Detailing your own car can save you money and give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Plus, a properly detailed car not only looks great, but it can also help to protect your investment and extend the life of your vehicle. Here are some steps to help you detail your own car like a pro.

1. Start by washing the exterior of your car. This is an important step, as it removes dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of your vehicle. Use a good quality car wash soap and a soft microfiber wash mitt to gently scrub the surface of your car. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas where dirt and grime tend to accumulate, such as the wheels and door jambs.
2. After washing your car, it’s time to clay the surface. This step helps to remove any remaining contaminants from the paint that washing alone cannot remove. Use a high-quality detailing clay and a lubricant to gently glide the clay over the surface of your car. Be sure to use a gentle touch and avoid applying too much pressure, as this can cause scratches.
3. Once your car is clean and smooth, it’s time to polish the paint. This step helps to restore the shine and luster of your car’s paint. Use a good quality polishing compound and a soft foam applicator to apply the polish to the surface of your car. Work in small sections and use a gentle circular motion to spread the polish evenly. If you feel comfortable using a polishing machine, you can use a Porter Cable or Rupes polisher with a 5″ backing plate.
4. After polishing, it’s time to apply a wax or sealant to the surface of your car. This step helps to protect the paint and add an extra layer of shine. Use a high-quality car wax or sealant and a soft foam applicator to apply it to the surface of your car. Be sure to work in small sections and use a gentle circular motion to spread the wax evenly.
5. Once the exterior of your car is looking great, it’s time to move on to the interior. Start by vacuuming the inside of your car to remove any dirt, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to the corners and crevices, as these areas tend to collect the most debris.
6. After vacuuming, it’s time to clean the interior surfaces of your car. Use a high-quality interior cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean the dashboard, doors, and other surfaces. Be sure to avoid using too much cleaner, as this can leave a sticky residue.
7. Once the interior surfaces are clean, it’s time to condition any leather or vinyl surfaces. Use a high-quality leather or vinyl conditioner and a soft microfiber cloth to gently massage the conditioner into the surfaces. This will help to protect the leather or vinyl and keep it looking and feeling great.
8. After detailing the interior of your car, it’s time to tackle the windows. Use a good quality glass cleaner and a dedicated glass cloth to clean the inside and outside of the windows. Be sure to remove any streaks or smudges, as these can be distracting while driving.

Finally, take a step back and admire your handiwork. A properly detailed car should look great and have a deep, glossy shine. With a little practice and patience, detailing your own car can be a rewarding and satisfying experience.