DIY Detailing Secrets That Boost Your Resale Value

You ever look at your car before selling and think

“Who’s going to pay good money for this dusty tin can”
“Do I really need to pay someone £200 to clean it”
“Will buyers even care if it smells like last week’s chips”

Here’s the truth
A clean car sells quicker
And for more money
Every time

So here are my best DIY detailing secrets that boost your resale value
From someone who’s scrubbed more dashboards than I care to count

I’m Myriam
Makeup artist by trade
Car whisperer when it’s time to sell
Let’s go

Why Detail Your Car Before Selling?

Because buyers judge fast
First impressions matter
And a grimy car screams
“Neglected”

If your car looks loved
They’ll assume it’s been maintained properly
And you can nudge the price higher without flinching

My DIY Detailing Secrets That Boost Your Resale Value

You don’t need fancy kit
Just a few supplies
Some elbow grease
And about an hour or two

Step 1: Start With A Proper Wash

Not just a splash with a hose
Do it right

✅ Use a good car shampoo — not fairy liquid
✅ Two buckets — one for soapy water one for rinsing
✅ Wash from top to bottom
✅ Dry with a microfibre towel to avoid streaks

Pro tip:
Pay attention to the wheels and tyres
Nothing ruins the look like muddy rims

Step 2: Clay Bar Magic

This one’s a secret weapon
Even after washing the paint still feels rough
That’s grime stuck to the surface

✅ Buy a clay bar kit
✅ Spray lubricant
✅ Rub the clay gently across panels
✅ Wipe clean

Your paint will feel smoother than a baby’s cheek
And buyers do notice

Step 3: Polish And Wax

You don’t need to be a body shop wizard
✅ Use a decent polish to get rid of tiny scratches
✅ Then wax it to protect and give it that glossy glow

It makes the car pop in photos
And people can’t help but touch it when they see it

Step 4: Attack The Interior

This is where most people fail
But buyers sit inside the car — not on the bonnet

✅ Vacuum everywhere — under seats too
✅ Wipe down all plastics with a damp cloth
✅ Clean vents and buttons with a soft brush or cotton buds
✅ Scrub the mats or buy cheap new ones
✅ Remove all personal stuff — no one wants to see your half eaten mints

And for the love of resale
✅ Neutralise odours
If it smells like smoke or takeaways
You’re losing money
Use an odour eliminator spray — not just air freshener

Step 5: Windows And Mirrors

Don’t forget these
✅ Use glass cleaner and paper towels
✅ Inside and out
✅ Streak free is the goal
So when buyers sit in the driver’s seat
They see clean clear glass — not toddler fingerprints

My Own Story With DIY Detailing

I once sold a Clio
Spent three hours cleaning it myself
Used the clay bar for the first time
Polished it like it was going to a car show

Listed it £500 higher than I thought I’d get
It sold in two days
The buyer even said
“Wow this is cleaner than my kitchen”
That’s how you win

Quick Tips To Maximise Your DIY Detailing

☑ Do it on a dry cloudy day — sun dries soap too fast
☑ Use separate cloths for body glass and wheels
☑ Don’t overdo air fresheners — subtle is better
☑ Take good photos right after while it’s still gleaming
☑ Don’t forget the boot — people always check

FAQs About DIY Detailing Secrets That Boost Your Resale Value

Is DIY detailing really better than paying someone?

If you’ve got the time and energy yes — it saves money and shows buyers you care

Do buyers actually notice small details?

Absolutely — clean cars sell faster and closer to asking price

How much more can I get if I detail it?

Depends — but even £200–£500 extra is common for a well presented car

Do I need fancy equipment?

No — just good basic products and patience

Should I clean the engine bay too?

If it’s filthy give it a wipe but don’t drown it — you don’t want to break anything

Final Word On DIY Detailing Secrets That Boost Your Resale Value

If you follow these DIY detailing secrets that boost your resale value
You’ll stand out from all the lazy sellers
You’ll attract serious buyers
And you’ll pocket more money

Clean car
Quick sale
Happy you