Exterior Process
- A degreaser is applied to the greasy soiled areas of the engine compartment and allowed to saturate before being power washed. While wet conditioner is applied to the plastic and rubber surfaces. The engine compartment is left open while work is done on the wheel wells and wheels to allow for thorough drying.
- Wheel wells, tires, and wheels are power washed and hand scrubbed using the appropriate brushes and chemicals. Once these are completed, they are rinsed with the power washer. Conditioners or protectorates are applied just before the final wax is applied to the vehicles surface.
- Tar and bug remover are applied with a course sponge and road grime, tar, and bugs are removed.
- The engine compartment is closed and the vehicle is power washed. Then using a lambs wool wash mitt and carwash solution, the vehicle is hand washed, clay bared, followed by another power rinse and chamois dry.
- A polishing compound will be used based on the condition of the exterior surface. The detailer will work in approximately 2-foot by 2-foot areas, applying the polishing compound and removing as required until the entire vehicle has been completed.
- Conditioner/protectorate is applied to all plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces on the body of the vehicle.
- Conditioner/protectorate is applied to the tires and wheel wells.
- Conditioner/protectorate is applied to all plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces in the engine compartment.
- Working in 4-foot by 4-foot areas a final wax is applied.
- Using an orbital buffing tool, the entire vehicle is buffed to a glossy shine.
- All leftover soiled areas are washed off the windows.
- The following are reviewed:
- Make sure carpet is vacuumed and lint free
- Make sure all wax is removed
- Check for wax dust, open doors, trunk, and hood
- Check emblems and crevices
- Check to see that chrome has been polished
- Check grills, mirrors, and front nose for bugs and grime
- Look at rocker panels for tar
- Check wheels for brake dust
- Check whitewalls and lettered tires
- Make sure that tires are dressed evenly
- Check wheel wells
- Check rear bumper, tail lights, and trunk key hole bezel
- Check all bezels for wax removal and cleanliness
- Check windows for smears, adhesive, and over spray
- Look at mirrors for cleanliness
- Check headlights and front signals for cleanliness
- Check moldings, weather stripping, and bumper strips for dressing
- Make sure that cloth tops are clean and lint free
- Check wipers and cowl for buffing over spray
Interior Process
- With seats all the way back, floor mats are removed and vacuumed. Front floor and seats are then vacuumed, using a crevice tool to get into tight areas.
- Using a vacuum hose in one hand and a detailing brush in the other, loose debris is removed from door panels, doorjambs, weather stripping, dashboards, center consoles, glove boxes, sun visors, and headliners. Liquid cleaner, water, and rags are used on areas unaffected by dry brushing or vacuuming.
- With the seats all the way forward, floor mats are removed and vacuumed. Back floor, seats, and the back of the front seats and rear window shelf are vacuumed, again using a crevice tool for tight areas.
- Again using a vacuum hose in one hand and a detailing brush in the other, loose debris is removed from door panels, doorjambs, weather stripping, ashtrays, cup holders, rear window shelves, and storage compartments. Liquid cleaner, water, and rags are used on areas unaffected by dry brushing or vacuuming. Note that on some mini-van and sport utility vehicles the rear seats are designed for easy removal. Removal should only be performed if necessary.
- The trunk is vacuumed. This should only take a few minutes to complete. If, however, the trunk is heavily soiled, additional time and cost will be necessary.
- The underside of the trunk, jamb, weather stripping, and other surfaces are washed and a protective coating is applied.
- All floor mats are shampooed and/or steam cleaned. Spot removers and power scrubbers are used as needed.
- With the front seats all the way forward, the back carpets, seats, and the back of the front seats are shampooed and/or steam cleaned, using spot removers and power scrubbers as needed. For leather seats, leather cleaner will be substituted for steam cleaning.
- Conditioners/protectorates are applied to all vinyl, leather, plastic, and rubber surfaces.
- All rear windows are washed.
- With the front seats all the way back, the front floor and seats are shampooed and/or steam cleaned, using spot removers and power scrubbers as needed. For leather seats, leather cleaner will be substituted for steam cleaning.
- Conditioners/protectorates are applied to all vinyl, leather, plastic, and rubber surfaces.
- All front windows are washed.
- The following are reviewed:
- Check under the seats
- Check ash tray
- Check under the mats
- Check rear shelf and cargo areas
- Check carpets for stains and cleanliness
- Check seats for stains and cleanliness
- Check leather seats for even dressing
- Look at door panels and buttons on arm rest for cleanliness
- Check dashboard, AC vents, gauges, radio, levers, and crevices
- Check steering wheel and column
- Check all chrome including seat belt ends, door handles, and step plates
- Make sure all vinyl has been evenly dressed
- Check headliner, visors, sail panels
- Check dome light area
- Check seat belts
- Check all pedals
- Check lower dash
- Check all doorjambs for dirt and grease
- Check center consoles and glove compartment
- Check headliner consoles
- Check TV screens
- Check windows
- Check vanity mirrors
- Check that personal items have been put in a clear plastic bag and placed on the passenger seat