Frequently Asked Questions About Car Detailing in Ottawa

Got questions about professional auto detailing in Ottawa? We've got answers. Whether you're curious about ceramic coating, paint correction, or our detailing process, find everything you need to know below.

Car Detailing Services

What is car detailing and how is it different from a car wash?

Car detailing goes far beyond a basic car wash. While a car wash removes surface dirt, professional auto detailing at Clean Wagen involves a meticulous, multi-step process that cleans, restores, and protects every surface of your vehicle, inside and out. Our detailing service includes deep cleaning of upholstery, leather conditioning, paint decontamination, and protective sealant application. Think of a car wash as brushing your teeth, and detailing as a complete dental cleaning and whitening treatment.

What car detailing services does Clean Wagen offer in Ottawa?

Clean Wagen offers comprehensive auto detailing services in Greely and throughout South Ottawa, including: interior detailing (vacuuming, dash and console cleaning, glass cleaning), exterior detailing (foam wash, decontamination, sealant application, tire dressing), ceramic coating for long-term paint protection, paint correction to remove swirl marks and scratches, salt stain removal (essential for Ottawa winters), pet hair removal, leather treatment, engine bay cleaning, and seasonal wheel swaps. We tailor each service to your vehicle's specific needs.

How long does a full car detail take?

A complete interior and exterior detail typically takes 3-5 hours depending on your vehicle's size and condition. An interior-only or exterior-only detail takes approximately 1.5-3 hours. Paint correction and ceramic coating services require additional time, usually a full day or two, to ensure meticulous results. We never rush the process because quality detailing requires patience and attention to every detail.

How often should I get my car detailed in Ottawa?

For Ottawa drivers, we recommend professional detailing 2-4 times per year. Given our harsh winters with road salt and our dusty summers, seasonal detailing helps protect your vehicle's value. At minimum, get a thorough detail in spring (to remove winter salt damage) and fall (to prepare for winter). Vehicles driven daily, those with kids or pets, or cars parked outdoors may benefit from more frequent detailing every 2-3 months.

Pricing & Booking

How much does car detailing cost in Ottawa?

At Clean Wagen, our car detailing prices start at $130 for interior or exterior detailing. Full interior and exterior packages start at $260. Pricing varies based on vehicle size—sedans and coupes are at the base price, while SUVs, trucks, and vans have a premium due to their larger surface area. Additional treatments like salt removal, pet hair treatment, or leather conditioning are available as add-ons. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your vehicle's specific needs.

Do you offer mobile car detailing in Ottawa?

Clean Wagen operates from our location in Greely, serving customers throughout South Ottawa including Barrhaven, Findlay Creek, Riverside South, Manotick, and surrounding areas. While we're not a mobile service, our convenient location offers easy access for customers across the region, and we provide a dedicated space with proper equipment to deliver the highest quality results.

How do I book a car detailing appointment?

Booking your car detailing appointment with Clean Wagen is easy. Simply email us at cleanwagen@gmail.com with your vehicle type, the services you're interested in, and your preferred date. We'll respond promptly with availability and a quote. We recommend booking at least a few days in advance, especially during busy seasons like spring (post-winter cleanup) and before holidays.

Alternatively, you can find our Contact Form HERE

What are your hours of operation?

Clean Wagen is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This makes us the perfect choice for busy Ottawa professionals who can't take time off work for car care. We focus on delivering exceptional weekend detailing services when it's most convenient for you.

Ottawa Winter & Salt Damage

How do I remove salt stains from my car's interior?

Ottawa's winter road salt is brutal on car interiors, leaving white crusty stains on carpets and floor mats. Our professional salt stain removal treatment ($80) uses specialized extraction equipment and cleaning solutions designed to dissolve and remove salt deposits completely. DIY methods often just spread the salt around, but our process removes it from the carpet fibres. We recommend this treatment every spring for Ottawa vehicles to prevent permanent damage and odours.

Does road salt damage car paint?

Yes, road salt is extremely corrosive and can cause significant damage to your vehicle's paint, undercarriage, and metal components. Salt accelerates rust and can eat through clear coat if left untreated. This is why regular exterior detailing with proper decontamination and sealant application is crucial for Ottawa vehicles. Our exterior detail includes a thorough decontamination process and protective sealant to shield your paint from salt damage. For maximum protection, consider ceramic coating.

When should I get my car detailed after winter?

Book your post-winter detail in early spring (late March through April) as soon as temperatures consistently stay above freezing. This is the ideal time to remove accumulated road salt, sand, and grime before it causes permanent damage. In Ottawa, we see a surge in bookings during this period, so booking early ensures you get your preferred time slot. Don't wait until summer, the longer salt sits on your vehicle, the more damage it causes.

Ceramic Coating & Paint Protection

What is ceramic coating and is it worth it?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to your vehicle's paint, creating a durable, hydrophobic (water-repelling) protective layer. Unlike wax that lasts weeks, ceramic coating lasts years. For Ottawa drivers, it's absolutely worth it because it protects against road salt, UV damage, bird droppings, tree sap, and makes washing much easier, dirt and grime slide off. It also enhances your paint's gloss and depth. Think of it as a long-term investment in your vehicle's appearance and resale value.

How long does ceramic coating last?

Professional ceramic coating typically lasts 2-5 years depending on the product grade, application quality, and how well you maintain it. At Clean Wagen, we use high-quality ceramic coatings and ensure proper surface preparation (including paint correction if needed) for maximum durability. With proper maintenance—regular washing and avoiding automated car washes with harsh brushes—your ceramic coating will protect your vehicle through multiple Ottawa winters.

What is paint correction?

Paint correction is the process of removing imperfections from your vehicle's clear coat—swirl marks, light scratches, water spots, and oxidation—using machine polishing techniques. This restores your paint to a smooth, mirror-like finish. It's typically done before ceramic coating to ensure the coating bonds to perfect paint. Depending on your paint's condition, we offer 1-stage, 2-stage, or 3-stage correction. After paint correction, your vehicle will look better than showroom condition.

Do I need paint correction before ceramic coating?

While not mandatory, paint correction before ceramic coating is highly recommended. Ceramic coating locks in whatever is on your paint surface—including any scratches, swirl marks, or imperfections. If you apply coating over damaged paint, those flaws become permanent until the coating wears off. For the best results and to maximize your ceramic coating investment, we recommend at least a 1-stage paint correction to remove surface defects first.

Interior Detailing

Can you remove pet hair from car seats and carpets?

Yes! Pet hair removal is one of our specialty services ($80 add-on). Pet hair embeds deeply in fabric and carpet fibres, making it nearly impossible to remove with regular vacuuming. We use specialized tools and techniques—including rubber brushes, compressed air, and commercial-grade vacuums—to extract even the most stubborn pet hair. If you regularly transport pets, we recommend this treatment with every detail to keep your interior fresh and allergen-free.

Do you clean and condition leather seats?

Absolutely. Our leather treatment service ($40 add-on) includes thorough cleaning to remove dirt and oils, followed by conditioning to restore suppleness and prevent cracking. Ottawa's climate—with dry winters and humid summers—is particularly harsh on leather. Regular conditioning extends the life of your leather interior and keeps it looking luxurious. We use pH-balanced products safe for all types of automotive leather.

Can you remove smoke smell from a car?

Yes, we offer interior smoke odour treatment ($80 add-on). Cigarette and cannabis smoke penetrates every porous surface in your vehicle, headliner, seats, carpets, and even the ventilation system. Our odour elimination process includes deep cleaning all surfaces, treating the ventilation system, and using professional-grade odour neutralizers. While heavily smoked-in vehicles may require multiple treatments, we've successfully restored many vehicles to fresh, smoke-free condition.

What's included in an interior detail?

Our interior detailing service ($130+) includes: complete vacuuming of all carpets, floor mats, seats, and trunk; cleaning and conditioning of dashboard, center console, and door panels with low-gloss finish; thorough cleaning of all glass surfaces inside; and detailed attention to vents, crevices, and cup holders. We also clean rubber floor mats. Additional services like salt removal, pet hair treatment, leather conditioning, carpet shampooing, and odour treatment are available as add-ons for vehicles that need extra attention.

Exterior Detailing

What's included in an exterior detail?

Our exterior detailing service ($130+) includes: pre-soak decontamination with foam cannon; thorough wheel and tire cleaning with pH-balanced products; hand wash using the two-bucket method to prevent swirl marks; careful drying with fresh microfiber towels; blowing out water from cracks, mirrors, and wheels; spray sealant application for protection and shine; and tire dressing for that fresh, finished look. Optional add-ons include clay bar decontamination, machine wax, undercarriage rinse, and ceramic coating.

What is the two-bucket wash method?

The two-bucket method is a professional car washing technique that prevents scratching and swirl marks. We use one bucket with clean, soapy water and a second bucket with plain rinse water. After each pass across your vehicle, the wash mitt is rinsed in the plain water bucket to release dirt and grit, then dipped in the soapy bucket for fresh suds. This prevents dragging contaminants across your paint. It's a detail that separates professional detailing from automatic car washes that cause paint damage.

Do you clean engine bays?

Yes, we offer engine bay cleaning as an add-on service ($80). A clean engine bay makes it easier to spot leaks, impresses potential buyers if you're selling, and shows pride of ownership. We use specialized degreasers and careful cleaning techniques to remove built-up grime while protecting electrical components. Engine bay detailing is especially popular before car shows or when selling a vehicle.

Can you remove water spots from paint?

Yes, water spots can often be removed through our decontamination process or paint correction, depending on their severity. Light water spots from sprinklers or rain may come off with clay bar treatment ($40 add-on). Etched water spots that have been baked into the clear coat by the sun require paint correction to properly remove. During our inspection, we'll assess your water spot damage and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Vehicle Types & Special Situations

Do you detail trucks and SUVs?

Absolutely. We detail all vehicle types including sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, SUVs, trucks, minivans, and wagons. Due to their larger size, trucks, SUVs, and vans require more time and product, so a $50-$100 premium applies depending on the vehicle type (station wagons and 2-row SUVs: $50; 3-row SUVs, trucks, and vans: $100). We have the equipment and expertise to thoroughly detail even the largest vehicles.

Do you offer wheel and tire swaps?

Yes! We offer seasonal wheel swap service ($60+) for Ottawa drivers switching between winter and summer tires. This is incredibly convenient, get your wheels changed and your car detailed in one visit. We can also clean your wheels during the swap for an additional $15 per wheel, so your off-season set goes into storage spotless and your on-season wheels look fresh.

Can you detail a car before I sell it?

Pre-sale detailing is one of the best investments you can make when selling a vehicle. A professionally detailed car commands higher offers and sells faster. We recommend our full interior and exterior detail at minimum. For maximum impact, add paint correction to remove years of wear and consider ceramic coating for that showroom shine. Buyers notice clean engine bays too. Contact us to discuss a package tailored to maximize your vehicle's sale price.

Do you detail new cars?

Yes, and we highly recommend it! New cars often arrive from the dealership with transportation grime, dealer-installed protection products of questionable quality, and sometimes even paint defects from shipping. A professional detail ensures your new car truly looks its best from day one. More importantly, applying ceramic coating to a new car protects that pristine paint before it gets damaged—it's much easier to maintain perfection than restore it later.

About Clean Wagen

Why is it called Clean Wagen?

"Wagen" is the German word for "car" (you'll recognize it from "Volkswagen," which means "people's car"). The name Clean Wagen reflects our appreciation for precision, quality, and attention to detail, values associated with German automotive engineering. While we expertly detail all makes and models, we have a particular passion for German vehicles including Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.

Where is Clean Wagen located?

Clean Wagen is located in Greely, Ontario, in the south end of Ottawa. We conveniently serve customers throughout South Ottawa including Barrhaven, Findlay Creek, Riverside South, Manotick, and surrounding communities. Our location offers easy access from major routes and provides a dedicated space with professional equipment for top-quality detailing results.

What makes Clean Wagen different from other detailers?

Clean Wagen was born from a genuine passion for keeping vehicles immaculate. We're not a high-volume shop rushing through cars, we take pride in every vehicle as if it were our own. Our bespoke approach means each detail is tailored to your vehicle's specific needs. We use professional-grade products and techniques, and we never cut corners. That feeling of handing someone the keys to their freshly detailed vehicle and watching them enjoy the results is what drives us.