car wash is much more than just washing the outside of the car. It involves cleaning and restoring every part of the car, both inside and out. From washing and waxing the exterior to deep cleaning the interior, a full-detail car wash helps your car look its best and protects it from wear and tear. If you want your car to feel like new again, a full-detail car wash is definitely worth considering.