5 Car Detailing Mistakes Most People Make

Before I got into professional detailing, let’s just say I started young. My first real exposure to detailing was working for a big franchise at Enterprise. They had all the fancy equipment, strict cleaning processes, and I learned early on how important it was to have a system.

But even with all that training, I was always super detail-oriented, borderline obsessive about not leaving anything halfway done. If a spot was missed or a streak showed up, it bothered me. It needed to be perfect. That’s honestly what pulled me into detailing full time.

Now after over 10 years in the game, I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen customers try to clean their own cars, I’ve seen employees cut corners, and I’ve made a few mistakes myself along the way. But after sitting down, doing plenty of research, and watching thousands of cars go through my hands, I’ve narrowed down the most common mistakes people make when cleaning or detailing their vehicles.

Why People Make These Mistakes

Let’s be real, most people don’t wake up trying to mess up their car. These mistakes usually happen for a few simple reasons.

One, most people just don’t know. Car cleaning seems simple, so they assume any soap, any towel, any process works. Two, they try to save money or time and cut corners. And three, bad habits get passed around like myths. You hear your uncle say dish soap works great and next thing you know you’re stripping your clear coat.

Even some new detailers fall into these mistakes early on, thinking they’re doing it right because they saw it on a YouTube short or a TikTok hack.

Most Common Mistakes I See People Make

1. Using Dish Soap Or Household Cleaners
   I’ve seen this one way too many times. People figure if dish soap cuts grease off plates, it’ll work great on their car. What they don’t realize is dish soap strips off any protection like wax or sealants and dries out your clear coat. Over time, your paint fades and loses its shine.
   
   

Always use a proper car wash soap that’s pH balanced. There’s a reason why we as professionals stock up on the right soaps like these professional products that actually clean while keeping your protection safe.

2. Washing In Direct Sunlight
   I get it, sunny day feels like the best time to wash. But washing under direct sunlight makes water dry too fast, leaving water spots everywhere. Those water spots can even etch into your paint if they bake long enough, especially if you have hard water. Always try to wash early morning, late afternoon, or better yet, in a shaded area.
   
   
3. Using One Towel For Everything
   This one is huge. I’ve seen people use the same towel to wipe wheels, doors, windows, and even interiors. The problem is you’re dragging dirt, brake dust, and grime from one surface to another. That’s how you get swirl marks and fine scratches on your paint. Always have dedicated towels for each section of your car.
   
   

I personally use specific towels for paint, another set for glass, different ones for wheels, and completely separate towels for interiors. If you’re serious about avoiding damage, this small habit makes a huge difference.

4. Scrubbing Instead Of Lubricating
   When people feel stuck-on dirt or rough paint, their first instinct is usually to scrub harder. But scrubbing just grinds those contaminants deeper into your paint, causing scratches. That’s where clay bars and proper lubricants come in.
   
   

Clay safely lifts those contaminants off the paint without scratching. I always tell people once you feel how smooth your paint is after a proper clay bar, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

5. Cleaning But Forgetting To Protect
   A lot of people clean their car and stop there. But protection is what keeps your car looking good long term. Whether it’s applying a wax, sealant, or ceramic coating, you always want to leave a layer of protection after cleaning. Otherwise, your car will collect dirt faster, water spots will stick, and the sun will start breaking down your clear coat.
   
   

If you want to see the difference that protection makes long term, check out the services we offer here at Z’s Clean mobile detailing to protect and maintain your vehicle properly.

The Correct Process (Simple But Effective)

I always say detailing is about process more than products. Here’s a simple routine you can follow to avoid most of these mistakes:

• Start with the wheels first while they’re cool.
  
  
• Pre-rinse the car to loosen dirt.
  
  
• Use two buckets: one for soap, one for rinsing your mitt.
  
  
• Wash in sections from top to bottom.
  
  
• Rinse as you go to prevent drying.
  
  
• Dry with clean microfiber towels.
  
  
• Clay bar and polish if needed.
  
  
• Apply your choice of protection.
  
  
• Finish with interior cleaning, using separate towels and brushes.
  
  

How To Avoid These Mistakes

Most of these problems can be avoided by slowing down, using the right products, and respecting the process. Don’t rush. Don’t cheap out on towels. Don’t wash in the heat. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or even get professional help if you’re unsure.

Honestly, a little extra care goes a long way. You don’t need to be a full-blown pro to take care of your car properly, but you do need to know the basics.

Extra Tips and Tricks From Experience

• Always start with the dirtiest areas first, like wheels and lower panels.
  
  
• Avoid cheap gas station drying towels. Use high-quality microfiber.
  
  
• If you drop a towel on the ground, retire it. Don’t reuse it on your paint.
  
  
• Don’t forget your door jambs, under the trunk, and gas cap area.
  
  

If you can, use filtered water to help avoid water spots altogether.

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That’s it. If you take your time, stay consistent, and avoid these common mistakes, you’ll be way ahead of 90% of people trying to clean their car. And if you ever want professional help, well… that’s exactly what we do every single day at Z’s Clean.