Things I do not Detail.
While there are many things I can bring back to their maximum potential there are a few I do not touch for safety reasons. Here is a list of what I will NOT detail or do while detailing a vehicle:
SEAT REMOVAL: Today on Youtube you see a lot of detailers unbolting seats from interior to complete remove. This is dangerous for several reasons; the first is that a lot of people doing this are not a mechanic and do not know if these are held down with bolts that can be reused (most cannot) or what torque specification is required to securely bolt the seat back to the frame. Most vehicles have enough clearance under the front and rear seats to clean and protect without removal.
WHEEL REMOVAL: This requires a lift which inherent their own risks in operating and contrary to popular belief do not need to be removed completely to get a good result detailing. Once more the only person who should be touching bolts or other hardware on your car aside from you is your mechanic. They are licensed, insured, and trained. Anyone else poses a safety risk to you and anyone else you transport in the vehicle. If you get hurt because of something they did you will never recover monetarily what you stand to lose which cannot be bought for any price. It looks cool in the videos but it isn’t necessary.
SEAT BELTS: This applies more to someone who purchases a used vehicle or wants to sell a vehicle. While there may be dirt or other things that detract from their appearance seat belts can become compromised from chemicals, steam, or friction (scrubbing) trying to revive their appearance. Again, the only time you would know if they were compromised is the time you don’t want to find out. If your seat belts appearance is really bothering you contact your local dealership and see what it would cost to just replace them. This is something that can and should be performed by a licensed and insured mechanic with the proper tools and knowledge.
BIOHAZARDS/ HAZARDOUS WASTE: There are several items that fall under this category so here is a list of several things I do not remove or detail from vehicles: Bodily fluids (human or animal), drugs or unknown substances, mold or mildew, infant or youth carseats, flammables, needles, viruses. All of these require separate certifications, licenses, and proper disposal I am not setup to handle.
HEADLINERS: Not only is this fabric very delicate but it also usually held in place by an adhesive. Excessive heat from steam cleaning or excessive friction from rubbing with brushes or microfiber towels can cause this adhesive to fail resulting in the fabric separating from the backing. If your headliner of your vehicle is dirty from smoking or driving with the windows down it is best to have it replaced.