What's Included in a Full Car Detail?

Last updated August 11, 2026

A full car detail is a deep clean of the whole vehicle, inside and out. Inside: vacuuming, carpet and upholstery extraction, steam and brush cleaning of every panel, glass, and door jambs. Outside: a contact wash, wheel and tire cleaning, chemical and clay decontamination, then a sealant or wax for protection. Expect 3–5 hours and $150–$300 for a standard vehicle.

Interior checklist

Full vacuum — carpets, mats, seats, trunk, and under the seats
Hot-water extraction or shampoo on carpets and cloth seats
Leather cleaned and conditioned
Steam and detail-brush cleaning of vents, seams, cupholders, and console
Dashboard, doors, and trim cleaned and dressed with a non-greasy finish
Interior glass cleaned streak-free
Door jambs and sills wiped down
Light odor treatment once the source has been removed

Exterior checklist

Pre-rinse and foam to lift loose dirt before anything touches the paint
Two-bucket contact wash with clean mitts
Wheels, barrels, tires, and wheel wells cleaned
Iron and tar removal to pull embedded contamination
Clay treatment so the paint is smooth to the touch
Paint dried with soft towels or filtered air
Sealant or wax applied for weeks-to-months of protection
Tires dressed, exterior glass cleaned, trim restored

What a full detail does not include

A full detail cleans and protects. It does not repair. These are separate services with their own pricing:

Paint correction — machine polishing to remove swirls and scratches ($300–$800)
Ceramic coating — a semi-permanent protective layer ($500–$1,500)
Dent removal, paint touch-up, or body work
Upholstery repair, tears, or burns
Headliner work beyond spot cleaning, which risks delamination
Mold or biohazard remediation, which needs a specialist

How long it takes

Plan on 3–5 hours for a standard sedan in normal condition. A large SUV, a truck, pet hair, sand, or an interior that has not been cleaned in years can push that to a full day. A detailer who quotes 90 minutes for a "full detail" is describing a wash and a vacuum, not this checklist.

What the detailer needs from you

A parking spot with room to open every door and walk around the car.
Personal items cleared out of the cabin and trunk.
Access to water and power if the detailer is not fully self-contained — many are, so ask when you book.
Realistic expectations on old damage: stains that have set for years may lighten rather than disappear.

Booking one on Drip

Each detailer publishes their own full-detail package with the exact price and what it covers, so you can read the scope before committing. You book a time in the app, the detailer comes to you, and your card is charged only once they mark the job complete.

FAQ

How long does a full car detail take?

Usually 3–5 hours for a standard vehicle in normal condition. Large vehicles, pet hair, or heavy soiling can extend it to a full day.

Does a full detail remove scratches?

No. A full detail cleans, decontaminates, and protects. Removing swirls and scratches requires paint correction, which is a separate service in the $300–$800 range.

How often should I get a full detail?

Once or twice a year for most drivers, with maintenance washes in between. Cars parked outside, driven daily, or carrying kids and pets benefit from more frequent service.

Do mobile detailers bring their own water and power?

Many carry their own tank and generator, but not all. Check the detailer's profile or message them before the appointment.