What equipment do I need to start a car detailing business?

Updated February 2025

Car detailing involves cleaning, restoring, and protecting a vehicle both inside and out. These actions help maintain the vehicle’s appearance and value. 

It’s important to realize you can’t start a car detailing business with your passion for cars alone. You’ll need to supplement that passion with the right tools and equipment. You’ll also need to ensure you have the skill set to tackle every task that comes your way. 

Without these fundamentals, you won’t be able to provide the best service for your customers. 

This guide will focus on the equipment you need to launch your car detailing business, ensuring you have everything you need to compete with your fellow car detailers. 

Essential equipment

We’ll get right into our list of essential car detailing equipment, breaking it down into three categories:

1. Essential interior car detailing equipment

Here is a list of standard equipment you’ll need to get those interiors looking fresh.

Vacuum cleaner

A high-powered wet/dry vacuum cleaner is vital for cleaning carpets, seats, and other hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in a vehicle. You’ll want a model with strong suction and a decent choice of attachments to get into all those difficult areas. 

Carpet extractor

Used for deep cleaning, a carpet extractor removes embedded dirt and stains with a combination of water, powerful cleaning solutions, and suction. It’s a must-have for any car detailing professional.

Steam cleaner

A steam cleaner is used to sanitize surfaces. High-temperature steam works to remove grime and bacteria (and odors, too) without using harsh chemicals that could damage the vehicle’s interior.

Cleaning brushes

Brushes aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. You need different brushes for scrubbing the different parts and materials of the car, such as:

• Carpet

• Upholstery

• Vents

Soft-bristled brushes are best for delicate surfaces like leather, while stiff brushes work well on tough spots.

Microfiber towels

Microfiber towels are indispensable for wiping down surfaces and applying cleaning products without causing damage. These towels are excellent for cleaning and drying without leaving streaks or scratches on a vehicle.

Odor removal tools

The steam cleaner mentioned above can only do so much for a truly stubborn odor. An ozone generator or specialized odor removal sprays help eliminate those smells that seem to stick around. They ensure a fresh interior for clients. That clean, fresh smell can often be a difference-maker in customer satisfaction levels.

2. Essential exterior car detailing equipment

The vehicle’s exterior requires a whole different approach and its own list of essentials. These include:

Pressure washer

A pressure washer is essential for cleaning the outside of a car or other vehicle, especially those grimy tires and wheel wells. 

Without it, you’d be on your hands and knees scrubbing away all that grease for hours. 

Pressure washers with adjustable settings let you wash delicate vehicle paint and ceramic coatings without damaging them.

Foam cannon

Attach a foam cannon to your pressure washer to apply thick, even layers of car wash soap. Washing cars is like washing your own body; just hot water won’t do the job. 

Wash mitts and grit guard

Microfiber wash mitts, combined with a grit guard in your bucket, help prevent dirt from scratching the car’s surface during washing. So much of professional car washing is about avoiding damage to the vehicle while performing a deep clean.

Clay bar

A clay bar removes contaminants like tree sap, brake dust, and tar from the paint’s surface, leaving it smooth and ready for polishing.

Polishing machine

An orbital polisher or rotary buffer helps avoid unsightly swirl marks when washing. These tools can also remove scratches. They are vital for paint correction and getting that sought-after vehicle shine.

Waxes and sealants

Car waxes and special sealants protect the paint from general wear and tear and environmental damage while also boosting its shine. 

Drying towels

Large, absorbent drying towels or drying blades are crucial to avoid water spots after washing. Again, this finishing touch is important to achieving a clean, spotless look that pleases your customers.

3. Optional extras

Beyond these essentials, there are a few extra tools that can help you deliver an elevated service, such as:

• Detailing brushes: These are specialized brushes for cleaning intricate areas that need extra attention (emblems, grilles, engine bays, etc.).

• Headlight restoration kits: These help restore clarity to foggy or yellowed headlights.

• Paint thickness gauge: A paint thickness gauge ensures safe polishing by measuring the paint layer, preventing over-polishing or damage during car detailing processes.

• Water tank: If you offer mobile services, you’ll need a portable water tank so you can have access to water wherever you go.

• Vapor steamer: Vapor steamers are excellent for tackling tough grime in hard-to-reach areas like vents, cup holders, and seams

Key areas of study for becoming a car detailer

To be a successful car detailer, you need to develop a passion for all things cars and their appearances. Unlike a mechanic, you’re all about the aesthetic rather than the inner workings. You’ll need expertise on:

• Vehicle surfaces: Learn about the material used in both the outside and inside of cars. You’ll need an understanding of how to clean and maintain leather, paints, and the various plastics used in car interiors.

• Specific detailing techniques: You’ll need to master methods for washing, waxing, and polishing to ensure professional results for customers every time. 

• Product knowledge: You will need to understand which cleaning solutions, car detailing chemicals, and tools are the best to use for each individual job. There’s a broad range of products to be aware of, and they evolve with new innovations all the time, so choosing the right kit will help you deliver the best possible service. 

What car detailing courses are available to study?

Courses for Success offers three tailored programs related to car detailing for those looking to get started in this career. 

• Car Detailing Certification Course: Covers everything from equipment use to advanced detailing techniques.

• Mobile Detailing Business Course: Focuses on starting and running a mobile car detailing business.

• Car Detailing Business Income: Provides insights into maximizing profitability in the detailing industry.

These courses help you combine foundational knowledge with practical skills, a great combination that can see you kickstart your career in as little as 20 hours.

Career insights

According to Indeed, the average salary for a car detailer or automotive detailer in the US is just over $40,000 per year, based on an hourly salary of just over $16/hour. Top earners earn over $60,000 per year. 

To get there, build a loyal client base, provide mobile services, and gain expertise in more specialized offerings. 

Tips for success:

• Invest in high-quality equipment.

• Build a loyal client base through excellent service.

• Stay updated with industry trends and detailing tools.

Summing up

Setting yourself up in the car detailing industry requires the right tools backed up by a dedication to delivering exceptional results for every client. You’ll need to care about every car you come across to continually provide great results.

Invest in training and focus on customer satisfaction to build a successful business. Begin your journey with the Car Detailing Certification Course today.

FAQs

What is the cost of starting a car detailing business?

Startup costs usually range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the quality and amount of equipment you buy. 

Do I need certification to start a car detailing business?

Certification isn’t a requirement to start a car detailing business, but it boosts your credibility with clients. 

Can I run a mobile detailing business?

Yes, you can run a mobile detailing business. It offers flexibility for customers who don’t always want to visit your detailing site. You’ll just need to ensure all your equipment is portable. 

How do I attract customers?

There are many ways to attract customers. You can offer promotions to get people to visit. You can focus on building an online presence through a website to attract traffic or through social media groups. 

One of the best ways to get customers is still through word-of-mouth; offer a fantastic service, and this will act as your best form of lead generation. 

What are the most important tools for beginners?

New car detailers will need a vacuum, pressure washer, clay bar, microfiber towels, and cleaning solutions.