Key takeaways

  • An in-depth cleaning can run you over $300.
  • Factors like the condition and size of the car, as well as add-ons like stain protection, can affect price.
  • Getting a car cleaned is important for safety reasons because a dirty car can limit visibility, as well as possibly increasing value if you want to sell the car.
  • You can also clean your car yourself by using a multipurpose cleaner and glass cleaner, removing trash and vacuuming.

You might know the importance of cleaning old food from the refrigerator or de-cluttering a cramped closet. But it’s easy to ignore car detailing, which may cost more than other cleaning duties. A car detail is a deep clean of your vehicle’s interior and exterior. The goal of the service is to leave your vehicle in like-new condition.

How much is a car detail? Getting your car detailed can cost anywhere from $100 for a partial detail to a full interior and exterior clean for $200 to $350. It depends on the size of your vehicle and the number of services you receive. Before you shell out, consider ways to get your vehicle feeling brand new without the additional price.

How much does car detailing cost?

The cost of a full vehicle detail varies by region, says Matt Degen, senior editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. But, Degen explains, drivers generally can expect to pay over $100 for an exterior or interior detailing service. A more thorough detail can easily cost twice as much.

Prepare to spend up to $350 to get in-depth cleaning.

You can pay even more to add extra and more labor-intensive services. A driver with stubborn interior stains will spend more than a driver simply requesting vacuuming. Each detailer also offers different processes for getting your vehicle squeaky clean. For example, using a clay bar to tidy your clear coat is time-consuming and likely to cost more than a simple wash.

Vehicle size also plays an important role in determining price.

“Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks and minivans will cost more since there is literally more vehicle to clean,” shares Degen.

But having a larger vehicle shouldn’t dissuade you from getting your car detailed. Many services offer discounts — especially in the spring season — which can cut down costs even for the biggest of cars.

Learn more: Bad credit auto loan rates

Factors that impact car detailing cost

Aside from the previously mentioned factors, your vehicle’s use also influences the cost.

“A truck that is outdoors all day and working at a construction site will become dirtier faster and more often than a pampered roadster that only sees the light of day, well, only periodically during the light of day,” Degen says.

The same would be true for the vehicle interior.

“A minivan that’s doing daily duty hauling kids will inherently become soiled faster and more frequently,” Degen shares.

When predicting car detail prices, consider your lifestyle and the car’s current condition.

That said, some interiors are easier to clean than others. For example, a spill or stain on faux leather seats tends to be easier to remove than those on fabric seats.

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Bankrate tip
When vehicle shopping, consider its use to ensure you aren’t left with a vehicle that can’t handle its day-to-day wear and tear.

Other factors include:

  • Detailing service. Many vehicle detailers offer packages that will protect your car from future issues. These typically include extensive finishes like ceramic coating. These services can greatly surpass base prices.
  • Vehicle size. Small vehicles mean less to clean and a smaller cost for the service. The price difference between detailing a small sedan versus a larger SUV can be $100 or more.
  • Cleaning add-ons. It will increase the cost if you need to address a specific issue, such as odor removal, exterior scratches or pet hair. These add-ons can vary in price from $15 to $100.
  • Trim package. Often, the more luxurious your vehicle, the more expensive your detail can be. While a fancier vehicle doesn’t directly equate to a higher detail cost, certain features, like leather seats and chrome interiors, may cost more to tidy.

What happens during a car detail?

A full car detail is an extensive process that can leave your vehicle feeling brand new. You can expect experts to perform the following services by hand at a full car detailing appointment:

  • Exterior washing and drying.
  • Exterior polishing.
  • Interior vacuuming.
  • Glass cleaning.
  • Paint claying.
  • Exterior sealing and waxing.
  • Steam cleaning.
  • Interior perfuming.

How to find a car detailing service

As with finding any service, the first step is to research, advises Degen. You could go to a generic car wash place or a business specializing in detailing.

“Like any other service, you’ll want to check the reputation of the company or individual and make sure their price is satisfactory to your budget,” he says.

Check out customer reviews from past customers or get a referral from trusted friends or family.

Is getting your car detailed worth it?

Vehicle cleanliness goes beyond just vanity, says Degen.

“There is a real safety risk to driving a dirty vehicle,” Degen explains.

Driving with an unwashed windshield tor external sensors blocked with road grime can endanger you and your passengers.

But how your vehicle is used should ultimately determine whether it’s worth it to detail it regularly.

“A work truck that is just going to get dirty the next day won’t receive or necessarily need the pampering of a beloved classic,” says Degen. “It’s not a show car.”

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Bankrate tip
If you plan to sell your car, detailing is a smart first step. KBB notes that a vehicle in excellent condition will command a higher price tag than one in average shape. This is true whether you’re selling to a private buyer, a dealership or an online retailer like Carvana.

DIY tips to keep your car clean

If you want to spring-clean without breaking the bank, consider the following tips from Chase.

  1. Take out the trash. One of the easiest ways to keep your car clean is to remove accumulated trash. Pay close attention to hidden spots like your glove compartment and between the seats. Stick a trash bag in the car to avoid trash building up in the future.
  2. Use glass cleaner. Keeping your windows and windshields clean and clear is vital to keeping you and your passengers safe. Pick up an inexpensive glass cleaner and microfiber towel for streak-free windows. Remember to clean the interior and exterior and roll the windows up and down to release trapped dirt.
  3. Vacuum. Our shoes constantly track dirt and debris into our cars. Even easier, shake out your mats to release any built-up dirt.
  4. Use a multi-surface cleaner. Simply spraying down commonly touched areas in your car can greatly reduce germs. Wipe off your steering wheel, gear shift and main console.

Next steps

If you can’t afford to finance a new vehicle this spring, there are ways to give an old car new life. Car details usually cost between $100 and $350. That might not be cheap, but detailing gives you that new car smell for far less than an actual new car.