An interior mobile valet is exactly what it sounds like. Your car gets the VIP treatment on the inside.
But what exactly does that mean? Is it just a quick vacuum and wipe-down, or does it include things like carpet shampooing, steam cleaning, and stain removal?
In this post, we’re diving into what an interior valet really covers and the full menu of services it typically includes.
Overview
Interior valeting packages come in all shapes and sizes. While a basic interior valet usually includes rubbish removal, vacuuming, and a dashboard wipe-down, higher-tier packages often go further with shampooing, steam cleaning, and stain removal, plus any specialised treatments such as vinyl protectant and leather conditioning.
Premium interior valets also typically include a much more detailed vacuuming of hard to reach areas like in-between seats and door seams, as well as dusting of all surfaces such as the dashboard, console, steering wheel, air vents, door panels, buttons, and windows.
Interior valeting packages can be split into individual packages such as basic and premium, or included in larger packages like a mini valet or a full valet. It largely depends on the individual valeter and their preferred pricing structure. That said, most car care professionals use the same features and cleaning techniques when providing an interior valet.
To give you a better idea, here’s a breakdown of what to expect from a typical basic interior valet compare to a premium interior valet.
- Vacuuming – Seats, carpets, mats
- Surface cleaning – Dashboard, console, steering wheel
- Rubbish removal – Light rubbish
- Vacuuming – Seats, carpets, mats, between seats, under seats, boot, gear stick, door seams
- Surface cleaning – Dashboard, console, steering wheel, door panels, arm rests, cup holders, air vents, buttons, handles, seatbelts, windows (Glass cleaner)
- Rubbish removal – Heavy rubbish
- Steam cleaning – Seats, floor mats, carpets, headliners, upholstery, fabrics
- Shampooing – Seats, floor mats, carpets
- Dressing and protectants – Leather conditioning, plastics, vinyl, carpets, mats, fabric, windows
- Odour removal
- Pet hair removal
Note, that services like odour removal and pet hair removal sometimes need to be purchased separately as extras or add-ons. Always check with the valeter before booking.
Rubbish Removal
- Interior valeting begins with rubbish removal from the car.
- Typical litter includes bottles, food wrappers, and other debris.
Most interior valets start with the removal of rubbish from your car. This can be juice bottles, crisp packets, or that left over pizza box from last night. Basically, any form of litter that’s collected over time.
Just make sure you prepare your car by removing any personal belongings like child seats, pet crates, or storage organisers, as the valeter won’t usually remove these for you.
Vacuuming
- Interior valet includes vacuuming of floors, seats, and carpets.
- Premium services extend to hard-to-reach areas, boot, and roof.
- Ensures a deep clean beyond visible surfaces.
The next stage of an interior valet is vacuuming. Floor mats, carpets, and seats will be thoroughly vacuumed to remove dirt and dust. This often involves the use of a powerful and dedicated vacuum cleaner.
Premium interior valets go further by vacuuming difficult to reach areas like between and under seats, as well as in tight crevices such as door pockets. Premium interior valets also usually include vacuuming of the boot and even the roof of your vehicle. It’s a much more thorough vacuuming that extends beyond just the visible areas.
Surface Cleaning
- Interior surface cleaning wipes down the dashboard, and console.
- Premium valets include cracks, crevices, air vents, and door panels.
- Interior windows are cleaned for a steak-free finish.
Once vacuuming is done, interior surface cleaning can begin. This process involves using an all-purpose cleaner and microfibre cloth to wipe-down the dashboard, steering wheel, and console.
If it’s a premium valet, it’s likely to further include the use of soft brushes to clean virtually every crack and crevice including air vents, seams, door panels, buttons, controls, handles, and the glove box. Interior windows are also cleaned with glass cleaner to leave a streak-free finish.
Steam Cleaning
- Steam-cleaning use high-temperature steam to loosen dirt and kill germs.
- It refreshes seats, carpets, mats, and hard surfaces.
- Stubborn spots and brushed, and excess mositure is removed for fast drying.
Steam cleaning is usually done before shampooing. It uses high-temperature steam to loosen dirt and kill germs and bacteria, which naturally eliminates odours and refreshes seats, carpets, mats, and hard surfaces. It’s also a fast-drying and chemical free process, making it safe for your car and the environment.
The process is simple. First, the steam cleaner is heated, and hot air is applied by holding the nozzle a few inches from the surface. More stubborn spots will be scrubbed with a gentle brush if needed. Finally, any excess moisture will be soaked up with a microfiber towel or vacuum, and left to dry.
Shampooing
- Shampooing is included in premium or full valets.
- Floor, carpets, and seats and scrubbed to lift dirt and stains.
- Sufraces are dried after cleaning, leaving fabrics brighter and interiors fresher.
Shampooing generally comes with premium interior valets or top-tier packages like a full valet. This process involves lightly spraying the floor mats, carpets, and seats with shampoo and using a soft brush to scrub in circular motions and effectively lift dirt.
Next, a vacuum or a microfiber towel is used to lift away the dirty solution, and the area is dried either by using a fan or leaving the windows open. The result is a refreshed interior will less stains and grime, brighter fabrics, softer seats, and a fresher smell.
Treatments & Protectants
- Protective treatments may be applied after cleaning.
- Options include vinyl, plastic, leather, fabric, and carpet protectors.
- Treatments help prevent fading, cracking, stains, odours, and UV damage.
After vacuuming and cleaning the full interior, the valeter may apply special treatments or protectants to various areas of the car, depending on whether it’s included with the package, or offered as extras.
This can include vinyl or plastic protectant, dashboard dressing, leather conditioner, fabric protector, and carpet protector to prevent fading, cracking, or UV damage, as well as prevent stains and odours, and keep the interior of your car looking cleaner for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is an interior valet best for?
An interior valet is best for anyone who regularly uses their car to transport children, pets, or passengers. It’s also essential for work vehicles, whether you’re a courier, driving instructor, or on the road professionally.
How much does an interior valet cost?
The cost of an interior valet varies depending on the provider and the level of service. For example, a basic interior valet with an interior vacuum and wipe-down can start from as little as £20, whereas a full interior valet with extras like steam cleaning and shampooing can cost anywhere from £40-£60 or more.
How long does an interior valet take?
An interior valet can take between 30 minutes to an hour or more depending on what the package includes. A quick vacuum and wipe-down can be completed in minutes, whereas shampooing and steam cleaning takes longer. Make sure you check with the valeter to confirm the duration before booking.
How do I prepare for an interior valet?
To prepare for an interior valet, remove all personal belongings from the car such as child seats, pet carriers, phone holders, and seat covers. This gives the valeter full access to every part of the interior, without having to spend extra time removing items which also risks damage.
Is interior valeting suitable for all vehicles?
Yes, interior valeting is suitable for all types of vehicles including cars, vans, trucks, and even caravans or motorhomes. It’s great for vehicles that are frequently used for work or business, such as fleets of taxis or lorries.
Can interior valeting remove stains?
Yes, interior valeting can remove stubborn stains with steam cleaning and shampooing. However, older or stubborn stains may need additional treatment. If you’re unsure, send pictures of the stains to the valeter to discuss your options before booking.
Are chemicals used for interior valeting?
Yes, chemicals such as all-purpose cleaner, shampoos, and dressing or protecants are often used during an interior valet. However, the exact chemicals and products used will vary depending on the provider. Nowadays, many valeters offer environmentally friendly options, using eco-friendly products.
What should I expect after an interior valet?
After an interior valet, it’s recommended to leave the windows open for a few hours to let everything dry and to reduce any lingering chemical smells. This is particularly important if the package includes steam cleaning and shampooing.
How often should I get an interior valet?
How often you should get an interior valet depends on how often you use the vehicle and what it’s used for. For example, if you only use the car for travelling to work or social events, an interior valet every 6 months or so is fine.
If you use the car more frequently such as for business or carrying children or pets, you may need to get an interior valet every 4-6 weeks. For more information, please see our guide on how often you should get a mobile car valet.
Can interior valeting improve car resale value?
Yes, an interior valet can improve the resale value of your car as it makes the vehicle more appealing to buyers. It also shows that the vehicle has been looked after and enhances it’s appearance for online listings. There are many other ways a mobile valet can increase a car’s resale value such as getting rid of bad smells and eliminating traces of pets, depending on which package or extras you choose.
Conclusion
For anyone with kids, pets, or regular passengers, an interior valet or a package that includes interior cleaning is a must.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to better understand what’s included with a typical interior valet. Just make sure you shop around to find a car care professional that matches your needs.
