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    GuidesApril 14, 20267 min readDerek's Auto Detail

    How Much Does Auto Detailing Cost in Seattle? (2026 Price Guide)

    How Much Does Auto Detailing Cost in Seattle? (2026 Price Guide) | Derek's Auto Detail Seattle

    Auto detailing in Seattle costs between $75 and $404 for most vehicles. The price depends on the service you pick and the size of your car.

    Seattle weather is hard on cars. Rain, tree pollen, and salt air from Puget Sound all wear down your paint and interior. Getting your car detailed is one of the best ways to protect it. This guide breaks down every price so you know what to expect before you book.

    What Does a Basic Car Wash Cost in Seattle?

    A hand car wash at Derek's Auto Detail starts at $75. This service takes 45 to 60 minutes. It covers the outside of your car with a full hand wash. This is called the Signature Hand Wash.

    This is a great option when your car just needs a reset. It is not a machine wash. A trained detailer washes your car by hand. That means no brush scratches and no missed spots.

    If your car is bigger, add a size fee:

    • Small or 2-door car: +$0
    • Sedan or 4-door car: +$17
    • 2-row SUV or wagon: +$28
    • 3-row SUV, van, or full-size: +$35
    • Commercial or oversized vehicles: quote required

    So a hand wash for a 4-door sedan costs the base price plus the sedan size fee. For a large 3-row SUV, it costs the base price plus the largest size fee.

    How Much Does Interior Detailing Cost in Seattle?

    Interior detailing at Derek's Auto Detail comes in two levels.

    The first option is the Interior Detail, No Shampoo. It starts at $149 and takes 90 to 120 minutes. This includes vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning the windows inside. It is a solid deep clean without wet shampoo.

    The second option is the Interior Complete with Shampoo. It starts at $229 and takes 3 to 4 hours. This adds hot steam or shampoo cleaning to your seats and carpets. If your interior smells musty or looks stained, this is the one to get. Seattle rain means wet shoes and wet gear in the car. Carpet shampoo makes a big difference.

    Again, add the size fee for your vehicle type. A sedan interior with shampoo costs the base price plus the sedan size fee. A 3-row SUV interior with shampoo costs the base price plus the 3-row size fee.

    How Much Does Exterior Detailing Cost in Seattle?

    Paint care matters in the Pacific Northwest. Evergreen pollen, bird droppings, and rain deposits all damage your clear coat over time. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), a well-maintained exterior can add hundreds of dollars to your car's resale value.

    Exterior detailing at Derek's Auto Detail comes in three levels.

    The Exterior Wax (Seal and Protect) starts at $144. It takes 90 to 120 minutes. A detailer applies a paint sealant to protect your finish. This is smart to do before Seattle's rainy season hits.

    The Exterior Polish and Wax starts at $234 and takes 3 or more hours. This adds machine polishing before the wax. Polishing removes light swirl marks and oxidation. Your paint will look deeper and shinier.

    The Exterior Revival with Paint Correction requires a quote. Paint correction is for cars with heavy scratches or severe paint damage. A detailer uses a clay bar and multi-stage machine polishing. This is the most detailed exterior service available.

    How Much Does a Full Detail Cost in Seattle?

    Combo packages give you the best value. Full detail packages at Derek's Auto Detail combine interior and exterior work at a lower cost than booking each service separately.

    Here are all three combo options:

    • Interior + Wax Combo, No Shampoo: starts at $279, takes 3+ hours
    • Full Detail with Shampoo and Wax: starts at $324, takes 4+ hours
    • The Works (Full Interior + Polish and Wax): starts at $404, takes 4 to 5 hours

    The Works is the top package. It covers everything inside and out. If you want your car to look its best, this is it. For a standard sedan, The Works costs the base price plus the sedan size fee. For a 3-row SUV, it costs the base price plus the 3-row size fee.

    AAA recommends detailing your car at least twice a year to protect its value. A full detail in spring removes winter grime. A full detail in fall protects your paint before the wet months begin.

    "The scheduling was easy, the turnaround was quick, the pricing was fair, and the result was more than acceptable. They took our fairly dirty Toyota Camry and turned it around." — Google review, 5 stars

    Not sure which package fits your car? Get an exact quote for your vehicle in 2 minutes — pick your car size and the service you want, and we'll confirm the price before you drop off.

    What Add-On Services Are Available and What Do They Cost?

    You can add extra services to any package. Each one solves a specific problem.

    • Pet Hair Removal: $40 — great for dog owners in Seattle's dog-friendly neighborhoods like Fremont and Green Lake
    • Headlight Restoration: $85 — cloudy headlights reduce visibility and lower your car's value
    • Ozone Odor Treatment: $25 — kills odors at the source, including smoke and mildew
    • Leather Deep Conditioning: $40 — keeps leather seats soft and crack-free
    • Decal and Vinyl Removal: $60 — safe removal without scratching the paint
    • Bug, Tar and Tree Sap Removal: $40 — especially useful after summer drives through the Cascades
    • Fabric Protection: $35 — adds a water-resistant shield to your seats and carpet

    Why Do Seattle Car Owners Trust Derek's Auto Detail?

    Derek's Auto Detail has been serving Seattle drivers since 2002. That is more than 22 years of experience. The shop holds a 4.9-star rating over the last year and handles 7 or more cars every day.

    The shop is located at 8401 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103. That puts it right in the heart of North Seattle. The team serves drivers from Ballard, Wallingford, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge, Fremont, and Green Lake. They also serve customers from Northgate, the University District, Lake City, Shoreline, Kenmore, Bothell, Lynnwood, and Edmonds.

    Aurora Avenue gets heavy traffic year-round. The shop is easy to reach from anywhere in North Seattle or the Eastside via I-5.

    "Was able to schedule an appointment quickly with Jay — his detailer did a good assessment of the vehicle and took care to prevent damage previously reported. Excellent experience." — Google review, 5 stars

    How Do Seattle Prices Compare to National Averages?

    Consumer Reports notes that full detailing nationally can range from $150 to $500 or more. Seattle prices tend to run on the higher end due to the cost of living. But quality matters more than the lowest price.

    A cheap detail can leave water spots, swirl marks, or residue on your trim. A professional job protects your paint and keeps your interior clean longer. Over time, that saves you money on paint repair and trade-in deductions.

    If you're still comparing shops, we've put together a full breakdown of the best auto detailers in Seattle — including ceramic coating specialists and mobile options — ranked by what customers actually say in their Google reviews.

    Here is a quick comparison of services and starting prices:

    • Hand wash: $75
    • Interior detail, no shampoo: $149
    • Interior with shampoo: $229
    • Exterior wax: $144
    • Exterior polish and wax: $234
    • Interior + wax combo: $279
    • Full detail with shampoo and wax: $324
    • The Works: $404

    All prices above are for small or 2-door vehicles. Add the size fee for your vehicle type.

    Ready to Book Your Detail?

    Derek's Auto Detail makes it easy to get started. You can call us at 206-489-3842 or get a quote online. We will match you with the right service for your car and your budget.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does car detailing cost in Seattle?

    Most jobs run between $75 and $404. A hand wash starts at $75. Our top package, The Works, starts at $404. The exact price depends on the service you pick and your vehicle size.

    What is the price for a full car detail?

    A full detail combo starts at $279 for interior and wax with no shampoo. Our most popular full detail with shampoo and wax starts at $324. The Works, our top package with polish, starts at $404. Prices go up with vehicle size.

    How long does a full detail take in Seattle?

    A full detail with shampoo and wax takes 4 or more hours. The Works package takes 4 to 5 hours. Plan to drop off your car for most of the day.

    Does vehicle size change the price?

    Yes. Sedans add $17 to $26 depending on the service. Two-row SUVs add $28 to $51. Three-row SUVs, vans, and full-size vehicles add $35 to $81. Commercial or oversized vehicles need a custom quote.

    Is auto detailing worth it in Seattle's rainy climate?

    Yes. Rain alone does not clean your car. It leaves mineral deposits and water spots. A paint sealant repels water and protects your clear coat all season.

    Can I add pet hair removal to any package?

    Yes. Pet hair removal is a $40 add-on. You can add it to any interior or combo service. It is popular with Seattle dog owners.

    How do I get the best price for my car size and service?

    The easiest way is to get a quote. Vehicle size and add-ons affect the final price. A quick call or online quote gives you an exact number fast.

    #auto detailing cost#seattle detailing#car detail prices#full detail#interior detailing#exterior detailing

    Written by the team at Derek's Auto Detail

    Seattle's trusted detailing experts since 2002 — 4.9 stars from our last 179 Google reviews (500+ total).

    Located at 8401 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103.

    Last updated: April 14, 2026

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