Car detailing vs. car wash: Which service do you need?

Across the US, millions of people use their cars as part of their daily commute. With all that driving, it’s only a matter of time before their car gets chipped, dirtied, and worn out. But cars don’t have to stay that way! Car detailing and car washing services can revitalize your vehicle’s appearance, keep it feeling fresh, and protect it from the harsh elements.

In this car detailing vs. car wash guide, we’ll be going deeper into the differences between these two services to help you find the perfect service you need for your car.

What is car detailing? 

A worker cleaning the interior of a vehicle using a vacuum cleaner attachment (Source: iStock)

Car detailing is a service involving thorough cleaning, restoration, and finishing of a vehicle’s interior and exterior to achieve a high-quality look and feel. It focuses on meticulous tasks like removing dirt from hard-to-reach areas, polishing surfaces, and applying protective treatments that enhance the car's appearance and longevity.

The service can typically take a few hours or even days to complete, depending on its complexity. The result of this service protects the vehicle from environmental damage, preserves the interior design and components, prolongs vehicle health, and retains resale value.

With enough tools and know-how, car detailing can be done at home. However, the upfront cost and time required to learn these skills may overshadow the intended result. Likewise, any damage caused by DIY car detailing may not be covered by insurance or other similar coverage.

What is a car wash? 

A person enthusiastically washing a car outdoors (Source: iStock)

Car washing is a service or process in which a vehicle is cleaned using water, soap, and wax to remove dirt, tar, and other debris accumulated from daily use. 

Technically, car washing can be done at home. However, if done improperly, it can pose some risks to your vehicle, such as paint scratching and dents.

To free yourself from all the worries of washing your car, you can hire professionals instead. Equipped with the skills and knowledge for car washing, they can clean your car better and keep it clean for longer. 

Car wash vs. detailing: What are their key differences?  

Both car detailing and car washing are perfect ways to clean your car. However, both differ in extent, cost, time involvement, and more. Let’s take a closer look at these to help you decide which service you should do to keep your car clean! 

In terms of the extent of cleaning

A mechanic or detailer cleaning the inside of a vehicle (Source: iStock)

Professional car washing is typically done by hand, using tools such as power and pressure washers, vacuum cleaners, and air dryers. For experts, it typically takes them around 30 minutes to an hour to wash away the dirt accumulated on the vehicle from repeated use.

On the other hand, professional car detailing takes cleaning to the fullest extent. Aside from washing, vacuuming, and waxing, detailing addresses other aspects, such as shampooing carpets, restoring discolored headlights, correcting paint chipping, tire black, and dashboard cleaning. 

Professional detailing also helps sanitize the vehicle’s interior, making it clean externally and internally.

In terms of attention to detail

Car washing directs its attention mostly towards the exterior of the vehicle. This is common for drive-thru car washers and 15-minute gasoline station washing. Although professional car washing services may also include interior vacuuming and brushing.

Car detailing provides a deeper cleaning service. As the name suggests, professional car detailers go down to the smallest details on your vehicle. Externally speaking, your brakes, car trimmings, windshield, and windows will be given attention. 

Aside from the external aspect of the car, interior detailing is also a primary focus. Oft overlooked areas in the vehicle, such as cup holders, carpets, seat cushions, and the like, are also focused on.

In terms of time and labor

A worker detailing the tires of a car with a cleaning brush (Source: iStock)

Car washing is generally a quicker and less intensive process compared to car detailing. Automated drive-thru car washing can last as little as a few minutes. Professional car hand washing may take a little longer, about an hour or two, and can involve as few as one or two people. Either way, it’s still quicker than car detailing.

Conversely, car detailing can be more involved in terms of time and labor. While some services can be done by one person, some operate in pairs or groups. This is because of the spread of their skills and abilities while also speeding up the process by having lengthy tasks happen in conjunction with the others. 

Additionally, car detailing can take up to a few hours up to a few days, depending on the size of your vehicle and the depth of detailing involved.

In terms of service frequency

As most car washing services only entail cleaning and some level of waxing, they need to be availed of regularly, usually every week or two. Some will take about a month if the service is exceptionally good.

Due to the time and cost involved, car detailing should typically be done once or twice a year. However, improper care can easily undo the results of car detailing. Regular car washing is recommended to help prolong the results of car detailing.

In terms of cost

Mechanics collaborating and reviewing car service information for a vehicle in a workshop (Source: iStock)

The costs of car washing are relatively lower between the two services. Automatic or drive-thru car washing can cost as little as $20, with typical hand washing costing around $30. Bigger services, such as full-service or mobile car washing, can range from around $60 to $125.

Car detailing costs are a bit more expensive, but that’s primarily because of the extent of the services involved. Select services such as mini detailing typically cost $45—however, standard interior and exterior detailing average around $250.

It must be pointed out that these are ballpark figures and may still fluctuate depending on the size of your vehicle, the season, and other factors not covered in this guide.

In terms of the service results

The end goal of car washing and car detailing is similar - to clean your car. The difference would be the culmination of everything previously mentioned in this article. 

A professional car wash service will make your car look clean, slick, and ready for work. Meanwhile, a professional car detailing service will make your car look like it just rolled off the factory line and have enough protective coating to keep that "new car" look for longer.

Schedule a professional car detailing or car wash service with Airtasker

Keeping your car looking great means choosing the right service. A car wash is quick and easy, but detailing goes deeper, cleaning every little spot.

If you just need a fast clean, go for a car wash; if you want to really shine, choose car detailing. You can find skilled help on Airtasker, where professionals will treat your car right, saving you time and ensuring professional car care.