DIY Vs Professional Car Detailing: 7 Questions To Help You Decide

It’s a common train of thought that your car’s interior will never look as nice again as it does on the first day you purchased it. The dust-free dash, the polished gearstick, the clean windows, the high-shine interior trim and — perhaps most importantly — the distinctive new car smell. It’s a heady cocktail, and most people resign themselves to a gradual deterioration until it comes time to buy another new car. 

But the truth is that you can maintain the good looks of your car’s interior far more easily than many people realise. Investing in professional car detailing regularly will help keep your car looking fantastic, and help maintain that “new” look for years to come. 

Professional car detailing vs DIY car detailing 

When it comes to cleaning the interior of the car properly, plenty of people believe that they’ve got the perfect homemade car interior cleaning solution. But when you compare the results, they don’t always stack up to scrutiny. It’s somewhat akin to professional car cleaning, versus doing it yourself at home. You certainly get it done, and it will look pretty good — but some details are going to get missed, and it’s going to lack that finesse and polish that comes with a professional’s touch. Hygiene is also a serious consideration for proper cleaning and detailing, particularly in an era where the world has been so heavily affected by COVID-19. 

So while regular spot cleaning by the vehicle’s owner is unquestionably an important part of car ownership, professionals are better equipped to handle all of the nooks and crannies that might go overlooked by the DIY car detailing enthusiast. But if you’re unsure, here’s 7 questions you should ask yourself before making the decision to hire a professional detailing service or opting for DIY. 

1. How often should I clean my car’s interior?

How frequently you clean your car’s interior will depend on a variety of factors; while many people use an exterior clean as a convenient occasion to also clear out the interior, we understand that this isn’t always practical. However, it’s crucial to be carrying out this process regularly; probably at least once a fortnight. This is important even if you’re not driving very regularly; a car that’s not being driven often may not be getting aired out frequently, and issues such as dust can accumulate in places like air conditioner vents.

Without regular maintenance, it’s entirely possible for unpleasant elements such as dust, grime, mould, insect nests and more to gradually build up within the vehicle. Additionally, high-contact areas such as the wheel, gearstick, handbrake, door jambs and boot jams can also inadvertently serve as carrying points for germs. 

Additionally, cars can accumulate all manner of interesting scents and smells. Sports equipment, food, pets, body odour, bad air fresheners and more can all contribute to leaving your car a little smelly — even if you don’t necessarily notice it yourself. Regular deodorising is critical for keeping your ride pleasant both for yourself and your passengers. 

Cleaning your car’s interior is more than just a matter of hygiene, too — it’s also a matter of safety. Needless clutter in your car can serve as a distraction when you’re trying to drive, which can have potentially fatal consequences. Cleaning the interiors of your car’s windows is also crucial for improving visibility and ensuring that you can see properly while driving. 

It’s a multifaceted process, and this is why many people opt to utilise a professional car detailing service; it can both save you time and ensure that these multiple considerations are being factored into the cleaning. 

2. Is professional car detailing worth it?

Detailing is definitely a worthwhile investment. We typically recommend that a vehicle has its interior detailed three or four times a year, though this may be required more frequently depending on what sort of conditions your car sees the most use. In addition to providing a range of car cleaning services, Jim’s Car Detailing is also able to provide more specific deluxe interior cleaning services for your car, including: 

• Chamois dry
• Vacuum seats, carpets & boot
• Ashtrays cleaned
• Dash cleaned & dressed
• Windows cleaned inside & out
• Interior deodorised
• All interior trims cleaned & dressed
• Shampoo of the seats & carpets (also referred to as steam cleaning)

3. How much does it cost to have a car professionally detailed?

The cost of getting a professional car detailing will vary according to a number of factors, including the size of the car, the nature of the cleaning required and any additional extras you might wish to include. Reach out to us today to get a free quote on our services for your car. 

4. I’m part of the NDIS — is Jim’s Car Detailing accredited for this service? 

Jim’s Car Detailing is proudly part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), working with support services and their families across Australia. We provide car cleaning and car detailing services — among others — to those with disabilities. We see one of our main priorities as aiding people with disabilities in meeting their cleaning requirements. 

5. I don’t have time to take my car in for a clean — how can I use your cleaning and detailing services? 

No time? No worries. Jim’s Cleaning offers a mobile car cleaning and detailing service. This service includes a premium wash, and all of the features of our Mini Detailing service, which includes cleaning the interior trim, door jambs, and boot jambs. You can also upgrade to an Interior Deluxe Detail — this includes a deep shampooing of your carpets and seats, and a deodoriser being able to your vehicle’s interior post-cleaning. 

6. Should I get my car professionally detailed and cleaned? 

Absolutely. Getting your car professionally detailed and cleaned will save you time, and you won’t need to worry about having all the right supplies at hand or endlessly redoing details that you’re not quite happy with. So if you’ve never done it before, why not give it a try and see how it compares to the usual clean that you give it? 

Mini detailing can be a great way to get started if you’re a first-timer at professional car detailing. It’s a small-scale version of our full detailing services; ideal for people who don’t necessarily have time to schedule a full detail job but are looking to get their car to sparkle and shine like it just came off the showroom floor. They can also be a useful means to get your car to look great for a special occasion. 

7. I don’t drive a standard-size car — can Jim’s Car Detailing still clean the interior? 

Absolutely! Jim’s Car Detailing offers services for the following vehicles: 

• Trucks
• Buses
• Boats
• Caravans
• Camper Vans
• Trailers
• Entire Fleets
• Aircrafts

Whether you own a boat, caravan, truck or car, it’s important to do everything you can to keep your vehicle in top condition. Maintenance won’t just help your vehicle stay looking good; it will also help you save money on repairs and replacement parts further down the line. Proactive investment in detailing for your vehicle — no matter its size — can add years to its lifespan, and in turn to your enjoyment of it.