How Long Does It Take to Detail a Car?

If you’ve ever booked a detailing service or tried it yourself, you’ve probably asked: how long does detailing a car take? The truth is, there’s no single answer. Depending on your car’s size, condition, and the level of detail you choose, the process can take anywhere from one hour to an entire day.

Car detailing is more than just a quick wash. It’s a comprehensive cleaning and restoration that covers every inch of your car, inside and out. While a standard car wash focuses on surface dirt, detailing aims to restore your vehicle’s finish, protect its paint, and make the interior feel like new again.

Understanding the time involved isn’t just about curiosity, it helps you:

• Plan your schedule (especially if you’re busy during the week).

• Choose the right detailing package for your needs.

• Appreciate the care that goes into restoring and protecting your vehicle.

In this blog, we’ll break down the average detailing times, what influences them, and how ScrubUp makes the process effortless without compromising quality.

TL;DR 

• A basic car detail takes 1–2 hours, while a full detail averages 3–6 hours.

• Advanced services like paint correction or ceramic coating can stretch to 8+ hours or even a full day.

• Vehicle size, condition, and chosen services all impact detailing time.

• DIY detailing often takes twice as long as professional services.

• With ScrubUp’s mobile detailing, you save hours by getting expert results delivered straight to your home or office.

What Exactly Does Car Detailing Involve?

Before we talk about timing, it is important to understand what “detailing” really means, because many people confuse it with a standard car wash. A car wash generally focuses on the surface, removing dirt, dust, and road grime with soap and water. Detailing, on the other hand, goes much deeper. It involves carefully cleaning, polishing, and protecting every part of the car, inside and out.

Exterior Detailing

On the outside, detailing starts with a thorough wash and dry, but it doesn’t end there. Professionals often use a clay bar to pull out contaminants like tar, sap, and tiny metal particles that regular washing cannot remove. After that, polishing machines may be used to eliminate swirl marks, oxidation, and light scratches, bringing back the car’s original shine. A final layer of wax or sealant is usually applied to protect the paint from the sun, rain, and road debris. The wheels, tyres, and rims also receive close attention, ensuring that brake dust and grease build-up are removed.

Interior Detailing

Inside the car, the process is just as detailed. Vacuuming covers carpets, mats, seats, and even hard-to-reach corners under the seats. Depending on the condition of the upholstery, professionals may shampoo fabrics or use steam cleaners to lift stains, remove odours, and sanitise surfaces. Leather seats are usually conditioned to keep them soft and prevent cracking. Every panel, from the dashboard to the cup holders, is wiped down and polished. For cars with stubborn odours, such as smoke or spilled food, special treatments are used to neutralise the smell completely.

Additional Services

In many cases, car owners opt for add-on services like engine bay cleaning, ceramic coating for long-term paint protection, or headlight restoration. These extras can significantly increase the time spent, but they also take the finish and durability of your car to another level.

So, when you ask how long does detailing a car take, the answer really depends on how deep you want to go, whether you are after a light refresh or a full transformation.

How Long Does Detailing Usually Take?

Now let’s look at the actual timeframes. The time depends on car size, condition, and services requested. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Basic Wash + Interior Vacuum – This is the simplest form of detailing, often taking between one to one and a half hours. It is designed for cars that are regularly maintained and just need a freshen-up.

• Standard Full Detail (Exterior + Interior) – A complete package with interior shampooing, waxing, and exterior polish may take between two to four hours, depending on your car’s size.

• Deep Interior Cleaning – If you have stubborn stains, heavy pet hair, or smoke odours, the interior alone could take three to five hours.

• Paint Correction and Polishing – Removing swirl marks, water spots, and restoring faded paint can extend detailing to six to eight hours or even longer.

• Ceramic Coating Application – This is one of the most time-intensive services, as it involves meticulous preparation, several layers of coating, and curing time. Expect it to take a full day or more.

Let’s take a look at:

Type of Service	Time Required	Best For
Basic Wash + Interior Vacuum	1–1.5 hours	Regular upkeep, lightly dirty cars
Standard Detail (Exterior + Interior)	2–4 hours	Moderate dirt, everyday cars
Deep Interior Cleaning	3–5 hours	Stains, pet hair, food spills, smoke smell
Full Paint Correction + Polish	6–8 hours (sometimes longer)	Swirl marks, faded paint, restoring gloss
Ceramic Coating Package	1–2 days (curing time included)	Long-term paint protection, showroom look

In short, a typical everyday detail may take three to six hours, but advanced detailing could easily stretch into an all-day project.

Factors That Influence How Long Car Detailing Takes

1. Size of the Vehicle

The larger your car, the longer it takes to detail. A compact hatchback will naturally be quicker than a seven-seater SUV, simply because there are fewer panels, seats, and crevices to cover. Luxury vehicles with intricate trims and leather interiors also require more delicate handling, adding to the overall time.

2. Condition of the Vehicle

A car that is regularly cleaned and maintained will take much less time to detail. In contrast, if your vehicle has months of accumulated grime, heavy staining, or neglected paintwork, it will require far more labour-intensive cleaning and polishing.

3. Type of Services Requested

The time can vary greatly depending on whether you are opting for just a wash and wax or a full package with paint correction, ceramic coating, or upholstery shampooing. The more advanced the service, the longer the appointment.

4. Tools and Techniques Used

Professional detailers equipped with high-pressure washers, steam cleaners, and polishing machines can complete the job faster than someone working with household tools. That’s why DIY detailing often takes much longer and doesn’t always deliver the same results.

DIY vs Professional Detailing: A Time Comparison

When you take the DIY route, even a basic wash and vacuum can stretch into two to three hours, especially if you lack the right equipment. A full detailing session at home, including polishing and waxing, can take up to ten hours or more, often spread across two days.

By contrast, professional detailers can complete the same job in half the time because they have specialised tools, years of experience, and efficient workflows. Mobile detailing services like ScrubUp make it even more convenient by coming directly to your home or office, saving you the extra time you would spend driving to and from a detailing centre.

So, if you’re wondering how long does detailing a car take at home compared to with professionals, the difference can easily be four to six hours, with professionals delivering faster and more consistent results.

Why Timing Matters for You

Knowing how long detailing will take is about more than just convenience. It helps you manage your schedule effectively, whether you are booking an appointment before work, on a weekend, or while running errands. It also influences how often you can commit to detailing, since a quick 90-minute wash is easier to fit into your routine than a full-day ceramic coating service.

For car enthusiasts, the timing is also about preserving value. Regular detailing sessions prevent small scratches, fading, and wear from becoming bigger issues later on. Even if it feels like a lot of time on the day, the long-term benefits, better paint health, fresher interiors, and higher resale value, make it time well spent.

ScrubUp: Saving You Time While Delivering Professional Results

This is where ScrubUp truly stands out. By offering mobile detailing services across Dubai, ScrubUp eliminates the need to waste hours driving to detailing shops or waiting in long queues. Instead, trained professionals arrive at your doorstep, fully equipped to handle everything from quick refreshes to deep cleaning packages.

Eco Wash (AED 49 | 35–45 mins)

Perfect for routine upkeep, this package focuses on eco-friendly cleaning while using minimal water. It includes a full interior vacuum and wipe-down, ensuring your car feels refreshed without taking too much time.

Pressure Wash (AED 75 | 60 mins)

If your vehicle is heavily soiled or has collected road grime, this option is ideal. Using thick foam and a high-pressure washer, it removes stubborn dirt from the exterior while also including a complete interior cleaning, tyre and rim care, vacuuming, and a finishing air freshener.

Steam Wash (AED 105 | 60 mins)

For those who want a deeper, more sanitized clean, steam wash is the ultimate choice. It is eco-friendly, completely water-free, and gentle on all surfaces, yet tough on bacteria and odours. This package also covers the interior, exterior, tyres, rims, vacuuming, and freshening the air inside your car.

With ScrubUp, you can choose a package based on how much time you have available, without ever compromising on quality.

Conclusion: Time Well Spent

So, how long does detailing a car take? The short answer: anywhere between 1 hour and 2 days, depending on what your car needs. For everyday maintenance, 2–4 hours is the sweet spot. But advanced treatments like ceramic coatings will take much longer.

Detailing isn’t just about time, it’s about care, protection, and value. Investing a few hours ensures your car looks stunning, feels fresh, and stays protected for months.

And with ScrubUp’s mobile detailing services, you don’t have to carve out half a day.

Whether you want a quick eco wash or a steam-powered deep clean, ScrubUp brings professional detailing right to your home or office, saving you time while keeping your car spotless.

Book your ScrubUp detail today and experience effortless car care at your convenience.

FAQs

1. How long does a quick detail usually take?

A quick detail, covering a wash and vacuum, usually takes around one to two hours, making it convenient for busy schedules.

2. How long does a full detail take?

On average, a full interior and exterior detail will take between three to six hours, depending on the vehicle size and condition.

3. Can detailing take an entire day?

Yes, more advanced treatments such as ceramic coatings or extensive paint correction can take eight hours or more, sometimes requiring the car to be left overnight.

4. How often should I get my car detailed?

It is recommended to have a full detail every three to six months. Quick washes can be done weekly or bi-weekly to keep things looking fresh in between.

5. Does mobile detailing save time?

Absolutely. By eliminating the need to travel, mobile services like ScrubUp save you two to three hours on average while still delivering professional-quality results.