A mobile valet is a convenient way to get your car cleaned while you’re relaxing at home, out shopping with friends, or catching the latest blockbuster at the cinema.
But how much does a valet actually cost, and is it affordable if you’re on a tighter budget? In this article, we’ll break down the typical prices of mobile car valeting services.
Note: The prices in this guide are only rough estimates. Actual costs can vary depending on the individual valeter, your location, and local demand for car valeting services. Prices will also vary depending on the size of your vehicle, with large cars and trucks often costing more.
Exterior Valet (£10-£20)
Duration: 15-30 minutes
An exterior valet is the most budget-friendly option if you just want a quick refresh of the outside of your car. Prices typically range from £10–£20 and include essentials like a pressure wash, snow foam, mirror and window cleaning, plus wheels and tyres. In most cases, an exterior valet can be completed in under 30 minutes.
Interior Valet (£20-£30)
Duration: 30-45 minutes
An interior valet is another entry-level package but typically costs a little more than an exterior valet, as it takes extra time and effort. This is because it involves rubbish removal and vacuuming, which can be more time-consuming depending on how cluttered or dirty the car is.
You can expect to pay around £20-£30 for an interior valet with extras like pet hair removal, stain removal, shampooing, and odour removal costing extra. It shouldn’t take longer the 30-45 minutes for a basic clean and vacuum.
Mini Valet (£30-£50)
Duration: 30-60 minutes
A mini valet is a great option if you want a solid all-round clean on a smaller budget or with limited time. It combines both exterior and interior cleaning, giving your car a fresh look inside and out.
While not as detailed as a full valet, it usually includes pressure washing, tyre, window, and mirror cleaning, plus an interior wipe-down, vacuum, and rubbish removal. Most valeters charge around £30–£40 for a mini valet, which typically takes about an hour, sometimes less.
Full Valet (£50-£80)
Duration: 60-90+ minutes
A full valet is the complete works, covering everything from a detailed exterior wash and interior clean to advanced extras like waxing, polishing, protective treatments, shampooing, and steam cleaning. It delivers a premium finish that cheaper valets can’t match.
Recommended for special occasions or before selling your car, a full valet typically costs £50–£70 and usually takes one to two hours to complete.
Full Detail (£100+)
Duration: Several hours – a full day
A mobile detail is the ultimate package for anyone wanting their car as close to like-new as possible. It’s a highly skilled service that combines a meticulous exterior clean and restoration with a deep interior clean.
Unlike a standard mobile valet, detailing includes premium treatments such as machine polishing, scratch removal, headlight restoration, engine bay cleaning, and paintwork corrections. It goes far beyond simple cleaning to completely transform your vehicle.
Mobile detailing often comes in different levels or packages, and prices typically range from £100 to £500 or more, depending on the scope of work. In some cases, a professional detail can take a full day or longer to complete.
It’s ideal for luxury vehicles, car enthusiasts, or anyone looking to restore that original shine and premium feel to their car.
Optional Extras (From £5)
A number of car valeting services are offered as add-ons or extras, which you can purchase alongside a lower-tier package like an exterior or mini valet.
This means you don’t have to pay for a higher package you don’t need. You can simply pick the base valet and add the specific extras you want. Some of the most common add-ons include:
- Odour removal (£5-£10): Specialised treatment that removes lingering car odours like smoke, food, pet, or damp smells.
- Pet hair removal (£10-£15): Expert removal of stubborn pet hair using dedicated tools like rubber brushes, sticky sheets, fabric gloves, and air compressors.
- Interior shampooing (£8-£10): Shampooing of carpets, mats, and seats to remove stains and dirt.
- Engine bay cleaning (£10-£15): Removing grease, dirt, and grime from the engine compartment to boost engine health and longevity.
- Headlight restoration (£20-£30): Eliminates cloudiness and yellowing to improve visibility and appearance.
- Exterior waxing (£10-£18): Protects paint, enhances shine, and repels dirt and water spots.
- Leather treatment (£8-£10: Cleans leather seats and protects them from scratches and cracking.
- Tyre dressing (£5-£10): Improves the appearance of tyres and gives them a clean, glossy, or matte finish.
- Trim dressing (£5-£10): Restores black plastic trim and bumpers, preventing fading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a basic mobile valet?
A basic mobile valet typically costs around £20-£30, but the price depends on what’s included. For example, a quick exterior might be as little as £10, while a package that covers both the exterior and interior falls in the £20-£30 range.
Are all mobile valeting packages the same?
No, mobile valeting packages can vary a lot between providers. Some may only offer mini valets, while others include exterior-only options. Package names can also differ. What one calls a ”full valet” another might label a ”silver valet”. Additionally, valeters use different products and chemicals, which can range in quality and cost. For more details, check our guide on understanding mobile valeting packages.
Does a mobile valet cost more for larger vehicles?
Yes, most valeters charge more for larger vehicles like vans, SUVs, and trucks since they take longer to clean. Always check the pricing for small, medium, and large vehicles before booking.
Is there an extra charge for travelling?
No, travel costs are usually included in the price of the valeting package. A valeter will only charge extra if you’re outside their normal service area. Check with them before booking to make sure you’re in range.
How do I pay for a mobile valet?
You can usually pay for a mobile valet with card while booking, or via card or cash after the valet is completed. Always confirm payment options with the valeter beforehand.
How can I save money on a mobile valet service?
One of the easiest ways to lower the cost of a mobile valet is by opting for a maintenance package. These packages are usually available after a full valet or deep clean and offer existing customers discounted rates when scheduled at regular intervals, such as every 4 or 6 weeks. After determining how often you need a valet, you can choose a schedule for maintenance valets that fits your individual needs.
Conclusion
A mobile car valet can cost anywhere from £10 to £50 or more depending on the package, making it an affordable and hassle-free way to keep your car clean without waiting in queues.
Most valeters offer a range of packages to suit different needs, from a simple exterior wash to a full valet with deep interior cleaning and carpet shampooing. In some cases, you can also add extras, so you only pay for the services you actually want.
