Exterior detailing · Hand wash only
Mobile Exterior Detailing: Hand Wash & Wax
Foam pre-soak, two-bucket hand wash, wheels and tires, bug and tar removal, and a protective wax or sealant. We do it all in your driveway, never with brushes. Exterior detailing starts at $90 across Katy, Sugar Land and greater Houston.
Our exterior process
- Pre-rinse and foam pre-soak. Thick foam loosens dirt, pollen and bugs so they rinse away instead of being dragged across the paint.
- Wheels and tires first. Brake dust is cleaned out of the barrels and faces, and tires are scrubbed.
- Two-bucket hand wash. Clean mitts, pH-balanced soap, one panel at a time.
- Bug, tar and sap spot treatment where needed.
- Soft dry with plush microfiber and air to avoid water spots.
- Protection. Wax or spray sealant for gloss and UV protection, tires dressed, glass cleaned.
Why hand washing matters
Automatic car washes use spinning brushes and recycled water that leave fine circular scratches, called swirl marks. They're easy to see on dark paint in the sun. A careful hand wash keeps your paint looking new and avoids expensive paint correction later. It's also the safe choice for ceramic-coated cars, wrapped cars and paint protection film.
Houston-specific problems we handle
- Lovebugs (May and September): acidic remains that etch clear coat if left on in the heat.
- Pollen (spring): a sticky film that dulls paint and clogs cowls.
- Hard-water spots: mineral rings from sprinklers and rinsing in the sun.
- Tree sap and bird droppings: common under oaks and near lakes.
Want protection that lasts longer than wax? See ceramic coating.
Wax, sealant or ceramic: which one?
All three protect paint. The difference is how long they last. A traditional wax gives a warm shine but usually fades within a few weeks in Houston heat. A synthetic sealant lasts a few months and is a solid choice for most daily drivers. A ceramic coating bonds to the paint and lasts the longest, often years with proper upkeep. It also makes every wash easier. If you're not sure which one fits, we'll recommend one based on where the car is parked and how often you wash it.
Washing between details
If you wash at home between visits, use two buckets, a clean mitt and a pH-neutral soap, and work in the shade. Skip dish soap and drive-through brushes. Those are the most common causes of the dull, swirled paint we see.
Questions we get a lot
Do you use a pressure washer on my paint?
We use controlled pressure for rinsing and foam, never close enough to damage paint, trim or PPF. The actual washing is done by hand.
Is an exterior detail safe for ceramic-coated cars?
Yes. We use pH-balanced soaps that won't strip coatings, and we can add a coating topper to boost hydrophobics.
How long does an exterior detail take?
Usually 1 to 2 hours, depending on size and how dirty the vehicle is.
How much is an exterior wash and wax?
Detailing starts at $90. Larger vehicles and heavy bug or tar removal may cost more.
Mobile detailing near you
Services
Ready when you are
Tell us your vehicle and address. We reply within minutes during business hours and bring everything with us.