Having your car professionally, deep cleaned, and detailed can sound expensive — and sometimes it can be. Depending on how old your car is, how dirty it is, and even how big it is, having your car professionally cleaned can get rather pricy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing. But, when it comes to car maintenance, the average vehicle owner isn’t given a manual on how often to wash the car, inside or out. In fact, there are a lot of nuances of detailing and deep cleaning vehicles the most owners skip over altogether, even if they are thorough about cleaning and stay on a routine maintenance schedule. If your car just gets dirty again, and the inside never seems to stay clean, are there any benefits to paying to have it professionally deep cleaned and detailed?

How often should you wash your car?

Part of the reason there is so much confusion over how often you should wash your car, and that is because there are many factors to take into account. While it’s never a bad idea to wash your car at least once a month, it is oftentimes better to wash it more often. Bugs, dirt, and debris that sit on your paint for too long can sometimes cause damage, and washing it off quickly, even with a quick rinse, can help reduce the risk of your paint being damaged. Routinely waxing or using other products such as PPF or ceramic coating to help protect your paint isn’t a bad idea either, but that doesn’t mean you get to escape the chore of washing your vehicle.

Professionally deep cleaning and detailing isn’t the same as washing your vehicle at home

For many vehicle owners, your home, apartment, or garage may not have all of the detailing tools and equipment that professionals do, and it can hinder your ability to really deep clean your car. In some instances, detailers will even go as far as removing interior pieces, such as the seats, so that they can get into all of the cracks and crevices your home vacuum or portable vacuum can’t get to. While your car may look, and even smell, clean, you may be surprised by all of the small details that are easy to forget. Door jams, perforations in the seat, and even the small compartments are easily looked over. Cleaning your car yourself is part of routine maintenance, and it can help maintain the value of your vehicle, as well as keep you loving it for as long as possible.

Having your car detailed could help you save money in the long run

According to Business Insider, there are many reasons why paying to have your car professionally detailed is a good idea, but from a financial standpoint, it can also be beneficial. Maintaining your vehicle inside and out can help keep the paint and interior surfaces in the best condition possible. Condition is a large factor when it comes to resale value, just as mileage and age are. Buyers are more likely to pay more for a vehicle that is well maintained, and that doesn’t just mean mechanically.