How long does car detailing take?
A full detail takes 3 to 5 hours. A basic interior runs about 90 minutes, or 2–4 hours with extraction or heavy pet hair, and a basic exterior 1–2 hours. Paint correction is 6–8 hours single-stage, one to two full days multi-stage. Ceramic coating takes 4–8 hours plus an overnight cure. Vehicle size and condition move the rest by about an hour either way. Those are my real times at Mikey's Mobile Detailing in Snohomish, WA, from 300+ cars since 2021.
I get this question on basically every booking call. People want to know if they should plan a half day, a full day, or just run errands. Here's the truth.
Quick Answer Table
| Package | Time |
|---|---|
| Basic Interior | About 90 minutes |
| Basic Exterior (wash + wax) | 1–2 hours |
| Full Detail (interior + exterior) | 3–5 hours |
| Interior With Extraction or Heavy Pet Hair | 2–4 hours |
| Paint Correction (1-step) | 6–8 hours |
| Paint Correction (multi-step) | 1–2 full days |
| Ceramic Coating | 4–8 hours + overnight cure |
What Affects The Timing
1. Size of your vehicle
A Civic and a Suburban are not the same job. A compact sedan might shave 30-45 minutes off a full detail. A three-row SUV adds an hour easy. Trucks with bed liners and crew cabs land somewhere in the middle.
2. Condition
If your car gets daily use with kids, pets, or job site dirt, it takes longer than a weekend cruiser. A car that hasn't been detailed in 2 years versus one that was done 3 months ago, totally different jobs even if you book the same package.
3. Add-ons
Pet hair, headlight restoration, engine bay cleaning, and odor removal all add real time. I'll tell you upfront on the quote so you're not waiting around.
Do I Have To Be Home?
Nope. I work mobile across Snohomish, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Marysville, and Duvall. As long as I have access to your vehicle and a place to set up (driveway, parking spot), you can be at work, running errands, or watching TV inside. I'll text when I'm done.
How To Plan Your Day
- Basic interior or exterior? Book it during your lunch break. Done before you need the car back.
- Full detail? Book the morning. Car's ready by mid-afternoon.
- Paint correction or ceramic coating? Plan a full day. Sometimes overnight if you're doing the coating cure.
Common Questions
How long does a basic car detail take?
A basic interior takes about 90 minutes, or 2 to 4 hours with extraction or heavy pet hair. A basic exterior runs 1 to 2 hours. Both together is a full detail, 3 to 5 hours.
How long does a full detail take?
3 to 5 hours, depending on the size and condition of the car. Big SUVs and trucks lean toward 5, sedans closer to 3.
How long does paint correction or ceramic coating take?
One-step paint correction takes 6 to 8 hours. Multi-stage takes one to two full days. Ceramic coating is a separate 4 to 8 hours, and the car sits overnight to cure.
Can you detail a car in one day?
Yes. Every detail package, full interior and exterior included, gets done in one appointment at your home or work. Multi-stage paint correction is the exception: that's one to two days.
Can you do it faster?
I could, but you wouldn't be happy with the result. The reason I have 39+ five-star reviews is I don't cut corners on time. A rushed detail looks rushed.
What if it rains during an exterior?
Welcome to Washington. I work under a canopy or in your garage when I need to. If it's pouring, I'll reach out and we'll move it, no fee.
Do longer details cost more?
Pricing is by package, not by the hour. The time estimates above are what to expect, but you're paying for the result.