What is Car Detailing?

While regular visits to your local Stamford car wash can help to clean the surface dirt, grime, and debris from your vehicle, it doesn’t take the place of having the vehicle professionally detailed. What is car detailing? Detailing is a more intensive cleaning and restoration of the exterior and interior of a car. While car detailing prices are higher than what you’d pay at a car wash, the thorough process will have your vehicle looking like new inside and out. Learn more about exterior and interior car detailing, how to detail a car, and more in this guide from the service team at Land Rover Darien. 

How to Detail a Car

As noted above, professional car detailing prices can be rather expensive, but actually you can detail your vehicle yourself if you are so inclined. Before we get into how to detail a car, you should gather the following products and supplies:

• A variety of small brushes
• Canned air
• Carpet stain remover
• Car-safe cleaner
• Cleaning mitts
• Microfiber cloths 
• Surface protector for vinyl and leather surfaces
• Upholstery cleaner
• Vacuum cleaner
• Window cleaner

Once you have all the items you need, follow these steps on how to detail a car:

Exterior Car Detailing

• Wash the Exterior: Use water, a car-safe cleanser, and cleaning mitts/microfiber cloths to wash the exterior of the vehicle. Do not use household detergents like dish or laundry soap as they may damage the wax on your car’s surface. You should also be sure to use fresh microfiber cloths throughout the wash to prevent soiled cloths from scratching your vehicle. After the wash, dry your vehicle with soft, absorbent towels.
• Clean the Wheels: Clean your wheels using the same cleanser used on the exterior. Scrub them well, and use a small brush, like an old paintbrush or toothbrush, to remove dirt from crevices and hard to reach areas.
• Apply Wax: After the wash, apply a quality wax to the surface of your vehicle to help protect the paint and give your car a shiny and bright finish.

Interior Car Detailing

• Carpeting: Thoroughly vacuum the carpets and floor mats, then use a carpet stain remover if needed. 
• Doors: Wipe down the hard-surface areas of your doors with mild soap and water, and dry them with a microfiber cloth. 
• Windows: Spray car window cleaner on the windshield and all windows, then wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. Take care not to leave any streaks on the glass.
• Upholstery: Vacuum the seats and use stain remover and a soft-bristled brush to eliminate any stains on the upholstery.
• Dashboard, Center Console, and Steering Wheel: Remove dirt and dust with a microfiber cloth. One of your smaller brushes will help you to reach into seams and crevices. Finish by applying a surface protectant. 

Learn More About Exterior and Interior Car Detailing at Land Rover Darien

What is car detailing? Knowing how to detail a car yourself can help you save on car detailing prices in and around Norwalk and Wilton. The certified technicians at our service center in Darien can fill you in on how to properly detail your vehicle, and we carry many cleaning products and supplies in our parts center. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our service team.