How Long Does a Full Car Detail Take?
Detailing a car isn’t just a quick wash—it’s a process that can transform your vehicle inside and out. One of the most common beginner questions is: how long does a full car detail take? The answer depends on your experience, tools, and how thorough you want to be. Let’s break down the average times for interior, exterior, and full details so you can plan your next project.
What Is a Full Car Detail?
A full detail means cleaning, correcting, and protecting every surface inside and outside your car. This usually includes:
- Exterior: Wash, clay, polish, and protect with wax or ceramic spray.
- Interior: Vacuuming, cleaning plastics, glass, seats, carpets, and trim.
- Extras: Engine bay cleaning, dressing trim, or wheel/tire detailing.
Average Time for Each Section
| Detailing Task | Beginner Time | Pro Time |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Wash | 45–60 minutes | 20–30 minutes |
| Claying | 30–45 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Polishing | 2–4 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Protecting (wax/ceramic) | 30–45 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Interior (vacuum, clean, wipe) | 2–3 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| Full Detail (inside & out) | 6–9 hours | 3–5 hours |
Factors That Affect Time
- Vehicle Size: Sedans take less time than SUVs or trucks.
- Condition: Heavily soiled interiors or neglected paint require more work.
- Tools: Foam cannons, polishers, and scrub pads cut time significantly.
- Experience: Pros work faster due to efficiency and technique.
Save Time with the Right Products
From quick washes to full details, Jimbo’s Detailing products make every step faster and easier.
Buy The Super Soaper Buy Complete Cabin CleanerTime-Saving Tips for Beginners
- Pre-soak with The Super Soaper to loosen dirt.
- Use a Massive Drying Towel instead of multiple small towels.
- Use Scrub Buddy Pads on carpets and textured plastics.
- Choose one-step products like Picture Perfect Polish to polish and finish in one pass.
How Long Does a Full Professional Detail Take?
At a professional shop, full details usually take 3–5 hours with a team, or longer for multi-step paint correction. Mobile detailers may need more time depending on setup.
What If You Only Have a Few Hours?
If you don’t have all day, focus on high-impact areas:
- Quick wash + ceramic spray protection
- Vacuum + wipe interior with Complete Cabin Cleaner
- Clean windows for better visibility
Detail Smarter, Not Longer
With efficient products like Picture Perfect Polish and Tough As Shell, you can achieve pro-level results in less time.
Shop Picture Perfect Polish Shop Tough As Shell