Want to start paid work? Follow the five-step business guide for setup, costs, and your first customer. This page helps you learn the cleaning work.
1. Read the labels and check the car
Get permission to practice. Ask about damage, paint protection film, wraps, tint, and coatings. Follow the care instructions for those products.
Read each cleaner's label before use. Check which surfaces it can touch, how to mix it, how long it can stay on the surface, and how to remove it. Wear the safety equipment it requires. Never mix different cleaners.
A safety data sheet (SDS) explains a chemical's hazards, handling, storage, and first aid. Keep the sheets for the products you use. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard explains workplace duties for hazardous chemicals.
2. Choose a safe place to wash
Work on a cool car in shade with enough light. Keep tools out of walkways. Find out where dirty wash water will go before you start. Check local rules for your wash site. Rules for paid work may differ from home washing.
Do not assume a storm drain treats the water. Use the wash-water checks to find the local office that can explain the rules.
3. Build a small, complete kit
Clean the inside
Vacuum, brushes, cleaner, glass cleaner, and separate towels.
Learn the interior stepsAdd protection later
Spray sealant and clean towels. First learn to wash and dry well.
Learn about protectionUse the Setup Builder to check your budget and equipment. Mark the items you own. Keep the tools for wheels separate from the tools for paint.
4. Practice the wash order
Follow the safe maintenance wash guide. Use clean mitts and towels. Rinse off loose dirt before the contact wash. Follow label times so cleaners do not dry on the car.
If you drop a towel, set it aside for cleaning. Do not use it again on paint. If a mark will not come off with a gentle method, stop and identify it before trying a stronger product.
5. Clean the interior
Ask the owner to remove valuables. Start by removing loose dirt with a brush and vacuum. Then use a cleaner approved for each surface. Keep liquid away from switches and do not soak seams, seat holes, or the roof lining.
Finish the glass with a separate clean towel. Follow the interior cleaning guide for the full order.
6. Check the result and record what you used
Look at glass and paint from more than one angle. Check for drips, missed areas, and tools left in the car. Wash towels as their maker directs.
Write down your time, mix ratios, and product use. The Cost-per-detail Calculator turns those amounts into costs. The Checklist Builder helps you repeat the steps.
When to add more services
Add spray protection after you can wash and dry well. Removing dirt bonded to paint is called decontamination. Learn when it is needed before using iron remover or clay.
Machine polishing removes paint material. Learn surface inspection, test spots, pad care, and stop conditions before trying it. Do not use a paying customer's car to learn a new process.
Next, read the first-kit guide or plan your business.