Interior Detailing Checklist: What Professional Detailing Includes

Professional Interior Detailing Checklist

A proper interior detail transforms your cabin. Here's what professionals include—and what you should expect.

Pre-Detail Assessment

Before any work:

1. Document existing damage (tears, stains, wear)
2. Identify material types (leather, vinyl, cloth, alcantara)
3. Note special concerns (pet hair, odors, ink stains)
4. Remove personal items

Complete Vacuuming

Areas covered:

• All floor surfaces
• Under and between seats
• Door pockets and storage
• Trunk/cargo area
• Crevices and seams
• Seat backs and undersides
• Dashboard vents

Pro technique:

• HEPA-filtered vacuum
• Various attachment heads
• Compressed air for tight spaces

Surface Cleaning

Dashboard and Console:

• Dust removal with soft brushes
• All-purpose cleaner wipe
• Button/dial detail cleaning
• Screen safe cleaning for displays

Doors and Panels:

• Door card cleaning
• Speaker grille detailing
• Handle and pocket cleaning
• Window trim and seals

Center Console:

• Cupholder deep cleaning
• Storage compartment wipe
• Climate control buttons
• Shifter and controls

Seat Cleaning

Fabric Seats:

1. Vacuum thoroughly
2. Apply fabric cleaner
3. Agitate with brush
4. Hot water extraction
5. Allow to dry completely

Leather Seats:

1. Vacuum crevices
2. Apply pH-balanced leather cleaner
3. Gentle brush agitation
4. Wipe clean
5. Apply leather conditioner
6. Buff to finish

Alcantara/Suede:

• Special suede brush only
• Light cleaning solution
• No harsh rubbing
• Directional brush strokes

Deep Cleaning Steps

Carpet Shampooing:

• Pre-spray soiled areas
• Agitate with brush
• Extract with hot water
• Multiple passes for stains

Headliner Cleaning:

• Gentle spray application
• Microfiber wipe only
• No heavy scrubbing (prevents separation)
• Light touch technique

Trunk Detail:

• Remove cargo items
• Vacuum all surfaces
• Clean cargo mat/liner
• Wipe cargo walls

Glass Cleaning

All interior glass:

• Streak-free glass cleaner
• Waffle-weave microfiber
• Wipe in multiple directions
• Edges and corners attention

Odor Treatment

If needed:

• Enzymatic cleaners for biological odors
• Ozone treatment for smoke
• Carpet/upholstery extraction
• Air vent sanitization
• Cabin filter check/recommendation

Protection Application

Final steps:

• Dashboard UV protectant
• Vinyl/plastic protection
• Fabric protection treatment
• Leather conditioning
• Glass treatment (optional)

What Sets Pros Apart

Professional detail difference:

Red Flags in Interior Detailing

Avoid if they:

• Rush through in under 2 hours
• Don't vacuum before wiping surfaces
• Use all-purpose cleaner on leather
• Skip seat back and undersides
• Leave streaky windows

Maintenance After Detail

Keep it clean:

• Vacuum monthly
• Wipe surfaces weekly
• Clean spills immediately
• Use floor mats
• Consider fabric protection

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