Mobile Detailing Setup For Beginners: What Do You Inevitably Need?

Mobile detailing is quite lucrative, so it's no surprise that a lot of people are interested in the business. Usually, mobile detailers add a lot of equipment and tools to their setup. However, beginners can start small depending on their budget.

As a beginner, there are some detailing setup components you inevitably need. These include the water tank, pressure washer, microfiber towels, vacuum cleaner, detailing brush sets, and cleaning chemicals. You can't properly run a detailing business without most of these products.

You need the essential tools, so you can easily handle different detailing services. As you grow in the business, you can add more equipment. Fortunately, you can get some detailing setup equipment for a good price.

Now, let's go through everything you need for a mobile detailing setup as a beginner.

What is Car Detailing?

Car detailing is a cosmetic service with the purpose of cleaning and restoring vehicles to improve both the interior and exterior appearance. Even technical car parts like the engine are not spared from detailing. 

On the other hand, mobile car detailing is the home service version of car detailing. Instead of setting up a store, a mobile detailer drives to their clients. Mobile detailers set up everything they need for the job in their vehicles.

The vehicle could be a sedan, SUV, or most popularly, a van or a truck. Based on the detailer's budget, the vehicle could have different types of detailing setups. The setup design also depends on the size of the vehicle.

For example, someone using a sedan to run a mobile detailing business wouldn't have as much equipment as someone using a van. Experienced detailers usually have fancy setups but as a beginner, you can start with just the essentials.

What Tools Do You Need For A Mobile Detailing Setup?

Mobile detailers offer a variety of cleaning and restoration services to their clients. The services in question include exterior washing, interior cleaning, waxing, steam cleaning, polishing, and a lot more. All these services require different tools and equipment.

In other words, there are many tools available for a detailing setup. However, you can choose to start with the basics. Here are some tools that you inevitably need for your mobile detailing setup:

1) Vacuum Cleaner

A car vacuum cleaner is important for cleaning car interiors. If you're wondering whether you can use your home vacuum cleaner, the answer is no. Regular vacuum cleaners are too big to clean the little crevices of a car. 

Also, they don't have enough suction pressure. Several brands make good car vacuum cleaners and they come in different sizes. You might want to consider how much space you have when getting a vacuum cleaner.

The multi-purpose cleaners are great because they can handle dry and wet cleaning. Some vacuum cleaners can also clean up spills. 

2) Water Tank

The water tank is probably one of the most important things you need because you can't do much cleaning without water. Some detailers use their clients' water but it's more convenient to have your water source.

Water tanks come in different shapes and sizes. You should choose your tank size based on your vehicle and the amount of work have. 

The most popular choice is the 100-gallon tank. With this tank size, you can wash up to ten cars. Also, the 100-gallon tank weighs about 1,000 lbs.

3) Pressure Washer

For cleaning dirty car exteriors, you can rely on a pressure washer.

These motorized washers get water through a hose and then supply highly pressurized water. The pressurized water can remove grime and loose paint on the exterior parts.

Gas pressure washers are more powerful than electric ones. However, they require much more maintenance. Also, gas-powered pressure washers are loud.

Hence, electric pressure washers are preferable.

4) Microfiber Towels

Microfiber towels are great because they clean cars without scratching the paint. Fortunately, they're cheap, so you can get a lot of them.

When buying microfiber towels for your mobile detailing setup, you should get different packs with different colors. The reason is so you can easily separate the towels you use for different auto parts.

For example, you can use black towels for the wheels while blue ones can serve the windows.

5) Foam Cannon

You've probably seen those pictures of cars covered in white foam. Well, that's the handwork of a foam cannon. To use a foam cannon, you need a pressure washer.

The foam cannon's canister needs an adequate mixture of car wash soap and water. Once you attach the cannon to a pressure washer, you can spray thick foam on the car. 

The foam makes it easier to wash dirt from the car's body panels.

6) Detailing Brush Set

Every detailer needs a set of detailing brushes. Detailing brushes usually have different sizes in the set and each brush has a separate use. The smaller brushes are for tight areas while the big brushes work for other intricate car parts.

Detailing brushes have soft bristles that can pull dirt from awkward crevices in a vehicle. Some car parts that can benefit from small detailing brushes are the cup holders, center console, air vents, and logos. 

The bigger detailing brushes are great for the rims and grille.

7) Cleaning Chemicals and Agents

There are lots of cleaning chemicals for detailing. I advise that you go for car wash soap, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, interior trim cleaner, and a degreaser for tires. Also, you need wax and sealants.

Other chemicals are also nice but it's important to get the basics first. In addition to the chemicals, you need cleaning agents such as a wheel brush, car wash mitt, and some sponges. 

As your mobile detailing business grows, you can start buying other tools. You don't need a complete set of equipment and a van to start. Just start with the inevitable setup tools and make the best out of it.

How To Choose The Best Mobile Detailing Equipment

When shopping on a budget for detailing equipment, it can be tempting to go for cheap options. Whatever you do, get the best quality tools in your price range. 

The goal is to buy a product and use it for a reasonable period before it breaks down. If you compromise and buy low-quality tools, you might not get the desired results.

Even worse, the low-quality tool can break down in no time. What happens next? Well, you'll have to replace the tool. In the end, you'll spend twice for the same tool. 

Always prioritize quality whether you're shopping for something small like spray bottles or something big like generators. Here are some tips to help you choose the best equipment for your mobile detailing setup:

• Decide on which equipment you need
• Research the options and brands available in the market
• Compare prices in different stores and online to get the best deal
• If you're buying online, read the product reviews
• Buy the best product you can afford

Where To Get Tools For A Mobile Detailing Setup

There's no shortage of places where you can get your mobile detailing setup supplies. Firstly, a good amount of the tools are available at home depot. You can also check your local hardware store.

Online stores like Amazon also have an amazing selection and variety of detailing products. For a water tank, you can check the farm supply store in your area. Some detailers even have websites where they sell cleaning chemicals and other equipment. 

When buying online, remember to go through the reviews. Also, ask other detailers for their product recommendations.

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Mobile Detailing Business?

The cost of starting a mobile detailing business varies from individual to individual. Location is another factor that affects the cost. On average, it costs about $1,000 - $100,000 and above to start a mobile detailing business.

There are even detailers who claim to have started with $500 and it's possible. The major expense in a new mobile detailing business is the equipment and tools.

Apart from buying equipment, mobile detailers also pay for marketing to advertise their business. Marketing pulls clients and grows the business. As a rule, small businesses should spend 5% - 8% of their revenue on marketing.

If you don't have enough capital, you can choose to limit yourself to the most essential equipment. Unlike traditional car detailers who rent shop spaces, starting a mobile detailing business is relatively affordable.

You also don't have to wait for a van because any car can do the job. Some mobile detailers have even figured out how to squeeze their setup in a sedan. Everything is just about space management and organization.

What Are The Legal Requirements For Running A Mobile Detailing Business?

On the legal side, you might want to research your state of residence and find out the requirements. For example, in California, you need a license to run a detailing service. 

Every state is different, so it's better to research licensing and permits. Some states like Texas and Florida require a general business license. However, some states do not require the detailer to get a license.

In Calabasas, California, things are a bit stricter. The city requires all car washing businesses to have a permit and maintain their water quality standards. Failure to adhere to these standards can lead to hefty fines.