The Complete Price Guide to Mobile Detailing Services in Palm Beach County
Hey there, Palm Beach County neighbors! Mike here from WPB Car Wash, where I've been working as a lead detailer for the past 5 years. During my time with the team, I've detailed everything from weekend beaters to million-dollar exotics, and I've learned a thing or two about what makes mobile detailing in our area unique.
I wanted to create this guide because I see so many customers confused about pricing and what they should expect to pay for quality mobile detailing in Palm Beach County. Working at WPB Car Wash has given me an insider's perspective on the industry, and I'm excited to share some straight talk about what affects pricing and how to make sure you're getting the best value for your dollar.
Understanding Mobile Detailing Pricing in Palm Beach County
First things first – at WPB Car Wash, our mobile detailing prices typically start around $65 and can go up to $500+ depending on your vehicle and service level. In my experience talking to customers who've tried other services before finding us, this pricing structure is pretty standard across Palm Beach County, though many competitors don't offer the same level of service we do at each price point.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect at different price levels:
Basic Exterior Wash & Quick Vacuum
Price Range: $65-120 What to Expect: At WPB Car Wash, our basic package includes a meticulous hand wash (no automated brushes that can scratch!), proper drying with microfiber towels, window cleaning inside and out, tire dressing with our premium silicone-free formula, and a quick interior vacuum. We take pride in using only pH-neutral soaps that won't strip your protective coatings – something many competitors don't consider. This service is perfect for weekly or bi-weekly maintenance between more comprehensive details.
Standard Interior/Exterior Detail
Price Range: $120-250 What to Expect: Step up to our standard detail and your vehicle gets the royal treatment. Beyond the basic wash, we add a thorough interior cleaning that includes console detailing, dashboard treatment with UV protection (crucial in our Florida sun!), door panel cleaning, and a more intensive vacuum including seats and trunk. For the exterior, we include a spray wax application that provides 2-3 weeks of protection against our harsh Palm Beach elements. At WPB Car Wash, we use only professional-grade products at this level – the same ones used on vehicles worth 20 times yours!
Premium Full Detail
Price Range: $250-350 What to Expect: This is where we really shine at WPB Car Wash. Our premium detail includes everything from the standard package plus our clay bar treatment that removes embedded contaminants invisible to the naked eye (but totally visible under our professional lighting). We also include carpet shampooing, leather treatment with conditioner specially formulated for Florida's climate, door jamb cleaning, trunk detailing, and a hand-applied carnauba wax that provides 1-2 months of serious protection. I personally oversee most of our premium details to ensure nothing is missed.
Deluxe/Executive Detail
Price Range: $350-500+ What to Expect: For those who want the absolute best, our executive detail at WPB Car Wash goes beyond what most competitors offer even at their highest price points. We include everything in our premium package but add paint correction to remove minor swirls and scratches, a longer-lasting sealant application (3-4 months protection), headlight restoration if needed, engine bay detailing, and even dress those often-overlooked spaces like wheel wells. This is the detail I recommend to owners of luxury vehicles or those preparing for a special event or car show.
Factors That Affect Mobile Detailing Prices in Palm Beach County
At WPB Car Wash, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, but I want to explain what factors might affect your quote:
1. Vehicle Size and Type
We use this basic scale at WPB Car Wash:
- Sedans/Coupes: Base price
- Small SUVs/Crossovers: +$20-30
- Full-size SUVs/Trucks: +$40-60
- XL Vehicles (Suburbans, large trucks): +$70-100
For exotic and ultra-luxury vehicles, we add a 20-30% premium due to the specialized products and extra care required. But trust me, if you've invested in a fine automobile, you don't want to trust it to just anyone – our team at WPB Car Wash is factory-trained on high-end finishes.
2. Vehicle Condition
I always have an honest conversation with customers about their vehicle's condition before quoting a price. At WPB Car Wash, we typically charge additional for:
- Excessive pet hair: +$30-75 (we have specialized tools that many competitors don't)
- Heavy staining: +$25-50 per area
- Mold/mildew remediation: +$50-100 (unfortunately common in our humid climate)
- Smoke odor removal: +$50-150 (we use commercial-grade ozone treatment)
We never surprise you with these fees – they're always discussed upfront after our initial vehicle inspection.
3. Your Location Within Palm Beach County
At WPB Car Wash, we cover the entire Palm Beach County area, with different service zones:
- Central Areas (West Palm Beach, Lake Worth): No travel fee
- Western Communities (Wellington, Royal Palm): +$15 travel fee
- Northern Areas (Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter): +$20 travel fee
- Southern Areas (Boynton Beach, Delray): +$20 travel fee
- Palm Beach Island: +$25 travel fee
Many competitors charge much more or won't service certain areas at all, but we believe everyone deserves access to quality detailing.
4. Specialized Services
Our most popular add-on services at WPB Car Wash include:
- Paint correction: +$150-300+ (depending on severity)
- Ceramic coating application: +$200-1,000+ (depending on grade and warranty)
- Headlight restoration: +$50-100
- Engine bay detailing: +$50-100
- Convertible top cleaning/treatment: +$75-150
I always recommend our ceramic coating for anyone planning to keep their vehicle more than a year – nothing else provides the same level of protection against our harsh Florida elements.
Why WPB Car Wash Offers the Best Value in Palm Beach County
After working in this industry for years and constantly monitoring our competition, I can confidently say that WPB Car Wash provides the best value at every price point. Here's why:
We Bring Professional Equipment to Every Job
Unlike many mobile operators who show up with just buckets and spray bottles, our WPB Car Wash mobile units are fully equipped with:
- Professional pressure washing systems with water softeners
- Commercial-grade extraction equipment for deep cleaning carpets
- Advanced steam cleaning machines for sanitizing surfaces
- Professional lighting for detecting swirls and imperfections
- Complete ceramic coating application equipment
- Multi-stage polishing machines for paint correction
We Use Only Professional-Grade Products
At WPB Car Wash, we never cut corners on products. We use the same professional-grade detailing products used by high-end detailing shops and dealerships. Many mobile detailers use consumer-grade products from auto parts stores that simply don't perform as well or last as long.
Our Staff Is Professionally Trained
Everyone on our team goes through a rigorous training program and ongoing education. We don't hire people who "like to wash cars" – we hire dedicated professionals who want to build a career in automotive appearance. I personally have certifications from the International Detailing Association and have attended advanced training courses on ceramic coating application and paint correction.
We're Fully Licensed and Insured
Unlike many independent detailers, WPB Car Wash is fully licensed and insured with comprehensive coverage that protects your vehicle while in our care. We've also implemented eco-friendly water reclamation systems that comply with all Palm Beach County environmental regulations.
Our Most Popular Packages at WPB Car Wash
We've designed our service menu based on what Palm Beach County residents need most:
The Weekender Wash: $75-95
Perfect for regular maintenance, this exterior wash and quick interior vacuum keeps your vehicle looking fresh without breaking the bank. We recommend this service every 1-2 weeks during dusty season (March-May) and rainy season (June-September).
The Floridian Package: $175-225
Our most popular offering includes a complete exterior detail with spray wax protection and a thorough interior cleaning. This is the perfect monthly maintenance package for vehicles regularly exposed to our harsh Florida elements.
The Palm Beach Special: $275-350
This comprehensive detail includes everything in The Floridian plus clay bar treatment, carpet/upholstery shampooing, leather conditioning, and a hand-applied carnauba wax for maximum gloss and protection. Recommended quarterly for vehicles that see daily use.
The WPB Showcase: $400-500+
Our flagship service includes paint correction, premium sealant application, and meticulous attention to every detail inside and out. This is what we recommend for preparing vehicles for sale, special events, or when you simply want the absolute best for your pride and joy.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Professional Detailing
At WPB Car Wash, we want to help you get the most value from your mobile detailing service. Here are some insider tips on how to prepare your vehicle:
1. Remove Personal Items
Before our team arrives, removing personal items, important documents, and valuables helps us clean more efficiently. This allows us to access all areas of your interior without having to move or work around your belongings. It also ensures nothing important gets accidentally misplaced during the cleaning process.
2. Identify Problem Areas
Take a few minutes to note any specific concerns you'd like addressed—stubborn stains, scratches, or areas needing special attention. At WPB Car Wash, we appreciate when customers point out these issues before we begin, as it allows us to allocate time properly and ensure we address your priorities.
3. Provide Access to Water and Electricity
While our WPB Car Wash mobile units come fully equipped with water tanks and generators, having access to your outdoor water spigot and electrical outlet can allow us to work more efficiently on larger jobs. This isn't required, but it's helpful for extensive detailing work.
4. Choose an Appropriate Location
For best results, try to park your vehicle in a shaded area before we arrive. Direct Florida sunlight can cause cleaning products to dry too quickly, making it harder to achieve optimal results. If possible, a garage or covered carport is ideal, but any shaded area works well.
5. Know Your Paint Type and History
If you have information about your vehicle's paint (single stage, clear coat, ceramic coated, recently repainted areas), sharing this with our WPB Car Wash technicians helps us select the appropriate products and techniques for your specific finish.
The Science Behind Our Detailing Process at WPB Car Wash
Many customers wonder what makes professional detailing worth the investment. At WPB Car Wash, we follow a methodical, science-based approach that delivers superior results:
1. Multi-Stage Washing Process
Unlike typical car washes, our process begins with a pre-wash foam application that loosens contaminants without scratching. We then use a two-bucket washing method with grit guards to prevent cross-contamination. This methodical approach dramatically reduces the microscopic scratches that cause dulling over time.
2. Clay Bar Decontamination
Florida's environment bombards your vehicle with industrial fallout, tree sap, and airborne contaminants that bond to paint. Our professional-grade clay bar treatment physically removes these embedded particles that washing alone can't touch. You can actually feel the difference in smoothness immediately after this step.
3. Paint Correction Technology
The swirls and micro-scratches visible in direct sunlight aren't permanent. At WPB Car Wash, we use variable-speed polishing machines with graduated compounds to systematically remove these imperfections without thinning the clear coat. This is a skill developed through years of training and practice.
4. Protection Science
South Florida's intense UV radiation and frequent rain require specialized protection. We use polymer sealants that form covalent bonds with your paint's clear coat, providing significantly longer protection than consumer products. For high-end vehicles, our ceramic coatings create a semi-permanent protective layer with hydrophobic properties that actively repel contaminants.
5. Interior Health Benefits
Beyond aesthetics, our interior detailing process removes allergens, bacteria, and mold spores that commonly accumulate in Florida's humid environment. We use hospital-grade sanitizers on high-touch surfaces and specialized extractors that remove deeply embedded contaminants from upholstery.
This guide is based on prices observed in early 2025 throughout Palm Beach County. Prices may vary by specific location, vehicle condition, and seasonal demand.