Car detailing is the deep cleaning of a car’s interior and exterior to essentially restore its value at first purchase. It can, at times, involve costly services such as professional ceramic coatings and paint correction or more cost-effective options that can be completed independently.

Senior Ethan Doherty began detailing two years ago when he received his first car. Additionally, he prefers to clean his car’s interior himself to save some money. Though, if he finds himself in a monetary bind, he will turn to his polished abilities.

“I detail when I need some quick money or whenever I have free time to do it,” he said. “I usually put that money into modifying the appearance of my car.”

Furthermore, he exercises his tidiness for others to benefit.

“I also do it as birthday gifts,” he said. “I did my dad’s car one time.”

Doherty prefers detailing his car’s interior on the driveway or in the garage, but the location for working on his car’s exterior differs.

“I do exterior at the car wash, which [is] pretty easy,” he said.

However, Doherty’s approach to deep cleaning his car’s interior isn’t as merciful as a quick car wash.

“I’ll vacuum the carpet — wipe down the walls or the hard leather, get in the crevices and all that with the vacuum and wipe all the dust off,” he said.

Doherty recommends products on Amazon as suitable for car detailing.

“Things like brushes to get in the crevices — a vacuum,” he said. “I use this sticky ball to roll on the dashboard.”

Although Doherty isn’t planning on pursuing a career in car detailing, he might if he becomes more engrossed in it. In the meantime, he rates his current skills decently.

“Like a six or seven,” he said.