What’s the Best Order to Detail a Car? (Step-by-Step Guide)

One of the most common beginner questions is: “What order should I follow when detailing my car?”

Get the steps wrong, and you’ll waste time—or worse, reintroduce dirt and scratches. Get them right, and your results will look sharper, last longer, and take less effort next time.

Here’s the proper detailing order from start to finish—plus exactly which products to use at each stage.

1. Pre-Soak (Touchless Dirt Removal)

Start with a thick pre-soak using The Super Soaper. Let it dwell for 3–5 minutes before rinsing. This lifts most of the dirt and grime without you even touching the paint.

2. Rinse (Top to Bottom)

After the pre-soak, rinse thoroughly from top to bottom. This clears away loosened dirt so you’re not grinding it into the surface during the wash.

3. Contact Wash (If Needed)

If the car still looks dirty after the rinse, use a clean mitt and a fresh bucket of soapy water to gently wash each panel. Use Super Soaper for the safest contact wash.

4. Dry Safely

Use a Massive Drying Towel to soak up water quickly without adding scratches or streaks.

5. Clay (Optional but Recommended Every 3–6 Months)

If your paint feels rough, use a clay mitt or bar to remove bonded contaminants. This step helps polish and protection products work better.

6. Polish (To Remove Swirls & Boost Gloss)

Use Picture Perfect Polish (coming soon!) to remove micro-swirls and haze. This is your step for clarity, depth, and serious shine. One pad. One polish. One pass.

7. Protect the Paint

Spray on Tough As Shell to seal your paint, boost water beading, and make your next wash easier. Buff off with a clean towel for a streak-free finish.

8. Clean the Interior

Use Complete Cabin Cleaner to wipe down seats, plastic, rubber, glass, and touchscreens. Safe on all surfaces, no shine, no streaks.

9. Dress Tires & Trim

Finish the look with All Dressed Up. Apply to tires, trim, and even engine plastics for a satin, OEM-level finish that doesn’t sling or attract dust.

10. Final Glass Touch-Up

Wipe down windows last to remove any overspray or watermarks. Use a clean, dry microfiber towel for best results.

Detailing Order Recap:

1. Pre-Soak with The Super Soaper
2. Rinse Thoroughly
3. Contact Wash (optional)
4. Dry with Massive Drying Towel
5. Clay (every 3–6 months)
6. Polish with Picture Perfect Polish
7. Protect with Tough As Shell
8. Clean Interior with Complete Cabin Cleaner
9. Dress Tires & Trim with All Dressed Up
10. Final Wipe on Glass

Conclusion

Following the correct order is what separates amateur results from pro-level shine. Stick to this simple sequence, and every product you use will work better, faster, and last longer.

🧼 Everything You Need in the Right Order:

• The Super Soaper – Pre-Soak & Contact Wash
• Massive Drying Towel – Safe, Fast Drying
• Picture Perfect Polish – One-Step Paint Correction (Coming Soon)
• Tough As Shell – Ceramic Spray Coating
• Complete Cabin Cleaner – Interior Safe Cleaner
• All Dressed Up – Tire & Trim Dressing

Wash. Polish. Protect. That’s the Jimbo’s system—simple, safe, and built for real-world results.