Hey, there's a reason why we do it for a living! Car detailing can be fun and relaxing and has many benefits for your car/investment if you do it properly. And this is the 101 guide for you to learn how to detail your car at home!

Although, don't worry; this is a beginner-level guide, and we won't get too technical. Although if you'd like to discuss the benefits of a foam cannon, the chemical dilutions and ratios for the perfect carpet cleaner, or even how to properly use compressed air to get rid of foam, our specialists will be happy to chat with you. So, nudge nudge, you can book a professional service with us.

How to detail your car at home

Step 1. Clean the wheels and tires. This will help to prevent brake dust build-up and keep your wheels looking their best. You'll need a wheel cleaner and a brush or sponge; these can't be the same as the ones you use for your paint! Using one sponge/wash mitt for everything is the quickest way to permanently damage your car's paint. Next, use a brush to clean the wheels' sidewall; if you're thorough enough, the brush will make the wheels look new without using tire shine.

Step 2. Good detailing needs a great wash. You'll need a hose, two buckets, a wash mitt, a clay bar, and high-quality car soap. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly before cleaning to remove any loose dirt or debris. 

Step 3. Once you've washed the car, it's time to clay it. Claying helps remove any contaminants stuck to the paint, such as tree sap or industrial fallout. You'll need a clay bar and some lubricant (such as detailing spray). However, soapy water should do the trick.

Step 4. The next step is to polish the paint; this is optional, and we'd only recommend doing it if you have a basic understanding of car paint and its different polishing compounds. This will help to restore the shine and remove any swirl marks or light scratches. You'll need a polishing compound and a buffer or polisher.

Step 5. Remember to clean the interior of your car as well! This includes vacuuming the carpets and upholstery, cleaning the windows, and dusting all surfaces. If you want an authentic detail, you will need carpet shampoo, interior cleaning solutions, brushes to dust and foam all surfaces, and many, many, MANY microfiber towels. If you're wondering how many cleaning solutions we use, the number is five (just for the interior), and each has a different purpose. But If you start with one carpet and one interior solution, you'll be ahead of 99% of all beginner detailers.

Step 6. The next step is to apply a protective coating to your car's paint. This will help to protect the paint and make it look shiny and new. For this, you'll need a graphite or ceramic sealant, or a high-quality car wax, and a few microfiber towels.

Step 7. You're almost done! Add some tire and plastic dressing to your vehicle if it's to your liking. Remember that this dressing can be slippery, so keep it away from plastics near the pedals and the threats to your tires (side walls only).

That's it! These seven steps will get you started with a beginner's detail. Don't worry if it's not perfect the first time or if you missed a spot in the interior. We all go through that; that's why there are professional services out there to help you achieve near-new-like results. But if you keep working on your skills, you can become a pro too!

We're currently serving Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond. By the way, if you don't have access to water or electricity, don't worry about it! We'll bring everything to you.