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Picture of Mitt On A Stick Pro Plus washing a car

What is the Difference Between a Car Wash and Car Detailing?

Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a clean car? Whether you’re cruising through town or heading to work, a shiny ride makes a great impression and feels amazing. But keeping your car in tip-top shape isn’t just about appearances—it’s about taking care of your investment. That’s where the choice between a car wash and car detailing comes in. Not sure what makes them different? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break it all down so you can decide what’s best for your car and we'll share some of our most popular tools and chemicals at the bottom of the page.

What’s the difference between a car wash and car detailing?

Car Wash:

Think of a car wash as a quick rinse-off for your car. Whether you’re going through an automated wash, using a self-service bay, or getting a basic hand wash, the goal is to get rid of dirt and grime fast. It’s great for keeping things clean on the surface, but it’s not designed to get into the nitty-gritty details or fix up any imperfections.

Detailing:

Detailing is like a spa day for your car. It’s all about giving your ride some serious TLC—cleaning every inch, restoring its shine, and protecting it from the elements. From deep-cleaning the seats to polishing the paint, detailing takes time and effort, but the results are totally worth it.

How does a car wash handle paint cleaning compared to car detailing?

Paint:

  • Car Wash: A car wash does a decent job of rinsing off dirt, but sometimes it leaves behind streaks, water spots, or even tiny scratches if the brushes are harsh. It’s more about the basics than perfection.

  • Detailing: Detailing takes paint care to the next level. After a gentle wash, detailers use a clay bar to pull out all the stuff stuck to your paint (like sap or road tar). They’ll polish it to remove scratches and swirls, and then finish with a layer of wax or ceramic coating for a glossy, long-lasting finish.

What’s the deal with wheel cleaning?

  • Car Wash: Most car washes give your wheels a quick spray-down, but that’s about it. Brake dust and grime can stick around, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

  • Detailing: When detailers get to work on your wheels, they use specialized brushes and cleaners to get into every nook and cranny. They even polish and dress the tires, making them look fresh and protecting them from cracking or fading.

How do car washes and car detailing handle glass cleaning?

  • Car Wash: Car washes do a good job of rinsing your windows, but streaks and smudges can be common. Plus, they don’t always get those hard-to-reach spots like the edges of your windows or mirrors.

  • Detailing: Detailing makes your glass crystal clear. Professionals use streak-free cleaners and microfiber towels to get spotless results. They might even add a water-repellent coating to your windshield, so rain rolls right off.

What’s the difference in interior cleaning?

Car Wash:

Most car washes do a quick interior tidy-up—vacuuming the seats and floors, maybe wiping down the dashboard. It’s great for a fast refresh but doesn’t tackle deeper stains or odors.

Detailing:

Interior detailing goes all out. Carpets, seats, and crevices get vacuumed and shampooed. Leather seats? They’ll clean and condition them to keep them soft and crack-free. Even the vents, cup holders, and door panels get attention. It’s a total reset for your car’s interior, leaving it spotless and smelling amazing.

How much time and money are we talking about?

  • Car Wash: Car washes are quick—usually 15 to 30 minutes—and super affordable, costing anywhere from $10 to $30 depending on the service. Perfect if you’re short on time or just need a simple clean.

  • Detailing: Detailing takes more time and money, but the results are worth it. It can take a few hours or even an entire day, depending on how thorough you want to go. Prices range from $50 to $300 (or more), but you’re paying for a deep clean and long-term care.

When should you pick a car wash or go for car detailing?

  • Car Wash: Go for a car wash when you need a quick clean-up to keep your car looking decent. It’s great for regular maintenance or when your car isn’t super dirty.

  • Detailing: Choose detailing when your car needs some extra love. If the paint looks dull, the interior has stains, or you’re preparing for a special occasion, detailing will make your car look and feel brand new. It’s also a great idea before selling your car to get the best price.

At the end of the day, car washes and car detailing both have their place. A car wash is a fast and affordable way to keep your car clean, while car detailing is for when you want to take things up a notch and really pamper and protect your ride. By knowing the difference, you can choose the right option for your car’s needs—and enjoy that fresh, clean car feeling for years to come.


Popular Car Wash Tools & Chemicals

  1. Mitt On A Stick Pro+ - Easily reach the roof, windows and doors on any truck, car, SUV or boat. Multiple material covers available. Shipping early February! Pro+ upgrades include attachment of any towel to head, lighter weight construction and front-to-back, lockable swivel for improved control (Pro+ head upgrade available).

  2. P&S Pearl Auto Shampoo Concentrate - Mix in your wash bucket or foam cannon for a high quality foam (128:1 ratio or two capfuls per gallon recommended). Gentle on your car's finish, hands and the environment.

  3. General Car Care Foam Cannon (for Garden Hose) - Reduce the need for a wash bucket and let soapy foam lift contaminates before you hand wash. Adjustable ratio settings so you can get the foam type and dilution you need.

  4. MEGAnought - XXXL Microfiber Drying Towel- What started as a joke become a top selling drying towel. You may only need one to dry your entire vehicle or small boat!

  5. Dreadnought Max Microfiber Drying Towel - Three layers helps wick away moisture from the surface loops and prevents moisture from soaking through to the other side. The extra layer makes the car drying towel more firm and easier to gently fling across horizontal surfaces, using the pull-dry method. 

Popular Car Detailing Tools & Chemicals

  1. Mitt On A Stick Pro+ - Many car detailers start with the roof or wheels. Reach any roof with ease with the new and improved Mitt On A Stick Pro+. Shipping early February! Pro+ features attachment of any towel to head, lighter weight construction and front-to-back swivel for improved control (Pro+ head upgrade available).

  2. P&S Brake Buster Wheel Cleaner - Your reliable, premium wheel cleaner to safely remove brake dust, oil, dirt, stains, and even light corrosion without damaging the delicate surface.

  3. P&S Xpress Interior Car Cleaner - Safe and effective, clean all surfaces inside vehicles, including leather, vinyl and plastic. Xpress removes dirt, grease, oil and other marks without drying, discoloring or damaging surfaces. 

  4.  Rupes Bigfoot iBrid Orbital Polisher Kit - Compact yet potent, this tool effortlessly blends cordless and corded functionalities, delivering both freedom and dependability. Kit includes D-A foam and wool pads along with polishing compound.

  5. Reacher Glass Kit - Make glass cleaning easier and more efficient with the Reacher tool and 3 Glass Flip Towels, leaving your windows free of dust, haze and streaks.