The Weekend Detail Checklist: A Full Exterior and Interior Order of Operations

1. Wheels and tires first

Wheels hold the heaviest contamination. Clean them before the paint so brake dust and cleaner overspray do not land on a freshly washed panel.

2. Pre-rinse and foam the paint

Rinse loose dirt off before any towel or mitt touches the car, then apply a thick foam and let it dwell. This is what prevents wash-induced scratching.

3. Contact wash, top to bottom

• Use a plush wash mitt and two buckets if you have them.
• Start at the roof and work down; lower panels are dirtiest.
• Rinse the mitt often.

4. Dry thoroughly

A large twisted-loop drying towel pulls water without dragging. Get door jambs, mirrors and badges so nothing drips onto finished work later.

5. Protect the paint

Apply a ceramic detail spray panel by panel for gloss and hydrophobics. This is also the point to hit glass and trim if your product allows it.

6. Dress the tires

Do this after the paint is protected so any sling lands on a slick, easy-to-wipe surface.

7. Interior last

• Remove trash and floor mats, then vacuum from the top down.
• Wipe hard surfaces with an interior-safe cleaner.
• Clean glass last so you can catch any smudges from the rest of the work.
• Finish with an air freshener.