What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, I've seen blokes lose three grand on a sale just because the footwells were full of red dust and the paint looked like it'd been washed with a brick. If you're selling, you need to strip back that Aussie grime and make it look loved. This is the exact list I use when a customer wants their car 'showroom ready' before the photos go up. Don't overthink it, just tick the boxes.
The Gear You'll Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Pre-Start Checklist (Don't Skip These)
What You'll Need
The Game Plan
Wheels and Arches
Clean these first while they are cool. Use a separate bucket and brush. Get right into the barrels where the brake dust hides.
The Snow Foam or Pre-Wash
Pressure wash off the heavy grit. If you've been outback, spend time under the guards to get that red dust out.
The Two-Bucket Wash
Wash from the top down. Don't scrub hard, let the soap do the work. Rinse often to keep the surface cool.
Decontamination
Use an iron remover, then clay bar the paint. This removes the 'invisible' dirt that stops the paint from truly shining in photos.
Interior Deep Clean
Vacuum twice. Use a brush for the vents. Wipe down all surfaces with APC. No shiny 'greasy' dressings, keep it matte and factory-fresh.
Engine Bay Tidy
Cover the alternator with a bag. Lightly spray APC, agitate with a brush, and rinse gently. A clean engine says 'I maintained this'.
Paint Protection
Apply your wax or sealant. This fills minor swirls and gives it that 'wet' look that pops in the first photo of the ad.
Glass and Tyres
Clean windows inside and out. Apply a non-sling tyre dressing. If it's too shiny, it looks cheap, go for a satin finish.
Final Walk-Around (The 'Buyer's Eye' Test)
What You'll Need
Watch Out
Trusted by 50,000+ Aussie car owners
Professional advice for Australian conditions
Products We Recommend
Keep Learning
Ready to level up your car care?
You've got the knowledge—now put it into action. Explore more guides or check out our recommended products.
Get Weekly Car Care Tips
Join 12,000+ Aussie car enthusiasts
Keep Reading
Getting Your Rig Ready for a Quick Sale
Selling a car in the Aussie summer heat means dealing with baked-on bugs and red dust that hides in every crevice. Use this checklist to add a few grand to your asking price without wasting money on gear that doesn't work.
Boost Your Resale: Quick Detailing Tips for the Summer Market
Selling a car in the middle of a scorching Aussie summer? Here is how to get it looking mint without spending a fortune or melting in the driveway.
Iron Fallout Removal Checklist (Mar 2026)
Those tiny orange rust spots aren't just dirt, they're eating your paint. Here is how to kill them before they cause permanent damage.
Iron Fallout Removal Essentials
Those tiny orange dots on your white ute or the rough sandpaper feel on your paint? That's iron fallout, and it's eating your clear coat. Here is exactly what you need to strip it off safely before it causes permanent pitting.