Auto detailing: Difference between revisions

It has been suggested that Waterless car wash be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since November 2009.

Auto detailing is the performance of an extremely thorough cleaning, polishing and waxing of an automobile, both inside and out, to produce a show-quality level of detail. It can be practiced for personal satisfaction, and it is also performed to prepare a car for car shows that feature the appearance of cars. Besides improving the appearance of cars, detailing helps to preserve the car, and thus, increases resale value.

Originating in southern California, detailing has spread across the United States and beyond.^{[citation needed]} Today, the United States may have more than 50,000 detailers in operation.^{[citation needed]} Many have no actual business address, instead working as mobile operators or in vacant parking lots.^[1] Still others are franchisees of national auto detailing chains.^[2]

In the UK, the term 'car valeting' or sometimes 'auto valeting' is used instead.

Exterior detailing involves cleaning and bringing a shine to the car's paint, chrome trim, windows, wheels, and even tires.^[3] To do this different detailers use different products, including detergents, detail clay, waxes, and polishes, as well as a variety of applicators and special cloths.^[4]

Interior detailing involves cleaning the passenger compartment of the car. Vacuuming is standard,^[5] and steam cleaning, liquid cleaners, and brushes may be used to remove stains on upholstery. Some nonporous surfaces may also be polished.

Some detailers may offer engine detailing, in which steam, high pressure water, degreasers and all-purpose cleaners are used to clean under the hood of the car.^[6]

Detailing does not include body work, painting, mechanical or upholstery repair.

• Automotive restoration

Wikibooks has a book on the topic of: Car Washing Techniques

Article text.^[1]

• Detailing Wiki
• The Detailing Handbook