How to Detail Your Car at Home in 5 Steps

You don't need a professional detailer to get a showroom finish. With the right products and the right order, you can detail your car at home in about an hour. Here's the 5-step routine we recommend, using professional Italian formulas from ATAS.

Before you start

• Work in the shade on a cool surface — never on hot paint or in direct sunlight.
• Have two buckets, a wash mitt, microfiber towels, and a spray bottle ready.
• Read the label on each product before use, and wear gloves when working with degreasers.

Step 1: Degrease the dirtiest areas with DIMER

Start with wheels, lower panels, and anywhere road film, bugs, or grease build up. DIMER is a super-concentrated degreaser, so mix it in a spray bottle following the dilution on the label — more water for light dirt, less for heavy grime. Spray, let it work briefly (don't let it dry), then rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Wash with AUTOBELLA

Fill one bucket with water and AUTOBELLA, and the other with clean rinse water. Wash from the roof down, rinsing your mitt often so you don't drag dirt across the paint. AUTOBELLA's wax formula leaves a protective layer as you wash, and water sheets off faster, so drying is quicker with fewer streaks.

Step 3: Add shine and protection with DERWAX

After rinsing and drying, mist DERWAX onto one panel at a time and buff with a clean microfiber towel. It deepens the color, adds gloss, and creates a water-repellent barrier that helps keep your car clean longer.

Step 4: Finish the tires with TRE-P

Spray TRE-P onto the tire sidewalls (not the tread) and wipe off any overspray. It dries fast to a high-gloss, wet-tire look and helps protect rubber from cracking and UV fading. It also works on unpainted plastic trim.

Step 5: Clean the interior with VINET

Finish inside with VINET. It works on plastic, vinyl, leather, fabric, and carpets. Spray onto a microfiber cloth (or directly on fabric stains), wipe, and you're done — no streaks, just a fresh, clean cabin. Test on a small hidden area first.

Get everything in one kit

All five products come together in the ATAS Premium Car Care Bundle — everything you need for this routine, made in Italy and trusted since 1965. Shipping is free on all US orders.