Cost & buying

What's actually included in a full car detail?

5 min read

'Full detail' means different things at different shops. Here's what a proper interior + exterior detail actually includes — the checklist a professional detailer works through top to bottom.

Interior checklist

  • Two-step deep vacuum — seats, carpets, mats, trunk, under seats
  • Full steam cleaning of upholstery and hard surfaces
  • Leather clean and condition
  • Plastic and vinyl dressed with a matte finish
  • Windows, mirrors, and visors cleaned streak-free
  • Air blowout of vents, seams, and crevices
  • Cup holders, door pulls, shift knob, and steering wheel sanitized

Exterior checklist

  • Pre-rinse with foam soap
  • Two-bucket hand wash with pH-neutral shampoo
  • Wheel wells, rims, and tires cleaned separately
  • Iron decontamination on paint and wheels
  • Clay bar (usually as an add-on)
  • Panel-by-panel hand dry with plush microfiber
  • High-gloss spray wax
  • Door jambs and trim dressed

How long it takes

3 to 4 hours for a sedan or coupe, 4 to 5 for an SUV, longer for oversized vehicles. If someone quotes 90 minutes for a full detail, they're skipping steam, decontamination, or both.

FAQ

What's the difference between a detail and a wash?
A wash is exterior soap and rinse. A detail includes interior deep cleaning, exterior decontamination, and paint protection — an order of magnitude more thorough.
Do you shampoo carpets in a standard full detail?
Steam cleaning is included; hot-water extraction shampoo is typically a $50 add-on for cars with heavier staining.
Is paint correction included?
No — paint correction is a separate service or included with a ceramic coating package. A full detail restores gloss with spray wax, not machine polishing.
How much does a full detail cost?
FujiWash™ interior + exterior detail starts at $249 for coupes and sedans, with plan pricing from $149 per visit on a monthly cadence.