35 point Detailing checklist

Anyone can go outside and spruce up their car with a hose, bucket, a few towels and a can of wax. However, the difference between a clean car and a head-turning car is the attention to detail. This checklist is designed to remind you of all the places where dust, dirt and other debris hide. Whether you are a professional detailer or just a novice, this list will help you to elevate the overall quality of your detailing. The suggestions for each item on the list are general and are not meant to be a "how to" explanation.

If there are any spots or steps that we have missed, please tell us. If you send us a new tidbit of information, we will gladly give you credit for the addition!

Exterior Details

1) Windows: Many people clean the majority of the window but neglect the edges. This becomes evident as you roll down the window. Make sure you let the car dry fully and then roll down the window a bit. You will be amazed how much better it looks.

2) Crevices between panels: One of the ugliest sites is the accumulation of wax in the spaces between panels. You can eradicate this by running a small piece of cloth in between the cracks or using a very fine toothbrush. You can even use a high-power air gun in some circumstances.

3) Wheel wells: A great deal of dirt can accumulate along your wheel wells. Many cars have chrome wells that look great if polished. Do not clean your wheel wells with the same rag/sponge/brush that you use to clean the main body of the car. Use a separate rag and be prepared to throw it away.

4) License plate: This is an often-forgotten location. If you look closely, you will probably see an incredible amount bug and tar residue. A good tar remover usually does the trick.

5) Plastic and rubber trim: Plastic and rubber can become dull and fade. Although most attempts to alleviate this are temporary, it can really make a difference.

6) Spoilers: Clean and treat!

7) Chrome: Few things are as impressive as beautiful chrome...

8) Emblems: These are magnets for dust and wax residue. Start out with a detailer's brush (a.k.a. soft toothbrush). You can even try a q-tip or a high-power air gun.

9) Antennae: Not only should you clean the antennae itself, but you should pay extra attention to the area where the antennae meets the paint. This area is notorious for being missed by buffers or accumulating wax residue.

10) Door handles/locks: The locks should definitely be detailed with a small brush and generic cleaner (i.e. Spray Nine). Do not use a polish or wax on the locks. The door handles, and the panels below them, tend to get very dirty for obvious reasons.

11) Windshield wipers: More important than the actual wipers themselves is the well beneath them. You will often find leaves, twigs and other other debris in this area.

12) Gas door and cap: Spills at the pump and dirty hands from attendants contribute to a potentially damaging situation. Use a separate towel to clean this area!

13) Headlight buckets: Clean this area after you are certain the vehicle has dried fully. Many times, you will clean here only to have a rush of water ruin your work as the car is moved.

14) Valance and rocker panels: Once again, use a separate towel to clean these areas. You will be amazed at the dirt and grime that you pick up. A good bug/tar remover will do wonders for you. If you'd like to lower the frustration next time around, apply a quick coat of synthetic wax.

15) Wheels: The attention paid to wheels can make or break your detail job.

16) Grill: Wait until the car has dried fully to clean here.

17) Mirrors: Generally, you will have to deal with significant bug accumulation on the rear side. The mirrors should be cleaned only after the car has fully dried. A great deal of water can be stored behind the mirror, contributing to significant frustration at times.

Interior Details

As a rule, you should vacuum twice. It is very difficult to detail the interior if the floor and upholstery is dirty. Also, at the end, even if you were careful, there is bound to be a few particles that need to be "sucked" up. After the first use of the vacuum, you should go over the interior with the air (if possible). This is the best way to loosen dust and debris in hard-to-reach places. After you spray the interior, leave the vehicle and give the dust time to settle.

18) Windows: Interior windows, by virtue of the small space in which you have to maneuver, are very difficult to clean properly. The difficulty is compounded if a smoker has been in the vehicle. Make sure you are careful around the rear-view mirror.Vents: Brushes, q-tips and pressurized air work best.

19) Ashtrays: Don't forget!

20) Mats: Vacuum, clean and treat them. If they are especially dirty, you may consider beating them a bit.

21) Rugs and upholstery: Vacuum, clean and treat them.

22) Stereo, instruments, etc..: Dust and fingerprints are the main culprits here. Cleaning these areas properly takes patience. If you were able to blow away dust with pressurized air first, your task will be easier. Always wipe down these areas with a dry cloth/towel at the end to prevent streaking.

23) Vinyl: Clean and treat.

24) Leather: Clean and treat.

25) Steering wheel: Accumulated dirt and grease from hands must be removed. Be careful not to rub too hard or use harsh cleaners. Also, do not treat with anything slippery.

26) Glove box:

27) Side pockets: Often, a vacuum is needed here followed by a wipe with a damp cloth.

28) Door jams: These are havens for grease. Clean them regularly.

29) Interior molding: Clean and treat. Pay special attention to molding near entrance.

30) Door handle: Clean to remove finger prints.

31) Arm rests: Pay special attention to anywhere your arm may rest. This includes the fold-down rest, the door rest, and the top of the door.

32) Trunk: Vacuum and clean the well edges (jams) where water and leaves accumulate. Clean the underside of the trunk. Organize objects in the trunk so they are not rolling around when the vehicle is in motion.

Engine Details

33) General engine: spray on degreaser, wait few minutes then pressure wash off (cover electronic parts and air cleaner with plastic bags).

34) Edges of hood (crevices): pressure wash away excess wax and dirt.

35) Underside of hood and latch: give this a good pressure wash.

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