Car detailing is a deep clean and protection service for a vehicle, inside and out, done by hand rather than by machine. A car wash removes surface dirt. Detailing removes what the wash leaves behind, then protects the surfaces so they stay clean longer.
What a detail normally includes
Interior
- Full vacuum, including under seats and in seat rails
- Shampoo and extraction of carpets and fabric seats, or cleaning and conditioning of leather
- Cleaning of the dashboard, console, vents, door cards and trim
- Interior glass, cleaned to be streak-free from the inside
- Odour treatment where needed
Exterior
- Hand wash, usually with two buckets so grit is not dragged across the paint
- Wheels, tyres and wheel arches cleaned separately
- Decontamination, such as a clay bar or iron remover, to pull out embedded particles
- Protection: wax, sealant or a ceramic coating
- Trim and glass finishing
Detailing versus a car wash
| Feature | Detailing | Automatic car wash |
|---|---|---|
| Deep interior cleaning | Yes | No |
| Paint decontamination | Yes | No |
| Protection applied | Yes | Spray-on at best |
| Risk of swirl marks | Low, when done by hand | Higher with brushes |
| Time | 1 to 4 hours | 5 to 10 minutes |
How long it takes
An interior or exterior detail usually takes one to two and a half hours. A full interior and exterior detail takes two to four hours, depending on the size of the vehicle and its condition. Paint correction and coatings take longer, often a full day.
How often you need it
Most drivers in Ontario do well with a full detail every three to six months, plus one after winter to remove road salt. Vehicles carrying children, pets or work gear need it more often.
See what is included at each level on our car detailing page, or read what paint correction is if your paint has swirl marks.
Book in about two minutes. Interior detailing from $149, interior plus exterior from $170, before HST. Mobile service adds $20 and we come to you across Toronto and the GTA. Book my detail · Call 647-906-0004 · WhatsApp us