Mobile car detailing brings a professional detail to your driveway or parking lot, so your car gets cleaned and protected while you get on with your day. Robert Melvin started Melvin's Mobile Auto Detailing in 1998 with a simple idea: busy people don't have time to take care of their second most expensive investment, so the detailing should come to them. Here is how mobile car detailing works, what to expect, and how to get your car ready.

What is mobile car detailing?

Mobile car detailing is professional cleaning and reconditioning done wherever your car is parked, at home or at work, instead of at a shop. The detailer brings the equipment and the products to you. The services are the same kind you would book at a shop, from a hand wash and vacuum to a complete detail with paint correction and a shampooed interior.

Why choose a mobile detailer?

• No drop-off and no waiting room. Every detail happens at your home or office, so you don't lose an afternoon waiting for your car.
• It fits your schedule. Your car gets detailed while you work, run the house or relax at home.
• Work vehicles stay on the job. Businesses can have fleet and commercial vehicles detailed on site instead of taking them off the road.
• Help on short notice. We are available for urgent and emergency calls.

One customer put it this way: "I really enjoy detailing that comes to you. You don't end up in some random auto park wondering what you're gonna do for the next few hours." (N S., Washington, DC)

How does mobile detailing work?

1. Choose a package. Packages are priced by vehicle size, from a $55 Full Service Wash to a $265 Complete Detail for the largest vehicles. See them all on our Services and Pricing page.
2. Book a time. Call (301) 540-2770 or send us a message, and we will set a time that works for you.
3. We come to you. We arrive at your home or workplace and detail your vehicle on site.
4. Enjoy the results. All of our work is guaranteed.

How do you get your car ready for a mobile detail?

A little preparation helps the detail go smoothly:

• Remove personal items. Please take valuables, papers, car seats and loose items out of the car before your appointment; we can't be responsible for items left inside.
• Leave room to work. Park where there is space to open every door and walk all the way around the car.
• Point out problem spots. Mention stains or areas that need extra attention when you book.
• Check the forecast. Rain can spoil a fresh wax, so if a storm is coming, ask about moving your appointment.

How often should you have your car detailed?

Every car is different, but a good rule of thumb looks like this:

• Every two to four weeks: a wash, such as our Full Service Wash, to remove dirt, road film and bird droppings before they damage the paint.
• Every few months: fresh wax, such as our Wash and Wax or Exterior Detail, to keep the paint protected.
• Once or twice a year: a Complete Detail, with a machine buff and polish and a full interior shampoo.

Winters in Maryland and Northern Virginia bring road salt, which is hard on paint, wheels and undercarriages. Rinse it off often during the season, and plan a full detail in early spring to clean up what winter left behind.

What should you look for in a mobile detailer?

Anyone can call themselves a detailer. Before you book, check for these:

• Experience: we have been detailing at our customers' homes and workplaces since 1998.
• Licensing and insurance: Melvin's Mobile Auto Detailing is licensed and insured.
• A guarantee: all of our work is guaranteed.
• Clear prices: our prices are published by package and vehicle size, so you know the cost before we arrive.
• Service where you are: we cover Montgomery, Frederick and Prince George's counties in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. See the full list on our Service Area page.

Frequently asked questions

Ready for a detail that comes to you? Call (301) 540-2770 to book, and we will bring the detail to your door.