Standard Detailing
Standard detailing begins with a thorough washing using water and soap, or detergent, designed especially for use on cars. Although laundry and dish detergents are usable, they tend to strip wax and leave streaks. A cloth made of chamois leather is commonly used for scrubbing, as the material is highly absorbent and will not leave lint. Two buckets are recommended for use in order to avoid dipping the cloth in dirty water and re-introducing particles of dust on the surface of the car, which is not only inefficient but may lead to scratches if the cloth surface becomes too gritty. To avoid the soap drying and leaving a residue, the car is washed in sections. The car is then dried -- ideally with a microfiber towel, which possesses numerous microscopic strands used to snag dirt without being abrasive to the finish of the car.
After it is washed, the car is waxed in order to preserve the paint of the automobile and shield it from decaying agents such as smog and ultraviolet light. The wax is thoroughly applied with a sponge and any residue is removed with a cloth. In the case of hard-to-reach spots, a fine toothbrush can be used for precision.
Cleaning Windshields
Windshields and other car windows are cleaned in three stages: the heavy dirt is removed with soap and water; the remnants are washed up with an ammonia-based cleanser; the surface is finally dried with the microfiber towel.
Washing Wheels and Tires
Wheels are washed separately from the rest of the car as they tend to collect a good deal more dirt. The type of cleanser recommended may vary depending on the material from which the wheel is made. In general, because the wheels are not waxed, heavier cleansers can be used on their surfaces than would be appropriate for the body of the car. Hubcaps are usually set apart and washed individually. In a particularly elaborate detailing, the entire wheel may be removed as well.
Cleaning the Engine
Cleaning the engine is a fairly simple process as long as one is sufficiently familiar with an automobile's inner workings. Plastic or foil is placed over moisture-sensitive parts such as the air intake, and the non-covered portions are then scrubbed down with a generous helping of detergent and water. As with the wheels, heavier cleansers can be used here without cause for concern.
Interior Detailing
The interior of the car is then thoroughly vacuumed and the dashboards and similar areas are carefully washed with a plastic cleanser. A car with leather upholstery will also require leather cleanser. Finally, if necessary, any scratches or dents on the body of the car will be carefully touched up with the appropriate paint.
