Car detailing involves thoroughly cleaning, restoring, and protecting a vehicle to keep it looking its best. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve professional-level results:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

• Car wash soap
• Microfiber wash mitt or sponge
• Soft brushes for wheels and tires
• Wheel cleaner
• Clay bar or clay mitt
• Car polish or compound
• Wax or paint sealant
• Interior cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber towels
• Soft detailing brushes
• Vacuum cleaner
• Upholstery brush

Step 2: Exterior Washing

1. Start by rinsing your car with water to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Mix car wash soap with water in a bucket according to the instructions.
3. Using a microfiber wash mitt or sponge, wash one section of the car at a time, starting from the top and working your way down.
4. Rinse each section thoroughly before moving on to the next to prevent soap from drying on the surface.

Step 3: Wheels and Tires

1. Spray wheel cleaner onto the wheels and let it sit for a few minutes to break down brake dust and grime.
2. Use soft brushes to scrub the wheels, including the spokes and inner rims.
3. Rinse the wheels thoroughly, making sure to remove all the cleaner.
4. Apply tire dressing to the tires using an applicator pad or sponge.

Step 4: Decontamination with Clay

1. Spray a lubricant or quick detailer onto a small section of the car’s paint.
2. Gently rub the clay bar or clay mitt over the lubricated surface using back-and-forth or circular motions.
3. Continue this process on the entire car, folding and kneading the clay bar as necessary to expose a clean surface.
4. Wipe off any residue with a microfiber towel.

Step 5: Polishing

1. Apply a small amount of car polish or compound onto a foam or microfiber applicator pad.
2. Work the polish into the paint using overlapping circular motions.
3. Continue polishing until the desired level of correction is achieved.
4. Remove any excess polish with a clean microfiber towel.

Step 6: Waxing or Sealing

1. Apply wax or paint sealant to a foam or microfiber applicator pad.
2. Spread it evenly onto the paint using light pressure and overlapping motions.
3. Allow the wax or sealant to haze over according to the product instructions.
4. Buff off the haze with a clean microfiber towel to reveal a glossy finish.

Step 7: Interior Cleaning

1. Remove any trash and personal items from the interior.
2. Vacuum the seats, carpets, and floor mats thoroughly.
3. Use interior cleaner on surfaces such as the dashboard, door panels, and console.
4. Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber towel and a gentle cleaning solution.

Step 8: Glass Cleaning

1. Spray a glass cleaner onto a microfiber towel or directly onto the glass.
2. Wipe the glass surfaces in a back-and-forth or circular motion until clean and streak-free.

Step 9: Final Touches

1. Use soft detailing brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas such as vents, crevices, and emblems.
2. Inspect the car for any missed spots or residue and address them accordingly.

Following these step-by-step instructions will help you achieve a thorough car detailing, both inside and out. Remember to take your time, use the appropriate products and tools, and pay attention to detail for the best results. Happy detailing!