There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of stepping back after detailing your vehicle and seeing the paint glisten. Or stepping inside for that first drive and seeing through the crystal clear windscreen and admiring the delicious aroma of your interior.

We love detailing your own cars, and wouldn’t go back to the old way of drive-through car washes or even letting someone else do it. But how long does it take to detail a car? 

A lot of people are caught off guard once they realise the average time to detail a car is actually quite a bit longer than they initially expected. If you do it right, a thorough interior and exterior detailing process can take anywhere from 2 hours to 5 hours or longer. 

Now, don’t let that deter you from taking matters into your own hands. This is something you only need to do once a month or potentially every few months. There are ways you can speed the process up, too, like upgrading your arsenal here at Jennychem.

We’re proud to be known as the UK’s trusted choice for professional car cleaning products, from premium car shampoo to interior car cleaning products, snow foam, TFR cleaner, and everything in between. Set yourself up for detailing success today!

“I bought the starter kit with wheel, pre wash, foam and detailing along with the drying cloth, my car has never been cleaner. Great products, I’ll definitely be restocking when I run out thx Jennychem.” - Sharon

“Great value detailing bundle and the products work really well, especially the Citrus Wash which is great value when diluted down.” - Robert

“Been with loads of different companies for cleaning and detailing products but I came across JennyChem products and I am very well pleased and I would recommend them to anyone.” - Kieran

Benefits of Car Detailing

Car detailing isn’t just your average wash and vacuum. This is a top-to-bottom rejuvenation for your vehicle, both inside and out. 

You pay much closer attention to every single surface: paintwork, wheels, plastics, upholstery, glass, trim, and even the engine bay. It’s a thorough process that removes stubborn grime, revives faded materials, protects finishes, and leaves your car looking (and feeling) like new. 

Whether you do it yourself or pay a professional, detailing is an investment in your vehicle’s longevity and value. It helps preserve the paint from long-term damage caused by UV rays, acid rain, salt, and bird droppings. It can also protect interior surfaces from cracking or fading.

Choosing to detail your car yourself puts you in full control. You decide the level of care, the quality of products, and the pace. With the right tools and know-how, it’s also surprisingly rewarding - and way more affordable over time than frequent trips to a detail shop.

All you need is weekend day with nothing on your agenda, and you can breathe fresh life into your vehicle. But how long does it take to detail a car, exactly? 

How Long Does it Take to Detail a Car?

Detailing a car isn’t something you knock out on your lunch break or quickly after work before the sun goes down. It takes time, effort, and precision if you’re serious about the results. While a standard car wash can take 20-30 minutes, proper auto detailing takes a few hours. 

Ultimately, though, how long to detail a car depends on the extent of the job, the size of your vehicle, and a few other factors, such as:

• Vehicle size: A compact hatchback is faster to detail than a full-size SUV or van.
• Condition: Cars with heavy dirt build-up, pet hair, or neglected interiors will naturally require more time. This is why we recommend detailing on a set schedule. You’ll save time in the long run!
• Level of service: A basic wash and vacuum might be done in an hour or two. But adding paint correction, machine polishing, ceramic coating, or deep interior steam cleaning will extend the timeline by quite a bit.
• Tools and experience: Professionals with the right equipment can work faster than a first-time DIYer with just buckets and elbow grease. We can set you up for success no matter your experience level, as we’re the UK’s trusted choice for all things detailing.

All that being said, how long does it take to detail a car?

Average Time to Detail a Car (By Job Type)

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect based on the type of detail and who’s doing it:

• Basic DIY exterior wash and wax: 1.5 to 3 hours (wash, dry, clay bar, apply wax/sealant)

• Interior vacuum and wipe-down: 1 to 2 hours (depending on how dirty it is)

• Full interior and exterior detail – DIY: 4 to 8 hours (includes shampooing carpets, treating leather, cleaning engine bay, polishing paint)

• Full detail – professional shop: 2 to 6 hours (pros often work in teams and use commercial tools)

• Add-on services like paint correction or ceramic coating: Paint correction can add 4 to 10 hours, while ceramic coating application might add 2 to 5 hours (not including curing time).

In general, we recommend blocking off a solid 2-4 hours for a basic detail in your driveway. It’s worth the time commitment for the showroom-level finish, though. We’ll share tips on speeding things up without sacrificing results below. 

Tips to Speed Up the Car Detailing Process (Without Compromising on Quality)

One of the best pieces of advice we have actually doesn’t have to do with working faster. It’s this: learn to love the process of detailing your car! When done right, it becomes less of a “job” and more of a ritual. This is a chance to reset and bring your vehicle back to life.

And while it does take time, there are smart ways to make the process smoother and faster, without sacrificing quality or results. Here’s how to get the job done right and efficiently. 

Prep Your Car Beforehand

The fastest way to detail a car? Start with a clean slate! Clear out rubbish, remove floor mats, and give the interior a quick vacuum before you even reach for the detailing supplies. The fewer obstacles in your way, the faster you can work.

Park in a shaded, well-ventilated area as you prepare to get the fun underway. Direct sunlight causes water spots and can make some products harder to work with. Lay out everything you need beforehand so you’re not running back and forth mid-process.

Choose the Right Products and Equipment

Efficiency starts with having the right tools for the job. Here’s what every efficient detailer should have on hand:

• Two buckets (one for wash, one for rinse)
• Microfibre wash mitts
• Soft detailing brushes
• A snow foam lance or pre-wash spray
• pH-neutral car shampoo
• Glass cleaner
• Interior cleaner and conditioner
• Tyre and trim dressing
• Drying towels and applicator pads
• Clay bar or clay mitt
• Polish and/or wax (spray wax for quicker results)
• Vacuum and a pet hair remover tool (if needed)

Not only does this kit help you work faster, but it prevents damage to your paint or trim along the way. If you’re missing anything from above or need to stock up on everything, look no further than Jennychem.

Our range of professional-grade detailing products can shave real time off your process. Shop pH-balanced shampoos, quick-drying glass cleaners, and no-fuss interior dressings made that balance speed and quality.

Our products are backed by years of experience supplying the professional trade, so you know you're working with products you can trust. Shop now or reach out for one-on-one support picking the optimal kit!

Work in Zones to Stay Efficient

Breaking the car down into zones helps avoid missed spots and keeps you focused. Here’s a quick example:

• Zone 1: Roof and windows
• Zone 2: Bonnet and front bumper
• Zone 3: Side panels and doors
• Zone 4: Rear bumper and boot
• Zone 5: Wheels and tyres
• Zone 6: Interior surfaces
• Zone 7: Glass and mirrors

Complete one zone before moving on to the next. This helps build momentum and eliminates the need to re-clean areas you accidentally touched.

Consider a Mobile Detailing Service or At-Home Kit

If you’re short on time but still want premium results, a mobile detailing service can be a smart option. But if you’re committed to doing it yourself, there’s a shortcut worth exploring. Our 21-Piece Luxury Starter Kit makes it easy with everything you need in one simple purchase:

• 1L Lemon Interior Cleaner
• 1L Vee Sheen 
• 1L Iron X Fall Out Remover 
• 1L Orange Quick Wax
• 1L Sapphire Super 
• 1L TFR Ultra Concentrate 
• 1L Long Life Tyre Shine
• 1L Non-Acid Wheel Cleaner
• 1L Snow Storm Maxi Mousse
• 1L Glass Cleaner OTL
• 1L Wash & Wax
• 150g Carnauba Hard Wax Pot
• Detaling Bucket 
• Grit Guard 
• Drying Towel
• Polish Applicator 
• Noodle Wash Mit 
• Air Freshener 
• Tyre Shine Applicator 
• Vikan Rim Cleaner Brush 
• Glass Cloth

Whether you're tackling paintwork, wheels, glass, or interiors, every item in this kit has been selected to maximise results while saving you time. It’s a smart investment for anyone who wants a showroom finish without paying for professional services week after week.

Closing Thoughts on How Long to Detail a Car

So, how long does it take to detail a car? In closing, the average time to detail a car can range from a couple of hours to the better part of a day. Yes, it takes time, but the results are more than worth it. 

Our blog has more tips on how to detail a car, like how to polish a car, choosing a car wash soap alternative, the best way to dry car after washing, or how to clean inside windscreen effectively. 

We don’t just offer the insights you need for vehicle care, though. We also have the products you need. So, what are you waiting for? Cut down on the average time to detail a car with our tried-and-true detailing kits or piece together your own arsenal. Shop now and see what keeps the UK’s leading detailers and enthusiasts coming back for more!