It takes 3-10 hours to get the car detailed. You’ve decided you want your new (or old) car detailed. How long should you expect the detailing process to take?

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When it comes right down to it, there is no standard time for this particular aspect of automotive care. Depending on how dirty the car is, what kind of detail you want, and what’s included in the service quote, it can take between 3 and 10 hours to detail a vehicle.

What kind of detailing will be done?

The reason for this wide variance in time is because there are different types of detailing: interior and exterior. Generally, when people use the term “car detailing,” they mean exterior: washing and waxing the vehicle, scrubbing the wheels and undercarriage, and cleaning out the interior.

A full detail includes both; it’s a full-service process that adds value to the car – and makes it look gorgeous – through several stages of handwashing, polishing with clay bars (to pull off any embedded grime), a machine polishing, a paint sealant to protect the car’s exterior from the harsh sun and environmental damage, and – if the customer wants – interior detailing.

What about interior details? How long does that take?

This can take anywhere from 3 hours to 8 hours, depending on how dirty the interior is and how much cleaning the customer wants.

How long to detail a car: 3-10 hours

Exterior detailing for a full-service job (routine wash, rinse, dry; hand wash; wet machine polishing; wax; protectant): 3-5 hours

Exterior only: 10 minutes to 1 hour (for a quick detail)

Interior detailing: 3-8 hours

Exterior and interior detailing with complete removal of seats, carpets, mats, trunk lining, etc.; shampooing the entire interior; conditioner for leather upholstery; disinfectant for all surfaces: 6-10 hours.

Rates range from $100 to upwards of $500 for a full detailing job that includes interior.