Car Detailing Business

[HpiSavage21]

I plan to start a car cleaning service out of my garage for people. What are some basic tools/cleaner's i will need to handle interior and extiro clean ups?

[TwoRails]

I'm not trying to be funny, but I would suggest that you get a job doing detailing and learn the "tricks-of-the-trade"... that would help you imensely when you do open up shop.

[jamesrpm]

If you have never done this kind of work I'd suggest working at a autodealership for awhile to get some experiance and see what they use to get the job done.

[LawyerRon]

The last two members posted some good advice; learn the trade first. Otherwise you will make some very expensive mistakes. For instance, you can ruin a car's paint very easily with a buffer if you don't know what you're doing. Detailing engines requires experience too.

[HpiSavage21]

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[cypher1919]

here's some tricks..

use baby oil instead of armorall. After a little while the armorall will cause it to dry up and crack. Invest in the turtlewax color wax...I think there is like 5, great stuff. And instead of using an electronic buffer, buff it by hand and you don't have to worry about getting ugly with the paint job.
If someone has some paint fading on their hood or trunk, use just a little tranny fluid on a clean rag just like you would wax, but don't let it dry or You'll never get it off. Just simple household items is all you need. Newspaper, "car wash" soap
dish washing liquid does hurt the paint job

[glc]

If you aren't experienced, use chemicals and products intended for their purpose, use elbow grease instead of machines (except you do need a vacuum cleaner), stock up on plenty of clean, soft rags - take your time and treat the car like it was yours. Detailing does not require anything harsh or heavy duty, restoration is another story and best left for the professionals till you gain experience.

[TwoRails]

Also, don't forget about the environmental issues involved with dertailing, especially engine detailing. I'm sure it's wide spread, but it is highly illegal to go to a carwash and hose off your engine around here due to the hazmat run off.

[HpiSavage21]

Yes, I was reading some books on hazmat run off and it says you need to have a drain with a tank attached so it can be eptyied safely.

[EM199Si]

Some good brands to look for are: Meguairs, Mothers, Zaino, Zymol. Some good drying products are: California Waterblade, Chamois(sp?), Microfiber towels. I recommend to use terry cloth for washing. PM me for more info.

[cypher1919]

If your doing it on the side, I don't think the EPA is going to be breathing down your neck too much. Just put some business cards or flyers up on community boards around your area. I've had 2 of my own business so far that worked with stuff that was worse than grease, and I never had any problems with HAZMAt or any other entity of the kind.

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by cypher1919 If your doing it on the side, I don't think the EPA is going to be breathing down your neck too much. Just put some business cards or flyers up on community boards around your area. I've had 2 of my own business so far that worked with stuff that was worse than grease, and I never had any problems with HAZMAt or any other entity of the kind.

I would call it being responsible to Mother Earth and doing the right thing, not seeing how or what you can get away with. I've seen people change oil and let it drain right down the sewer lines because it was the easy thing to do. Not good.

[HpiSavage21]

I know, I hate when people drain there oil into a sewer line. Why don't they just go take it to a oil recylcing place its unfair.

[cypher1919]

where does oil come from in the first place, guys?

[figarowa]

i thought it was several if not thousands of feet underground...far below the water table. I don't know about you but i would rather not have petroleum in my water.

[cypher1919]

f your doing it on the side, I don't think the EPA is going to be breathing down your neck too much

Let me reiterate on that statement. And also let me apologize, because It seems my unclear statement has offended some. I was simply saying for a
detailing business, as GLC stated, that using basic supplies(wax, wash, and elbow grease), would not warrant attention to the EPA. I in no way as much as any of you like pollution, nor abuse of chemicals not intended for such uses. Again I apologize if my vague statements offended. I in no way meant for this to become a debate over the environment and the neglect there of.

[TwoRails]

Thanks for the clariification, cypher1919