What an interior detail covers
An interior detail is a focused, deep reset of the inside of the car. A real one includes:
- Full vacuum — seats, carpets, floor mats, trunk, under the seats, between the cushions.
- Hot-water extraction on fabric seats, mats, and carpet (the step that actually pulls dirt out).
- Leather cleaned with a pH-balanced cleaner, then conditioned.
- Hard surfaces (dash, console, doors, trim) cleaned and finished without a greasy shine.
- Headliner spot-treated as needed.
- Every interior pane of glass cleaned streak-free, including the awkward inside-windshield rake.
- Vents, switchgear, and crevices addressed with detail brushes.
The exterior gets a wash on top of all that, but it's not the focus — and it doesn't get decontamination, clay, or sealant.
What a full detail adds
A full detail is everything in an interior detail, plus a serious exterior process:
- Foam pre-soak, two-bucket safe wash, dedicated wheel detail, tire dressing, door jambs.
- Iron-fallout decontamination on the paint (the brown bleed you see from brake dust).
- Clay-bar or clay-mitt treatment to remove bonded contaminants you can feel but not see.
- Hand-applied sealant or sprayable ceramic — fresh protection for the next several months.
- Glass cleaned outside and in, tires properly dressed without sling.
A full detail is what most owners actually mean when they ask for "a detail."
Which one your car actually needs
Choose an interior detail when:
- The exterior is already in good shape (recently detailed, ceramic-coated, or new).
- The interior took a hit — spilled coffee, dog hair, road-trip residue, a kids-and-snacks weekend.
- You want a focused reset without paying for paint work you don't need.
Choose a full detail when:
- It's been three or more months since the last detail.
- The paint feels rough to the touch after a wash (bonded contamination).
- You want fresh protection on the paint heading into a season change.
- You're preparing the car for photos, a sale, or a trip.
Want a car that gets noticed for the right reasons?
Tell us about your vehicle. We'll be in touch soon with a recommended service and a fixed price.
Request a Quote →A simple decision rule
If you'd be embarrassed by the inside but the outside still beads water, get an interior detail. If both feel "due," or if the paint hasn't been protected in months, get a full detail. When in doubt, ask us — we'd rather steer you to the right service than upsell the wrong one.