The term 'car detailing' encompasses the process of thorough cleaning, restoration (such as deep cleaning, paint correction/polishing), with the aim of bringing a car back to absolute showroom condition. Every litle corner is addressed in detail. Both the interior and exterior.

Traditional car cleaning companies and car washes aim to clean as many cars as possible in as little time as possible. While these services generally perform simple tasks, they often cause paint damage, wash scratches (swirls) and other imperfections due to improper washing techniques and use of very harsh chemicals.

Unlike these companies, we value quality over quantity. At Detailing Storm we achieve the very best results by using the best materials, products and techniques.

A safe wash consists of touching the car as little as possible until most of the surface contamination is removed. This will reduce - not eliminate - the possibility of marring the surface. This does not apply only to perfect unblemished cars. Washed improperly, a heavily swirled vehicle can still come out of a wash looking worse as a result of poor cleaning technique.

Just because a car may look clean to the eye, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the bodywork is free from all the contaminants.

This is why several stages of ‘decontamination’ are required before the machine polishing stages can even begin. Using a variety of products and techniques, to remove as many contaminants possible to eliminate further damage of the clear coat.

We carry a big tank of water and a generator in our vans, which means we do not need to access your own supplies to carry the valets.

If it is possible and you are happy for us to plug into your electrics, this is also much appreciated as it will help to reduce emissions and keep the noise down for you and your neighbours. This is however completely optional.

To help ensure we complete your valet within the allocated time, and we do not vacum any valuable items please ensure all personal belongings have been removed from the vehicle.

Depending how often you use your car, it is recommended to wash it once or twice a week to prevent excessive soiling. Washing your car without scratches is best done using the 2-bucket method.

Avoid automated car washes, hand car wash brushes and detergents with a high pH content.
Avoid washing in direct sunlight to minimize streaking and water spots.

Step by step DIY car wash:

Step 1 - Clean wheels and tires:

Spray the wheel cleaner on the wheel and let the product take effect according to the manufacturer's instructions (always let the wheel cool down first!). In the meantime, spray an All Purpose Cleaner (APC) or tire cleaner on the tires and scrub them clean. Then you clean the entire wheel, starting with the inside. Use a safe rim brush, detail brush and/or wash glove for this. We prefer to always use the wheel brush and washing glove in a separate bucket with shampoo water. After cleaning, immediately rinse the wheel thoroughly.

Step 2 - Prewash / Snowfoam:

Spray the entire car with the high-pressure cleaner to remove as much loose dirt as possible. Then spray the car with a snow foam lance. Let this product work for 3-5 minutes and then rinse it off completely. This product partially loosens the dust and dirt from the paintwork and reduces the risk of scratches during washing.

Step 3 - Wash

Use 2 buckets and fill one with shampoo water and the other with clear rinse water. Do not use detergent! Make sure you have enough foam in the shampoo bucket, if necessary spray directly into the bucket with the high-pressure lance. Take a wash mitt and dip it in the shampoo water. Start with the roof of the car and only work in straight lines (no circles). Rinse the washing glove in the clear water. Do not put too much pressure on the wash mitt, but let it do the work itself. Wash the lower parts of the car last and use a second wash mitt if necessary. Then you rinse the entire car thoroughly.

Step 4 - Drying

Use a plush microfiber cloth to dry the car. Rub the car dry without applying pressure, let the cloth absorb the water. Use another microfiber cloth to dry the door shuts.

Step 5 - Finishing touch

Apply a sealant spray after every wash. This is the finishing touch with which you can remove any stains and water spots, giving the car extra shine. This is also a necessary step for the coating maintenance.

After a deep exterior wash, sometimes the contamination isn't visible to the naked eye, but can easily be detected by running your hand over the surface using a plastic bag to increase fingertip sensitivity - the bag amplifies the surface texture, making textures easier to detect, and sometimes provides audible feedback.

The downside to clay techniques is that, whilst effective, they will inherently marr the surface they are rubbing against, so should never be used without a polishing stage to refine the surface.

We will provide you with a PDF receipt once the service has taken place. If you chose not to have one on the day and decided you need one later, simply email us at info@detailingstorm.co.uk to request one.