10 Car Detailing Mistakes You Need to Know About

In this video I wanted to take you through some car detailing mistakes I’ve made in the past.

There are loads of different ways to do things in detailing, so I’m sure there’s some things different people will agree/ disagree with on this list. Bottom line, if you enjoy the results you get, keep doing it! These are just things I’ve done in the past and have changed which I think have improved my process or results in some way.

Here are links to the products I mentioned in this video. Some of the links are affiliate links to In2Detailing so if you choose to make a purchase after the clicking the link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Some of the links above are affiliate links to In2Detailing and Amazon. If you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

0:00 Car Detailing Mistakes
0:43 Mistake #1
1:36 Mistake #2
2:51 Mistake #3
3:49 Mistake #4
4:54 Mistake #5
6:12 Mistake #6
7:20 Mistake #7
8:29 Mistake #8
9:15 Mistake #9
10:31 Mistake #10

[stfrompuertorico]

Something also to consider is vacuum cleaner hoses on the doors, move the vacuum cleaner closest to where you are cleaning, use a long old towel so the hose doesn't scratch the paint or use The Rag Company suede fender defender, it can also be used when detailing engine bays so you don't scratch or marr the painted panel when we lay our bodies against the fenders while cleaning the entire engine bay.

[gaycha]

Best thing I changed about routine was to totally ditch 2BM method. A back injury made carrying 2 heavy buckets a strain. Now I use 1 bucket and 6 mitts for entire car. A mitt is only used once on each side per panel, then put in an empty bucket. That way they never return to your wash bucket, minimizing grit transfer. It’s also quicker not rinsing mitt.

Try it. 5-6 mitts. One bucket wash. Uses less water too.

[Ally.MacMillan]

I do the same with the brush work nowadays, it’s a much better practice and it’s surprising to see how many well known folks go straight in with brushes after foaming a dry vehicle.
I used to do the brush work before the contact wash, during the foam stage, but that was always after a pressure rinse before applying the foam.
I completely agree about washing the wheel barrels after the rims, faces and spokes, I would go as far to say it’s not controversial at all, I think it’s entirely logical when you think about it.
Great tip on pre washing the wheels, something I am guilty of not doing. My wheels tend to be coated so I usually think a pre pressure rinse is often enough, but I will definitely try the pre wash too 👍

[haikuancheoh]

i got into this alkaline + acidic wash when i watched a koch chemie reactivation shampoo ads, immediately it make sense to me, because we need alkaline cleaner to get rid off organic dirt, and acidic cleaner for inorganic dirt. i believe general population will need more time to accept this strong combo, but im glad to see u r ahead of the game! again, brilliant content! tahnks a bunch!

[liamo]

Great deal of knowledge I also clean the barrel of the wheel first I have to rethink the next time cleaning my wheels love your videos can’t wait for the next one

[details]

Some really good advice there Heather, especially the water spot remover on mineral deposits 👍- Perry

[michaelc]

Great advice! I've never thought about cleaning the wheel face first (I've always done the barrels first out of habit) and I'm also guilty of layering too many products😅

[AntEloftheHouseofEl]

Yet another great video!

One thing I will add in case there are any relative newbies who try it.

Glass polishing. Especially if using Ceriglass.

It can be bloody messy as hell, so be fully prepared to wash your car afterwards if you're not going to sheet and tape off.

[mickeybigboss]

Would you recommend using an iron fall out remover after the car has been fully cleaned down.

[UlMik]

Nice video! Talking about Mistake #9 and reviving protections take a look at the 3ph wash of Labocosmetica. It's amazing how well it works!

[teemu]

Washing microfiber over 40c is a good advice. They usually show 60c on the label but it starts hardening the material after few washes

[stevewilliams]

Some really good tips Heather. A couple of which I've never considered, but logically make complete sense! Thanks for the video 👍

[djmandrick]

Oh god, i hope there isn't more than ten else my hobby could be a disaster in the making. My personal one was the first time i used a pressure washer i got right in on the wheels and gave it a ruddy good squirt to watch the plate which covers the brake disc at the back fall out onto the drive. (as it was very rusty anyway). Im very careful with calipers and pressure washers as well. Just a gentle rinse from a distance is plenty. let the products do the work. this was from a time way back when i didn't watch your channel and was yet to amass a garage full of products and wheel cleaners, most of which I'm still yet to use - yes Im looking at you for my full range of barely used Mile Deep products - haha! Their time will come!) Some good tips in here, and great video as usual, The Heather. One I'd add is if you are wheels off and ceramic coating them do the barrel first. then you can turn it over and do the face - you won't ruin the face as it dries by doing it the other way around. I have skin issues anyway so it reacts to jsut about anything so i use big yellow rubber gloves for most things (nitrile if not a bucket of liquid) as I've realised i'm too old to care about what a wally i look. I also use a full 3m facemask for anything that stinks (last thing I want is wheel cleaner in my eye) and is obviously bad to be breathed in or if im blowing out hte interior and bits are going everywhere. Again i look like Bane in rubber gloves but my lungs will thank me one day i'm sure.

[vinhsanity]

I ceramic coat, and what I’ve found is I’m basically just polishing the ceramic coat each season. I could be wrong since I’m judging this off the hydrophobic properties being still there. But one of my cars is 11 years old and still shines with an annual correction.

[alex_tricker]

Great video, I foam the wheels using GT wheel shampoo V2 in an ik foamer. I clean the barrels, rinse, foam up again and then do the faces. Fully agree with what you say, doesn’t make sense to rub that dirt in!

[harryking]

Hi Heather. Great info as always. Please can you start to do an outro of some description. I get so engrossed in the chat/content and before I have a chance to give a massive thumbs up 👍 the video has ended. Ps I always go back and thumbs up. But would be good to have a 5-10 second time to make sure at the end. Please keep up the great work and dedication to pleasing us all. Much respect as always.

[senthilkumar-mcui]

Usefull & safe detailing tweaks as always.

[APASSIONFORDETAILING]

Some great info there mate, I'm sure alot of people will take some of this on board 👍🏽

[MrGymCrazy]

Great video, as always. I've posted previously about how claying was becoming just another stage in a detail, newcomers had seen it mentioned, but not the risks it posed or that it should really be a precursor to a correction/enhancement.

[jamiemittermuller]

I’m guilty of not cleaning around the badge at any stage. I have detailing brushes they sit in my bucket unused half the time.