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

If you’re new to car detailing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Should you wash before claying? Do you polish before waxing? Where does the interior fit in?

Here’s the proven, professional order for detailing your car the right way—from top to bottom, inside and out.

Step 1: Wash the Exterior

Start with a touchless pre-soak using The Super Soaper. Let it dwell to lift dirt, then rinse. Follow with a foam cannon or contact wash using the same soap.

Don’t pre-rinse—go straight to pre-soak
Work top to bottom, one panel at a time

Step 2: Clean the Wheels & Tires

While your foam is dwelling, hit the wheels and tires with Super Soaper and a Scrub Buddy Pad. Rinse thoroughly.

Use separate tools for wheels to avoid scratching paint
Rinse tires until foam turns white—then they’re clean

Step 3: Clay the Paint (If Needed)

Once clean and rinsed, use a clay bar or mitt with leftover foam or clay lube to remove embedded contaminants from the paint.

Work in straight lines, not circles
Don’t clay if your paint already feels smooth

Step 4: Dry the Vehicle

Use a Massive Drying Towel or air blower to remove water. Focus on mirrors, emblems, and trim where drips hide.

Step 5: Polish (If Needed)

If your paint has light swirls or oxidation, polish it now. Use a one-step polish like the upcoming Picture Perfect Polish with the right pad for your goal (cut or finish).

Always do a test spot first
Work one section at a time, then wipe clean

Step 6: Apply Paint Protection

Now that your paint is prepped, protect it with a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell. Apply 1–2 sprays per panel, wipe in, level, and buff dry.

Use a clean microfiber towel for application
Let cure for a few minutes before getting wet

Step 7: Dress the Tires & Trim

Apply All Dressed Up to tires, plastic trim, and engine bay surfaces for a clean, natural finish. It’s water-based, adjustable, and dry to the touch.

Step 8: Clean the Interior

Finish with the interior. Use Complete Cabin Cleaner on all surfaces—plastic, vinyl, leather, screens—with a microfiber towel or Scrub Buddy Pad.

Start at the top and work your way down
Vacuum seats and mats last to avoid kicking up dust again

Bonus Tip: Do Glass Last

Clean glass inside and out after the rest of the car is finished to avoid recontamination from overspray, dust, or fingerprints.

Summary: The Ideal Car Detailing Order

Pre-soak and wash exterior
Clean wheels and tires
Clay the paint
Dry thoroughly
Polish (optional)
Apply protection (ceramic, wax, or sealant)
Dress tires and trim
Detail the interior
Finish with glass

Conclusion

Following the right detailing order isn’t just about being efficient—it’s about avoiding damage and getting pro-level results.

Prep → Correct → Protect—that’s the flow. Stick to it, and your car will look better, stay cleaner longer, and be easier to maintain.

🧼 Essential Products for a Full Detail:

The Super Soaper – Pre-soak & safe wash soap
Massive Drying Towel
All Dressed Up – Tire & trim dressing
Complete Cabin Cleaner – Interior-safe everything cleaner
Tough As Shell – Spray ceramic protection
Everyday Microfiber Towels

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