You Don’t Need to Be a Pro
If this is your first time detailing a car properly, that’s fine. Everyone starts somewhere.
You don’t need special tools or perfect technique. You don’t need to move fast. You just need to follow the order, use clean towels, and let the products do their thing.
This guide is here so you’re not guessing or second-guessing yourself. Stick to it, and you’ll be in good shape.
If you’d rather see it done than read about it, the video covers the whole process from start to finish.
It shows:
- What to do
- When to do it
- How much product to use
- Where people usually mess up
If you prefer reading, keep going everything is laid out below in the same order.
A Few Mistakes to Avoid
Most issues don’t come from the products. They come from trying to rush or skipping steps.
Keep these in mind and you’ll avoid most problems:
If something doesn’t feel right, just stop for a second. Wipe, rinse, reset. Adding more product won’t fix it.
Pre Detail Checklist
Do this once before you touch the car:
If there’s one thing that matters more than anything else, it’s clean towels.
Rinse the entire car before touching the paint.
This knocks off loose dirt and reduces the chance of scratches later. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Wheels hold the most grime. Doing them first keeps that dirt away from the paint later.
- Spray the cleaner
- Agitate with the right brush
- Rinse thoroughly
Take your time here. Once they’re done, you don’t have to worry about them again.
- Use a wash mitt
- Start at the top and work down
- Use straight-line motions
- Rinse thoroughly
No need to press hard. Let the soap and mitt do the work.
(If using clay, use first while car is still soapy.)
Drying is where most people accidentally cause damage.
- Use a clean drying towel
- Light pressure only
- Blot or gently glide — don’t scrub
Slow and gentle beats fast and aggressive every time.
Only apply products to clean, dry surfaces.
- Use a small amount
- Work one panel at a time
- Buff with a clean microfiber towel
This is where everything comes together, so don’t rush it.
After a proper first detail, this is normal:
- Paint feels smoother
- Water dries faster and more evenly
- Less dust sticks to the surface
- Interior smells clean, not overpowering
- Future washes are easier
If the car looks noticeably better but not “perfect,” that’s normal. You’ve set a solid foundation.
You don’t need to do the full process every time.
For maintenance:
- Wash regularly
- Always use clean towels
- Avoid automatic car washes
- Reapply protection when water stops beading
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Start the Step-by-Step Guide
This page is here to make sure your first experience is a good one — and that every wash after gets easier.
