What Order Should You Detail Your Car In? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Detailing your car can feel confusing if you’re not sure where to start. Should you clean the wheels first? Polish before washing? Protect before dressing the tires?
The right order makes all the difference. It saves you time, avoids rework, and gives better results. Here’s the correct step-by-step process to detail your car—from top to bottom, inside and out—like a pro.
Step 1: Clean the Wheels and Tires
Always start with your wheels and tires. They’re usually the dirtiest part of the vehicle. Cleaning them first prevents brake dust and grime from splashing onto clean panels later.
- Use a dedicated wheel cleaner or APC
- Agitate with soft brushes or a Scrub Buddy
- Rinse thoroughly before moving on
Step 2: Pre-Soak the Paint
The Super Soaper is ideal for pre-soaking using a foam cannon or pump sprayer. It loosens dirt and grime, helping reduce swirl marks during the wash.
Step 3: Contact Wash the Vehicle
Use a soft towel like the Orange Wash Microfiber Towel to gently wash your vehicle using straight lines and minimal pressure.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom. Then dry with the Massive Drying Towel to avoid streaks and water spots.
Step 5: Decontaminate (If Needed)
If the paint feels rough, use a clay mitt or clay bar with Super Soaper as your clay lubricant. This step removes bonded contaminants for a smoother surface before polishing.
Step 6: Polish the Paint (Optional)
Picture Perfect Polish is a one-step solution that cuts and finishes in one pass, perfect for removing light swirls and adding clarity.
Step 7: Protect the Paint
Tough As Shell is a spray ceramic coating that adds gloss, slickness, and protection that lasts for months.
Step 8: Clean and Detail the Interior
Use Complete Cabin Cleaner for all interior surfaces—leather, vinyl, touchscreens, and buttons. Pair with Everyday Microfiber Towels and the Scrub Buddy for tight or textured areas.
Step 9: Dress Tires and Trim
Finish with All Dressed Up to restore a natural, satin finish to tires, trim, and rubber seals.
- Water-based and non-greasy
- OEM-style finish, adjustable shine
- Safe for exterior and interior plastics
Quick Recap: Proper Detailing Order
- Clean wheels & tires
- Pre-soak with The Super Soaper
- Contact wash with Orange Wash Towel
- Rinse and dry with Massive Drying Towel
- Decontaminate (clay bar optional)
- Polish with Picture Perfect Polish
- Protect with Tough As Shell
- Interior clean with Complete Cabin Cleaner + towels
- Dress tires & trim with All Dressed Up
Conclusion
Following the correct order when detailing your car prevents wasted effort and gets professional-grade results. With the right tools and purpose-built products, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy a cleaner, glossier car every time.
Need everything in one place? Check out the Jimbo’s Detailing Bundles for an all-in-one solution.
