Interior vs. Exterior Car Detailing: What’s the Difference?

Interior vs. Exterior Car Detailing: What’s the Difference?

Interior vs. Exterior Car Detailing
19 July 2025 CarHeroz

Car detailing goes much deeper than a simple wash. It is about making your vehicle look, feel, and smell as if it were a fantastic brand-new. There are two key categories of car detailing: interior and exterior. While both categories of car detailing tend to improve the appearance and condition of your car in different respects, the methods, focus, and products are often different. 

In the article below, we are going to explain the differences between each type of car detailing so you will know exactly what to expect.

Interior Detailing

Focus

Interior detailing is focused on the materials inside the cabin. These would include the dashboard, seats, carpets, floor mats, door panels, console, and air vents. The focus is on removing dirt, stains, odours, and allergens, leaving the passenger with a safe and fresh-feeling environment.

Process

Interior detailing is often the most labour-intensive as every corner must be vacuumed, carpets and other upholstery must be shampooed, steam cleaned, and conditioned. Sometimes the ceiling liner and trunk must also be cleaned. Because some areas are tight, special tools are used so that dust and debris won't stick around.

Products

Most interior detailers use quality cleaning agents, fabric and leather clear coat protective conditioners, vinyl protectants, glass cleaners, and sometimes ozone treatments to remove unwanted smells. The agents are formulated to leave the surfaces (leather, plastic, fabric) safe, as well as pleasant-smelling.

Exterior Detailing

Focus

Exterior detailing refers to the cleaning of the outside of the car. The goal of an exterior detailing expert is to restore the paint, remove defects, protect all surfaces, and leave a lasting shine on the car. Exterior detailing is so much more than washing the car, and the goal is to make the car look as new and as shiny as possible.

Process

The process of detailing the exterior of the car usually starts with a pre-rinse and foam bath to loosen dirt. Several other steps are hand wash, clay bar to remove contaminants, polished to correct paint, and lastly wax or ceramic coating for protection. Wheels, tires, trim and windows are also dressed and detailed perfectly.

Products

Exterior detailing involves using many products, including car shampoos, clay bars, polishing compounds, waxes, sealants and tire dressings. The type of products used depends on your car’s finish and the amount of protection you wish to achieve.

Conclusion

Interior detailing is focused on making the interior of your vehicle feel clean, comfortable, and fresh, while exterior detailing will make the outside look amazing and protect it from the environment. Both types of detailing services are necessary to maintain the value, comfort, and appearance of your vehicle. So, no matter whether you spend all your waking hours behind the wheel or whether you are just looking for a little attention on the road, investing in both interior and exterior detailing will help ensure your car looks best inside and out. If you want to get the best car detailing experts, make sure to  book an appointment with CARHEROZ.

 

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