order of cleaning...

[A.P.A.D.]

tomorrow i am doing two clay/wax/interior jobs.

when detailing a car, what is your prefered order of cleaning? interior first then exterior? visversa?

typically i:
1. clean wheels, tires, wheel wells first.
2. new buckets and soap(of course) for washing the actual car.
3. dry the car.
4. wipe out the door jams.
5. interior: wipedown, vacuum, and then scrub vinyls/plastics with apc and brushs. dressings
6. clay
7. wax
8. window(in and out)
9. tire dressing

im thinking about changing my order tomorrow to do the interior first so that i can go straight from washing to claying, thus saving a drying step. thus saving time.

what order of cleaning do u guys follow?

[James K]

I do the interior first, that way all of the carpets have time to start drying while I do the exterior. Windows are my final step.

[Irish]

Exterior:
1. Wheel wells
2. Tires
3. Calipers
4. Wheels
5. Grilles
6. Wash
7. Clay
8. Dry
9. Wax
10. Wheel well/tire dressing

Interior:
1. Windows
2. Plastics/vinyl
3. Seats
4. Carpets
5. Mats
6. Jambs

I do Jambs last because getting in and out of the car they will get dirty. Makes no sense to do them before you're done with the interior IMO. Personally I wouldn't clay without polishing, but if that's what the customer wants then by all means.

[Bates Detailing]

1. Interior
2. Carpets
3. Door Jams
4. Top to bottom paint (dry wash)
5. Finishing touches (seals/bumbers/tires/rims)
6.windows
7.Eat a sandwich and smile

[BobbyG]

Interior

I do the entire interior first. Once this is complete it stays closed so no additional cleaning won't be necessary.

Wheel wells

Power-wash these areas thoroughly so all dirt and debris is removed

Tires & Wheels

These are second on the list as I don't want stronger chemicals contaminating the finish. Once they're cleaned I cover them.

Engine Compartment

Clean and detail all areas of the engine compartment. Treat plastic and rubber components.

Paint

This is third.

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Wipe
5. Sealant
6. Wax

Exterior Glass

Clean all glass

Trim

Treat all plastic and rubber trim

Tires & Wheels

Seal and wax wheels
Tire treatment

[Southern Stang]

Typically I like doing the inside first. It seems to also make things go faster on DD's.

[ALLN1WASH]

I always try my best to follow this order;
Stilt it, stretch it, sanitize... Basically, drive the car on 1x6 planks, open all doors and remove floor mats, and saitize interior vinyl using tornador.

After cleaning, I vacuum or shampoo if necessary, and I Always, Always finish off the interior with the windows.

With the exterior, I start with wells, tires and wheels.
After that, I go on the the wash itself.

If I'm claying the car I do so now prior to vehicle drying. Following clay vehicle washed and dried, wax/sealant applied.

Man, what ever you choose to do, find you a systematic approach,
master it and do your best to stick to it my man.

Oh yea, I also always finish the exterior with the windows...

[A.P.A.D.]

I do the interior first, that way all of the carpets have time to start drying while I do the exterior. Windows are my final step.

that sounds like a better plan than what i have been doing. im always trying to improve my techiques

I do Jambs last because getting in and out of the car they will get dirty. Makes no sense to do them before you're done with the interior IMO. Personally I wouldn't clay without polishing, but if that's what the customer wants then by all means.

doing the jams last makes complete sense! thanks for the tip!

why would u not clay unless doing a polish as well?! of course in my case, clay and wax is what the client is paying for, so that is what they get

7.Eat a sandwich and smile

sounds good to me!! lol

Typically I like doing the inside first. It seems to also make things go faster on DD's.

maybe a silly ?? but what is a DD?

[Audi X2]

DD = daily driver

[A.P.A.D.]

DD = daily driver

thanks!