There is a huge problem with the concept that interior detailing is just cleaning a car. With the state of the economy the detailing industry has become more saturated with people who are doing detailing, but do not understand how to care for a car. That includes interior detailing services. Not treating interior work like a skilled task will lead you to finding detailers who do interiors with the SAME ATTITUDE.
The attitude that interior detailing is just cleaning a car is a dangerous attitude, that has humbled many people who have called me for detailing services. I have had many conversations that lead with the questions about products I use on for detailing. One of my inquiries led to this question. “What kind of products do you use for leather?” After breaking down what I like to use in various situations, she confessed that someone likely used some all-purpose cleaner on her leather seats. She told me the seats were completely ruined, and it was a “nightmare” working with that detailer. Calling me was the first step for her to put trust in another detailing business again.
The story was from a client several years ago, at a time when I was well aware there are numerous detailers not running a legitimate (legal and insured) business. I also saw for years examples of detailers who performed cheap and rushed interior details, which poor quality was the least of my concern. Unnecessary soaking seats and fabric, leading to mold issues. Even more common, spraying strong cleaners that are not designed for interior use.
The Problem With Quick Extraction Or What Some Call ‘Shampoo’ (In Some Cases)
Using strong cleaners with a one size fits all methodology has two major problems. Most detailers do not understand stain removal. Some of my best restoration work involved not having someone attempt to detail the car beforehand. Essentially no one sprayed the wrong chemical leading to their efforts permanently setting stains. Most detailers do not understand there are specific cleaners for certain types of stains. They also do not understand that if they do not neutralize strong alkaline cleaners, the soap will remain in your car. Attracting more dirt! The wrong cleaner or even the right cleaner recklessly applied leads to staining of surrounding areas (plastic components) in your interior.
There is an assumption that quality car care is reserved for only the most expensive cars. This is false simply because car care needs are in the eye of the beholder. But this attitude is also dangerous. Although exotic and some luxury cars have unique parts that are more fragile and expensive to replace, the typical vehicles on the road have unique problems. Mass produced vehicles tend to have cheaper parts in the interior that are more susceptible to wear and more vulnerable to cheap or inappropriate chemicals.
This is an unfortunate irony. As the cost of goods and services goes up, manufacturers are often finding ways to cut (quality) costs on the products produced. It is often discussed in the detailing community that original paint is getting thinner. But also, cheaper interior parts are being produced. Many professionals have noticed this trend for years.