What's included in a full detail? A complete checklist
A full detail covers the entire car inside and out. Here's the complete checklist of what's included, what's an add-on, and what it costs.
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Download the appA full car detail includes a complete interior deep clean and a full exterior wash, decontamination, and protection, essentially every surface of the car, inside and out, cleaned and restored. Exactly what's covered varies by detailer, which is why knowing the standard checklist helps you compare quotes and spot what's missing before you book.
Here's the complete checklist of what a proper full detail should cover, broken down by area, plus the add-ons that are usually priced separately.
Exterior: what's included
The exterior portion is about cleaning, decontaminating, and protecting the paint and every outer surface:
- Pre-wash and hand wash to safely lift dirt without scratching
- Wheels, tires, and wheel wells cleaned and degreased
- Paint decontamination (clay bar or chemical) to remove bonded grime
- Protection applied sealant or wax for gloss and durability
- Exterior glass cleaned, tires dressed, trim treated
Interior: what's included
The interior portion is a full cabin deep clean, top to bottom:
- Full vacuum of seats, carpets, mats, trunk, and crevices
- Shampoo or steam of carpets, upholstery, and fabric
- All surfaces wiped dash, console, doors, vents, and trim
- Leather cleaned and conditioned where applicable
- Interior glass cleaned and cabin deodorized
This is the checklist to compare quotes against. If a detailer's "full detail" skips paint decontamination or interior shampoo, it may really be a maintenance service priced like a full one. Ask what's included before you book.
Add-ons usually priced separately
These aren't part of a standard full detail and are quoted on top:
- Paint correction to remove swirls and scratches
- Ceramic coating for long-term paint protection
- Pet hair removal, odor treatment, engine bay cleaning, and headlight restoration
What does all this cost?
A full detail with everything above typically runs $150 to $400 depending on vehicle size and condition. Add-ons like correction or ceramic push it higher. We break the numbers down fully in how much a full detail costs, and if you only need part of this, interior vs exterior detailing covers booking just one side.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in a full car detail?
A full detail includes a complete exterior wash, wheel cleaning, paint decontamination, and protection (sealant or wax), plus a full interior deep clean: vacuuming, carpet and upholstery shampoo or steam, all surfaces wiped, leather conditioned, and glass cleaned. Add-ons like paint correction and ceramic coating are usually priced separately.
Does a full detail include paint correction?
Not always. Paint correction, ceramic coating, pet hair removal, odor treatment, and engine bay cleaning are typically add-ons priced on top of a standard full detail. Always confirm exactly what a quote includes.
How much does a full detail cost?
A full detail with the standard interior and exterior work typically costs $150 to $400 depending on vehicle size and condition. Add-ons raise the price.
What's the difference between a full detail and a basic detail?
A full detail covers the entire car inside and out with decontamination and protection. A basic or maintenance detail is lighter, often just a wash and interior vacuum and wipe, without decontamination or deep cleaning. Compare checklists, not just the word 'detail.'
Book a full detail with no surprises.
Know exactly what you're paying for. FOAM connects you with detailers who list what's included and show real portfolios. Compare, then book a full detail in a couple taps.
Download the appKyle is the founder of FOAM. He works with FOAM's Atlanta detailers to keep every guide grounded in how the work actually gets done.