Car Detailing Checklist: What to Expect from a Full Detail

Pre-Wash & Wash

• ☐Pre-rinse to remove loose dirt and debris
• ☐Foam cannon or pre-wash spray to loosen bonded contamination
• ☐Two-bucket hand wash with pH-neutral car shampoo and grit guards
• ☐Wheels and tires cleaned first (before body wash) with dedicated wheel cleaner
• ☐Wheel wells and fender liners cleaned with degreaser and brushes
• ☐Door jambs cleaned and dressed
• ☐Rinse and dry with filtered water or air blower to prevent water spots

Decontamination

• ☐Iron fallout remover applied to dissolve embedded iron particles
• ☐Tar remover for road tar and adhesive residue
• ☐Clay bar or clay mitt treatment to remove bonded surface contaminants
• ☐Final rinse and dry after decontamination

Paint Correction (if included)

• ☐Paint thickness measured with a gauge to identify thin spots
• ☐Test spot polished to determine best pad and compound combination
• ☐Multi-stage machine polish (cutting compound, then finishing polish)
• ☐Panel-by-panel correction under proper lighting
• ☐IPA wipe-down to reveal true results without polish oils

Protection

• ☐Wax, sealant, or ceramic coating applied per service level
• ☐Trim and plastic surfaces dressed with UV protectant
• ☐Tires cleaned and dressed with tire-specific protectant
• ☐Glass cleaned inside and out with ammonia-free cleaner
• ☐Exterior glass sealed with glass sealant for water repellency
• ☐Exhaust tips polished and cleaned

Deep Clean

• ☐All personal items removed and set aside
• ☐Floor mats removed, cleaned separately (shampooed if fabric, scrubbed if rubber)
• ☐Complete vacuum of all surfaces — seats, carpets, trunk, crevices, under seats
• ☐Compressed air used to blow out dust from vents, buttons, and tight spaces
• ☐Dashboard, console, and all plastic/vinyl surfaces cleaned with interior cleaner
• ☐All buttons, knobs, and switches individually cleaned with detailing brushes
• ☐Touchscreen and instrument cluster cleaned with screen-safe cleaner
• ☐Steering wheel thoroughly cleaned (high-touch area harbors significant bacteria)

Upholstery & Leather

• ☐Fabric seats shampooed with hot water extraction or dry cleaning method
• ☐Leather surfaces cleaned with pH-neutral leather cleaner
• ☐Leather conditioner applied to restore suppleness and UV protection
• ☐Carpet shampooed and extracted (multiple passes for heavily soiled areas)
• ☐Headliner spot-cleaned carefully (over-wetting causes sagging)
• ☐Seatbelts cleaned with fabric cleaner

Finishing Touches

• ☐Interior glass cleaned streak-free
• ☐UV protectant applied to dashboard and trim (non-greasy, matte finish)
• ☐Door panels and pockets cleaned and dressed
• ☐Trunk vacuumed and wiped down
• ☐Air freshener or ozone treatment for odor elimination
• ☐Final inspection under proper lighting