Complete Car Detailing Checklist for Professionals

Complete Car Detailing Checklist for Professionals

Car Checklists
100 Items
Professional car detailing checklist covering exterior, interior, engine bay, and final inspection to ensure a spotless, showroom-quality finish.

Professional Car Detailing Process Checklist

This professional car detailing process checklist provides a structured guide for achieving a spotless and polished vehicle inside and out. It covers essential areas including exterior washing, paint correction, waxing, interior cleaning, upholstery care, dashboard detailing, glass polishing, engine bay cleaning, and final inspection for quality assurance. Ideal for car care experts and enthusiasts aiming for showroom-level results.

1. Pre-Detail / Preparation

1Inspect overall condition: note existing scratches, swirl marks, paint damage
2Wash and dry hands/tools, ensure workspace is clean and shaded
3Gather all supplies (microfiber towels, detailing sprays, brushes, polishers, etc.)
4Pre-rinse the car to remove loose dirt/grit
5Protect wheels/tires (so as not to contaminate exterior surfaces)
6Tape or mask vulnerable trim, emblems, rubber, plastic edges if needed
7Check weather/ambient temperature (avoid extreme heat or direct sun)
8Open doors, trunk, hood — inspect jambs and hinges
9Remove personal items, trash, floor mats
10Document "before" photos for reference

2. Exterior – Paint / Bodywork

1Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom
2Pre-wash / foam or snow-foam to loosen grime
3Use two-bucket wash method (wash & rinse buckets)
4Use clay bar or decontamination mitt to remove bonded contaminants
5Inspect for swirl marks / holograms; plan polishing if needed
6Polish or machine-correct paint defects (if part of service)
7Wipe down panels with isopropyl or panel wipe to remove residues
8Apply wax, sealant, or coating (in thin even layers)
9Buff off excess protection, inspect for streaks or missed spots
10Final rinse or detail spray for gloss and removal of residues

3. Exterior – Wheels, Tires & Wheel Wells

1Spray wheel cleaner / degreaser, let dwell (but not dry)
2Scrub wheels (rims, spokes, lug areas) with appropriate brushes
3Clean brake dust from wheel faces and inner barrels
4Rinse thoroughly
5Clean wheel wells and fender liners
6Apply protective coating or sealant to wheels (if in scope)
7Clean and dress the tire sidewalls (rubber dressing)
8Wipe the valve stems, lug nuts, wheel faces
9Inspect for curb rash, chips, or damage
10Final inspect for brake dust re-deposit

4. Exterior – Glass, Trim, Plastic, Emblems & Details

1Clean exterior glass / windshield / mirrors (inside & out)
2Use a glass-safe cleaner, avoid streaks
3Clean plastic trim, rubber seals, moldings (with appropriate cleaner)
4Restore or dress faded trim (trim restorer or protectant)
5Clean emblems, badges, nameplates
6Clean side mirrors, mirror housings
7Clean door jambs, door sills, edges, and pivot points
8Clean and polish chrome or metal trim
9Clean the front grille, badge areas, small crevices
10Clean license plates and mounting hardware

5. Interior – General & Soft Surfaces

1Remove floor mats; shake, vacuum, and deep-clean if needed
2Vacuum all carpets, upholstery, seats, crevices, under seats, corners
3Use brushes and attachments to dislodge embedded dirt
4Shampoo carpets and upholstery (with extractor or wet cleaning)
5Clean headliner gently (no soaking)
6Treat stains and spots (spot cleaning)
7Clean door panels, armrests, pockets, handles
8Clean or condition fabric, leather, vinyl as appropriate
9Clean trunks / cargo area, spare tire well
10Reinstall mats (after drying)

6. Interior – Dashboard, Consoles & Hard Surfaces

1Dust vents, instrument panels, switches, knobs
2Clean the dashboard, center console, glovebox area
3Clean and polish trim, cup holders, switches
4Clean steering wheel, column, shift lever, handbrake
5Clean interior surfaces of doors, handles, seat controls
6Use interior detailer or protectant (UV-protective) on plastic, vinyl
7Clean interior glass / mirrors
8Clean console displays, screens (use appropriate cleaners)
9Clean air vents and HVAC ducts (brush or compressed air)
10Inspect for odors; use odor-neutralizer or air freshener as needed

7. Leather / Upholstery Care

1Vacuum leather surfaces carefully
2Clean with leather-safe cleaner (pH balanced)
3Agitate gently with soft brush or microfiber
4Wipe off residues thoroughly
5Condition leather with a quality leather conditioner
6Work conditioner evenly, allow dwell, buff excess
7Inspect stitching, seams, wear areas
8Address cracks, fading, or discoloration if present
9Clean vinyl or synthetic surfaces similarly (as appropriate)
10Protect upholstery with fabric guard or UV protectants (if in scope)

8. Engine Bay / Mechanical Areas

1Cover sensitive components (air intakes, sensors, electrical) with plastic covers
2Dry-blow out loose debris (leaves, dust) with compressed air
3Spray degreaser or engine cleaner
4Agitate mild areas with brush
5Rinse carefully (low pressure, avoid flooding components)
6Dry engine bay (air blower, towels)
7Dress plastic, hoses, rubber with proper protectant
8Wipe or dust off metal engine parts
9Inspect belts, hoses, clamps, fluid reservoirs (visual check)
10Remove covers, clean underside of hood, hood insulation

9. Final Inspection & Touch Ups

1Walk around car; inspect from different angles in good lighting
2Check for missed spots, streaks, haze, smudges
3Do edge detailing: door edges, jambs, seams
4Clean or re-wipe glass / mirrors if streaks observed
5Touch up trim, badges, small crevices
6Inspect wheels again for dust or overspray
7Inspect interior surfaces for lint, dust
8Do a "wipe test" (wipe panels with clean microfiber to check gloss)
9Check odors, ventilation, confirm interior freshness
10Photograph "after" shots for comparison and records

10. Post-Detail / Client Handoff

1Ensure vehicle is completely dry before delivery
2Reinstall and adjust floor mats, trim pieces
3Check all doors, windows, locks, lights are working
4Remove all tools, waste, towels, masking materials
5Clean up the workspace
6Review "before vs after" photos with client
7Provide instructions or care tips (e.g. curing time, washing method)
8Document services performed and products used
9Get client sign-off / feedback
10Schedule next maintenance/detail appointment
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