Thinking of booking a mobile valet but not sure whether to go for a mini valet or a full valet? With both offering similar features, it can be tricky to know which is right for you.
In this article, I’ll explain the key differences between a mini valet and a full valet so you can make the best choice for your car.
Overview
A mini valet is a quick and affordable valeting package that focuses on a basic tidy-up of the exterior and interior, while a full valet is a detailed deep clean that covers every corner of the vehicle.
With a mini valet, you can expect the essentials such as an exterior wash and dry, window and mirror cleaning, and a light vacuum of the interior. It’s designed to keep your car looking presentable without the higher cost or longer time commitment of a full valet, making it ideal for those who want a refresh in-between deep cleans or for cars that don’t get very dirty.
A full valet, on the other hand, goes far beyond the basics. It includes multiple stages of washing, polishing, and or waxing on the outside, as well as thorough vacuuming, shampooing, and cleaning of the interior down to the smallest details like vents, trims, and upholstery.
Many full valet packages also include premium extras such as steam cleaning, odour removal, or even engine bay cleaning. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants their car restored to peak condition or needs a deep clean after heavy use.
Here’s a closer look at each option and what it typically includes:
- Quick exterior wash and dry
- Wheel cleaning focusing on the faces only
- Mirror wipe-down
- Exterior window cleaning only, does not usually include interior
- Interior vacuum of floor, mats, and seats.
- Interior wipe- down of only visible areas such as the dashboard and steering wheel.
- Thorough exterior wash with several rounds of cleaning using snow foam or car shampoo.
- Wheels cleaned inside and out, including barrels, finished with tyre dressing.
- Mirrors and windows cleaned, including interior glass, for streak-free and clear visibility.
- Polishing and waxing to remove marks, enhance paintwork, and add protection.
- Interior vacuuming of all areas including in-between seats and hard-to-reach areas.
- Cleaning of all interior surfaces including dashboard, air vents, door compartments, and consoles.
- Applying dressing to protect plastic against UV rays, cracking, and fading.
- Shampooing of carpets, floor mats, seats, and boot to remove stains and smells.
- Steam cleaning, engine bay cleaning, odour removal, and pet hair removal.
Mini Valet (£40-£60)
Duration: 30-45 minutes (est.)
- A mini valet provides a quick exterior and interior refresh.
- Covers visible areas like tyres, mirrors, and windows.
- Includes interior vacuuming and dashboard wipe-down.
- Doesn’t usually feature polishing, waxing or shampooing.
- Uses mostly basic products and quick cleaning methods.
A mini valet is a quick and convenient clean, ideal for those who have recently had a full valet or simply want a basic refresh. It offers the benefits of both exterior and interior cleaning at a lower cost and with less time than a full valet.
While not as detailed as a full valet, a mini valet focuses on the most visible areas of your car. The package usually includes a standard exterior wash and dry, tyre, mirror, and window cleaning, along with a basic interior vacuum and wipe-down.
Although a mini valet doesn’t include polishing, waxing, shampooing or steam cleaning, these can often be added as extras, making it a flexible option for a fast clean with a few premium touches.
Full Valet (£60-£100+)
Duration: 1-1.5 hours (est.)
- Full valet delivers a comprehensive, high-quality clean inside and out.
- Includes a more thorough exterior wash with polishing and waxing.
- Complete wheel cleaning including faces and barrels with tyre dressing.
- Detailed interior vacuuming, carpet/mat shampoo, or leather treatment.
- May include steam cleaning, boot cleaning, or engine bay cleaning.
- Uses premium products, specialist tools, and advanced cleaning techniques.
- Takes longer than a mini valet and produces a much better result.
If you want a deep and thorough clean, a full valet is the way to go. While it covers the same basic areas as a mini valet, it goes much further to restore your car to a near-showroom finish.
The exterior wash includes multiple rounds of pressure washing with snow foam or car shampoo, finished with polishing and waxing to remove imperfections, enhance paintwork, and protect against dirt, water, and UV rays.
Wheels are cleaned thoroughly, including faces, barrels, and brake discs, often with tyre dressing to protect the rubber and repel dirt. All windows, including interior ones, are cleaned with glass cleaner for a streak-free finish, improving visibility while on the road.
The interior vacuuming is more extensive, reaching hard-to-access spots like between seats. All surfaces including the dashboard, console, air vents, door cards, and trims are cleaned with all-purpose cleaners, vinyl protectants, or specially formulated sprays and wipes.
Some mobile valeters also apply interior dressing products to improve the finish of plastics and vinyl, giving them a darker, shinier, or satin look depending on your preference.
Full valets also usually include carpet, mat, and seat shampooing to remove stubborn stains and odors, or leather treatment to protect against cracks and scratches. Additional services such as steam cleaning, engine bay cleaning, odour removal, headlight restoration, and pet hair removal may also be included, depending on the provider.
In short, a full valet is the complete package, using advanced tools, premium products, and professional techniques to clean every inch of your car, including the areas you can’t see. It takes longer than a mini valet but delivers that extra care and attention for a truly refreshed and luxury finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is a mini valet best for?
A mini valet is perfect for anyone who wants a quick clean of both the exterior and interior of their vehicle without spending too much. It works well as a top-up between full valets or for cars that aren’t used frequently and stay relatively clean.
Who is a full valet best for?
Full valets are best for drivers who want a deep, thorough clean that covers every part of their car. They’re ideal if your vehicle hasn’t had a proper clean in a while, or if it’s used frequently for work, business, or daily commuting. Getting a full valet once or twice a year, with mini or maintenance valets in between, keeps your car looking its best. You can learn more about how often you should get a mobile valet here.
Does a mini valet include vacuuming?
Yes, a mini valet usually includes interior vacuuming, but only of the main areas like seats, mats, and carpets. It doesn’t cover harder-to-reach spots such as underneath or in-between the seats.
Does a mini valet include interior cleaning?
Yes, a mini valet includes basic interior cleaning such as carpet, mat, and seat vacuuming, as well as a quick wipe-down of main areas such as the dashboard and console.
Does a full valet include polishing and waxing?
Yes, a full valet usually includes polishing and waxing after an exterior wash to remove swirl marks, add a protective layer, and guard against dirt, water, and sun damage. This not only makes your car look great, but it keeps it looking fresher for longer.
Does a full valet include shampooing?
Yes, a full valet typically includes shampooing of carpets, floor mats, and fabric seats to lift dirt, remove stubborn stains, and get rid of bad odours. If you have leather seats, a specialist cleaner or conditioner is used instead.
Does a full valet include pet hair removal?
It depends on the valeter, some will include pet hair removal as part of a full valet service, while others charge this as an extra or add-on service. Pet hair removal takes a lot of time and requires the use of specialist tools and products. It’s always best to ask the valeter if it’s included before booking.
Conclusion
A mini valet and a full valet might seem similar, but the key difference is in the level of detail and care.
A mini valet focuses on a quick clean of the most visible areas inside and out, while a full valet is a thorough clean of every part of the car using premium products, professional techniques, and specialist treatments.
This guide should help you decide which option suits your needs. If you’re still unsure, try a full valet first and follow up with a mini valet later to see the difference for yourself.
